Kihei, Maui
A six-mile beach town on Maui's leeward South Shore, anchored by the three Kamaole beach parks and 300-plus sunny days a year.
Kihei is a six-mile beach town on the leeward southwest coast of Maui, the central hub of the South Maui visitor region. It is known for its consistent sunshine (about 300 sunny days per year and only ten to thirteen inches of annual rainfall), the three Kamaole beach parks, year-round whale watching from shore between November and May, and direct beachfront condominium stays. The town sits 11.2 miles south of Kahului Airport, an 18-minute drive. The Hale Pau Hana, at 2480 South Kihei Road, fronts Kamaole Beach Park II directly and has been operating as an oceanfront condominium since 1970.
- Kihei runs roughly six miles north to south along Maui's leeward South Shore, with three sub-corridors: North Kihei, central Kihei, and South Kihei.
- The climate is desert-dry by Hawaii standards, with about ten to thirteen inches of annual rainfall and average daytime temperatures of 81 °F in January and 88 °F in July and August.
- Kihei has more public-access beaches than any other South Maui town: the three Kamaole beach parks, Charley Young Beach, Keawakapu Beach, Kalama Beach Park, and Kalepolepo Beach Park.
- The town is built around South Kihei Road, the main coastal corridor with most restaurants, beaches, and lodging.
- The Hale Pau Hana, on the southern end of central Kihei, is the only condominium property fronting Kamaole Beach Park II directly.
Where is Kihei on Maui?
Kihei is on the southwest coast of Maui, on the leeward, drier side of Haleakala. The town starts at North Kihei near Maalaea Bay and continues south for roughly six miles to the boundary of Wailea. The main coastal road, South Kihei Road, runs the full length of the town. The slightly inland route, Pi'ilani Highway, parallels it and carries through-traffic. Driving from Kahului Airport (OGG) to central Kihei takes about 18 minutes for an 11.2-mile drive.
Where is Kihei in relation to other Maui towns?
| From Kihei to | Direction | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului Airport (OGG) | North | 11.2 miles | 18 minutes |
| Wailea | South | 3 miles | 8 minutes |
| Lahaina | Northwest | 25 miles | 45 minutes |
| Haleakala summit | Northeast | 38 miles | 90 minutes |
| Hana (Road to Hana start) | North via Kahului | 65 miles | 2 h 30 min |
| Makena (south end of South Maui) | South | 6 miles | 15 minutes |
What is Kihei known for?
Kihei is known for four things, in roughly the order travelers usually mention them.
- Beaches. The three Kamaole beach parks anchor the town. Kamaole Beach Park II, in front of The Hale Pau Hana, is the calmest and clearest of the three.
- Weather. Kihei sits in the rain shadow of Haleakala and gets the least rain on Maui. Locals call it "sunny Kihei." Visitors used to Hawaii's wetter east-side weather are often surprised.
- Whale watching. From late November through early May, North Pacific humpback whales migrate to the channel between Maui, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. They are visible from any oceanfront balcony on South Kihei Road, including HPH lanais.
- Direct beachfront condos. Kihei's lodging mix is heavily weighted toward condominium properties. Many are oceanfront, but only one, The Hale Pau Hana, fronts Kamaole Beach II directly.
What is the weather like in Kihei?
Kihei is the driest, sunniest area in Maui's main visitor zones. The town receives about 10 to 13 inches of rain per year, almost all of it in the winter months, and averages over 300 sunny days per year. Daytime temperatures sit in the low 80s in January and climb to the high 80s in July and August, with evening lows in the 60s in winter and high 60s in summer. The trade winds usually come up in the afternoon, which cools the beach without cooling the water.
| Season | Day high | Night low | Rainfall | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec – Feb) | 80 – 82 °F | 62 – 65 °F | Most of annual rain, short showers | Whale watching, holidays |
| Spring (Mar – May) | 82 – 85 °F | 64 – 68 °F | Light, occasional showers | Shoulder rates, fewer crowds |
| Summer (Jun – Aug) | 86 – 88 °F | 68 – 70 °F | Very dry, trade winds afternoons | Calmest mornings, families |
| Fall (Sep – Nov) | 85 – 87 °F | 67 – 69 °F | Dry until late November | Best snorkeling visibility |
What are the best beaches in Kihei?
Kihei has the most public-access shoreline of any South Maui town. The headline beaches, north to south:
- Kalepolepo Beach Park, calm, protected by an ancient Hawaiian fishpond wall, good for tide-pooling.
- Kalama Beach Park, large grassy park, skate park, surf break popular with locals.
- Charley Young Beach, sheltered cove at the north end of Kamaole I, less crowded.
- Kamaole Beach Park I, long, flat, golden sand, walking and swimming.
- Kamaole Beach Park II, the clearest water of the three Kamaoles, fronted by The Hale Pau Hana, family-friendly snorkeling at both points.
- Kamaole Beach Park III, smallest beach, largest park, best boogie-boarding.
- Keawakapu Beach, long stretch with soft sand running into Wailea, excellent late-afternoon snorkeling at the south end.
Where should I stay in Kihei?
Kihei lodging breaks into three groups: oceanfront condominiums that physically front the beach (The Hale Pau Hana is the only one on Kamaole Beach II); across-the-road condominiums; and inland resorts or short-term rentals. Kihei does not have the high-end resort cluster found in Wailea, three miles south. Travelers who want a resort experience usually choose Wailea. Travelers who want a self-catering condo on the sand usually choose Kihei.
Frequently asked questions about Kihei
Is Kihei a good area to stay in Maui?
Yes, Kihei is one of the two most popular visitor regions on Maui. It has the largest concentration of beachfront condominiums on the island, more sun than any other major area, and direct ocean access at most properties. It is best for travelers who want self-catering accommodations on or near the sand, with a casual, beach-town atmosphere.
Is Kihei walkable?
Parts of Kihei are very walkable, especially the central corridor along South Kihei Road between Kalama Beach Park and Kamaole Beach Park III. Within that stretch you can walk to the three Kamaole beaches, multiple restaurants, Kihei Kalama Village, and the farmers market. The full six-mile span is too long to walk end-to-end.
How far is Kihei from Kahului Airport?
Kahului Airport (OGG) is 11.2 miles north of central Kihei. The drive takes about 18 minutes via Mokulele Highway and Pi'ilani Highway. There is no train or shuttle. Most visitors rent a car at the airport.
Do I need a car in Kihei?
For a beach-only stay at a property like The Hale Pau Hana, with restaurants and beaches within walking distance, a car is optional. For day trips to Haleakala, the Road to Hana, Lahaina, Iao Valley, or upcountry farms, a car is essential because Maui has limited public transit.
When is the best time to visit Kihei?
Kihei is a year-round destination. Whale-watching season runs from late November through early May. The driest, calmest ocean conditions are May through October. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) typically have the best balance of weather, prices, and lower crowds.
Is Kihei or Wailea better?
Kihei and Wailea are different products, not better or worse. Kihei is condominium-driven, casual, less expensive, and has more public beach access points. Wailea is resort-driven, higher-end, with manicured grounds, golf courses, and luxury restaurants. Many guests visit both since they sit three miles apart along the same coast.
What is the closest grocery store to Kamaole Beach II?
The closest full-size grocery is Foodland Farms in The Shops at Wailea, about 4 minutes south by car. Safeway in central Kihei is about 7 minutes north by car at the Pi'ilani Village Shopping Center. Several smaller markets on South Kihei Road sit within walking distance of The Hale Pau Hana.
Stay where Kihei begins and ends with the beach
The Hale Pau Hana is the only condominium fronting Kamaole Beach Park II directly. Every unit oceanfront, every lanai facing the channel.
Check availability →THE HALE PAU HANA
2480 SOUTH KIHEI ROAD
KIHEI, HI 96753
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