South Maui
Fourteen miles of leeward southwest coast, four towns, and the lowest annual rainfall on Maui.
South Maui is the leeward southwest region of Maui, running along the coast from Maalaea Bay south past Makena to La Perouse Bay. It includes four primary towns: Maalaea, Kihei, Wailea, and Makena. Climate is dry and sunny, with most areas averaging 300 sunny days per year and 10 to 13 inches of annual rainfall, the lowest on Maui. The region is one of the two main visitor zones on the island. The Hale Pau Hana is in central Kihei at 2480 South Kihei Road, fronting Kamaole Beach Park II directly.
- South Maui covers roughly 14 miles of leeward southwest coast, divided into four towns: Maalaea (north), Kihei (central), Wailea (south-central), and Makena (south).
- The region is the driest on Maui, with an average of 300-plus sunny days per year and 10 to 13 inches of annual rainfall.
- South Maui is one of two primary lodging regions on Maui, the other being West Maui (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua).
- Kihei is the largest town and has the most public beach access; Wailea is the resort-heavy luxury enclave; Makena is the southern frontier with two-thirds undeveloped state-park coast.
- The Hale Pau Hana, in central Kihei on Kamaole Beach Park II, is the only condominium property fronting that beach directly.
Where is South Maui?
South Maui is the southern, leeward arm of Maui island. The region is geographically on the southwest coast and starts at Maalaea, which sits between Maui's two volcanoes (Haleakala to the east and the West Maui Mountains to the west, separated by the central isthmus). It runs roughly south-southeast for 14 miles to La Perouse Bay, the boundary where the paved road ends and the lava rock of the most recent Haleakala eruption begins.
Driving from Kahului Airport (OGG) into South Maui, central Kihei is 18 minutes south, Wailea is 25 minutes, and Makena is 30 to 35 minutes.
South Maui towns, north to south
| Town | Position | Character | Lodging mix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maalaea | Northernmost, on the bay between the two volcanoes | Working harbor, snorkel and whale tour departure point | Small, mostly private rentals |
| Kihei HPH | Central, six-mile beach corridor | Casual beach town, public access at most beaches | Heavy condominium concentration, including The Hale Pau Hana |
| Wailea | South of Kihei, gated and master-planned | Resort enclave, golf, luxury restaurants | Major branded resorts, some condominiums |
| Makena | South of Wailea | Mostly undeveloped state-park coast | Limited, very high-end |
What is the difference between South Maui and West Maui?
South Maui and West Maui are both leeward, both popular, and both visitor-friendly, but they have a different feel and a different geography.
| Feature | South Maui | West Maui |
|---|---|---|
| Towns | Maalaea, Kihei, Wailea, Makena | Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua |
| Drive from OGG | 18 – 35 min | 45 – 60 min |
| Lodging mix | Heavy on condos and vacation rentals | Heavy on branded resorts and timeshares |
| Public beach access | Very high, especially in Kihei | Strong in Kaanapali, more limited elsewhere |
| Snorkel headliners | Kamaole points, Turtle Town, Molokini | Black Rock, Honolua Bay, Napili Bay |
| Whale watching | Visible from shore Nov – May | Visible from shore Nov – May |
| Post-2023 status | Open and operating normally | Operating with reduced capacity following the 2023 fires |
Where should I stay in South Maui?
The right town in South Maui depends on what kind of trip you are taking. Stay in Kihei for a self-catering condominium on or near the sand and the most public beach access; The Hale Pau Hana is the only condo property fronting Kamaole Beach Park II directly. Stay in Wailea for a full-service branded resort with golf and fine dining. Stay in Makena for maximum seclusion at high-end limited lodging. Stay in Maalaea if you are anchored to whale-watching or Molokini snorkel tours.
What is South Maui known for?
Five things, in roughly the order travelers mention them.
- Calmest, sunniest beaches on Maui. The leeward position keeps surf manageable and rain rare. Kamaole Beach Park II is widely considered the calmest of the popular Kihei beaches.
- Whale watching from shore. From late November through early May, the channel between Maui, Lanai, and Kahoolawe is the busiest North Pacific humpback nursery.
- Snorkeling at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. Half-day boat tours leave from Maalaea Harbor, 15 minutes north of Kihei.
- Wailea's resort dining and golf. A small luxury-resort cluster with two championship golf courses and the Wailea Beach Path.
- The end of the road. Past Makena, the paved road ends at La Perouse Bay, where the most recent lava flow on Maui meets the ocean.
Frequently asked questions about South Maui
Is South Maui a good place to stay?
Yes. South Maui is one of the two most popular visitor regions on Maui. It has the most consistently dry and sunny weather on the island, the largest concentration of beachfront condominiums, full-service resorts in Wailea, and easy access to top attractions like Molokini, Haleakala, and Iao Valley.
Where is South Maui exactly?
South Maui is the southwestern leeward arm of Maui island, beginning at Maalaea on the central isthmus and running roughly 14 miles south past Kihei, Wailea, and Makena to La Perouse Bay. It is on the dry, sheltered side of Haleakala, which gives it the lowest annual rainfall on Maui.
What towns are in South Maui?
Four towns make up South Maui, listed north to south: Maalaea, Kihei, Wailea, and Makena. Maalaea is a small harbor town. Kihei is the largest, a six-mile beach corridor. Wailea is a master-planned resort enclave. Makena is mostly undeveloped state-park coastline.
Is South Maui safer than West Maui?
Both regions are safe for visitors. South Maui was unaffected by the August 2023 wildfires that damaged Lahaina in West Maui. South Maui has been operating normally throughout, while West Maui has been rebuilding with reduced capacity in some areas.
What is the best beach in South Maui?
For calm family swimming and snorkeling, Kamaole Beach Park II in central Kihei (fronted by The Hale Pau Hana) is widely considered the best. For long, soft, lightly-trafficked sand, Keawakapu and Wailea Beach are top picks. For seclusion, Makena State Park (Big Beach) and La Perouse Bay tide pools.
Where do Molokini snorkel tours leave from?
Most Molokini tours leave from Maalaea Harbor on the northern edge of South Maui. From central Kihei, the harbor is about 15 minutes north by car. Boats typically depart between 6:30am and 7:30am.
Is South Maui open to visitors?
Yes. South Maui has been open and operating normally since before, during, and after the August 2023 West Maui wildfires. Restaurants, beaches, tours, and lodging are all functioning at full capacity. Visiting South Maui directly supports the Maui economy.
South Maui's only condo on Kamaole Beach II
The Hale Pau Hana fronts the calmest beach in central Kihei. 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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