Attractions and Places To See around Kihei - Top 20

Kihei is known for its beautiful coastline. The Keawakapu Beach offers a tranquil and less crowded experience, perfect for yoga, jogging, or enjoying sunsets. Charley Young Beach is another beautiful stretch of sand, ideal for swimming and family picnics. The Kamaole Beach Parks (I, II, and III) are also central, offering soft sands and clear waters, making them particularly family-friendly.

Kihei offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Charley Young Beach provides plenty of opportunities for snorkeling directly from the shore. For a premier experience, consider a tour to Molokini Crater, a partially submerged volcanic caldera known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. Turtle Town, near Kamaole Beach III, is also a popular spot to snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles.

Yes, Kihei features several scenic trails. The Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk is a paved pathway winding along the shoreline, offering breathtaking ocean views and connecting various resorts. For a more rugged experience, the Lāhainā Pali Trail is a historic footpath with stunning views of the West Maui Mountains and the ocean. You can also explore various running and hiking routes, such as the running trails around Kihei or easy hikes around Kihei, including the Keālia Coastal Boardwalk.

Kihei is great for families. The Kamaole Beach Parks are ideal for children with lifeguard services. The Maui Ocean Center, located near Kihei, is a fantastic aquarium where visitors can explore Hawaii's vibrant marine life, including a huge glass tunnel and a 3D humpback whale show. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary offers educational displays and a viewing deck, particularly good for kids. South Maui Gardens also hosts family-friendly events like hula shows and outdoor movie nights.

For whale watching, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary provides excellent viewing opportunities, especially from December to April when humpback whales migrate to Maui's waters. During peak season (February-March), whales can even be spotted from the shore in Kihei. For sea turtles, Turtle Town, near Kamaole Beach III, is a popular spot, and they are often seen near Charley Young Beach.

Yes, Kihei offers cultural and historical insights. The Lāhainā Pali Trail is a historic footpath that follows an ancient Hawaiian route. For cultural experiences, consider attending a traditional Hawaiian luau. Kalama Village is a vibrant area with local shops and dining, and South Maui Gardens often hosts events like hula shows and artisan markets.

The best time for whale watching in Kihei is from December to April, with peak season typically in February and March, when humpback whales are in Maui's waters. For snorkeling, the clear waters around Molokini Crater and Turtle Town are excellent year-round, though calm mornings generally offer the best visibility.

The Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk is a scenic paved pathway that is wheelchair accessible, offering beautiful ocean views. Many of Kihei's beaches also have public access points, though specific accessibility features may vary.

Kihei boasts a vibrant food truck scene. South Maui Gardens is a hidden oasis featuring around 14-16 food trucks offering a variety of cuisines, alongside a plant nursery and events. The Kihei Food Oasis is another popular area for diverse food truck options.

Beyond the stunning beaches, you can explore the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, which features a boardwalk through ancient Hawaiian wetlands, offering opportunities to observe native Hawaiian birds. Molokini Crater, accessible by boat tour, is a significant natural feature and a Marine Life Conservation District.

Kihei's waters are suitable for both beginner and experienced surfers and paddleboarders. Lessons are often available along the coast. Many of the accessible beaches provide good conditions for these watersports.

Kihei is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets. Many of its westward-facing beaches, such as Kamaole Beach Park, Keawakapu Beach, and Lipoa Street Beach, offer spectacular views as the sun dips below the horizon.