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Kihei, Maui
Ever dreamed about moving to a place where it’s sunny all year round? Say “aloha” to Kihei, the sunniest place in Maui.
Kihei is a popular destination among tourists who want to experience a luxurious tropical paradise without. Homes for sale in Kihei, Maui are also ideal for those who want to put down roots in a laid-back environment surrounded by nature.
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Kihei, Maui
Kihei is located in the southwest shore of Maui, and is considered to be the sunniest and driest end of the island. It lies in the rain shadow of the dormant volcano and thus receives less than 13 inches of rain annually. On average, Kihei experiences sunny weather for 276 days a year.
The town lies close to other beaches and nature reserves, and boasts of over six miles of easy-to-access beaches with breathtaking views of neighboring islands such as Kaho’olawe, Lanai, and Molokini. There is also a multitude of affordable accommodations, restaurants, strip malls, and farmers markets in Kihei that cater to both tourists and locals.
Kihei is bordered to the east by the Piilani Highway and to the west by the South Kihei Road. It is just a 25-minute drive from Kahului Airport, which offers direct flights to and from major US cities. Based on the 2020 Census, Kihei has a population of 22,749 people.
Tourist Destination
Kihei’s sunny climate and abundance of beautiful beaches make it a tourist hot spot. The town experiences temperatures of 90 degrees in the summer and 81 degrees during winter. Also, the afternoons can be breezy, especially during the summer.
Still, Kihei is a year-round paradise, especially since there are no less than 10 beaches in the area, including the famed Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, and III, where tourists can surf, snorkel, or simply cool off.
Humpback whales populate the local waters from November to May. Feeding is not the reason they're around. Instead, the waters serve as mating grounds and a place where pregnant whales give birth to their calf and nurse them for the next five months. While these majestic sea creatures can easily be spotted from the shore, thanks to their considerable number, and their penchant for playfulness and acrobatic displays. There are also boat excursions that bring passengers closer to the whales.
In Kihei, residents are never more than five minutes away from the beaches. Grocery stores, banks, restaurants, shopping centers, and the like are just as accessible.
Kihei, HI
Kihei’s rustic charm and appeal hasn’t gone unnoticed. In fact, it has been previously named one of the best places to live in Hawaii, and one of the best beach towns to live in across the US.
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Kihei, Maui
Those who are used to the hustle and bustle of urban living might be surprised by the laid-back lifestyle in Kihei. Everyone here likes to take their time with everything, from driving to shopping and dining. Locals tend to move at an easy pace and are known for their friendliness.
This lifestyle is also reflected by their everyday wear. A tucked-in aloha shirt is considered formal attire, and wearing closed-toe shoes and pants can be considered overdressing. Comfort over style is the general rule of thumb among the locals who prefer wearing shirts and shorts.
Things to do in Kihei, Maui
• Soak in the sun at the Kamaole Beaches. No trip to Kihei is complete without a visit to the famed Kamaole Beaches, which are made of three distinct beach parks: Kam I, Kam II, and Kam III. Each of them offers different amenities, from barbecue grills to ocean activities. This 1.5-mile stretch of beaches is located alongside Kihei’s restaurants, shopping centers, and hotels. These beaches are popular among snorkeling enthusiasts and families.
• Snorkel at Molokini. One can snorkel almost anywhere in Kihei, but Molokini offers the most breathtaking views. This Marine Life Conservation District Seabird Sanctuary is a partially submerged, crescent-shaped volcanic crater that is home to over 250 species of tropical fish endemic to Hawaii. It is one of the best places to see in Kihei. Tourists can marvel at manta rays, moray eels, parrotfish, Hawaiian sea turtles, and yellow tangs up close, along with over 35 species of hard coral and 100 species of algae. Both beginner and experienced snorkelers can visit Molokini and experience the amazing underwater views.
• Learn surfing and stand-up paddling. Ready to command the waves? Kihei is the best place to learn surfing. Unlike other beaches in Maui, the waters in Kihei are calmer, and there are clear and shallow coves that make surfing much easier. That’s why there are plenty of surf schools in Kihei that teach the basics of surfing. Also popular in Kihei is stand-up paddling, which lets tourists and locals sweep through the ocean.
• Swim like a mermaid. Those who dream of being a mermaid can finally fulfill their wishes by swimming with a mermaid tail. Hawaii Mermaid Adventures offers mermaid swimming classes for all ages, led by an instructor who is also a certified naturalist. Aside from learning how to swim with a mermaid tail, visitors will also learn about the rich marine life and reef ecology unique to Maui.
• Attend a luau. The Hawaii experience wouldn’t be complete without attending a luau, or a traditional Hawaiian feast accompanied by live entertainment. Guests are usually treated with a smorgasbord of Polynesian fare in a communal seating arrangement, while performers stage a live show, which typically involves hula dancing, Hawaiian chants, and storytelling.
• Join the party every 4th Friday of the month. Kihei locals always look forward to the fourth Friday of every month, as lively celebrations mark Town Parties. The regular event is a way for communities to celebrate and bring families, friends, and loved ones closer. Town Parties often feature food, vendors, live music, special activities, and more. Everyone is welcome to the free event.
Shopping and dining
• Kihei Kalama Village. Much of Kihei’s thriving entertainment scene can be found here. In fact, locals dub it “The Bermuda Triangle,” or simply “The Triangle,” because it’s easy to get lost in the maze of restaurants, bars, and shops found in this village. Still, it’s the best place to experience the best Kihei has to offer. Grab dinner at one of the many restaurants here, such as Fat Daddy’s SmokeHouse and the Lava Rock Bar and Grill, then visit one of the many shops that offer pieces of Hawaiian art and culture to take home.
• Shave Ice. Cool off with a cup of Shave Ice. Originally called “kakigori,” Shave Ice is a Hawaiian staple and is traditionally made by shaving ice with machetes and mixing in fresh juices. Today, Shave Ice comes in many flavors, but the best ones are made from fruits local to Hawaii, including lilikoi, pineapple, guava, and mango. Toppings like adzuki beans and shaved coconut are also added for extra flavor. Fortunately, there are lots of restaurants in and around Kihei that offer this refreshing treat.
• Coconut’s Fish Cafe. Sample the best seafood in Maui at Coconut’s Fish Cafe with mouthwatering offerings such as seafood chowder, calamari, fish tacos, and local mahi-mahi. Opened in 2009, this restaurant boasts of being the top-rated fast-casual restaurant, and makes use of freshly-caught seafood for their dishes. They are also known for offering healthy alternatives to popular dishes, and the cooking oil they use are repurposed into biofuel.
• Kraken Coffee. Can’t live without a cup of joe in the morning? Kraken Coffee is the place to go in Maui. They offer both hot and iced coffee, with the latter using ice cubes made out of cold brew. Kraken Coffee is also known for their exceptional customer service, providing an enjoyable and entertaining experience for all guests.
• Maui Brewing Company Tasting Room and Brewery Tours. Beer lovers can take their interest to the next level with a visit to Maui Brewing Company’s Tasting Room. Here, they can sample a selection of the brewing company’s renowned handcrafted lagers, ales, and seasonal beers. The Brewery Tours, on the other hand, will take visitors to the company and two other local breweries, namely Kohola Brewing and Waikiki Brewing. These tours also come with lunch, dinner, and a pupu or appetizers.
With A Home In Kihei, Maui
Fulfill your dream of living in a tropical paradise every single day and discover homes for sale in Kihei, Maui. Get access to the best and most luxurious listings by working with Tom Tezak and The Lifestyle Maui Team. We specialize in waterfront properties, luxury resorts, and second homes, and we can help you find the perfect Kihei home for your wants and needs. Call us at or send a direct email to get started.
Tom Tezak is a Second Home Specialist and Certified Negotiation Expert, and one of Hawaii’s Top 100 Realtors, handling more than $500 million in real estate transactions over the past 30 years. He has helped more than 750 clients fulfill their real estate goals. Contact us today to learn more about the housing market and get started on your new life in Hawaii.