Where to Stay in Kihei, Maui: Best Beaches, Food, and Things to Do
If you’re heading to Maui and want a home base that blends beautiful beaches, a laid-back vibe, and easy access to the island’s top attractions, let me point you to Kihei.
Located on Maui’s sunny southwest shore, Kihei gets about 275 days of sunshine a year (yes, please) and offers a little bit of everything: calm beaches perfect for swimming, vibrant local food spots, and a central location that makes exploring the island a breeze.
Why Choose Kihei?
Sunshine for Days: While other parts of the island can get more rain, Kihei stays warm and sunny — ideal for beach lovers.
Location, Location: Just 20 minutes from the airport, 15 minutes to Wailea, and an easy drive to Lahaina or upcountry adventures.
Beach Variety: From family-friendly Kamaole Beach Parks to hidden coves for snorkeling and paddleboarding, you’re never far from the water.
Where We Stayed
Our stay in Kihei felt like the perfect balance between comfort and island charm. Whether you book a beachfront condo or a cozy Airbnb, most spots are within walking distance to the beach and local restaurants. Many rentals offer:
Full kitchens (great for breakfast before a day of exploring)
Private lanais for sunset views
Pools and BBQ areas for when you want to stay close to “home”
What to Do in Kihei
Morning Beach Time: Start the day with a walk or swim at Kamaole Beach I, II, or III.
Eat Like a Local: Don’t miss Kihei Caffe for breakfast, Coconut’s Fish Café for fish tacos, and Hawaiian Moons for fresh poke.
Snorkel or Paddleboard: Rent gear locally and spot sea turtles just offshore.
Sunset Ritual: Head to the beach with a blanket and watch the sky turn gold and pink — it’s pure Maui magic.
Day Trips from Kihei
One of the best things about staying in Kihei is how central it is for exploring:
Road to Hana 🌿 – Start early for waterfalls, black sand beaches, and bamboo forests.
Haleakalā National Park 🌋 – Watch sunrise or sunset above the clouds.
Upcountry Maui 🍷 – Explore farms, distilleries, and charming mountain towns.
Final Thoughts
Kihei offers the perfect mix of sunshine, convenience, and island charm — making it an ideal home base for your Maui adventure. Whether you’re here to relax on the sand, snorkel with turtles, or chase waterfalls, this beach town has everything you need to soak up the spirit of aloha.
