Situated between Wailea and Central Maui, Kīhei is one of the most popular places to stay and visit on Maui. No surprise there. Kīhei is known for its beaches, near-endless sunshine, and a fun, buzzy vibe.
Beaches, Food and Boat Trips
Whether you want to base yourself here or plan a day trip from the other side of the island, these things to do in Kīhei cover beach time, surf lessons, local food, and boat trips.
Go Beach Hopping in Kīhei
Kīhei boasts nearly six miles (9.7 km) of coastline dotted with sandy beaches. Start on the far northern end at Sugar Beach and work your way down to the popular hangouts in South Kīhei. Each beach offers something different, and you just might find your new favorite.
Beaches in North Kīhei, like Sugar Beach, Mai Poina, and Waipuilani, are good places for beach walks or hanging out on the sand. Further south, you’ll find Charley Young, the Kamaoles, and Keawakapu. Swimming and snorkeling depend on the day’s ocean conditions, even at familiar beaches.
Kamaole I, II, and III have lifeguard stations. Ask the lifeguards about conditions before getting in, and don’t swim alone. If you’re unsure, stay on shore. For a nearby change of scenery, read our Wailea Beach guide.
Browse the Shops and Galleries in Nearby Wailea
The Shops at Wailea is an open-air center in the heart of the Wailea Resort, a short drive south of Kīhei. It’s a handy stop for shopping, a meal, or a break from the beach.
Art fans can visit Kush Fine Art & Jewelry in Suite A38 for original paintings, signed limited editions, sculpture, and jewelry. Check the gallery’s hours before making a special trip, since individual businesses can keep different hours from the center.
Visit the Humpback Whale Sanctuary Visitor Center
Whether you’re visiting Kīhei during whale season or in summer, you can learn about humpback whales year-round at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary visitor center. It overlooks Kalepolepo Beach.
The exhibits offer a behind-the-scenes look at how researchers study humpback whales in the Hawaiian Islands, along with displays about ocean conservation. During whale season, the beachfront deck is also a good place to look for whales offshore.
The visitor center at 726 South Kīhei Road is open Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, excluding federal holidays. Check its current schedule before visiting.
For a trip on the water, check seasonal offerings with Makena Coast Charters. Confirm the departure point, trip length, and what’s included when booking. Our guide to when humpback whales leave Hawaiʻi can help you plan your timing.
Surf at Cove Park
The Cove is a popular place to learn to surf on Maui. This Kīhei surf spot is known for mellow, rolling waves when conditions cooperate. There are several surf schools in the area, making a lesson easy to arrange.
Although the entry has sand, the surf area also has shallow reef. Listen to your instructor about where to enter and fall, and avoid standing on coral. It can get crowded, so give other surfers room.
If you’re staying elsewhere on Maui, Hawaiian Paddle Sports also offers private surf lessons. Ask where your lesson will meet before planning the drive. The operator chooses locations based on weather and surf conditions.
Taste Beer at Maui Brewing Company
Stop into Maui Brewing Company’s Kīhei brewery, tasting room, and restaurant for Hawaiian craft beer. On weekends, you can tour the production area and sample beers. If you’re with the family, the restaurant is another option for a meal.
The brewery is at 605 Lipoa Parkway, uphill from the beach road. Its VIP brewery tours currently run on weekends and require advance planning. Children must be at least 10 to join the tour, and beer tastings are for guests 21 and older. Check the booking calendar for available times and the latest details.
Take a Snorkel Tour from Kīhei Boat Ramp
Kīhei Boat Ramp is just south of Kamaole III. Here, you’ll find boats offering small-group trips toward Molokini Crater, a convenient option if you’re staying in South Kīhei. Check out Maui Snorkel Charters and our Maui Snorkel Charters review for more about the experience.
Small-boat trips can be a lot of fun, but the ride can be bumpy. Review the operator’s age and health restrictions before booking. Maui Snorkel Charters lists a minimum age of five and restrictions for pregnancy and certain back, neck, and medical conditions.
Molokini visits depend on ocean conditions, and captains may choose a different snorkeling location. Book for the boat trip as a whole rather than counting on one exact stop. Our Maui snorkeling tips cover more ways to prepare.
Try Kīhei’s Restaurants and Food Trucks
South Maui has food trucks, mom-and-pop eateries, and resort restaurants alike. Some good places to start in Kīhei are Azeka Shopping Center, South Maui Gardens, and the Rainbow Mall/Kamaole Plaza area. At South Maui Gardens, individual food trucks keep their own hours, so check before heading over for a particular vendor.
Maui Coast Hotel is another dining stop to keep on your radar. It’s home to the Hanohano Pool Bar and Kihei Caffe. The hotel location gives you another option for this popular breakfast spot. See our Kihei Caffe guide before you go.
Miso Phat Sushi is now open at Maui Coast Hotel, too. The hotel lists lunch, happy hour, and dinner service, so it’s no longer a future opening to watch for.
For another option outside Kīhei, Havens Harborside Fish & Chophouse serves fish and steaks at Māʻalaea Harbor. Allow time for the drive, especially from South Kīhei, and check the current menu rather than relying on older dish recommendations. You can also compare our picks for Kīhei restaurants.
Stay Near the Things to Do in Kīhei
Maui Coast Hotel is one of the hotel properties in South Kīhei, across South Kīhei Road from Kamaole I. Its location puts beach time and several dining options close at hand.
The hotel has pools, a fitness center, and on-site restaurants. Its Kai Tower opened in 2024 and is now part of the property alongside the Hōkū Tower. Compare room types and current rates for your dates, since availability and pricing vary through the year.
We’re a small group of full-time Maui residents that LOVE exploring and writing about what we think is the best place on Earth: The Island of Maui, Hawaii! Expect many more articles, reviews, photos and videos of Maui and all of the Hawaiian Islands. ALOHA!
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