Situated between Wailea and Central Maui, Kihei is one of the most popular places to stay and visit on Maui. No surprise there. Kihei is known for its great beaches, near-endless sunshine, and a fun, buzzy vibe.

Whether you want to base yourself in Kihei or plan a day trip from the other side of the island, here are some of the best things to do in Kihei.

Go Beach Hopping

Kihei boasts nearly six miles 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 Kihei. Each beach offers something different, and you just might find your new favorite.

Beaches in North Kihei – like Sugar Beach, Mai Poina, and Waipuilani – are great for beach walks or hanging out on the sand. Further south, you’ll find beaches like Charley Young, the Kamaoles, and Keawakapu, which are great for swimming and snorkeling. No matter where you end up, Kihei’s beaches offer something for everyone.

Visit Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

The Shops at Wailea is an open air center in the heart of the Wailea Resort with 70 plus shops and restaurants, a handy directory map, and posted shopping hours from 10 am to 9 pm.

Art fans can visit Kush Fine Art & Jewelry in Suite A38 for original paintings, signed limited editions, sculpture, and a coordinated jewelry line, with the gallery also listed on the center’s site.

Nearby, Lahaina Galleries continues its long running program. Dining options range from Lineage’s island inspired dinner menu to Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar and Ruth’s Chris Steak House, plus Lappert’s Hawaii for ice cream. On the retail side you will also find luxury and lifestyle brands such as Louis Vuitton and lululemon.

Visit Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary

Whether you’re visiting Kihei during whale season or in the doldrums of summer, you can learn about humpback whales year-round at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary visitor center, which is located overlooking Kalepolepo Beach.

The visitor center is stocked with lots of fascinating exhibits, from whale baleen to tags that were once attached to an 80,000-pound humpback whale. The exhibits offer an interesting behind-the-scenes look at how humpback whales are studied in the Hawaiian islands, along with displays on ocean conservation. In whale season, the visitor center’s beachfront deck is also a great place to whale watch!

For those of you looking for the full up-close experience, check out Makena Coast Charters 2.5-hour Maui whale watch. Witness humpback whales in their natural habitat during Maui’s whale season. Enjoy expert narration, small group sizes, and stunning views from a comfortable vessel. Binoculars, refreshments, and knowledgeable guides are provided to enhance your adventure.

Surf at Cove Park

There are few better places to learn to surf on Maui than The Cove. This Kihei surf spot is known for its mellow, rolling waves and sandy entry. Plus, there are a multitude of surf schools in the area, making learning how to surf here a breeze.

If you’re staying on Maui’s west side and not near Kihei, you’re still in luck. There are excellent surf lessons available closer to Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kapalua. These breaks offer gentle waves in the morning, perfect for beginners learning to pop up and ride their first surf. With the experienced instructors at Hawaiian Paddle Sports guiding the way, it’s an easy and fun way to experience surfing without having to make the drive south.

Beer Taste at Maui Brewing Company

Did you know Maui Brewing Company is the largest independent brewery in Hawaii? And wouldn’t you know it, all of their beers are brewed right here in Kihei.

Stop into MBC’s 85,000-square-foot brewery, tasting room, and restaurant for the ultimate Hawaiian craft beer experience. On weekends, you can take a tour of the brewing area and sample MBC’s year-round beers. If you’re with the fam, head up for happy hour, great pizza, and live music.

Take a Snorkel Tour from Kihei Boat Ramp

Kihei Boat Ramp is a small harbor located just around the corner from Kamaole III. Here, you’ll find a handful of boats that offer small group tours to Molokini Crater – a super convenient option if you’re staying in South Kihei.  Check out Maui Snorkel Charters.  They offer really fun trips to Molokini.

Only small vessels can operate out of Kihei Boat Ramp, so your only option for snorkel tours will likely be an adventure raft. These can be a lot of fun if you’re up for an adventure, but they’re not always suitable for older people or people with back problems.

Another perk to Kihei Boat Ramp? It’s the closest harbor to Molokini Crater, which means you’ll often beat the crowds when you take a tour from here.

Explore Kihei’s Dining Scene

South Maui is the heart of the Valley Isle’s dining scene, with food trucks, mom-and-pop eateries, and five-star restaurants alike. Some of the best places in Kihei for food adventures are the Azeka Shopping Center, South Maui Gardens (mentioned above), and the Rainbow Mall/Kamaole Plaza area.

Maui Coast Hotel is another burgeoning foodie hotspot to keep on your radar. The Maui Coast Hotel is home to two local favorites, Hanohano Pool Bar (which has great nightly live music) and Kihei Caffe. Kihei Caffe has two locations and is easily one of the most popular breakfast restaurants in South Maui. Their original location in Kihei Kalama Village has a line stretching out the door every morning. But at the Maui Coast Hotel, you can enjoy the exact same dishes with a fraction of the crowds.

The Maui Coast Hotel is also expanding to add more restaurants in 2024, including another local favorite soon, Miso Phat Sushi.

For another stellar restaurant, Maalaea is only 5-10 minutes away from most spots in Kihei, and it now has the best restaurant on Maui: Havens Harborside Fish & Chophouse’s Kona prawns with charred Serrano chimichurri hit the spot, and the kanpachi with fresh ogo and chili pepper water brings that perfect local kick. The Prime Cowboy Ribeye comes out with serious char and their house rub-making magic. Pro tip: nab those kimchee crab rangoons at happy hour before they’re gone.

Kihei Accommodations

Maui Coast Hotel is one of the only hotel properties in South Kihei. Come here for affordable rates, a stellar location near Charley Young Beach, and great amenities. Enjoy modern rooms, an oasis-like pool, a fitness center, excellent restaurant options, and more. For stays in late 2024 and beyond, guests can enjoy Maui Coast Hotel’s brand-new Kai Tower, with upgraded rooms, more dining options, and a new infinity pool.