Kihei Guidebook
City/town information
Kihei is centrally located on the island of Maui. It is most popular with tourists because it makes it easy to access some of Maui's most popular sites and activities. It is also located on the South shores or leeward side of the island. This makes the beaches ideal for snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, diving, and more. The waters are calm and the waves are typically mild compared to the North Shore. Kihei is also the perfect place to spot whales during whale season. The protected waters are a favorite for whales to visit.
66 íbúar mæla með
Kihei
Kihei is centrally located on the island of Maui. It is most popular with tourists because it makes it easy to access some of Maui's most popular sites and activities. It is also located on the South shores or leeward side of the island. This makes the beaches ideal for snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, diving, and more. The waters are calm and the waves are typically mild compared to the North Shore. Kihei is also the perfect place to spot whales during whale season. The protected waters are a favorite for whales to visit.
Paia was once home to one of Maui's Sugar Mills. In the 70's it was popular with Hippies and surfers. Now its one of Hawaii's most visited towns, full of character and charm. Paia Town has great restaurants, interesting shops, and the best natural food store on the island, Mana Foods. It's a small town so plan to park at the parking lot just before the Shell station as you enter Paia on the right. Or there is paid parking behind Charlie's restaurant. You can also park at Baldwin Beach Park if you don't mind a little bit of a walk. Baldwin Beach is a beautiful and large beach that gets great waves and faces North West so its perfect for sunset.
208 íbúar mæla með
Paia
Paia was once home to one of Maui's Sugar Mills. In the 70's it was popular with Hippies and surfers. Now its one of Hawaii's most visited towns, full of character and charm. Paia Town has great restaurants, interesting shops, and the best natural food store on the island, Mana Foods. It's a small town so plan to park at the parking lot just before the Shell station as you enter Paia on the right. Or there is paid parking behind Charlie's restaurant. You can also park at Baldwin Beach Park if you don't mind a little bit of a walk. Baldwin Beach is a beautiful and large beach that gets great waves and faces North West so its perfect for sunset.
Food scene
I love a good Acai Bowl and this is my favorite place on Maui to get one. Try the Haupia Bowl, its a decadent and healthy treat on a hot afternoon. They also make amazing lemonades and smoothies.
10 íbúar mæla með
Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade
1279 S Kihei RdI love a good Acai Bowl and this is my favorite place on Maui to get one. Try the Haupia Bowl, its a decadent and healthy treat on a hot afternoon. They also make amazing lemonades and smoothies.
Paia fish market is a small corner restaurant that gets its fish locally. You order at the counter and seating is limited but they do a great job making sure there is room for everyone. Even if you have to wait for a table you won't wait long. You'll almost never see this place without a line out the door. It's that good. You'll find a chalk board near the register that has a list of today's fresh catch. I recommend the fish burger. It's a whole filet of whichever fish you choose. Get it Cajun style and they will add delicious spices to the fresh fish filet and top it with house made coleslaw and cheese. It's wonderful! You can get it with a side of fries or just get a basket to share. The basket is enough for 4 people. They have lots of other plates of fish but the burger is definitely the favorite.
135 íbúar mæla með
Paia Fish Market
100 Baldwin AvePaia fish market is a small corner restaurant that gets its fish locally. You order at the counter and seating is limited but they do a great job making sure there is room for everyone. Even if you have to wait for a table you won't wait long. You'll almost never see this place without a line out the door. It's that good. You'll find a chalk board near the register that has a list of today's fresh catch. I recommend the fish burger. It's a whole filet of whichever fish you choose. Get it Cajun style and they will add delicious spices to the fresh fish filet and top it with house made coleslaw and cheese. It's wonderful! You can get it with a side of fries or just get a basket to share. The basket is enough for 4 people. They have lots of other plates of fish but the burger is definitely the favorite.
For excellent fish tacos, sandwiches and plates in Kihei this is the spot. They also have great coconut shrimp.
191 íbúar mæla með
Coconut's Fish Cafe
1279 S Kihei RdFor excellent fish tacos, sandwiches and plates in Kihei this is the spot. They also have great coconut shrimp.
Nalu's is one of my favorite places for brunch but they have great food any time of day. They also have live music from local entertainers nightly. You may need to purchase a ticket or make a reservation for the evening entertainment. It has been growing in popularity.
151 íbúar mæla með
Nalu's South Shore Grill
1280 S Kihei RdNalu's is one of my favorite places for brunch but they have great food any time of day. They also have live music from local entertainers nightly. You may need to purchase a ticket or make a reservation for the evening entertainment. It has been growing in popularity.
Tamura's has some of the best selection of beer and wine. But its best know among locals for its famous Poke bowls. There's a huge selection of fish to try.
18 íbúar mæla með
Tamura's Fine Wines & Liquors
91 E Lipoa StTamura's has some of the best selection of beer and wine. But its best know among locals for its famous Poke bowls. There's a huge selection of fish to try.
If you are looking for a beautiful place to have a nice dinner, look no further. They have excellent chef prepared farm to table meals and the setting couldn't be more beautiful. This restaurant is located on a working plantation and much of what is made is grown right here on the property. They used to offer tours but since covid that has not resumed yet to my knowledge.
Make time to explore the grounds before dark because they are spectacular and a wonderful place to take family photos. There's beautiful gardens, duck pond, historical landmarks, and tons of remnants from the old Sugar Mill converted into art pieces and placed throughout the property. Most have descriptions of what the plants or equipment are so its quite educational as well.
69 íbúar mæla með
The Mill House
1670 Honoapiilani HwyIf you are looking for a beautiful place to have a nice dinner, look no further. They have excellent chef prepared farm to table meals and the setting couldn't be more beautiful. This restaurant is located on a working plantation and much of what is made is grown right here on the property. They used to offer tours but since covid that has not resumed yet to my knowledge.
Make time to explore the grounds before dark because they are spectacular and a wonderful place to take family photos. There's beautiful gardens, duck pond, historical landmarks, and tons of remnants from the old Sugar Mill converted into art pieces and placed throughout the property. Most have descriptions of what the plants or equipment are so its quite educational as well.
If you have been to a luau before and feel like you want a more intimate experience with amazing food from all over Polynesia than this is the place for you. This Seaside luau spot features a 5-course meal, Hawaiian and Polynesian music & dancing at private tables with table service. It's on the pricier side but I promise you it's worth every penny. From beginning to end this luau brings you from island nation to island nation. You will experience the dance, music and culture of 5 Polynesian cultures paired a variety of dishes from each island. It's a truly unique experience, the food is divine, and beer, wine and tropical cocktails are included.
33 íbúar mæla með
Feast at Lele
505 Front StIf you have been to a luau before and feel like you want a more intimate experience with amazing food from all over Polynesia than this is the place for you. This Seaside luau spot features a 5-course meal, Hawaiian and Polynesian music & dancing at private tables with table service. It's on the pricier side but I promise you it's worth every penny. From beginning to end this luau brings you from island nation to island nation. You will experience the dance, music and culture of 5 Polynesian cultures paired a variety of dishes from each island. It's a truly unique experience, the food is divine, and beer, wine and tropical cocktails are included.
Essentials
Times Supermarket is a local Hawaii owned and operated supermarket. It is the closest grocery store to the condo and a great place to pickup anything you need. They sell beer, wine, and hard liquor. They also have great sandwiches, hot food, sushi and poke bowls.
154 íbúar mæla með
Times Supermarket
3350 Lower Honoapiilani RdTimes Supermarket is a local Hawaii owned and operated supermarket. It is the closest grocery store to the condo and a great place to pickup anything you need. They sell beer, wine, and hard liquor. They also have great sandwiches, hot food, sushi and poke bowls.
Long's Drugs is another favorite among locals for groceries like Spam and Rubber Slippahs. They have great prices on beach gear and sunscreen but also have fruits and vegetables and other groceries. This is also a surprisingly great place to find souvenirs to bring back to your family and friends. They almost always have chocolate covered mac nuts on sale.
75 íbúar mæla með
Longs Drugs Pharmacy
1221 HI-30Long's Drugs is another favorite among locals for groceries like Spam and Rubber Slippahs. They have great prices on beach gear and sunscreen but also have fruits and vegetables and other groceries. This is also a surprisingly great place to find souvenirs to bring back to your family and friends. They almost always have chocolate covered mac nuts on sale.
If you are looking for a familiar place to shop and possibly something you couldn't find in our local grocery stores than Safeway might be the place you need. Inside is also the nearest Starbucks to the condo. There are lots of shops and restaurants in the same building.
261 íbúar mæla með
Safeway
1221 HI-30If you are looking for a familiar place to shop and possibly something you couldn't find in our local grocery stores than Safeway might be the place you need. Inside is also the nearest Starbucks to the condo. There are lots of shops and restaurants in the same building.
ABC Stores are famous in Hawaii. They are everywhere and have everything from groceries and liquor to souvenirs and Hawaiian shirts. It's a must to stop in at least once while you are here. They have great food to take to the beach as well.
27 íbúar mæla með
ABC Store #74
247 Piikea AveABC Stores are famous in Hawaii. They are everywhere and have everything from groceries and liquor to souvenirs and Hawaiian shirts. It's a must to stop in at least once while you are here. They have great food to take to the beach as well.
This is arguably one of Maui's and possibly Hawaii's best Health Food Markets. It's a small old style market with a full bakery and delicious hot food options. They make much of what they sell right there. If ever I am making something exotic and there are ingredients I can't find in the regular supermarket I have always found it at Mana. For such a small store I don't know how they do it. It's truly a marvel. Their prices are the best for all the usually high priced health foods. I can't say enough of about this little gem.
165 íbúar mæla með
Mana Foods
49 Baldwin AveThis is arguably one of Maui's and possibly Hawaii's best Health Food Markets. It's a small old style market with a full bakery and delicious hot food options. They make much of what they sell right there. If ever I am making something exotic and there are ingredients I can't find in the regular supermarket I have always found it at Mana. For such a small store I don't know how they do it. It's truly a marvel. Their prices are the best for all the usually high priced health foods. I can't say enough of about this little gem.
Organic, local, natural grocer for organic produce, groceries, supplements & beauty items, with a deli, coffee bar, buffet & salad bar. They have Maui's best Mocha Latte made with real dark chocolate that is not sickening sweet like most.
154 íbúar mæla með
Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods
2411 S Kihei RdOrganic, local, natural grocer for organic produce, groceries, supplements & beauty items, with a deli, coffee bar, buffet & salad bar. They have Maui's best Mocha Latte made with real dark chocolate that is not sickening sweet like most.
Sightseeing
This state park is stunning. In just a few short minutes you are taken from the town of Wailuku into the valley of Maui's breathtaking West Maui Mountains. It's difficult to describe how beautiful and peaceful it is here. There are hiking trails, some that are short, paved and easy. Others are moderate and longer. There are pavilions with picnic tables and barbecue grills that are popular for family outings and parties all located right next to the stream. It is a local secret to bottle water here. It is the freshest cleanest water on the island and some say the world! You will often see locals with big water jugs and the water fountains. Make sure you leave time to walk the gardens as well.
76 íbúar mæla með
Iao Valley
This state park is stunning. In just a few short minutes you are taken from the town of Wailuku into the valley of Maui's breathtaking West Maui Mountains. It's difficult to describe how beautiful and peaceful it is here. There are hiking trails, some that are short, paved and easy. Others are moderate and longer. There are pavilions with picnic tables and barbecue grills that are popular for family outings and parties all located right next to the stream. It is a local secret to bottle water here. It is the freshest cleanest water on the island and some say the world! You will often see locals with big water jugs and the water fountains. Make sure you leave time to walk the gardens as well.
This is a beautiful little boardwalk located in the pond of brackish water right off of Sugar Beach. In fact, bring the beach gear and layout on the beach right here. The boardwalk is a wonderful spot to learn about the native birds and wildlife and then catch some rays or take a swim at the beach. If you are a birder than this is a must. Hawaii has some amazing native birds and some of the best specimens can be spotted here.
14 íbúar mæla með
Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
This is a beautiful little boardwalk located in the pond of brackish water right off of Sugar Beach. In fact, bring the beach gear and layout on the beach right here. The boardwalk is a wonderful spot to learn about the native birds and wildlife and then catch some rays or take a swim at the beach. If you are a birder than this is a must. Hawaii has some amazing native birds and some of the best specimens can be spotted here.
Sunrise and Sunset atop the crater of Haleakala Volcano are truly an incredible sight and should be in your top 2 things to do in Maui. The other top thing being the road to Hana. To do sunrise you need to make a reservation on the parks website. Just google Haleakala Sunrise and it will be the first thing that comes up. It sells out fast but they release 20 tickets each day at 4pm HST so don't give up if its sold out. I'd try to make the reservation for the first morning after you arrive in Maui because of the significant time difference between where you are coming from and here. You'll most likely already wake up before the sun since you wont be on Hawaii time yet. It's an incredible experience and a unique and beautiful place. If you like to hike I will point out some good ones while you're up there. Bring a warm coat and long pants to wear. It's 10,000 elevation and gets near freezing before the sun comes up. By the time you're hiking you'll be fine in pants and a hoodie if not a t-shirt.
26 íbúar mæla með
Haleakalā
Sunrise and Sunset atop the crater of Haleakala Volcano are truly an incredible sight and should be in your top 2 things to do in Maui. The other top thing being the road to Hana. To do sunrise you need to make a reservation on the parks website. Just google Haleakala Sunrise and it will be the first thing that comes up. It sells out fast but they release 20 tickets each day at 4pm HST so don't give up if its sold out. I'd try to make the reservation for the first morning after you arrive in Maui because of the significant time difference between where you are coming from and here. You'll most likely already wake up before the sun since you wont be on Hawaii time yet. It's an incredible experience and a unique and beautiful place. If you like to hike I will point out some good ones while you're up there. Bring a warm coat and long pants to wear. It's 10,000 elevation and gets near freezing before the sun comes up. By the time you're hiking you'll be fine in pants and a hoodie if not a t-shirt.
The name says it all. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is home to one of the world’s most important populations of that protected species. Starting at the shorelines of Maui, Kaua’i, O’ahu and the Hawai’i Island’s Kona and Kohala coasts, the Sanctuary protects more than 21,000 humpbacks.
Located in Kīhei on the south shore of Maui, the visitor center is an ideal spot to learn about the marine environment and even see humpback whales breaching. This scenic beachfront location at the foot of Haleakalā has views of Kahoʻolawe, Lānaʻi, and West Maui looking across the waters of the sanctuary. The visitor center features exhibits, interactive displays, and weekly programs for the whole family.
726 South Kīhei Road
Kīhei, Maui, Hawaiʻi 96753
Phone: (808) 879-2818 or toll free (800) 831-4888
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
8 íbúar mæla með
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
726 S Kihei RdThe name says it all. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is home to one of the world’s most important populations of that protected species. Starting at the shorelines of Maui, Kaua’i, O’ahu and the Hawai’i Island’s Kona and Kohala coasts, the Sanctuary protects more than 21,000 humpbacks.
Located in Kīhei on the south shore of Maui, the visitor center is an ideal spot to learn about the marine environment and even see humpback whales breaching. This scenic beachfront location at the foot of Haleakalā has views of Kahoʻolawe, Lānaʻi, and West Maui looking across the waters of the sanctuary. The visitor center features exhibits, interactive displays, and weekly programs for the whole family.
726 South Kīhei Road
Kīhei, Maui, Hawaiʻi 96753
Phone: (808) 879-2818 or toll free (800) 831-4888
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
La Perouse Bay is a bay located at the end of the road towards Makena State Park. Just keep driving all the way to the end and you'll find a dirt parking lot. This is a beautiful bay to snorkel. Make sure you check the weather and I recommend only going first thing in the morning. The wind picks up around 11am and its not recommended after that time. There is also a great hike to do that passes through an ancient Hawaiian settlement. This hike is best for cloudy days as it is exposed and runs through the lava fields that can be very hot in the afternoon on a clear day.
87 íbúar mæla með
La Perouse Bay
La Perouse Bay is a bay located at the end of the road towards Makena State Park. Just keep driving all the way to the end and you'll find a dirt parking lot. This is a beautiful bay to snorkel. Make sure you check the weather and I recommend only going first thing in the morning. The wind picks up around 11am and its not recommended after that time. There is also a great hike to do that passes through an ancient Hawaiian settlement. This hike is best for cloudy days as it is exposed and runs through the lava fields that can be very hot in the afternoon on a clear day.
The Road to Hana adventure is an all day adventure. It's even better if you can break it up into two days by staying overnight in Hana. There's lots of rentals, Hana Hotel, Wainapanapa Cabins and camp ground if you're looking for accommodations. It's important to note how we phrase this. It's not called a Hana Tour or trip to Hana. The adventure and focus is on the actual road to Hana and not Hana itself. There are about 50 waterfalls, hikes, and sites to see and they are all incredible. The best way to do this is to buy the Road to Hana app on your smartphone. It's like having a personal local tour guide. It uses gps in your phone to tell you when to stop and where the sites are. It gives you a little history of the island too. I'd recommend doing this journey on a weekday because it gets really busy on the weekends.
42 íbúar mæla með
Hana Highway
Hana HighwayThe Road to Hana adventure is an all day adventure. It's even better if you can break it up into two days by staying overnight in Hana. There's lots of rentals, Hana Hotel, Wainapanapa Cabins and camp ground if you're looking for accommodations. It's important to note how we phrase this. It's not called a Hana Tour or trip to Hana. The adventure and focus is on the actual road to Hana and not Hana itself. There are about 50 waterfalls, hikes, and sites to see and they are all incredible. The best way to do this is to buy the Road to Hana app on your smartphone. It's like having a personal local tour guide. It uses gps in your phone to tell you when to stop and where the sites are. It gives you a little history of the island too. I'd recommend doing this journey on a weekday because it gets really busy on the weekends.
Beaches
This is commonly referred to as "Big Beach and Little Beach" by locals. It is one of the most breathtaking and beautiful beaches in all of Hawaii and must if you have time. Its about 45 minutes drive from the house but so worth it. Little Beach the world famous nude beach located past Big Beach and facing the ocean is on the far right of the Big beach. It is a difficult climb over the rocks but worth it if you are sure footed and able bodied to get over the rocks. I liken Sundays here to Burning Man. Even if you are not into the drums and nudity it is just the most incredible views, white sandy beach, and teal blue crystal clear water you will find. There is also a little hike at the far end of the beach.
45 íbúar mæla með
Mākena ríkispark
4670 Makena AlanuiThis is commonly referred to as "Big Beach and Little Beach" by locals. It is one of the most breathtaking and beautiful beaches in all of Hawaii and must if you have time. Its about 45 minutes drive from the house but so worth it. Little Beach the world famous nude beach located past Big Beach and facing the ocean is on the far right of the Big beach. It is a difficult climb over the rocks but worth it if you are sure footed and able bodied to get over the rocks. I liken Sundays here to Burning Man. Even if you are not into the drums and nudity it is just the most incredible views, white sandy beach, and teal blue crystal clear water you will find. There is also a little hike at the far end of the beach.
One of my favorite beaches in Kihei. It's a large beach with gorgeous clear water and very few rocks. The rocky points at either end are great for snorkeling.
93 íbúar mæla með
Charley Young Beach
One of my favorite beaches in Kihei. It's a large beach with gorgeous clear water and very few rocks. The rocky points at either end are great for snorkeling.
This beach has been ranked the best beach in the world many times. It's absolutely gorgeous. If you decide to adventure to the West side plan to spend the day. There's lots of hotels, shops, and restaurants along this stretch of beach. Park in the parking structure for the Whaler's Village Shops. The shops and restaurants will validate your parking for you.
50 íbúar mæla með
Kaanapali Beach
This beach has been ranked the best beach in the world many times. It's absolutely gorgeous. If you decide to adventure to the West side plan to spend the day. There's lots of hotels, shops, and restaurants along this stretch of beach. Park in the parking structure for the Whaler's Village Shops. The shops and restaurants will validate your parking for you.
A beautiful beach on the North Shore just a walk away from Paia Town. It faces Northwest making it one of the few beaches on the north shore you can enjoy sunset from.
75 íbúar mæla með
Baldwin Beach Park
Baldwin ParkA beautiful beach on the North Shore just a walk away from Paia Town. It faces Northwest making it one of the few beaches on the north shore you can enjoy sunset from.
Another spectacular Maui Beach. If you walk towards the big hotels there are some amazing reefs that are perfect for snorkeling.
80 íbúar mæla með
Keawakapu Beach
Kilohana DriveAnother spectacular Maui Beach. If you walk towards the big hotels there are some amazing reefs that are perfect for snorkeling.
One of Maui's most popular surf destinations, Hookipa is a beautiful beach and the lookout is the perfect place to watch the surfers. If you walk down to the beach you'll almost always find green sea turtles resting. Once at sunset I counted over 100 turtles on the beach. Just keep at least 10 feet away from them. There are volunteers that keep watch over the turtles and will let you know if you get too close. If you're not an accomplished surfer I would be cautious about surfing here. The locals are very protective of their waves. Make sure you know what you're doing if you want to surf with the big boys.
111 íbúar mæla með
Hookipa Beach
One of Maui's most popular surf destinations, Hookipa is a beautiful beach and the lookout is the perfect place to watch the surfers. If you walk down to the beach you'll almost always find green sea turtles resting. Once at sunset I counted over 100 turtles on the beach. Just keep at least 10 feet away from them. There are volunteers that keep watch over the turtles and will let you know if you get too close. If you're not an accomplished surfer I would be cautious about surfing here. The locals are very protective of their waves. Make sure you know what you're doing if you want to surf with the big boys.
Activities
Maui's number one luau. This luau books up fast so make sure to make reservations as soon as possible.
149 íbúar mæla með
Gamla Lahaina Luau
1251 Front StMaui's number one luau. This luau books up fast so make sure to make reservations as soon as possible.
If you are looking to go on a snorkel adventure or a whale watch Pacific Whale Foundation has many options. They are an eco friendly non-profit and do a great job.
77 íbúar mæla með
Kyrrahafs Hvalstofnun
300 Maalaea RdIf you are looking to go on a snorkel adventure or a whale watch Pacific Whale Foundation has many options. They are an eco friendly non-profit and do a great job.