Kihei
Kihei
Located in South Maui, Kihei offers a delightful blend of beautiful beaches, warm weather, local shops and restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere. Kamaole Beach Park and Keawakapu Beach are among the popular spots where residents can indulge in activities such as swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and water sports.
Want to Live in Kihei
Kihei is a more accessible community than other towns on the South and West sides of Maui. The community is diverse and features lots of cute local restaurants, shops, and national brands. Also, Kihei features six miles of beaches and offers views of Molokini, Lanai, and the West Maui Mountains! Many of the beaches feature shady lawns and palm trees, and some also have beach volleyball courts, skate parks, and basketball and tennis courts.
Kihei: Kahului
Kihei is just about 25 minutes from Kahului International Airport. Kahului is well-served by major US domestic carriers, which offer nonstop service to Maui from cities across the US. The US West Coast has ample flight service to Maui, with multiple departures from LA, San Francisco, and Seattle, and nonstop service from several secondary airports.
Featured Properties
Kihei
Single-Family Homes
As of Q2 of 2023, the median sale price for a single-family home in Kihei was $1,450,000.
Homes here typically sit on one-quarter acre lots and run around 1,800 sq. ft. MLS shows that the average single-family home in Kihei was built around 1990. Many homes have been carefully restored and offer best-in-class features. There are also gated communities with round-the-clock security such as the Wailea Kai neighborhood, located just five minutes from beautiful Keawakapu Beach. We have represented many owners and buyers in Kihei, with renovated homes selling from between $1.1 – $2.5 million.
Some Gated Communities- One-Quarter Acre Lots
- Easy Beach Access
- 1,800 Sq. Ft. Living
Some Gated Communities
Kihei
Condos
Kihei is home to Condo residences that are generally more accessible than those to the north in West Maui and in Wailea to the south. Many complexes are located oceanfront or across the street from the beach, and several allow for short-term rental, which is always in demand for those looking to rent in order to help cover the carrying costs of their Maui property. It’s important to remember that short-term rentals on Maui are highly regulated, so if you are thinking of buying and renting, a condo in Kihei may be an ideal option.
Typical one-bedroom Condo residences rent for around $200 – $300 per night, not including taxes and fees. These types of units are popular with visitors and relatively easy to rent.
2023 Median Sales
As of Q21 of 2023, the median sale price for condo residences in Kihei was $850,000.
South Maui
Kihei residents with keiki or children can choose from the following public and private schools.
- South Maui Montessori School (Pre-school – Kindergarten)
- Horizons Academy (Behavior Analytic Programs)
- Kamali’i Elementary School, Kihei ELEMENTARY
- Lokelani Intermediate School, Kihei INTERMEDIATE
- Kihei Charter School (K-12) HIGH SCHOOL
- Hawaii Technology Academy HIGH SCHOOL
Things to Do
Beach & Snorkel
Kamaole Beach I, II, and III are three beaches in Kihei. Also known as Kam 1, Kam 2, and Kam 3, these beaches are a local favorite and provide plenty of parking, lifeguards, volleyball courts, and excellent swimming conditions!
The perfect gathering place for friends and family, Kamaole beaches have grassy and shady lawns, picnic tables, and BBQ pits. There are also plenty of palm trees, and you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding islands, Molokini, Kaho’olawe, and Lanai’i. Usually, the conditions are safe for swimmers but always beware of potential large surf and rip currents during storms and south swells.
Kihei Cove (Cove Park) is a great place to learn how to surf and SUP board! Plenty of vendors offer lessons and rentals, and many instructors will take you out any day of the week. There is also another cove nearby that is more ideal for swimming.
Keawakapu Beach boasts over a mile of coastline, making it a beachcomber’s favorite and the perfect spot for a morning run or sunset walk.
The water is great for swimming, boogie boarding, and snorkeling, and the sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing or reading your favorite book. The shoreline is very developed, so take a break from the beach and grab lunch at a nearby restaurant.
If you are looking for an adventure, you can rent kayaks, SUP boards, and other beach gear at nearby hotels and vendors.
Locals Tip:
On the north end of the beach, you can find fun tide pools that showcase the sea life of Maui. There is also good snorkeling around the outcropping and access to public parking.
Note that some popular beaches on Maui are now charging visitors an access and parking fee. However, residents are allowed free entry. This new law is a bit controversial but is intended to make it easier for Maui residents to enjoy one of the island’s most valued and beloved resources.
Shopping
Kihei is near Wailea, which is home to the Shops at Wailea, an upscale shopping center next to the Grand Wailea Resort. This is Rodeo Drive brought to the beach, with Gucci, Prada, and Bottega Veneta rubbing shoulders with local brands like Na Hoku fine jewelry and Crazy Shirts.
Dining
Kihei has plenty of cute, local eateries offering good eats. Maui Brewing Co. has multiple locations, but the brewery in Kihei has expanded. It’s huge, and instead of having the food trucks outside, they now have a full menu available from their kitchen. Definitely a good spot to check out if you have craft beer lovers in your group!
Nalu’s is a favorite of some of our team members on Maui. Nalu’s is a super casual, local joint in Kihei with surprisingly fresh, farm-to-table bar food. The restaurant is dog friendly, so expect some local pooches nearby. Food is ordered at the counter and is brought to the table. This is a great place to catch local musicians like Barry Flannigan and Amy Hanai’ali’i.
There’s also Outrigger Pizza. This local food truck favorite was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Stop by for thin-crust deliciousness.
Spas
Kihei is just north of Wailea, home to many 5-star hotels and spas. Both the Mōhalu by Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea and the Four Seasons offer incredible spa experiences. Several of the beachfront resorts offer spa services, including the Spa at Black Rock, often ranked among the best spas in Hawaii!
Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
Kihei is also home to the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and is one of the most excellent places to spot one of these gorgeous mammals. Just north of Kihei is Maalaea Bay, where you can find boats watching to take visitors on whale watching expeditions, charter fishing trips, or even snorkel trips to Molokini.
