Stretching for about 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) on the southwestern coast of Maui, Kihei is a popular base for visitors to the island, thanks to its family-friendly swimming beaches and beautiful sunsets. While many visitors devote the bulk of their vacations to hanging out at the beach, there are plenty of other things to do in Kihei. Popular activities in Kihei include whale watching excursions, surfing lessons, luaus, and snorkeling cruises that take adventure seekers to the waters around the Molokini Crater.
The best time to visit Kihei is in the spring or fall shoulder seasons (April–May and September–mid-November) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are few. The holiday and summer seasons bring vacationing families from the mainland, which translates to higher hotel rates. Winter weather can be unpredictable, but it’s also the best time of year for whale watching off Maui’s shores.
Most visitors rent cars to get around Kihei and travel to other parts of the island, and having your own vehicle (or a bicycle) can be useful. Most destinations in Kihei are spread out on a north-south axis, along South Kihei Road. Bus service in Kihei and elsewhere on the island is provided by the Maui Bus Public Transit System. Taxis and rideshare vehicles are also widely available.
If you’re looking to pick up souvenirs or gifts to take home, head over to Kihei Kalama Village, a shopping center full of small boutiques selling everything from swimsuits to locally produced home decor. Must-visit shops include Sunkissed Wahine, which only sells products produced in Hawaii, and Paint Aloha, where you can pick up original paintings by local artist Annabelle Ramil-Costa (who also does commissions).
