Kihei

Kihei is a coastal town and census-designated place in Maui County, Hawaii, United States. It lies on Maui’s southwest coast between Maalaea and Wailea, along a broad residential and tourist corridor. It is one of Maui’s largest communities by population and serves as a major center for vacation accommodation and beach recreation.

Geography and climate in Kihei are characterized by a long flat coastal plain with numerous sandy beaches along the Pacific. The area experiences a tropical-dry climate with warm temperatures year-round and steady afternoon trade winds. Kihei generally receives less rain than Maui’s windward regions, contributing to its sunny, beach-oriented character.

The town is known for family-friendly beaches such as the Kamaole Beach Parks I–III, Kalama Beach Park, Ulua Beach, and Charley Young Beach. These shores offer swimming, snorkeling, sunset views, and access to water sports, including surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and whale watching during the winter months.

Economically, Kihei relies heavily on tourism, hosting a mix of hotels, vacation rentals, condo complexes, and a variety of restaurants and shops along the coastal corridor. Residential neighborhoods coexist with resort areas, particularly toward Wailea to the south, creating a blend of local life and visitor-oriented services.

Transportation and access are provided by Maui’s public transit system, with Kihei situated along Piʻilani Highway (Route 31). Kahului Airport (OGG) lies roughly 12–15 miles to the north. The area developed in the 20th century from agricultural lands into a popular residential and tourist community, continuing to evolve with seasonal tourism and local commerce.