Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Kihei, Hawaii

Situated on the leeward slopes of Maui’s expansive Haleakalā, Kihei serves as a premier beach destination with unparalleled offerings.

The region enjoys a consistently warm and arid climate, providing breathtaking views of the adjacent islands, alongside an extensive stretch of stunning white sandy beaches.

Indeed, the number of exceptional beaches in proximity is vast, making it a challenge to highlight only a select few.

Nevertheless, if one were to spend the entirety of a visit to Kihei merely relaxing on the beach, they would forfeit some truly extraordinary experiences.

During the winter months, humpback whales migrate to these waters, observable from land or through dedicated whale-watching excursions.

Additionally, numerous ecotourism experiences are available, such as visiting Molokini, a submerged volcanic crater that shelters a reef teeming with diverse fish species, or engaging in kayaking experiences alongside dolphins and green sea turtles.

1. Kamaole Beach Park

Kihei boasts a succession of three magnificent beaches that could rival any tropical locale.

All of these beaches feature powdery white sand, bordered by volcanic formations with tide pools awaiting exploration. Each beach is ably supported by local eateries and food trucks, along with facilities including lifeguards, showers, expansive picnic areas, and grills.

The largest of the trio is Kamaole Beach Park I, situated to the north, recognized for its typically excellent swimming conditions.

The southernmost beach, “Kam III,” is the smallest and most rocky, yet it offers ample grassy areas and vibrant waves, making it a favorite for activities such as boogie boarding.

Occupying the central position, “Kam II” is preferred by swimmers and snorkelers due to its sandy bottom and gentle surf.

As visitors relax on the sandy shore, each beach presents stunning vistas extending towards the Molokini crater and the islands of Kahoʻolawe and Lanaʻi.

2. Whale Watching

From December to April, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warmer waters of Hawaii after completing a lengthy journey from their feeding grounds in Alaska.

These majestic creatures come to reproduce and nurture their young, prompting the establishment of a National Marine Sanctuary to safeguard both the species and its habitat.

The sheltered waters located on the leeward side of Haleakalā are among the finest in the state for whale observation during winter.

Humpbacks can easily be spotted breaching from the shoreline at Kihei’s beach or from the scenic overlook at McGregor Point, a short drive around Maalaea Bay.

For a more intimate viewing experience, various rafting and sailing excursions are offered from Kihei, or consider a guided kayak tour for an up-close encounter.

3. Maui Ocean Center

Continuing the theme of marine biodiversity, one of the top-rated aquariums in the world is located just a few miles beyond Maalaea Bay from Kihei.

The Maui Ocean Center features over 60 exhibits showcasing the unique biodiversity found in the most secluded archipelago of large islands globally.

This immersive, conservation-focused attraction also delves into Hawaiian history and the distinctive seafaring culture and traditions that thrived in early Hawaiian communities.

Noteworthy attractions include the Living Reef, displaying over 40 species of Hawaiian corals, the captivating 3D Humpbacks of Hawaii experience, Turtle Lagoon, home to green sea turtles, and Open Ocean, which features an underwater tunnel with eagle rays, as well as tiger and hammerhead sharks swimming overhead.

4. Paddlesports

The coastal waters along the South Side of Maui generally remain calm, making them ideal for kayaking, outrigger canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

To fully appreciate the remarkable natural richness of the ocean, participating in a guided tour is the most prudent approach, as numerous ecotourism companies based in Kihei provide unforgettable experiences.

While winter sees heightened interest in humpback whales, the waters are home year-round to hundreds of tropical fish species, sea turtles, and both bottlenose and spinner dolphins.

Local enterprises, such as Kelii’s Kayak Tours, Maui Kayaks, Aloha Kayaks Maui, Maui Kayak Adventures, and Hawaiian Paddle Sports, offer various packages that often combine paddling with guided snorkeling experiences for capturing stunning underwater photography.

5. Molokini Crater

Located a few miles out in the channel between Maui and the adjacent island of Kahoʻolawe lies an extraordinary geographic feature.

Molokini is a crescent-shaped volcanic crater partially submerged that formed approximately 230,000 years ago.

The crater boasts a maximum height of 60 meters and a diameter of about 600 meters, creating a sheltered area of tranquil water far removed from the channel’s strong currents.

Numerous rafts, catamarans, and sailboats venture to Molokini, primarily departing from the nearby Maalaea Harbor, although some expeditions commence directly from Kihei.

The primary attraction is a reef located inside the crater, descending nearly 50 meters and supporting an impressive variety of marine life, featuring 250 species of fish and 38 varieties of coral.

Combined with underwater visibility reaching 45 meters, this setting is a diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise, making for an unforgettable day trip.

6. Keawakapu Beach

Even in a locale celebrated for its luxury resorts, Keawakapu Beach, situated between Kihei and Wailea, exudes an upscale ambiance.

Although bordered by an elegant residential community, the beach remains public and accessible to all.

The beach’s relative obscurity is due to the mansions that effectively shield it from South Kihei Road, making it easily overlookable.

Upon arrival at Keawakapu Beach, visitors are welcomed by a lengthy stretch of soft white sand, offering the stunning scenery typical of Maui’s South Shore. Facilities are limited, and there are no lifeguards on duty.

The surf is usually gentle and safe, though, without a coral reef sheltering the beach, there may be occasions—especially in winter—when high swells may restrict water activities.

Additionally, Keawakapu Beach serves as a diving site, featuring an artificial reef placed approximately 800 meters offshore to mitigate coastal erosion in the 1960s.

7. Maui Brewing Company

A well-established name in Hawaii, the Maui Brewing Co. offers a variety of beers and sodas that are found in retail outlets throughout the state and in the contiguous United States and Alaska.

This brewery’s core range features enticing tropical flavors, including a citrusy IPA (Big Swell), a refreshing lager (Bikini Blonde), a fruity pale ale (Pueo), a coconut porter (Coconut Hiwa), and a pilsner (Pau Hana), among others.

The brewery also operates several restaurants, located at Waikiki, Kailua, and Lahaina, including its headquarters situated in Kihei.

For a more in-depth look, visitors are welcome to join a 60-minute guided tour, providing insights into the brewhouse, cellar, and packaging line, concluded by a tasting of the brand’s flagship beers.

8. Yee’s Orchard & Fruit Stand

Operating for over seventy years, this farm located on South Kihei Road presents a wonderful opportunity, particularly during the mango season from May to September.

Golden glow mangoes are a standout at Yee’s Orchard & Fruit Stand, but depending on the seasonal offerings, visitors can also find coconuts, papayas, guavas, apple bananas, and other local delights.

Occasionally available are fresh fish and homemade treats, including mango bread, chutney, pickled mango, and mango jam. This stand is operational every day except Monday and Friday.

9. Wailea Beach

Though it may seem unjust to overlook the exceptional beaches along the coast, Wailea Beach, situated just a few miles further, has earned accolades as one of the finest in the United States.

This picturesque location features a scalloped bay flanked by luxurious resorts such as the Four Seasons, Marriott, and Waldorf Astoria.

Adorned with coconut palms, its beautiful crescent of golden sand is gently lapped by waves that are still energetic enough for body surfing.

Wailea Beach is bordered by rocky formations at both ends, providing excellent visibility for snorkelers on calmer days.

10. Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

Situated along North Kihei Road near Maalaea Bay, one of Hawaii’s most cherished natural wetlands can be found.

Established in 1992, the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 700 acres where Maui’s central valley converges with the coastline.

This wetland area serves as an essential, often seasonal habitat for threatened water birds, notably the Hawaiian stilt and Hawaiian coot, alongside species like the Hawaiian duck, black-crowned night heron, Pacific plover, wandering tattler, northern pintail, and northern shoveler.

The Kealia Coastal Boardwalk provides an excellent viewpoint of the wetlands, as well as panoramic vistas of Haleakalā and the West Maui mountains, and is accessible during daylight hours.

11. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Sanctuary Visitor Center

Complementing a whale-watching excursion is a quaint, volunteer-operated site located along the shore at Kalepolepo Beach in Kihei.

With picturesque views spanning the sanctuary towards Kahoʻolawe, Lānaʻi, and West Maui, visitors have an excellent chance of observing whales during the winter months. Complimentary binoculars are provided for patrons.

During low tide, sea turtles can also be seen climbing the rocks in front of the center. Inside, guests can spend about thirty minutes exploring information about humpbacks and understanding the sanctuary’s initiatives to protect these magnificent creatures from threats such as fishing nets and marine pollution.

12. Kihei 4th Friday

Since 2012, the fourth Friday evening of each month has been a special occasion in Kihei, as the Azeka Shopping Center on South Kihei Road comes alive between 18:00 and 21:00.

Typically, these events feature a DJ, live musical performances, street entertainers, arts and crafts booths, and a variety of food trucks offering everything from shave ice to fish tacos.

The Kihei 4th Friday event is family-friendly, including a Keiki (Kids’) Zone that offers activities such as face painting, balloon sculpture, fun science experiments, hula hooping, and bubble blowing.

13. Shave Ice

Kihei is located in the hottest and driest region of Hawaii’s most arid island, making it the perfect place to indulge in the famous and colorful treat, shave ice.

This delicacy consists of finely shaved ice crystals, offering unmatched refreshment on a warm day.

Shave ice is typically flavored with tropical fruit syrups such as mango, guava, passion fruit, coconut, and more.

A “snow cap” consists of drizzled condensed milk on top, enhancing the experience. Kihei ranks among the best locations statewide for enjoying shave ice, with several of Hawaii’s favorite chains represented.

Options include Ululani’s (61 S Kihei Rd), Local Boys Shave Ice (1941 S Kihei Rd), Surfing Monkey Shave Ice (1881 S Kihei Rd), and Gus’ Hawaiian Shave Ice (75 Alanui Ke’ali’i).

14. Lava Fields – King’s Trail

A short distance away, La Perouse Bay lies approximately ten miles down the coast from Kihei, well worth the journey to observe the remnants of Haleakalā’s most recent eruption.

This eruption is estimated to have occurred around 1790 when lava flowed from the Kalua o Lapa cinder cone affecting Maui’s southeast coast.

This striking yet barren lava field can be explored by following the King’s Trail, a pathway developed during the reign of Piʻilani in the 17th century that once circumnavigated the entire island of Maui.

Take your time to capture incredible photographs of the jet-black lava against the backdrop of the blue ocean and the verdant lower slopes of Haleakalā.

You’re likely to share this route with free-roaming goats, and where the lava meets the ocean are tide pools filled with vibrant marine life. Sturdy footwear is recommended, as the lava surface can be sharp.

15. Kihei Farmers’ Market

Located across from the Kihei Canoe Club, the Kihei Farmers’ Market operates daily from Monday to Friday.

Offering reasonable prices by Maui standards, locals frequently patronize this market, a positive indicator of its quality.

Seasonal offerings include mangoes and passion fruit during the summer, as well as large avocados in fall, offering pineapples, papayas, salad greens, and tomatoes year-round.