Kihei is one of South Maui’s top tourist destinations. And with good reason, because the list of things to do in Kihei is pretty much endless.
From ocean activities to nightlife and snorkeling to golf, this beautiful eight-mile stretch of golden sand stretching from Maalaea to Wailea has something for everyone. And the fun doesn’t end there because many more South Maui activities can be found just around the corner from Kihei.
Kihei can be divided into three areas. North Kihei stretches from the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge to Kalepolepo Beach Park, Central Kihei from Kalepolepo Beach Park to Kamaole Beach Park III, and South Kihei from Kamaole Beach Park III to Keawakapu Beach.
So, are you ready to discover the best things to do in Kihei, South Maui? Then let’s dive in!
In a nutshell
This article features a selection of fun, romantic, and family-friendly things to do in Kihei. Plus, it highlights some amazing things to do in South Maui’s other towns.
Affiliate links are sprinkled throughout the site content. Clicking on such a hyperlink and making a booking on the accommodation platform it refers to may result in a commission for PlacesToStayMaui.com at no additional cost to you. For more information, visit the Disclaimer page.
Kihei activities to book ahead of time
The following Kihei tours tend to sell out quickly so be sure to secure your reservation.
Hula show at the South Maui Gardens
15 top things to do in Kihei
If you’re staying in Kihei, then you have an array of fun activities at your doorstep. So much so, that you don’t even need to rent a car if you plan on staying within the boundaries of this budget-friendly community.
South Kihei and Central Kihei are very walkable. North Kihei not so much but it’s well-serviced by Maui public transportation. Both Kihei bus routes are operated 7 days a week, including holidays, and go as far as the Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea, Wailea, and Kahului. Check routes, schedules, and fares, or download the Maui Bus app.
However, if you’re looking to explore Maui beyond Kihei – and you should! – then I strongly recommend renting a car from my go-to car rental company Discount Hawaii Car Rental.
Here are the best things to do in Kihei Maui.
1. Discover the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
The Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is a 691-acre natural area reserve and the best place in Maui to learn about the feathered residents that are native and endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. In winter, they are joined by migratory birds that come to nest, feed, and rest at the bottom of the 56-square-mile watershed.
Take a self-guided tour of the wetlands along the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk or spot another resident, the hawksbill turtle, nest on adjacent Kealia Beach.
2. Visit the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Sanctuary Visitor Center
Every winter, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate to Maui to breed, calve, and nurse their young. The National Marine Sanctuary manages special areas to protect the humpbacks and their habitat.
No better place to learn about the gentle giants and their marine environment than at the Sanctuary Visitor Center. Learn all about the Sanctuary’s research and conservation activities from the highly knowledgeable volunteers, intriguing exhibits, interactive displays, interesting artifacts, and fun activities for little ones. There are also stationary binoculars to spot whales in the ocean (only in winter).
This is one of the top things to do in Kihei for free and also makes for a great alternative to a whale-watching tour when you happen to visit during the summer months.
The historical Hawaiian fishpond and the tranquil beach fronting the Visitor Center are known to attract honu or Hawaiian green sea turtles.
3. Snorkel in the Molokini Crater
One of the most popular snorkeling sites in South Maui can be found near the Kihei coastline. The Molokini Crater is the is a crescent-shaped crater rim of an extinct volcano. The inner cove is the submerged crater floor and features shallow waters that are home to an abundance of marine life, including the Hawaiian triggerfish or humuhumunukunukuapua’a and the beloved Hawaiian green sea turtle or honu. Some tours include a second snorkeling stop in Turtle Town.
Tours to the Molokini Crater leave from the Kihei Boat Ramp. The ride to the crater is made on a raft so it’s a bumpy ride. The ocean waters tend to be calmer in the morning. This is one of the top Kihei activities for families with kids over 5 years of age. Flotation belts and life vests are provided for not-so-strong swimmers.
4. Bask on the beach
The most obvious attractions in Kihei are of course the beautiful beaches with their soft, golden sands and clear ocean waters.
Sugar Beach is the most popular beach in North Kihei. This miles-long stretch of sand is perfect for long walks at the beach. Swimming is an option but more so in the morning since the swells pick up around noon.
The Kamaole beaches in Central Kihei are among the most well-loved South Maui beaches and offer excellent snorkeling conditions. Plus, these beaches are lifeguarded which is a rarity in Maui. Central Kihei is also a great place to take a surfing lesson (more on that later). Since this area is considered Kihei town center and home to the majority of vacation rentals, it can get quite busy here.
The most tranquil beach setting with excellent snorkeling and swimming conditions can be found in South Kihei. Keawakapu Beach is also home to the Kihei Boat Ramp where many snorkel tours depart from.
5. Sample local food
Kihei is much more informal than its southern neighbor Wailea. That same casual vibe can be found in the restaurant scene too. No fine dining but simple eateries that offer lots of flavor and a pinch of aloha. Kihei is the best area in Maui to indulge in eclectic foods.
EvFrom the macadamia nut pancakes in the Kihei Caffe and the loco moco at Nalu’s South Shore Grill to the exotic flavors at Maui Thai Bistro to the food trucks at the South Maui Gardens. Kihei is home to some of the best and most affordable South Maui restaurants.
And let’s not forget about the fresh local produce that you can get at the Kihei farmers markets. There’s the Lipoa Street Farmer’s Market in North Kihei and you’ll find several options on South Kihei Road as well.
6. Tour the Maui Brewing Company
Kihei is home to the headquarters of the Maui Brewing Company. Maui’s number-one brand of craft beer is made exclusively with locally sourced ingredients. A brewery tour is the perfect opportunity to learn all about the brewing process of these island beers. Note that this tour is only available during weekends.
Sample different beers in the tasting room or pair the beer of your choice with an island-inspired meal at the restaurant, on the lanai, or in the beer garden. This is one of the best Kihei attractions on a rainy day or when you’re looking to escape the scorching midday sun.
Two other breweries that you can visit on Maui are the Kohola Brewery and the Waikiki Brewing Company. This amazing tour combines all three Maui breweries and includes a delicious lunch.
7. Take a surf lesson
One of the best fun things to do in Kihei with kids is taking a family surf lesson. Cove Beach Park and Kalama Park offer excellent conditions for first-time surfers. Your instructor will help you stand on the board in no time.
Catching a wave for the first time is such a special feeling. Even more so when you get to share this amazing moment with friends or family. Be sure to check out the daily surf report before hitting the water.
8. Shop for souvenirs
If you like browsing local market stalls to find that perfect souvenir or unique gift for family and friends just as much as I do, then you’ll love to go shopping in Kihei.
Discover the covered open-air setting of Kihei Kalama Village with its array of shops selling island-style clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. One of the latest additions is CocoNene where you can find gorgeous home decor and even personalize some made-in-Hawaii items.
I also love the weekly Kō Mahi’ai Mākeke market at the Kukui Mall on Saturday mornings and the artisan market at the South Maui Gardens on Thursday mornings.
9. Take a whale-watching cruise
The ‘Au’au Channel between the islands of Maui and Lanai is the preferred winter playground of thousands of migrating humpback whales. These warm ocean waters are where they breed, calve, and nurse their young. When you visit Maui between mid-December and the end of March, you have every chance to see these friendly giants by joining one of the whale-watching tours.
The only whale-watching cruise that leaves from Kihei is the one operated by Redline Rafting and leaves from the Kihei Boat Ramp. This is a rafting adventure so the ride is more bumpy than one on a catamaran. Then again, this is a small-group tour that offers front-row seats to the action.
10. Join a Friday Town Party
Every fourth Friday of the month is party time on Maui. The monthly Kihei Town Party is held at the Azeka Shopping Center from 6 pm onwards. It’s one of the best things to do in Kihei Maui at night.
The entertainment varies but always includes live music, food trucks, a special zone for the little ones, and a variety of shops. Kihei Fridays is the perfect occasion to meet the community and support local businesses.
10. Watch a hula performance
The luau is a feast that includes food and performances that tell stories of ancient times. Kihei may not be the island’s luau hotspot – most take place in the resorts of Kaanapali and Wailea – but there are two venues in Kihei where you can see hula dancers perform.
The first is the Gilligan’s Island Luau which takes place at the Maui Nui Golf Club. Like most Maui luaus, this one is not limited to Hawaiian hula and music but also features other Polynesian cultural entertainment. The Gilligan’s Island Luau offers an intimate setting on a golf course with distant ocean views.
Another option is the Polynesian show at the South Maui Gardens. This is not an actual luau but a more casual alternative with plenty of food options. Watch the dancers perform as you indulge in the exotic bites or Chinese shave ice from one of the food trucks. This fabulous show takes place on Wednesday evenings. Note that seating arrangements vary from floor mats to picnic tables.
12. Enjoy oceanfront yoga
A yoga session ensures a great start to your day anytime but even more so when you can charge your batteries in the picturesque setting of Keawakapu Beach.
Immerse yourself in the seascape beauty during a daily morning session. All ages and levels are welcome to join the Maui Yoga Path classes. Just be sure to register in advance.
13. Take a beach stroll at sunset
Watching the sunset from the beach is one of the best free things to do in South Maui. It allows you to take in this daily event in all its glory, especially since this Maui region faces the west.
Sugar Beach in North Kihei is the longest of all Maui beaches and offers plenty of opportunity to stroll from golden hour to sunset. Keawakapu Beach in South Kihei is more intimate and forms the most idyllic backdrop to watch the Kihei sunset.
14. Book a tee time at Maui Nui
The most affordable golf course on Maui can be found in Kihei. Maui Nui features an 18-hole golf course suitable for players of all skill levels.
This course is perfect if you want to practice your swing or play your first round of golf without breaking the bank. The club also has the Toptracer Range Technology to make your game even more engaging.
14. Paddle an outrigger canoe at the Kihei Canoe Club
In Hawaiian culture, as in other Polynesian cultures, canoeing initially served the purpose of fishing and traveling. Over time, it evolved into a water racing sport. But above all, canoeing has always been regarded as a way to experience the natural elements. There’s even a canoe etiquette, including chants and songs, to perpetuate the importance of the canoe in Hawaiian culture.
The Kihei Canoe Club is where you can get a glimpse of the Hawaiian canoeing tradition. Watch local teams train for upcoming outrigger canoe races in beautifully crafted wooden canoes.
You can even experience this cultural tradition for yourself. The Kihei Canoe Club organizes a visitor paddle program on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Join experienced paddlers and explore the Kihei coastline or an outer reef. And who knows, you might encounter a honk, dolphin, or large ray during your paddle.
Bonus: 3 things to do in South Maui (beyond Kihei)
No matter how amazing Kihei is, why limit yourself to this community when there’s an abundance of things to see in South Maui, just beyond Kihei, as well? From excursions from Maalaea Harbor to the luxurious resort community of Wailea, the opportunities for sightseeing and relaxation are endless.
Note that renting a car is the best way to explore the South Maui attractions to the fullest. It also allows you to add even more of the island’s wonders to your South Maui itinerary.
Here are the best things to do in South Maui.
16. Experience the most magical mermaid adventures
Let your wildest mermaid dreams become reality during a mermaid ocean swimming session in the shallow waters of Makena Bay. Learn how to swim like a mermaid and explore Maui’s magical underwater world while you’re at it.
This is an amazing adventure for aspiring mermaids (and mermen). Little ones can participate from the age of 6. And to top it off, this Kihei activity includes an underwater photoshoot.
17. Visit the Maui Ocean Center
One of the top South Maui things to do with kids is visiting the Maui Ocean Center where you can learn about the wonders of the underwater ecosystem.
Travel from the shallow reef to the deep reef and discover the most intriguing marine animals in the multi-sensory aquarium. The colorful displays and captivating exhibits will guide you through the experience and the enthusiastic marine biologists will be delighted to answer all your questions.
18. Take a sunset cruise
A sunset dinner on the rhythm of the ocean is the perfect way to celebrate romance or a special occasion or to end a memorable vacation in style. Board a luxury catamaran and set sail towards the mesmerizing sunset as you listen to live music and indulge in a three-course dinner.
This tour leaves from the Maalaea Harbor which is located just north of Kihei.