Kihei, Maui

MODERATE April-November OGG - Kahului Airport US Dollar
Trip Profile
Budget Category MODERATE $150-280 per person
Perfect For
Beach Family Romantic Outdoors Budget Friendly Adventure
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
9.0/10
Romance
8.0/10
Adventure
7.0/10
Relaxation
9.0/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
Loading weather...
Best Months to Visit
April-November
Peak: December-March | Shoulder: April-May, September-November
Airport
OGG - Kahului Airport
No Passport Needed (US Citizens) | No Visa Required
US Dollar
English

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When to visit Kihei

Best months
April-November
Peak season
December-March
Shoulder season
April-May, September-November
Off season
June-August

Kihei quick facts

Main airport
OGG - Kahului Airport
Language
English
Currency
US Dollar
Typical daily cost
$150-280 per person
Budget category
Moderate

Getting around Kihei

Kihei is spread along South Kihei Road with most attractions, beaches, and restaurants easily accessible by car. The town is relatively compact, and many visitors walk or bike short distances between nearby condos, beaches, and dining spots.

Rental car

A rental car is highly recommended in Kihei for exploring the rest of Maui, grocery shopping, and convenience, though you can manage without one if staying close to beaches and restaurants.

Public transit

Limited public bus service connects Kihei to other parts of Maui, but routes are infrequent and not practical for most tourist activities.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber and Lyft operate in Kihei with reasonable availability, though wait times can be longer during peak hours and rides to other parts of Maui can be expensive.

Local tips for Kihei

Insider tips

  • Visit Kamaole beaches early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos.
  • Book Molokini Crater snorkel tours from Kihei's boat ramps for shorter travel times and often better prices than West Maui departures.
  • Shop for groceries at Foodland Kihei rather than hotel convenience stores to save significantly on food costs.
  • Park at the north end of Kamaole Beach III for easier access and better shade trees.
  • Wednesday farmers market at Kihei Community Center offers fresh local produce and prepared foods from 8am-noon.
  • Take South Kihei Road instead of Piilani Highway for scenic ocean views, but expect slower traffic during rush hours.
  • Many condos include beach gear like snorkel equipment and boogie boards, so check before buying or renting.
  • Sunset viewing is better from West Maui; in Kihei, enjoy beautiful sunrises over Haleakala instead.
  • Local food trucks along South Kihei Road serve authentic plate lunches at much lower prices than resort restaurants.

What to pack

  • Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based)
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing and swimwear
  • Water shoes for rocky beach areas
  • Snorkeling mask and fins if you have your own
  • Light rain jacket for occasional brief showers
  • Sun hat and quality sunglasses
  • Beach towels and beach bag
  • Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
  • Light sweater for evening dining
  • Waterproof phone case for beach activities

Sample itinerary: 4 days in Kihei

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1 — Arrival and Beach Exploration
Morning: Arrive in Kihei, check into your condo, and grab lunch at a local food truck. Head to Kamaole Beach Park I for your first swim in Maui's warm waters.
Afternoon: Explore the tide pools and snorkel at Kamaole Beach Park III, then walk along the beach path connecting all three Kamaole beaches.
Evening: Watch the sunset from your condo or beachfront restaurant, then enjoy dinner at a local spot like Cafe O'Lei or Three's Bar & Grill.
Day 2 — Molokini Crater Adventure
Morning: Take an early morning snorkel tour to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, departing from Kihei boat ramp for the best underwater visibility.
Afternoon: Return from your snorkel tour and relax at your condo or explore the shops and restaurants along South Kihei Road.
Evening: Visit the Wednesday farmers market if it's the right day, then enjoy a casual dinner and perhaps some live music at a local venue.
Day 3 — South Maui Exploration
Morning: Drive to nearby Wailea for a more upscale beach experience at Wailea Beach or Ulua Beach, known for excellent snorkeling.
Afternoon: Explore Wailea's luxury resorts and shops at The Shops at Wailea, then return to Kihei for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant and take an evening stroll along Keawakapu Beach for a romantic end to the day.
Day 4 — Island Adventure
Morning: Take a day trip to Haleakala National Park to see the dramatic crater landscape and possibly catch sunrise if you're up for the early start.
Afternoon: On your way back, stop in Upcountry Maui towns like Makawao or Kula for a change of scenery and local crafts.
Evening: Return to Kihei for a relaxing evening, perhaps with takeout from a local restaurant enjoyed on the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Kihei

The best time to visit Kihei is April-November. Peak season runs December-March, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (April-May, September-November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices.

A typical daily cost in Kihei is $150-280 per person per person. Kihei is generally considered a moderate destination.

No passport is needed for US citizens visiting Kihei, as it is a US destination.

The main airport serving Kihei is OGG - Kahului Airport. The primary language spoken is English. The currency used is US Dollar.

Essential items to pack for Kihei include: Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based), Lightweight, breathable clothing and swimwear, Water shoes for rocky beach areas, Snorkeling mask and fins if you have your own, Light rain jacket for occasional brief showers, Sun hat and quality sunglasses, Beach towels and beach bag, Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Kihei: Visit Kamaole beaches early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos.. Book Molokini Crater snorkel tours from Kihei's boat ramps for shorter travel times and often better prices than West Maui departures.. Shop for groceries at Foodland Kihei rather than hotel convenience stores to save significantly on food costs.. Park at the north end of Kamaole Beach III for easier access and better shade trees.. Wednesday farmers market at Kihei Community Center offers fresh local produce and prepared foods from 8am-noon..