Things to do in Kihei Hawaii: 25+ Fun Ideas

Maui visitors will find so many fun things to do in Kihei Hawaii — and we’ve got all the best ideas for you! Our team at Hawaii Aloha Travel is Hawaii-based with more than 20 years experience planning travel. We design custom vacations for first-time visitors, whether it’s your first time in Kihei, first time in Hawaii, or simply your first time here in a while. 

We live here, book Hawaii every day, and focus on the details most travel sites skip, especially real-world flight and seating issues that can affect your trip before you ever land. And if you’re struggling to narrow down the best things to do in Kihei, Hawaii, we’re here to make the whole planning process less intimidating.  

So, what do you say? Are you ready to discover one of the most comprehensive lists of things to do in Kihei? Come explore this incredible beach town with the trusty experts at Hawaii Aloha Travel!

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

Kihei, Hawaii: What to Know Before You Go

I lived and worked in Maui for years, and Kihei was one of my favorite places to spend time. Pretty much anything I wanted to do, I could do in Kihei. This is a hot spot for beach days, shopping, dining, exercise, sightseeing, and socializing. 

It’s also a very popular place to stay in Maui. There are a range of hotel and condo options that stretch along Kihei’s main road. Visitors who book a place here can enjoy a lively atmosphere and a central location. 

Ready to learn more about Kihei? Here are a few things to know before we reveal the best things to do here. 

• Kihei is a Hawaii city that extends along Maui’s southern coast. The city includes neighborhoods like Kihei town, Wailea, and Makena. Today, we’re mostly talking about the smaller neighborhood of Kihei town, but we’ll touch on these other areas too!
• Kihei is a popular area to stay because it’s cheaper than the ritzy resorts in Wailea and West Maui. 
• It takes less than 30 minutes to get to Kihei from Kahului Airport (OGG). 
• You’ll find many grocery stores and shops in Kihei, but larger chain stores like Walmart, Target, and Costco are about 20-30 minutes away in Kahului. 

Fun Things to Do in Kihei Hawaii

We put a lot of thought into our list today, because Kihei is such a fun place to visit. There are so many beaches, restaurants, and hotels, and it was hard to narrow down our favorites. Take a look at our top things to do in this Hawaii beach town. 

1. Learn to Surf

Kihei is an excellent spot for beginner surfers, and there are lots of schools that operate along this shoreline. 

Adults and kids are welcome at group or private lessons, and it’s a fun way to get into the water and get active. 

If you’re traveling with older kids who are really excited for surfing, consider enrolling them into a multi-day surf camp, like the one through Surf Club Maui.

2. Shop the Day Away

Got money to spend? Kihei’s the place to go. Here you’ll find small surf shops, lively souvenir stores, unique finds, and even some thrift stores. There’s also a Ross Dress for Less in Kihei!

3. Whale Watch

Kihei is one of the best spots for whale watching in Hawaii during the winter months. Many whales breach and play in the calm waters around South Maui and Kahoolawe. To see the whales in action, you’ll want to visit Hawaii during the months of November through March. 

You can book a chartered whale-watching tour (some leave from the Kihei boat ramp), or find an elevated area to watch from shore. I’ve also seen many whales from a comfy spot on the beach!

4. Learn More About Whales at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center

The Humpback Whale Sanctuary Visitor Center in Kihei is a great place to learn more about whales and get a good vantage over the channel. It’s free to visit and doesn’t take much time. Still, it’s a great resource for anyone interested in these beautiful creatures. 

The visitor center is next to Kalepolepo Beach Park, a historic fish pond that offers protected waters for swimming and snorkeling. This is a good spot for little ones who want to get their feet wet without big waves. 

5. Explore a Marsh

I’ve recently become really interested in Hawaii’s marshlands. These spots are great for birdwatching and learning about the ocean’s delicate ecosystem. 

Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge offers all of this, right in Kihei, Hawaii. If you’re looking for a relaxed thing to do, head over to the refuge’s boardwalk, which is serene and scenic. 

6. Tour Maui Brewing Company

Kihei is also home to Hawaii’s largest craft brewery! Maui Brewing Company is a modern facility featuring a tasting room and restaurant. And it’s not just for beer enthusiasts. The restaurant and tap room offer up hand-crafted cocktails, wines, and speciality NA sodas. 

Twenty bucks will buy you a tour of the brewery, which includes a beer tasting!

7. Take a Sunset Walk Along the Beach

Kihei is a great spot for watching the sunset! Depending on the time of year, the sun will drop down either over the ocean or behind the West Maui Mountains. Either way, the sky fills with vibrant colors, which reflect over the water beautifully. 

One of the best places to take a long walk on the beach is at Sugar Beach, which stretches for five miles along Kihei’s coast. Kamaole Beach Park III has a grassy area and paved walkway if you want an off-beach sunset walk. 

8. Try Hawaiian Poke

Have you ever tried authentic Hawaii poke? It’s raw fish that’s marinated in flavorful sauces and scooped up on top of rice or served with poi. In Hawaii, you’ll find it at most grocery stores in its own dedicated area. 

First timers can feel intimidated by the poke counter, but it’s fun once you get the hang of it. And don’t be shy to ask for help! You’ll likely want to ask for a poke bowl, which comes with rice. I recommend the oyster ahi poke or spicy ahi poke. 

Safeway, Times Supermarket, and Foodland all have poke counters in Kihei. 

Another perk of grabbing a poke picnic from a grocery store? The kids can pick out a Lunchable or PB&J so that we can all have a cheap and easy lunch. 

9. Cool Off With Shave Ice

Shave ice might be one of Hawaii’s most iconic treats, and Kihei is a great place to dip into it. Ululani’s is my go-to place for shave ice, and you can find it at 61 S Kihei Rd. 

Get three flavors topped with a snowcap and li hing mui powder. 

10. Visit an ABC Store

Ready for even more unique Hawaiian snacks? The ABC Stores in Kihei serve up lots of grab-and-go goodies, including these treats:

• Spam Musubi
• Li hing mui candy
• Aloha Maid or Hawaiian Sun juices
• Grab-and-go bentos with meat and rice
• Maui onion chips
• Diamond soda crackers

Some ABC stores have full kitchens that are great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, you can get beach gear, souvenirs, and travel essentials. 

11. Splash Around at the Pool

Some condos have lack-luster pools or overcrowded pools. Or maybe you want something different. One idea for mid-day cool-offs is to head to the Kihei Aquatic Center, which has a full-size lap pool, a deep end, and a shallow kids pool with a fountain. 

The kiddie pool is a big hit compared to standard 3-foot condo pools. And the onsite showers means you can stop by between adventures. 

Best of all? It’s free to visit the Kihei public pool!

12. Have a Beach Day

Is Kihei a good place for a beach day? I’ve had a great time at beaches here, but they do often get windy in the afternoon. Keawakapu Beach is one of my favorite spots for hanging out, and it has plenty of parking and space. 

If you continue south into Wailea and Makena, you can find smaller protected coves that often have calmer weather and fewer crowds. 

13. Swim with Sea Turtles

Kihei’s beaches attract many sea turtles, so keep your eyes open for them as you hang out at the beach — and remember not to get too close!

I’ve seen lots of sea turtles by the rocky areas of Kalepolepo Beach Park, so that’s a good place to check out if you want to see these large, adorable sea creatures in real life. 

14. Caffeinate at Akamai Coffee

What is the best place to get coffee in Kihei, Hawaii? We’d probably nominate Akamai Coffee, which has been in Maui for nearly 20 years. It started as a drive-thru in Kahului and now has an adorable full-size coffee shop in Kihei (complete with its own drive-thru). 

This was the first place I tried lavender coffee, and I was instantly hooked. It’s great for quiet time or to stop in for a quick caffeine fix. 

15. Stay in a Quaint Hawaii Cottage

Kihei is mostly large condo complexes and hotels, but you do have another option for where to stay in this beach town. How about a quaint cottage community?

The lush grounds of Nona Lani Cottages are an oasis within bustling kihei. The cottages here are reminiscent of the plantation-era cottages that are unique to the islands. It’s an immersive experience, completely relaxed and markedly unique — but you’ll also be minutes away from all the action and adventure of Kihei (and right across the road from the beach!). 

16. Roller Skate by the Beach

Here’s a unique thing to do in Kihei, Hawaii: roller skating by the ocean! At Kalama Beach Park, you can rent skates and roll around on Friday and Saturday nights. Your skate rentals support the Maui Inline Hockey Association, and it’s a fun thing to do with your sweetheart, your kids, or your friends. 

17. Enjoy Pau Hana Happy Hour

Kihei is THE place for happy hour (“pau hana”) deals. Beat the dinner time rush and score deals on appetizers, cocktails, and local beer. 

Nalu’s South Shore Grill is one of my favorite places for happy hour deals. The Pau Hana hours are also a great way to enjoy the atmosphere of upscale Wailea restaurants without a big price tag. 

18. Spend the Day on the Golf Course

The Maui Nui Golf Club is a gorgeous par 71 course with beautiful views. We love its lower prices (compared to the ritzy Wailea courses up the road). There’s also a Toptracer driving range for anyone who wants to get some swings in without committing to a full day on the course. 

19. Discover Kihei Fourth Friday

If you’re in Hawaii on the fourth Friday of the month, you’ve got a great event to add to your itinerary! 

Kihei 4th Friday is a lively block party in the Azeka shopping center. Come for local foods, unique souvenirs, kids activities, and live music. 

The live music is usually the biggest draw for me, but I always indulge in something from the food trucks too!

20. Go Bar Hopping around Kihei

Maui isn’t a nightlife destination, but there are still things to do after dark, especially in the Kihei area, which has several bars that are open late. South Shore Tiki Lounge is a popular drinking spot that’s often open until midnight, and Haui’s Life’s A Beach is nearby. 

Kihei has walkable areas, and you can call a taxi or ride share easily. So go out, have a little fun, and be safe!

21. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Maui Pies & The Cinnamon Roll Place

Ready for dessert? Enjoy a sweet breakfast? You won’t have to search far in Kihei for a spot to satisfy your craving. Two spots we especially like are Maui Pie and The Cinnamon Roll Place. 

While you’re in Hawaii, be sure to try other unique sweet treats like Ensaymada, banana bread, and malasadas. 

22. Live Luxuriously in Wailea

Wailea is a luxurious resort area located just south of Kihei. This is where you’ll find The Four Seasons, the Grand Wailea, the Four Seasons, and the Andaz Maui. 

There are also luxury retailers and upscale restaurants, along with a pristine beachside walking path. 

If you’re staying in Kihei, you’ll definitely want to come have a beach day in Wailea. This is also where you’ll go for a fine-dining experience (or some discounted pau hana cocktails!). 

Gather on Maui has ample parking and incredible views. And the Restaurant at the Hotel Wailea is a unique blend of Italian romance and tropical elegance. 

23. Drive through a Lava Field

If you continue south beyond Wailea, you’ll find yourself on a unique journey through the various landscapes of Maui. First, the road narrows and takes you on an oceanside drive that can’t be beat. Farther down, you’ll find yourself in a barren lava field, surrounded by rocks. 

The end of Makena road will take you to the trail head of Hoapili Trail. I’ve never done this rugged, sunny hike, but I often take visitors to the parking area to take in the sights at this stunning place. 

24. Eat Fish Tacos at Coconut’s Fish Cafe

Coconut’s Fish Cafe typically tops lists of where to eat in Kihei Hawaii. They’re most famous for their fish tacos but serve up other scrumptious options like poke, seared ahi, fried mahi, and even non-fish items like chicken and burgers. 

They’ve got two locations in Kihei — the Kamaole location is a bit more spacious. 

25. Take a Boat Tour to Molokini Crater

One of the most unique and adventurous things to do near Kihei, Hawaii, is a snorkel trip to Molokini Crater. You can read all about Molokini Crater here, and you can choose excursions that leave from Kihei, Makena, or Maalaea. 

You don’t need snorkeling experience or supplies to enjoy a guided trip to Molokini. Just an openness to new experiences and a wish to see colorful marine life!

• Aston Maui Hill
• Top 10 shoreline whale watching sites in Hawaii
• Castle Kamaole Sands
• The Ultimate 2025 Maui Restaurant Guide: Top Picks for Every Budget and Occasion
• The Search for the Best Poke