Explore Kihei, Maui: Activities You Can’t Miss

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The Best Things to Do in Kihei, Maui

Before visiting Maui, I kept hearing that Kihei had this easygoing vibe—like the kind of place where you can spend the whole day barefoot, eat incredible food from roadside stands, and watch sea turtles snooze on the beach. And honestly? That’s exactly what it feels like. For those looking for a more lively, tourist feel, you won’t find that here. But Kihei is a great city to consider staying in, or at least to visit when in Maui.

Kihei isn’t flashy or overly polished, but that’s what makes it so perfect. The beaches are beautiful and super accessible, the sunsets somehow look painted every single evening, and the whole town feels relaxed and welcoming. It’s also one of the sunniest areas on the island, which means you’re almost guaranteed perfect beach weather during your stay—something I will never complain about.

What really surprised me, though, was how much there is to do. One minute you’re snorkeling with sea turtles, the next you’re grabbing acai bowls or fish tacos, and later you’re watching whales breach right offshore. It’s the ideal home base for exploring the island, but it also has more than enough to keep you happy without ever leaving town. Here’s a list of the many things you can do in Kihei.

And if you’re looking for more to do in Maui, check out my ultimate 5-day Maui travel itinerary.

1. Enjoy the Beautiful Beaches – One of the best things to do in Kihei Maui

Kihei is home to some of the best beaches in Maui, each offering something unique:

• Kamaole Beach Parks (I, II, III) – These three adjacent beaches have soft sand, clear water, and excellent snorkeling. Kamaole III is especially great for families with its grassy area and playground.
• Keawakapu Beach – A quieter option with great snorkeling and tide pools to explore.
• Sugar Beach – One of the longest beaches in Maui, perfect for a peaceful stroll or stand-up paddleboarding.

2. Snorkel or Dive at Molokini Crater

Just off the coast of Kihei, Molokini Crater is one of the top snorkeling and diving spots in Hawaii. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility, and you’ll see vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and even sea turtles. Several boat tours leave from Kihei Boat Ramp for this unforgettable experience.

Fair warning, if the conditions are right, they may ask if you want to experience “the elevator” on the backside of the island. This is a spot where the boat will go way up with the current, and then come down (hence the name). We went there, and my husband got sea sick–but when he “chummed the waters”, it brought tons of massive fish up, allowing us to see even more. So that was a silver lining.

3. Take a Whale Watching Tour – One of the most popular things to do in Kihei Maui

From December to April, humpback whales migrate to Maui’s waters, and Kihei offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities. Book a tour or simply watch from the shore as these majestic creatures breach and play in the ocean.

4. Visit the Maui Ocean Center

Located just a short drive from Kihei, the Maui Ocean Center is one of the best things to do in Kihei Maui for families and marine life enthusiasts. It features impressive exhibits on Hawaii’s sea creatures, including sharks, turtles, and colorful reef fish.

5. Explore Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

If you enjoy birdwatching and nature walks, head to Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge. This protected area is home to native Hawaiian waterbirds and offers a peaceful boardwalk trail with beautiful coastal views.

6. Try Local Food & Shave Ice – One of the many things to do in Kihei Maui

Kihei has an amazing food scene, ranging from casual food trucks to fine dining. Some must-try spots include:

• Coconut’s Fish Café – Famous for its fish tacos.
• Kihei Caffe – A local favorite for breakfast, with delicious banana macadamia nut pancakes.
• Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice – The best spot to cool off with authentic Hawaiian shave ice.

Click here to see more of the best restaurants in Maui.

7. Go Surfing or Take a Lesson

Surfing is a great thing to do in Maui, but is one of the best things to do in Kihei Maui. That’s because Kihei is a great place to learn how to surf, thanks to its gentle waves and beginner-friendly surf schools. Check out Cove Park, a popular spot for first-time surfers.

8. Visit the Farmers’ Markets

For fresh local produce, tropical fruits, and handmade goods, visit one of Kihei’s farmers’ markets. The Kihei Farmers’ Market near Sugar Beach is a great place to pick up local treats and souvenirs.

9. Watch the Sunset at Kalama Park – One of the most beautiful things to do on Kihei Maui

Kalama Park is a great spot for an evening picnic and a stunning Maui sunset. The park also has a large playground, skate park, and plenty of open space to relax.

10. Take a Day Trip to Makena and Wailea

While in Kihei, take a short drive to nearby Makena and Wailea. Visit Big Beach (Makena Beach) for a more secluded, picturesque beach experience or stop by Wailea Beach for luxury resort vibes.

Plan Your Kihei Adventure

Kihei is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, offering activities for every type of traveler. Whether you’re snorkeling with tropical fish, enjoying a beachfront meal, or simply taking in the island’s beauty, there’s no shortage of things to do in Kihei Maui, a charming island town.

For more resources for your upcoming trip to Maui, be sure to check out my other popular blog posts: The Best Hotels for Families in Maui, Visiting the Nakalele Blow Hole and Your Guide to Black Rock Beach Maui.

Have you been to Kihei? Share your favorite experiences in the comments!

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