Discover the Best Kihei Beaches: Paradise Awaits exploring South Maui and a fun beach day here (upated 2023)
Kihei has recently come into its own for vacations, hanging out spots and restaurants and especially the best beaches to hang out on the south side of Maui. You’ll find the best Kihei beaches are fun, easy to get to and park and facilities that make it family friendly or safe to enjoy some of the best Kihei beaches here.
One of the sunniest and driest spots on Maui to enjoy the beaches, the area was also very popular with ancient Hawaiian Royalty visiting the area and enjoying some down time.
An active water adventure spot, you can enjoy a variety of water sports here with swimming, snorkeling, boogey boarding, kayaking, whale watching to just jogging or walking along the many strings of beaches in the Kihei area.
Kihei town is also home to the many condo complexes, Air Bnb units and affordable places to stay and there is an abundance of choices to eat from street truck vendors to cafes and upscale dining venues in the area.
We’ve rounded up the best beaches in Kihei to spend a fun beach day for you to enjoy in the area.
Weather and best time to visit Kihei, Maui
Kihei sits in the southern part of Maui and is sunny throughout the year in this dry and arid environment and the beaches are the main draw visiting here along with all the fantastic lifestyle.
The best time to visit with pleasant weather in Kihei area is during the spring time from April to May and then from September to November. The temperatures during this timeframe are pleasant and ranging from the mid 70s to mid 80s with relatively low humidity. This makes it fantastic to enjoy the outdoors, do some adventure activities and enjoy the gorgeous beaches here.
Summer time in Kihei from June to August are also a very popular time to visit this area. Temperatures typically range from the 80s to low 90s in this area and is perfect for sun lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a great time to enjoy some adventure and having some fun beach days around Kihei. This area does bring out more humidity during this timeframe and possibility of more showers and tropical storms at this time.
Winter time during December to March is peak season for visitors to the island and is a popular time to visit. Temperatures are quite pleasant and ranges in the mid 70s offering a range of fantastic opportunities for outdoor activities and water fun. This timeframe is considered the rainy season in Hawaii so expect rainy showers (mostly at night) and even a tropical storm during this timeframe.
The temperatures is typically very comfortable year round in Kihei with each season drawing in visitors that have specific reasons to visit and enjoy the area.
Best Kihei beaches to enjoy or a short drive away
Kamaole Beach Parks
Three beach parks line Kihei’s main drag and are the popular beaches with easy access and parking in the beach area. These include the following beaches to visit below
Kamaole I Beach Park
Location: 2271 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753,
The first of the Kamaole beach, this has the longest beach fronts with over 600 yards of shoreline with very few rocks in the beach water areas. In fact, this was once used as a training ground for the military to do exercises for beach landing training because of the minimal rocks in the water landing area.
Amenities
The expansive beach has full service and facilities with restrooms and showers, a lifeguard tower, beach volleyball courts, picnic tables and barbeque pits along with ample parking spots.
Close by on South Kihei Road are a variety of restaurants, cafes and health food stores to pick up food or dine in.
Here’s a nice view of the entire Kamaole I Beach park below
Kamaole II Beach Park
Location: 2381 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753,
Following Kamaole I, this beach park is the smallest of the three and almost hidden with a gentle slope that leads into the beach from a grassy area. There are picnic tables on the lawn with a lifeguard station right in the middle of the beach. Definitely a more beautiful beach to capture for selfies or IG photos, this beach is pretty with nice coastal views of the area.
Amenities
There are facilities on site, but smaller in general and parking is basically street side parking. There are shower and bathrooms along with life guard stations on site and some picnic areas with grills.
Check out this fast walking tour of Kamaole II Beach
Kamaole III Beach Park
Location: 991 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753,
The last of the Kamaole beaches is also a popular beach with about 100 yards of beachfront area to play and lounge in. There is a large parking area with a nice grassy area that has a nice vantage point to the beach and perfect photo spot.
Amenities
There are full services here with a lifeguard station, picnic tables and grills, restrooms and showering areas. Close by are restaurants, grocery store and condo complexes all within walking distance to the beach area.
Here’s a fun walk at Kamaole III beach park
Charley Young Beach
Location: 450 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Located on the far end of Kamaole I Beach, this beach is more secluded with a string of ironwood trees for shadier and wilder in appearance. Small sized and secluded, the water is clear and calm with gentle waves and soft sand. Perfect for families with kids to play in the shallow waters and take shelter around the Ironwoods from the daytime sun.
Amenities
This is a nice long strolling beach area that extends to Kamaole I and parking is a block away. There are no lifeguards but outdoor showers and facilities.
Here’s a hyper lapse video of Charley Young Beach below
Keawakapu Beach
Location: 2201 Iliili Road, Kihei, HI 96753
Called the “Hidden Cove” and located between Kihei and Wailea, Keawakapu Beach is low key and definitely of the beaten path of Kihei’s beaches. The beach park has free public parking across the street and the beach has shelter with trees located on the .7 mile beach.
Amenities
Amenities on the beach includes showering facilities but no bathroom or lifeguard stations on the beach area. Easy surf and easy to get into the water and a few rocks and outcropping to explore for snorkeling.
You’ll find this beach perfect for spotting different marine life, seeing humpback whales (in season) and green sea turtles (honu) resting on the beach areas along with other marine life in the waters.
Here’s a look at Keawakapu Beach from above
Kalepolepo Beach
Location: 3100 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei, HI 96753
Located next to the Whale national marine sanctuary, this is prime whale watching for Humpbacks and other local whales in the area and is an important cultural site for Hawaiians.
Amenities
Parking at the Whale sanctuary and lifeguard stations, restrooms and shower also at the sanctuary
There is an ancient fishpond that was a place of residence for Hawaiian royalty that had it built in the 1400s and maintained regularly and is actually warm because of underwater springs that feed it. Very popular with families with kids because it is safe and warm water for kids to enjoy.
Here’s a look at beautiful Kalepolepo Beach below
Waiohuli Beach
Location: 2700 South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753,
One of the smallest beaches in Kihei area, the water is shallow and clear so it is perfect for swimming and snorkeling fun in the area. Best serviced by condos close by at Waiohuli Beach Hale which is ocean front property and next to the beach area.
Amenities:
Picnic tables, restroom and showers
Another quiet beach park at Waiohuli Beach below
Waipuilani Beach Park
Location: 100 Waipuilani Road, Kihei, HI 96753
Located next to Waiohuli Beach and has a grassy beach area and tennis courts, shady areas and public restrooms. The beach here is narrow and long with windy conditions that are good for wind surfing. This is a quiet beach park that is perfect for watching sunset or whale watching.
Amenities:
Grassy area, picnic tables, restroom and showers
The Waipuilani Beach park views from above below
Sugar Beach
Location: 145 N Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
One of the longest stretches of beaches in the south side of the Island, Sugar Beach has fantastic views of Lanai, Molokini and Kaho’olawe, the three islands in the distance from the shore. The beach has shallow and calm water which is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and doing water sports like kayaking and SUP boarding. There are also two canoe clubs on the beach which also offer guest paddle programs for visitors to participate in and see what it is like to paddle an outrigger canoe.
Amenities
There are limited services with showers, restroom with no lifeguards but a few picnic tables at the Maui Canoe Club. The beach does have rocks strewn around the water entry so this is not a perfect beach but less crowed and also a great spot to whale watch from the shore.
Here’s a look at Sugar beach below
Mai Poina ‘Oe la’u Beach Park
Location: 1819 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
An extension of Sugar Beach, this is also an expansive beach area and very windy so it is very popular for surfing and whale watching. Even though this is a big beach, services are limited with no lifeguards on site, but it is less crowded than the other beaches in this area. There are restrooms, shower facilities and picnic tables and a grassy park area to enjoy.
Amenities
There’s plenty of parking on South Kihei Road and Condo complexes with rentals so it’s easy to walk to this beach area and enjoy the scene here. You’ll also find restrooms and showers and picnic areas.
Mai Poina ‘Oe la’u Beach Park below is gorgeous don’t you agree?
Kalama Beach Park
Location: 190 N Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Kalama Beach Park offers a wide range of amenities for a fun-filled family beach day, although it doesn’t have an extensive sandy shore. While it may be a slight exaggeration to say that the park lacks a beach, the small beach it does have is not particularly noteworthy.
Amenities
However, what truly sets Kalama Beach Park apart is its commitment to providing entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. This 36-acre park hosts various sporting events, festivals, and concerts. In addition to volleyball, soccer, and basketball courts, it also features hockey rinks, a skate park, and spacious grassy lawns with covered pavilions. Moreover, the park boasts a paved beach path that meanders along the ocean, ensuring that visitors can still appreciate the picturesque views typically associated with Maui. There’s showers and restrooms and picnic areas
Even if you desire a refreshing swim, you can still take a dip in the sea when the temperature rises.
While it’s true that Kalama Beach Park may not possess one of the most remarkable beaches in Kihei, it more than compensates for it by providing an array of other beach-related activities that are sure to please visitors of all interests.
Address: 1900 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Other things to do around Kihei area
Go to an outdoor market at
Visit Ululani for Shave Ice
Have a great Shave Ice experience at Ululani’s – they take great pride in offering fine shave ice with original toppings with home made toppings and premium puree mixes
Visit the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center
Right at the entrance to Kihei, the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is a family friendly venue and educational center dedicated to the Humpback whale along with other marine animals that frequent this area. There is also a kiddie lagoon area to swim in that is shallow and family friendly.
Maui Brewery
A popular spot to hang out with indoor and outdoor venues and live music along with the popular Maui Brews and pupu or more substantial food offerings. This is the perfect place for a meal and good beer.
Go Snorkeling in Kihei
Many of the Kihei beaches and tidepool areas are a fantastic spot to do some snorkeling and discover the underwater world and coastline areas. For more inspiration check out this post on the best snorkeling venues around Maui and the southern part of the island here for more information.
Where to go for a meal around Kihei
If you are looking for good eats and drinks in the area check out these fantastic places to hang out and enjoy some delicious food.
Coconuts Fish Cafe: Known for its fresh fish tacos and seafood dishes, Coconuts Fish Cafe offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere.
808 Bistro: This cozy bistro serves up delectable dishes with a blend of Hawaiian and international flavors. Try their fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients.
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar: If you’re a sushi lover, Sansei is a must-visit. They offer creative sushi rolls and a variety of seafood dishes in a contemporary setting.
Nalu’s South Shore Grill: Nalu’s is a local favorite for its hearty breakfast options, sandwiches, and seafood. Don’t miss their ahi poke bowl.
Kihei Caffe: For a classic breakfast or brunch, Kihei Caffe is a popular spot. Their generous portions and tasty dishes make it a beloved choice among locals and tourists alike.
Cafe O’Lei Kihei: This restaurant offers a diverse menu with a range of options, from steaks and seafood to pasta and vegetarian dishes.
Fork & Salad: If you’re looking for healthier options, Fork & Salad is a great choice. They specialize in customizable salads and sandwiches made with fresh, local ingredients.
Three’s Bar & Grill: A lively eatery known for its happy hour and diverse menu, Three’s Bar & Grill offers everything from sushi to barbecue.
Cafe des Amis: For a taste of international cuisine, visit Cafe des Amis, which serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including savory and sweet crepes.
Monkeypod Kitchen: Located in nearby Wailea, Monkeypod Kitchen offers a great selection of craft beers and delicious dishes, including their famous Mai Tai and pizzas.
Maui Brewing Company: Also in Kihei, this brewery offers a wide range of craft beers and a menu featuring pub-style fare with a Hawaiian twist.
These are just a few of the dining options you can explore in and around Kihei. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, international flavors, or local favorites, you’ll find a variety of excellent choices to satisfy your culinary cravings.
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Conclusion to Best Kihei Beaches
That’s makes our list of favorite beaches in Kihei to enjoy some beach time and fun.
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Hope you can visit Maui soon and Maui No Ka Oi!
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