Kihei is one of the smaller cities on the island of Maui and is full of entertainment. Here are the top 10 Kihei activities you will not want to miss, including a visit to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Kihei has six miles of beaches and is approximately twenty-five minutes from Kahului airport. It was once a destination place for Hawaiian royalty.
From the beaches, you can enjoy views of Molokini, Kahoʻolawe, Lanaʻi, and West Maui. Swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, and whale watching are just a few of the activities you can do in this area. Birdwatchers will enjoy Kealia Pond, on the north end of Hawaii. Nature lovers have plenty of places to go, from boat tours to island tours. This list of ten things to do in Kihei is just a start for you to discover the hidden gems of South Maui.
Redline Rafting Snorkel Tour to Molokini
Hawaii is known for its pristine waters, with sea turtles, whales, and reefs. If you visit Kihei, you will not want to miss the Redline Rafting Co. snorkel tour to Molokini. Boats leave early in the morning to get you to Molokini Crater before most of the other tours. Visibility in the area can exceed 180ft on perfect days. Redline Rafting Snorkel Tour to Molokini includes snorkeling on the back wall.
Coconuts Café
Coconut’s Café is a fish restaurant most famous for its fish tacos. The restaurant started in 2009 and quickly became popular with locals and tourists. Coconut’s Café has grown to have 2 locations in Kihei and now a location on the island of Kauaʻi. They have received several awards, including the 2013 Zagat Award. Enjoy surfboard tables, bamboo throughout, and the island décor and feel you desire when in Kihei.
Kamaole Beach Parks
Kamaole Beach Parks consist of three parks in South Kihei. The parks are between Wailea and Azeka shopping centers. If you ask locals about the parks, make sure you use Kam 1, Kam 2, or Kam 3 to find the right one. Kam 1 provides plenty of fun on the beach and in the water. You can barbecue, picnic, or enjoy a small party at this park. Kam 2 has volleyball courts, slip-n-slide, and swimming. Kam 3 is the place to go for birthday parties, group picnics, and water fun. All three parks have public restrooms, showers, and lifeguards. The three parks comprise 36 oceanfront acres with shady lawns and palm trees.
Redline Rafting Whale Watching (In Season)
Redline Rafting is a tour company for some of the best water activities, including whale-watching tours when it is the right season. The whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii yearly, spending their winters in Hawaiian waters. They arrive in November and leave after April. You can see the North Pacific Humpback whale from one of the Redline boats. Their tours offer twenty-three spots per trip, with educational information provided.
Surf Lesson at the Cove
Kihei offers several surf schools to teach you how to surf, and many of them will take you surfing at the Cove. The Cove surf break is a prime location for those who wish to learn how to surf. Unlike other areas on the island that are secrets to the locals, the Cove is open to the public and welcomes visitors to try surfing. The waters are shallow, and the waves are minimal to give you a chance to keep your balance.
Kihei 4th Friday Party
Every Fourth Friday, Kihei hosts a party. It is an opportunity to support, shop, and buy local. Dancing, food, and fun for the entire family await you. There are activities for children and teens, main stage events, and plenty of restaurants around for any cuisine you might be in the mood for. Head to the Azeka Plaza on the fourth Friday of each Month to immerse yourself in the evening entertainment.
Marriott Luau
The Marriott in Wailea is only five minutes from downtown Kihei and is technically a part of the city. The Marriot hosts a luau, Te Au Moana, which is a cultural performance to show the changes in the ocean tide and how it has impacted the shores. Te Au Moana is a constant for islanders. It shows the skills of island people through dances and songs. As a luau, dining is part of the show. You will see the fire dance, among others when you book a reservation.
Maui Brewing Co.
Maui Brewing Company is located off the highway in Kihei near the Maui Nui Golf Club. This award-winning brewery opened its second location and state-of-the-art brewery in 2018 and has become an extremely popular activity. Open-air dining area with games on the lawn, live music, and, of course, beer! Brewery tours and beer tastings are offered on weekends, while the taproom and dining area are open daily from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Stand-up paddle boarding allows you to travel around Kihei from the sea. You will discover a unique perspective from the water when you look back on the island. Stand-up paddle boarding is a low-impact workout and easy to learn. You can take lessons in Kihei before you go out on your own, or if you already know how to SUP, then rent a board. Stand-up paddleboard tours are available for anyone who wants a guided tour of the island’s best spots.
Island Art Party
Curt and Alma Winn began Island Art Party with a dream of combining art and Maui in a fun and creative way. New owners Mary and Gary Albitz vowed to continue the tradition of “fun, art, and community.” Island Art Party is an art gallery, as well as a place you can decorate your work. At Island Art Party, you can take art classes, sip some beverages at the bar, and enjoy learning how to create masterpieces. It is also possible to book the location for parties, such as birthday parties, wedding parties, and more. There is usually a featured painting for the night. Your party artist provides step-by-step instructions on how to create your masterpiece.
BONUS: Akamai Coffe Co.
For many visitors, the time change can be shocking, and sometimes that perfect cup of coffee can turn it all around. Akamai Coffee proudly boasts a complete seed-to-cup process where they oversee every step. This ensures that quality is always met and that the coffee is 100% grown on Maui. Akamai Coffee is located at 1325 South Kihei Road, across from the Times Supermarket. Open Monday through Saturday from 6 am to 6 pm. Closed on Sundays. If you want locally produced Maui coffee Akamai Coffee Company is the place to do it.
Thank you for reading our Kihei Activities post. For more great things to do on the island, check out our Maui activities page.
I’m ready / maybe next year