South Maui's beautiful beaches and sunny coastline

South Maui: Where Sunshine Reigns Supreme

From casual Kihei to luxurious Wailea, discover the sunniest side of the Valley Isle

Written by a Local Expert

South Maui: Where Sunshine Reigns Supreme

South Maui is where the sun lives. It's the driest, sunniest part of the island, a place made for lazy days and romantic nights. What I love most about this region is its dual personality. You can have a casual, local-style beach day in Kihei, digging your toes in the sand and eating from fantastic food trucks. Then, just a few miles down the road, you can experience the height of luxury in Wailea.

It's a perfect reflection of modern Maui, offering something for everyone under its reliably blue skies.

The Vibe

The atmosphere here is overwhelmingly sunny and centered around the beach. The region offers a fascinating spectrum, from the casual, bustling, and budget-friendly energy of Kihei to the exclusive, perfectly manicured, and tranquil luxury of Wailea.

Compared to West Maui, the vibe is generally more relaxed and spread out. There's a feeling of spaciousness created by its miles of uninterrupted coastline. It's a place where your biggest decision of the day might simply be which stunning beach to explore next.

Key Towns & Areas

Kihei

This is a bustling beach town known for its six miles of beautiful beaches, affordable condominium rentals, and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Life here revolves around the water. The three Kamaʻole Beach Parks—known locally as Kam I, Kam II, and Kam III—are popular hubs for swimming, picnicking, and watching the sunset.

Kihei is also the epicenter of Maui's food truck scene, with courts of vendors offering a delicious and communal dining experience. While some find its development feels more continental than Hawaiian, its energy and convenience are undeniable.

Wailea

Just south of Kihei, the landscape transforms into a luxurious 1,500-acre resort community. It's known for its five stunning, crescent-shaped beaches, world-class golf courses, and some of the world's most acclaimed hotels, including the Four Seasons and the Grand Wailea.

Everything in Wailea is immaculate, from the lush, manicured landscaping to the staggering ocean views that seem to be around every corner.

Makena

Continuing south from Wailea, you'll find the rugged, less-developed coastline of Makena. This area is home to Mākena Beach State Park, which contains two of the island's most famous beaches: the expansive "Big Beach" (Oneloa) and the clothing-optional "Little Beach."

The road ends at La Perouse Bay, a starkly beautiful landscape of black lava fields from Haleakalā's last eruption. It offers fantastic coastal hikes and snorkeling.

Top 5 Things to Do in South Maui

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Snorkel Molokini Crater

Take a boat tour to this world-class marine preserve, a partially submerged volcanic caldera rising from the sea. The crescent shape protects it from open ocean swells, creating exceptionally clear water where you can see over 250 species of fish, many found nowhere else on Earth.

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Walk the Wailea Beach Path

This gorgeous 1.5-mile paved coastal path is a must-do. It meanders along the shoreline, connecting Wailea's five stunning beaches and passing by its most luxurious resorts. It offers incredible views of the ocean and neighboring islands the entire way.

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Explore the ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve

Hike across the ancient, jagged lava flows at La Perouse Bay and discover the protected coves within the reserve. The snorkeling here is fantastic, with clear water and healthy coral reefs teeming with marine life.

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Learn to Surf at "The Cove"

If you've ever wanted to try surfing, Cove Park in Kihei is the place to do it. Its gentle, rolling waves and sandy bottom make it the best and safest spot in South Maui for beginners to take a lesson and catch their first wave.

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Visit the Maui Ocean Center

Located in Māʻalaea Harbor at the northern edge of South Maui, this state-of-the-art aquarium is dedicated exclusively to Hawaiʻi's unique marine life. The highlight is the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit, where you can walk through a 240-degree acrylic tunnel as sharks, stingrays, and massive schools of fish swim overhead.

Best For

• Sun-seekers and beach lovers who prioritize guaranteed sunshine and want to explore miles of beautiful, sandy coastline
• Honeymooners and luxury travelers looking for the polished, romantic, and serene atmosphere of Wailea's five-star resorts
• Families and budget-conscious travelers who appreciate the affordability, convenience, and casual vibe of Kihei's many condo rentals
• Snorkelers and divers of all skill levels, with easy boat access to world-renowned sites like Molokini Crater and Turtle Town

💡 Jade's Insider Tip

Many visitors think they have to choose between Kihei and Wailea, but the secret is to enjoy both. Stay in a more affordable Kihei condo to be central to everything, but treat yourself to a sunset cocktail at one of Wailea's stunning resort bars, like the one at the Four Seasons or the Fairmont Kea Lani. You get the best of both worlds: the local flavor and the luxury view. And for a real taste of community, don't miss the Kihei Fourth Friday town party, which brings everyone together for food, music, and fun.

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