The Best Things To Do in Kihei, Maui

Aloha from Kihei, My Piko (Center)

Aloha mai kākou. My name is Jade Kawanui, and I want to welcome you to my home. While I've been lucky enough to explore every corner of this beautiful paeʻāina (archipelago), my heart always leads me back to Kihei. For me, this sunny stretch of South Maui is my piko—my navel, my center. It's where I come to feel the reliable warmth of the sun on my skin, to hear the gentle rhythm of the waves, and to connect with the laid-back, unpretentious spirit that defines this special town.

People often think of South Maui in terms of the glamorous, manicured resorts of Wailea just to our south, but Kihei has a different kind of magic. It's more real, more lived-in. It's where you'll find families grilling at the beach parks on a Sunday, where world-class chefs run humble food trucks, and where the spirit of aloha isn't just a greeting—it's a way of life.

Part of my life's passion is the study and preservation of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiian language. I believe that understanding even a few words can open up a deeper connection to a place. For instance, before it was known as Kihei, this area was called Kamaʻole, meaning "barren." Historically, it was a dry, challenging place to live, sustained only by the skill of its fishermen. When you look around today at the lush gardens and vibrant community, you can appreciate the incredible transformation and the life that has blossomed here.

Kihei's Kaimana (Diamond) Beaches: A Deep Dive

Kihei's greatest treasure is its incredible six-mile stretch of coastline, a string of golden and white sand jewels sparkling against the turquoise Pacific. Each beach has its own distinct personality, its own rhythm. Finding the right one for your mood—whether it's a quiet morning swim, a family picnic day, or a spectacular sunset walk—is the key to a perfect Maui beach day. Forget a simple list; let's get the sand between our toes and truly explore the five beaches that define the Kihei experience.

The Kama'ole Beach Parks: The Three Siblings of South Kihei

Locally, we almost never say the full name; they're simply Kam I, Kam II, and Kam III. These three parks flow one into the next, separated by rocky outcroppings, but they are far from identical. Think of them as three siblings: each with a unique character, yet all sharing the same beautiful family traits of golden sand and stunning views of Molokini and Kahoʻolawe. Choosing the right one depends entirely on the kind of day you're looking for.

Kama'ole I (Kam I): The Swimmer's Sanctuary

Kam I is my morning ritual. Before the daily trade winds pick up, usually before 9 AM, the water here is like a turquoise sheet of glass. It's the purest swimming experience in Kihei. This perfect, 1/3-mile crescent of fine white sand is sheltered and consistently offers calm, serene water, making it one of the absolute best and safest swimming spots on the entire island.

Sand and Swimming: The beach has a gentle slope into the water, and the conditions are almost always ideal for a relaxing swim or float. It's a place of tranquility.

Snorkeling: While not a premier snorkeling destination, the rocky point that separates Kam I from Charley Young Beach to the north is a great spot for beginners. You can wade in from the sand and explore the lava rock formations, where you'll find small schools of colorful fish hiding out.

Amenities and Parking: Kam I is fully equipped with a lifeguard on duty, clean restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, and a sand volleyball court. Now for the most important local tip: the dedicated parking lot is tiny, with only 18 regular spaces. If you want to snag one, you need to arrive early. Otherwise, you'll be hunting for street parking, which can be a challenge.

Kama'ole II (Kam II): The Sunbather's Stretch

Kam II is where you go to plant your beach umbrella and settle in for the day. It's a wide, generous expanse of sand, perfectly situated in the heart of Kihei with shops and restaurants just a short walk away. The vibe here is social and relaxed, a classic beach day scene.

Sand and Swimming: With its soft sand and gentle, sandy-bottom entry, Kam II is another fantastic spot for swimming and a favorite for those learning to stand-up paddleboard on calm mornings.

Snorkeling: Similar to its siblings, the rocky points at either end of the beach provide the best snorkeling opportunities, offering decent visibility on calm days.

Amenities and Parking: You'll find a lifeguard station, restrooms, and showers here. However, Kam II has a significant drawback: there is no dedicated parking lot. All parking is parallel street parking along South Kihei Road, and it fills up completely by mid-morning. My advice is to embrace the walk. Drive past the beach, find the first spot you can, and enjoy the stroll back. It's worth it for the prime location.

Kama'ole III (Kam III): The 'Ohana (Family) Playground

On any given weekend, the expansive, sloping lawn at Kam III is filled with the sounds of local ʻohana (families) celebrating birthdays, playing games, and grilling together. It's more than just a beach; it's Kihei's community backyard, and it has a joyful, welcoming energy that is absolutely contagious.

Atmosphere and Activities: The large grassy park is the main attraction, making it the most family-friendly of the three beaches. It's the perfect place for a picnic, throwing a frisbee, or simply watching the sunset from a comfortable blanket. There's also a great playground for the little ones (keiki). The ocean here often has a gentle shorebreak, making it the most popular of the three for bodyboarding.

Snorkeling: Here's a local secret: the rocky outcropping on the southern end of Kam III offers the best snorkeling of all the Kamaʻole beaches. The underwater landscape is more vibrant, and it's a fantastic place to spot honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) and a wide variety of tropical fish.

Amenities and Parking: Kam III has it all: a lifeguard, restrooms, showers, 22 picnic tables, and barbecue grills. Best of all, it boasts a large, dedicated parking lot with 82 spaces, making it by far the easiest of the three for parking, even on a busy day.