Our personal favorites, observations and thoughts of the island we love so dearly...

You might also be interested in our small photo gallery of the island: Island Photos

About Kihei:

We are conveniently located in South Kihei along the Wailea border, only 20 minutes from the Kahului airport and 40 minutes from the historic whaling village of Lahaina. Kihei is on the protected side of the island which is much calmer than the windy northern and eastern areas. Many times we'll drive to Kapalua, Ka'anapali, Kahului or Wailuku and it will be howling, only to return to Kihei amazed at how much calmer it is.

About Maui (We are in Kihei at the Wailea boarder) island map google map Google satellite map):

Maui is our favorite island because of its diversity, great beaches and good weather. It is a great place for kids because of all the activities. Our son loves the Sugar Cane Train and the Maui Ocean Center in particular. But snorkeling right there across the street at Kamaole III beach or at the fish preserve is also a favorite way to spend the morning. Maui not only has a wide variety of wonderful beaches, but also the dormant volcano Haleakala, a 2 hour drive from our condo it is best seen at sunrise and is a one of a kind experience.

Then there is the famous trip to Hana (road to Hana 0.4M). Enjoy the all day excursion through Maui's rainforests and water falls. Well worth the trip, but start early and bring a cooler and a camera so you can take time to enjoy it. If you go you will be rewarded with scenes like this at Keanae peninsula (peninsula 0.4M) and stop by for a piece of fresh (banana bread) then off to the back side of the island past Hana if you dare. There are so many other wonderful things to do on Maui, whale watching, a snorkel trip to Molokini and much much more, so read on...

What to do???

We are within walking distance to one of Maui's most heralded beaches, the Kamaole III, which offers fabulous snorkeling, boogie boarding or just a day soaking up the sun. Add to this the Kihei boat ramp is just across the street offering Molokini crater snorkel cruises, Turtle beach snorkeling, scuba (snuba if you're not certified) and whale watching trips that depart daily. So don't drive 20 minutes to Maalaea or 40 minutes to Lahaina then deal with the parking hassle, just walk across the street to catch your boat! If you're lucky enough to be in South Kihei during whale season (Dec-Apr) you may see, as we often do, whales frolicking off the Kam III beach right across the street (video 1.7MB). Be sure to take a walk along Kihei Road—it runs adjacent to the beach—to see the ocean parks, quaint little shops and other folks just like you enjoying all that this quiet town has to offer. And Keawakapu beach, one of the least traveled of the island, is just a few blocks south and the beginning of a 2 mile beach front along a beautiful stretch of Wailea.

a little further...

...but still close to home, take a little longer excursion south; past Wailea to Makena and Big Beach, you won't be disappointed. Then go past Makena to Ahihi-Kinau Natural Preserve for a quick snorkel in the beautiful shallow waters of this protected area. Travel north and stop by the Kealia Pond to take a walk along the newly constructed boardwalk and witness for yourself the ongoing restoration of this wildlife habitat. Then just ten minutes west is Maalaea Harbor and the Maui Ocean Center, a fabulous aquarium exhibiting the native fish of Hawaii. Of course we encourage you to venture off and see what truly differentiates Maui from all other destinations.

... so please venture out ...

...and take the road to Hana and Seven Sacred Pools (this will take an entire day so please plan accordingly). Or take a trip upcountry to Makawoa, or to the east to the Ioa needle (an easy trip) in the Ioa Valley Park, or a ride to Haleakala crater (not so easy and a 10,000 foot elevation so bring a jacket). Oh, and here's a hint—seven pools is part of Haleakala National park so the admission price of $25/car gets you into both—it's not possible to do both trips in one day so keep your receipt. Next take a drive to the north shore to see the spectacular resorts of Ka'anapali and even more spectacular natural beauty and serenity of the north shore just past Kapalua and Kahana at Honolua Bay.

And we would not consider a trip complete if we didn't visit the Shops at Wailea, Whalers Village or Lahaina town (unfortunately the Maui wildfires destroyed Lahaina on August 8, 2023, and will be in a state of re-construction for the foreseeable future) at least once, the shopping is fantastic! In our opinion, the best way to see Lahaina is in the morning. Plan to arrive at 9am, then park for free on Front street near Shaw. The three hour limit is just right to walk the entire Front street strip and a take quick stop for an early lunch at any number of great restaurants there. There is a lot more to Maui than this, so enjoy. And if you have any questions, we know the island pretty well and would be delighted to help. For more day dreaming material, activities and coupons take a peek at the magazine This Week Maui. Or if you prefer visit Maui's Visitor's Channel 7 for a glimpse at their live broadcast to inspire your activities planning.