Maui's South Side
Maui's south side consists of Kihei, Wailea, and Makena. With abundant sunshine, very little rain, beautiful beaches, and plenty of condo and hotel rentals, Kihei & Wailea are one of the two most popular areas of Maui.
Kihei Town
Kihei's main road is S Kihei Rd and it stretches along the entire length of town with great views of the ocean once you get to Kama'ole Beach Park, affectionately known as Kam I, Kam II, and Kam III beaches. You can find great restaurants, small local shops, and plenty of beach access in Kihei. A fun little town, Kihei has an easy-going vibe and affordable condo rentals, many with oceanfront views. Shopping and restaurants tend to be more budget friendly here and you'll find great happy hours specials everywhere.
In total, Kihei has 6 miles of coastline stretching from Sugar Beach down to Keawakapu Beach with great sunset views along the way. The South Kihei boat ramp offers whale watching, snorkeling, and Molokini tours, and surf lessons can be found at Kalama Beach Park.
Kihei is also pretty centrally located just 10 minutes to Wailea, 20 minutes to the airport, 45-50 minutes to Kaanapali, and an easy drive upcountry to Kula, Makawao, and the main entrance to the Haleakala National Park summit.
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In total, Kihei has 6 miles of coastline stretching from Sugar Beach down to Keawakapu Beach with great sunset views along the way. The South Kihei boat ramp offers whale watching, snorkeling, and Molokini tours, and surf lessons can be found at Kalama Beach Park.
Kihei is also pretty centrally located just 10 minutes to Wailea, 20 minutes to the airport, 45-50 minutes to Kaanapali, and an easy drive upcountry to Kula, Makawao, and the main entrance to the Haleakala National Park summit.
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Wailea
As you leave Kihei driving south you will enter Wailea with it's finely manicured streets and big hotels. Popular resorts include The Grand Wailea, The Andaz, and The Four Seasons. Fine dining abounds as well with restaurants including Gather, Duo Steak & Seafood, and Ka'ana Kitchen many of which are found within the resorts. The Wailea Golf Club offers great views and three different courses.
Popular beaches in Wailea include Wailea Beach, Ulua Beach, and Polo Beach. All of the beaches are great for sunset viewing and during whale season you can often spot whale spouts or whales breaching off of the Wailea Beach Path which is a great path for jogging or a morning walk. There are also a few luau options in Wailea, and the Shops at Wailea offer a high-end shopping experience.
Wailea is quieter than Kihei, but also more expensive. The big resorts have most of the ocean views, but some condos are available too. If you are looking for a resort experience or are going on your honeymoon, Wailea is a fantastic choice.
Popular beaches in Wailea include Wailea Beach, Ulua Beach, and Polo Beach. All of the beaches are great for sunset viewing and during whale season you can often spot whale spouts or whales breaching off of the Wailea Beach Path which is a great path for jogging or a morning walk. There are also a few luau options in Wailea, and the Shops at Wailea offer a high-end shopping experience.
Wailea is quieter than Kihei, but also more expensive. The big resorts have most of the ocean views, but some condos are available too. If you are looking for a resort experience or are going on your honeymoon, Wailea is a fantastic choice.
Makena
As you continue South along Wailea Alanui Drive, the road narrows and turns into Makena Alanui Drive. Infamous Secret Beach hides behind a rock wall on your right, and Makena Beach aka Big Beach is just a bit up the road. There are some great beaches in Makena including Maluaka Beach, and some great places to snorkel or dive around Ahihi Cove & Ahihi Natural Reserve.
As you continue down the road you will get some great ocean views and then enter an expansive lava field and drier landscape showing you the more rugged side of Maui. At the end of the road is La Perouse Bay where you may spot spinner dolphins in the bay, you can hike the Kings Trail, and experienced snorkelers will find a few places along the bay to snorkel. It gets windy and very hot early in the day at La Perouse, so bring lots of water!
There are many million dollar homes along the road and a few you can rent for a luxurious stay.
As you continue down the road you will get some great ocean views and then enter an expansive lava field and drier landscape showing you the more rugged side of Maui. At the end of the road is La Perouse Bay where you may spot spinner dolphins in the bay, you can hike the Kings Trail, and experienced snorkelers will find a few places along the bay to snorkel. It gets windy and very hot early in the day at La Perouse, so bring lots of water!
There are many million dollar homes along the road and a few you can rent for a luxurious stay.