Kihei, Maui’s Sunny South Shore
Sharing the sunniest, driest end of Maui with Wailea and Makena is the community
of Kihei. The brilliant feature of this seaside town is its six-mile long stretch
of sandy beach with views of Kaho‘olawe, Molokini, Lana’i and West
Maui. From this vantage point, the West Maui Mountains appear to be a separate
island, a mysterious Shangri La in the distance.
Kihei’s Kalama Beach Park has shady lawns and palm trees dotting its
36 oceanfront acres. A blink away are Kalepolepo, Waipu‘ilani, and the
three beaches of Kama‘ole. One may be favored for swimming, another for
body surfing or board surfing. Each one is wide, sandy and sunny - a perfect
postcard, the quintessential tropical beach.
People come to Kihei for the beaches and stay for weeks at a time. Many stay
a lifetime. Some of the best bargains in accommodations can be found among
the condominiums, small hotels and cottages along Kihei’s beach road.
A string of sleepy Hawaiian villages with outrigger canoes once lined the shore.
Kamehameha had an ancient fishpond at Kalepolepo restored for his use and enjoyment.
According to Hawaiian lore, it took 10,000 men to complete the project.
Hawaiian royalty sojourned regularly at Kihei, basking regally on the breeze-swept
shore. There’s nothing sleepy about this coast now, nor will it cost
a king’s ransom to visit.
Small shopping malls, a bustling farmer’s market, activity centers, and
a spate of restaurants and sundown mai tai spots enliven the Kihei scene. Everyday
good things abound here, from health food stores to supermarkets and a pizza
restaurant or two. Everyone eventually ends up at the modernized Azeka’s
Shopping Center to buy old-fashioned Maui potato chips and Azeka’s famous
barbecued ribs, or to shop for sunglasses, books and beach towels. There’s
also a public golf course in Kihei, Elleair, where players of every handicap
will find a challenge.
But the fun doesn’t stop with the setting sun. Kihei’s nightlife
includes sports bars, karaoke spots, and dance clubs.
Birdwatchers and nature lovers have their own adventures, too. At the north
end of Kihei is the national Wildlife Conservation District, Keälia
Pond, where endangered Hawaiian stilts and coots thrive in a salt-water marsh
that is easily visible from the road. Nearby, the harbor at Ma‘älaea
is the launching site for an armada of pleasure boats taking visitors on
charter fishing excursions, whale watching expeditions and snorkel trips
to Molokini.
At this end of Maui, anyone on any budget can enjoy the sunshine, surf
and sand that are ubiquitous in Kihei. The magical Maui nights are available
to everyone, and anyone can feel like a king here. Those who listen carefully
may hear the song of the whale – even while floating in the ocean – and
see the great humpbacks frolicking in the waves.
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