Kihei is a beach town where significant real estate development started in the 1990s, across subdivisions, as the town started to experience rapid growth.
Beachfront homes are rare in Kihei, but the vast majority of houses are in very close proximity to a nearby beach. Just 20% of Kihei's properties are single-family homes. The remaining 80% are condos.
Kihei Subdivisions- Alii Lani Estates - Built 2004. Gated community inside Kilohana Hema. 6 lots of 8.4K - 21K with 3 - 4BR, 2-story custom homes. Ocean views from most lots. Neighborhood is walking distance to Keawakapu Beach.
- Halama Street - Oceanfront homes on lots of 9K - 20K Sq Ft along just 2 blocks. House styles range from 1970s local-style single-level homes to brand new mansions. Guest cottages can be found on many properties here.
- Honu Alahele - 64 lots, most measuring 7.5K to 10.4K Sq Ft, with 3 - 6BR, 1 & 2-story homes, the majority built 2005 - 2007. Some are model floor plans, others custom. Guest cottage (Ohanas) units are common here. Community park for residents to use. Walking distance to Sugar Beach and Mai Poina Ole Park.
- Ka Ono Ulu Estates - Mix of homes built by Betsill Brothers and custom builds, most going up from 1992 - 1998. Lots of 7.2K - 8.7K Sq Ft with 3 - 6BR, 1 & 2-story homes. Ocean views from some lots and Kalepolepo Beach is as close as 1 block away for residents.
- Kamalii Alayna - Built in 2006 by Betsill Brothers. Lots of 5.2K - 7.5K Sq Ft with 92 2 - 4BR, 1 & 2-story plantation style homes. Ocean views from some properties. Private community park with playground and dog park. Subdivision is located across S Kihei Rd from Keaka Beach.
- Kamaole Heights - Large lots of 10K - 15K Sq Ft with 40 2 - 4BR, 1 & 2-story homes, most custom builds. Both attached and detached Ohana units are permitted. Some have ocean views, as well as mountains, including Haleakala. Residents can walk to Kamaole Beach.
- Ke Alii Kai - Built in 2002 by Towne Homes. 95 3 – 5BR, 1 & 2-story homes based on 7 floor plans. Guest cottages are also on many of the properties. Ocean & mountain views. Residents walk to the Kamaole Park beaches for beach and water time.
- Keawakapu Beach - 32 beachfront lots of 20K+ Sq Ft on S Kihei Rd with 2 - 6BR, 1 & 2-story homes. Guest cottages are a common feature of these properties. Rarely available.
- Keawakapu Views - Built 1994 - 2003. 44 Lots of 7.5K - 10K Sq Ft with 3 - 5BR, 1 & 2-story homes (1.6K - 2.3K Sq Ft). Hillside location, so views get better as you go up, the top lots seeing out to the ocean. Walk to Keawakapu Beach in a few minutes.
- Keonekai Heights - Built in 1987. Lots of 7.8 - 11K Sq Ft, with 2 - 4BR, 1 & 2-story homes. Guest cottages present on many properties. Walking distance to a few Kihei beaches, including Kamaole II and Kamaole III.
- Kihei Kauhale Nani - Built in 1975. 23 lots of 5K - 10.2K Sq Ft with 2 - 4BR, 1 & 2-story homes. A few lots contain just a small residence, 500 - 600 Sq Ft, leaving plenty of space to build a larger house, keeping the current structure as a guest cottage. Private community park for neighborhood use. Views of Haleakala from some residences.
- Kilohana Hema - Built 2003. 23 lots, primarily between 7.4K - 11K Sq Ft with 3 - 5BR, 1 & 2-story homes. Some have ocean views. Across the road from Keawakapu Beach.
- Kilohana Ridge - Built by developer Towne Homes in 2003. Most layouts are one of the 12 models developers produced of 1 & 2BR, 1 & 2-story homes with 1.5K to 2.8K Sq Ft interiors. A few owners did custom builds. The 2-story houses in the upper areas have ocean views. Easy walk to Keawakapu Beach.
- Kilohana Waena - Built in 2009. 31 lots, most between 7.5K - 14K Sq Ft with 3 -5BR, 1 & 2-story homes. Subdivision borders Wailea Resort and Keawakapu Beach is right across the street. Certain lots have ocean views, including Molokai & Lanai, and even enjoy whale watching.
- Maui Meadows - Large lots of 21K+ Sq Ft, with homes of 3+ BR, 1 & 2-story. Ocean views from most properties. Privacy & quiet, while still being near town. No HOA, so there are less restrictions for homeowners than other Kihei neighborhoods.
- Meadowlands - Development built from 1996 to 2003. Homes are 1K to 1.9K Sq Ft on lots of 3.6K to 5.5K Sq Ft. Many owners have had additions done, though. Private community park with pond and playground.
- Moana Estates - Built in 2006 by Towne Homes. 90 3 - 5BR, 1 & 2-story homes on lots mainly measuring 7K - 11K Sq Ft. Short walk to Kamaole Beaches.
- Pacific Terrace - Neighborhood that’s part of Keonekai Heights subdivision, all on one street - Moolio Place. Homes here are higher-end than the Heights, often with guest cottages.
- Piilani Village - Developed in 3 phases (Phase 1, 1990s; 2 & 3, Early to mid 2000s) by Spencer Homes. 331 2 - 5BR, 1 & 2-story homes of 900 to 1.8K Sq Ft on lots mostly 4K - 8K Sq Ft in size. Phase 1 lots tend to be bigger than the later developments. Kulanihakoi High School opened across the street in 2023. Gated community.
Things to Do in Kihei If you want to dive into Kihei local life, a good start is going to the monthly 4th Friday festival that happens at
Azeka Shopping Center. Live music & entertainment, vendors, food trucks and more.
The
Maui Whale Festival only happens once a year, every February, and it’s worth the wait. People line the street for the parade that features Whale-themed floats, followed by all day activities at Kalama Park. Plenty of food, entertainment and vendors, plus special presentations to celebrate and teach about the massive mammals.
Beaches- Kamaole Beach - Actually 3 beach stretches, locally known as Kam I, II & III. These are the most popular sands in Kihei due to central location and facilities, but are just great beaches, too. Waters usually calmer for swimmers, but can be risky after storms. Kam III is usually the most crowded, since it has a playground, a large park area and the most parking. It is also the best for boogie boarding. Snorkeling is good at all 3, though some swear by the North end of Kam I.
- Keawakapu Beach - Rarely crowded, partly due to the fact that the facilities are scarce here. The beach, though, is large & beautiful and the waters good for swimming, snorkeling and boogie boarding. A favorite for many.
- Sugar Beach - Said to be the longest uninterrupted stretch of beach on Maui. Great for walks along the ocean. Waters can get rough, so not always the right choice for swimmers. For relaxing on Maui sands without the crowds, it’s perfect.
- Kalepolepo Beach Park - Another lesser known beach, swimmers of all ages will be welcome here. Ancient Hawaiian fishpond sits here, adding not only a historic feature, but its buffering of the waves makes for ideal wading conditions for the little ones. Come here for Whale Watching season.
- Waiohuli Beach - Small, very quiet stretch that has calm, clear waters that are shallow. Safe for wading and the kids can swim without as much to worry about, too. Snorkeling can be done here also when the tide is higher.
Golf- Maui Nui Golf Club (formerly Elleair Maui Golf Club) - Designed by Bill Newis, it has made Golf Advisor’s Best Hawaii Golf Courses list a few times. Ocean views from some holes and 4 sets of tee markers to accommodate golfers or all levels. Most affordable local course.
- Wailea Blue Course - Designed by Arthur Jack Snyder, it’s the oldest of Wailea’s courses. It’s less competitive than the others, too, but it is loved for its relaxed feel and absorbing scenery. Every hole has ocean views.
- Wailea Gold Course - Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Wailea’s most difficult course. In the past it was the site of the Wendy’s Champions Skins Game. Unique features, like the historic Ancient Hawaiian lava rock walls integrated into the course.
- Wailea Emerald Course - Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. It’s won the #1 spot on Golf Advisor’s Top Hawaii Courses list over the years. Famous for its tropical greenery and natural scenery to take in as you play.
Tennis Kihei has public tennis courts available for players, with 6 courts at
Waipuilani Park (also called Kihei Beach Reserve) and 4 courts at
Kalama Park, which have lights for night play
There is also the nearby
Wailea Tennis Club, which has 9 tennis courts, including a Stadium Court. The club has 10 pickleball courts as well. Regular clinics are held or you can take private lessons. Each year they hold a Tennis Fantasy Camp with well-known former pros to up your game.
Hiking Kamaole Beach Loop - 2.6 miles if you do the entire trail and return trip. All along the coastline, so beach and ocean scenery to enjoy. Not paved the entire way, but generally flat so joggers and walkers love it. Dogs allowed.
Dining- Naulu’s South Shore Grill - Primarily seafood dishes, but also popular breakfast & brunch offerings, too. Known for their crab cakes and poke bowls at dinner and the chicken & waffles for breakfast. Generous portions. Vegetarian/Vegan options also.
- Nutcharee’s Authentic Thai Food - Smaller and a little hard to find. The whole menu has fans, but the curry dishes get mentioned most in the reviews, especially the pumpkin and yellow curries. Reservations recommended.
- Pizza Madness - Along with excellent pizzas, wings & kalua pork sandwich items are highlights. Great takeout/delivery when you don’t want to cook yourself. Salads & Vegetarian options for non-meat lovers.
- Miso Phat Sushi - Small space & lines often here. Their rolls are the big draw, the Rainbow Roll and TNT Roll standing out most. Great selection of sake and Japanese beers, too.
History of Kihei In Ancient Hawaii, Kihei was the site of fishponds that were built and tended by the commoners, but mainly for the benefit of the Ali’i aristocracy. Despite the changes that swept the Islands over the centuries, this area remained a small fishing community into the 1950s. Attempts were made to help grow the population, even selling off beachfront lots in the 1930s. Only half sold.
The explosion of Hawaii tourism after WWII finally brought attention to Kihei. The beaches and weather made it an attractive place to vacation and new residents drawn by the tourist economy began to arrive at the same time. Even so, the development of resorts and hotels, the main drivers of growth, took time. The local population was still just 900 in 1970, but ramped up to 5,600 by 1980 and now stands at about 22,000.
Despite that explosive change, Kihei has been able to remain a low-rise, local community overall.
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