Things to Do

12 Best Things To Do In Kihei Maui

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Things to do in Kihei Maui are 1. Snorkeling to Molokini Crater 2. Enjoying beach activities at Kamaole Beach Park 3. Visiting Maui Ocean Center and more.

Kihei is a beautiful town located on the southwest coast of Maui, Hawaii. This place is well-known for its sunny beaches, calm ocean waters, and vibrant local cultures.

From watersports to luaus, Kihei has a lot to offer to the visitors to keep them engrossed and entertained. Here are 12 activities every visitor should try while in Kihei.

1. Snorkeling Trip To Molokini Crater

Things to do Kihei Maui to go on a snorkeling trip to Molokini Crater. The crescent-shaped crater is one of the most popular places for underwater activities in Maui.

Molokini Crater is a partially submerged volcanic mountain located a few miles off Maui's shore. The beauty of the crater is not just tied to its appearance, it is equally rich in marine life.

If you are staying in Kihei and thinking of underwater adventures, then a snorkeling trip to Molokini Crater is what you should consider. Maui has some of the best places to snorkel because of the pristine and calm water.

A closeup of the Molokini Crater
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The Redline Rafting Co. offers a 2-hour snorkeling adventure for $142.12 per person. On this tour, you will get a wonderful opportunity to discover the abundant underwater world.

This is a small group tour that will have seven people in a team. The boat from the Kihei Boat Ramp leaves at 9:30 am in the morning.

Some additional details of the trip are listed below:

  • Departing Location: Redline Rafting, 2800 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
  • Snorkeling equipment are provided
  • Visitors must bring towel, sunscreen and water with them

2. Enjoy Beach Activities At Kamaole Beach Park

Kihei things to do Maui is to enjoy some beach time at Kamaole Beach Park. This oceanfront area provides a stellar place for picnicking, swimming and sunbathing.

There are three distinct areas of the titular park: Kamaole Beach Park I, II, and III. It is a long stretch of white sand separated by. series of jagged rock formations.

Do visit this beautiful, sandy oceanfront area and stretch your legs. Enjoy the scenes of the ocean waves rising and crashing, vibrant sea life and beautiful sunset.

Kamaole Beach Park III
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Kamaole is one of the best beaches in Maui which offers plenty of beach activities to visitors with varied interests. You can get into the water to observe marine life, ride the waves, lie down in the sun, or organize a picnic with your family.

To further elevate your beach-going experience, Kamaole Beach provides multiple onsite amenities such as:

  • Lifeguards on duty
  • Onsite Parking lot
  • BBQ Grills
  • Picnic tables and benches
  • Restrooms and showers
  • Shopping areas and restaurants nearby

3. Visit The Maui Ocean Center

Kihei Maui things to do is to visit the Maui Ocean Center and explore the vast marine life. The aquarium and oceanography center is situated in Maalaea.

The Center was inaugurated on March 13, 1998, by Coral World International. It covers an area of 3 acres and thus takes the title of the largest living tropical reed aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.

The major highlights of the place and what you can expect during the tour are listed below:

  • Six different exhibits with various Hawaiian sea life
  • One-of-a-kind immersive 3D Maui humpback whale experience
  • A 53-foot-long acrylic tunnel under the open ocean

Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii
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While you are in Maui, a visit to Maui Ocean Center is the go-to place where you will see the wonders of nature that are found beyond the surface.

Furthermore, you can garner various experiences such as shark diving, snorkeling, yoga, and Hawaiian cultural & plant tour. Catch sight of humpback whales, their journey and their songs.

  • Address: 192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793
  • Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily
  • Maui Ocean Treasures: 9 am to 5 pm (Mon & Tue)
  • Entry Fee: $30 for adults, $20 for children

4. Beer Tasting At Maui Brewing Company

Maui Kihei things to do is to taste the amazing beer, wine, and cocktails collections at Maui Brewing Company. Experience the exquisite brewery-to-table dining at the heart of Maui. 

The brewery also offers dine-in service to visitors on a daily basis. Happy hours are offered from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm on Monday and Tuesday.

Maui Brewing Company offers Brewery Tours and Beer Tastings at their Kihei Tasting Room. This VIP guided tour provides an up-close glimpse of the brew house cellar and packaging line.

The company has some of the most artfully crafted beers that are available year-round such as Bikini Blonde Lager, Pineapple Mana Wheat, and Double Overhead Double IPA. 

Maui Brewery Tours
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The brewery also released some of the finest flavors of beers in limited numbers including the Big Swell IPA, Coconut Hiwa Porter, and Pau Hana Pilsner.

Additional details of the Maui Brewing Company and their tours and tastings are given below:

  • Address: 605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753
  • Opening Hours: 11:30 am to 10 pm daily
  • VIP Tour: 11:45 am, 1 pm, and 2:15 pm on Weekends
  • Price: $20 per person

5. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Sanctuary Visitor Center

To do things in Kihei Maui is to participate in the outreach programs at Humpback Whale Sanctuary. Guests can explore exhibits about coral reefs, marine life, whales and much more.

The learning center about Humpback Whales develops programs and resource protection activities. This beachfront place offers several programs year-round and rotating exhibits.

The programs and exhibitions are based on the various information about the North Pacific humpback whales such as their population, behaviors, photo identification, habits, and mortality rates.

Humpback whale in the Hawaiian waters
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Do visit the sanctuary and participate in the outreach programs to learn some useful and interesting facts about the giant sea mammals. Next time when you see them migrating, chances are you will appreciate them even more.

The Sanctuary hosts events on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. This includes The Sanctuary Ocean Count, Ocean Awareness Training, Arts & Photography Competitions, Community Events, and Lectures.

An insight into Humpback Whale Sanctuary has been provided below:

  • Address: 726 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
  • Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 2:30 pm (Mon-Fri)

6. Hawaii Mermaid Adventure

To do things in Maui Kihei is to garner a unique experience with Hawaii Mermaid Adventure. This is an eco-tour snorkeling that emphasizes the preservation of the ocean.

The Mermaid or Merman tour is a famous underwater activity in Kihei, Maui. This unique activity is focused on providing the necessary knowledge about the importance of ocean conservation while also providing a thrilling swimming experience.

Maui Mermaid School is one of the agencies that offer guided swimming lessons. The Mermaid Ocean Swimming Lesson in Maui package is available for $149 per person.

Hawaii Mermaid Adventure
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This tour will help you realize your dream of being able to swim like a mermaid. The instructors will guide you in calm and shallow waters in Makena Bay. 

As you splash the waters playfully, you will also get a wonderful opportunity to explore the underwater marine world and colorful reefs.

Additional details: 

  • Departure Location: 5110 Makena Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
  • Age Limit: 6 years and above
  • Free underwater photo packages are provided on all tours

7. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

To do things Kihei Maui for an exciting trip is to go for Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP). The watersport is popular in this region due to the calm and clear water.

Kihei is located on the southern coast of Maui and features beautiful beaches with favorable conditions. This makes for an excellent opportunity for SUP enthusiasts.

The famous spots for paddleboarding in Kihei are Kalama Beach Park, Kamaole Beach Park I, II, and III, and Keawakapu Beach. For a better experience, hit the beach in the morning.

If you are a beginner and looking to try some paddleboarding then you can start with Surf Club Maui. The agency offers semi-private SUP classes at Kalama Beach.

Surfing in Kihei Maui
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It is a 1 hour and 30 minutes class which consists of only 6 people per group. You can secure your place for $140 per person.

Some additional information about the SUP class is given below:

  • Departure Location: Waves Hawaii Surf School, 1900 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
  • Age Limit: 8 years and above
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges are covered
  • Free Parking Facility

8. Kalepolepo Fishpond

To do things Maui Kihei is to visit the historic Kalepolepo Fishpond. It is a historic landmark that was used by the native Hawaiians for fishing.

Kalepolepo Fishpond is one of the few remaining ancient Hawaiian fishponds in Maui. This landmark bears great historic significance and it is believed to have been constructed more than 400 years ago.

Kalepolepo Fishpond
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The fishpond is designed in a way to allow young fish to enter here from the ocean but prevent them from swimming back out. This way, they would grow larger within the protected areas.

This unique pond is located in the famous Kalepolepo Beach Park in Kehei. If you are planning to go to the park then you must check out this amazing site.

  • Located at: Kalepolepo Beach Park
  • Address: 726 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
  • Free admission 

9. Shop At Farmers Market

Maui things to do Kihei is to shop for fresh, locally produced goods at the Farmers Market. You can find all kinds of tropical fruits and vegetables with natural goodness.

The market is located in the Upcountry Kihei, right in the heart of the farm country. The fresh-picked products here mean brought right from the farm just an hour ago or so.

Diversity is the main highlight of the Upcountry Farmers Market. Here you can find homemade banana bread, husked coconuts, fresh fish and butter.

Fresh fruits at Farmers Market Kihei
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When you visit the market, do try the one-of-a-kind Hawaiian staple food, Breadfruit. This item has an appearance of a grapefruit but it grows on a tree and tastes like potatoes.

This authentic Farmers Market opens to the public Monday through Friday. Additional details are provided below:

  • Address: 61 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
  • Opening Hours: 7 am to 4 pm (Mon, Tue, Thru, Fri)

10. Go Golfing At Maui Nui Golf Club

Things in Kihei Maui to do is to enjoy golfing at Maui Nui Golf Club. Experience premium golfing at this scenic golf course for an affordable rate.

Furthermore, the company has multiple offers that you can choose from that suits your budget and interest. Their course design combines fairness with challenge and it is suitable for players of all skill levels.

The 18-hole course also offers an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean and mountains which gives the ultimate sense of enjoyment. The company constantly looks for areas to change and improve.

The 18-hole course at Maui Nui Golf Club
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Maui Nui also welcomes golf tournaments for charity and group golfing events. The hassle-free event packages include:

  • Green fees
  • Carts
  • Range balls
  • Course contest set-up
  • Customized rule sheets
  • Scorecards
  • Car Signage

11. Attend a Luau Show at Gilligans

Things in Maui Kihei to do is to attend an evening luau show in south Maui. Gilligans is a locally owned and operated agency that offers a unique show for $165.63 per person.

Maui Luau: Gilligans' Island Luau in Kehei is the only show of its kind on the whole island. The show will take you on a mesmerizing journey of the rich Polynesian culture.

The luau features songs and dances presented in a fun and engaging format. The message of the show is conveyed to the audience through storytelling and remarkable performances.

The show features Tahitian Hula Dancers, Samoan Fire Dancers, Hawaiian musicians, drummers and more. Gilligans only have 1/3 the capacity of most luaus which creates an intimate setting for the audience.

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You can enjoy tropical drinks, red or white house wine, beer and other beverages at the open bar. Enjoy a Hawaiian buffet with Kalua Pork, Teriyaki Chicken, Panko-crusted Mahi Mahi with Lemon dill cream sauce and much more.

Notable details about the Maui Luau by Gilligans are given below:

  • Address: 470 Lipoa Pkwy, Maui, HI 96753
  • Dinner, beverages, and soda included
  • Entry fee is covered

12. Try Some Delicious Shave Ice

Kihei is famous for authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice and it comes in a lot of different flavors. The dessert is made with finely shaved ice and flavored syrups with some toppings. 

Surfing Monkey Shave Ice is one of the finest places to stop by in Kihei to treat yourself to some delicious Shave Ice. The dessert shop specializes in producing snowy shave ices served with syrup made from Maui raw sugar.

Surfing Monkey Shave Ice is among the best shave ice places in Hawaii and came into operation in 1997. This family-owned business offers flavors that include all-natural options.

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The flavors you will find here include pink bubble gum, wedding cake, pina colada, and li hing mui. There is also add-ons such as li-hing mui, ice cream, sweat cream, chocolate syrup and sweet cream.

Some additional details about the Surfing Monkey Shave Ice are given below:

  • Address: 1881 S Kihei Rd Kihei, HI 96753
  • Price Range: From $2 to $10
  • Opening Hours: 10:30 am to 9 pm daily