15 Best Beaches in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

The Kihei region of Maui County is among the most popular spots in Hawaii and is frequented by beachgoers throughout the year.

With warm and dry year-long weather, you could spend hours on the beaches to swim, surf, whale-watch, and sunbathe to your heart’s content. So, what are the best beaches in Kihei?

Kamaole Beach Park is great for bodysurfing and hiking, while Cove Park is perfect for longboard surfing. Up north, windsurf at Mai Poina Beach Park, or beachcomb the coral-and-sand shoreline of Waipuilani Beach Park. Try snorkeling at Palauea Beach or escape the crowd at Waiohuli Beach.

Our picks for the best beaches in Kihei are as follows:

  1. Kamaole Beach Park
  2. Cove Park
  3. Kalama Beach Park
  4. Mai Poina Beach Park
  5. Kalepolepo Beach Park
  6. Waipuilani Beach Park
  7. Oneuli Beach
  8. Charley Young Beach
  9. Sugar Beach Resort
  10. Waiohuli Beach
  11. Chang’s Beach
  12. Keawakapu Beach
  13. Maalaea Bay
  14. Kanahena Cove
  15. Palauea Beach

As a coastal area on Maui’s southern shore, Kihei offers six miles of beachcombing indulgence that parallels the excitement of water activities like snorkeling.

Read on to discover our 15 top beaches in Kihei, including remote destinations that few tourists know about.

15 Best Beaches in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

Sugar Beach in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

If you’re ready to have a fabulous time in the picturesque Kihei, here are the top beach choices:

Kihei Beach Parks

1. Kamaole Beach Park

Commonly called by locals as Kam 1, 2, and 3, Kamaole Beach Park is a large beach divided into three sections.

  • Kam 1 is an exciting beach getaway if you enjoy frolicking on the sand. Farthest north and the largest of the three, you could indulge in beach games on its large volleyball court or unload your packed lunch on the beach’s already set up picnic tables. For more sand experience, go a little north at Charley Young Beach.
  • Kam 2 is a smaller beach, but you could body surf on its number of tide pools when the waves are conducive.
  • Kam 3 makes up the park side of the beach, where you could indulge in captivating sceneries along the hiking trail. Its huge grass park is perfect for barbecue setups and lawn games for you and your family or beach buddies.

2. Cove Park

Cove Park is among the favorite destinations in Kihei for longboard surfing, especially if you own a longboard (view on Amazon) that’s wax-free and perfect for both adults and kids.

This beach is ideal if you’re a beginner surfer just off South Kihei Road and south of the region’s halfway mark. The waves aren’t too wild as they break close to shore.

You could also take surf lessons or rent surfboards at Surf Shack, an establishment just across the street from the park.

3. Kalama Beach Park

Along Kihei Road, Kalama Beach Park is among the Kihei, Hawaii beaches that offer activities for all ages.

Its shoreline may not be sandy, but Kalama Beach Park has so much land that it’s ideal if you’re planning on a beach theme for large gatherings like birthdays, weddings, or corporate events.

Apart from well-lit courts for sports like volleyball, soccer, and basketball, the beach also has a roller rink for hockey and a cute skate park.

North Kihei Beaches

4. Mai Poina Beach Park

If windsurfing is your game, this northern Kihei beach (fondly called Sunseeker Beach) is where you could surf any time of the year. However, since the waves are mostly huge, you can’t snorkel nor swim.

After riding the waves, its long and wide shoreline is ideal for beach games, picnics, sunset watching, and leisurely walks. It also is often uncrowded, unless it’s the whale-watching and kiteboarding seasons.

5. Kalepolepo Beach Park

This Kihei beach is historically entwined with Hawaiian culture.

As home to a thriving Hawaiian village in the island’s history, the locals value its cultural, archaeological sites, particularly an ancient Hawaiian fishpond.

Ko’ie’ie fishpond is open to the public, fronting the beach and walling the water off like a shadow pool. So, don’t forget to bring a portable gaff (view on Amazon) with a non-slip grip handle and carbon fiber shaft.

South Kihei Beaches

Charley Young Beach in Kihei, Maui

6. Waipuilani Beach Park

A long sand-and-coral stretch that makes you feel like you’re on a private beach, you’d get a superb view of the West Maui Mountains as you go strolling or whale-watching.

Ideal for kids and beachcombers, you’d be amazed by the shoreline’s mixed topography of sand, corals, and coral rubbles.

Located in Northern Kihei, it also is a perfect place to host your next event with the sunset as your backdrop. Its water isn’t for swimming or other water activities, but kiting is a favorite when Konas blow.

7. Oneuli Beach

As the only red-sand beach off Wailea Alanui Drive in southern Kihei, it has fine sand mixed with dark-colored minerals. A trail leads to the top of a cinder cone, the source of the red sand below.

Activities you could explore include snorkeling and scuba diving, but the large waves during swells could be treacherous.

8. Charley Young Beach

A quiet, lovely beach where you could walk far out into the water but remain standing. You may even spot some turtles swimming around even without your snorkeling gear.

Whether you’re a daybreak or sunset enthusiast, you’d enjoy this uncrowded beach in Kihei.

There are days when the waves are mellow enough for them to enjoy some boogie boarding.

9. Sugar Beach Resort

Apart from picture-perfect sunsets, your whale-watching experience may come with some sea turtles resting on the shoreline on this Kihei beach resort.

With its 3-mile stretch of soft sand sprinkled with small rocks, you also get to mingle with local fishermen and windsurfers. You’d also find people on their paddleboards (view on Amazon) who enjoy the quieter side of Kihei.

What’s more, you’d find swimming pools and an outdoor jacuzzi right on the beach, earning Sugar Beach Resort a place among the best Kihei, Hawaii beaches!

Secluded Kihei Beaches

10. Waiohuli Beach

Very few tourists know about Waiohuli Beach, making it a perfect destination if you want to avoid the crowd.

The shallow water isn’t great for swimming, but if you’re looking for some quiet time along the beach with loved ones and friends, or even by yourself, Waiohuli Beach is for you.

11. Chang’s Beach

Hiding near Kalama Park, it’s a small beach but a favorite among Maui locals, especially when the South Swell favors surfing. While the waves may seem fickle for some surfers, summer is the best season to check out this place.

12. Keawakapu Beach

Nearly a mile stretch of beach that hugs the boundary between Kihei and Wailea, it’s your escape from populated beach resorts. Go north for a selection of tide pools or south to snorkel among reef patches.

Best Beaches in Kihei for Snorkeling 

Palauea Beach in South Maui, Hawaii

13. Maalaea Bay

Located just north of Kihei, it’s a starting point for your snorkeling adventure at Molokini.

There always are pleasure boats to take you on fishing excursions and whale-watching expeditions as well.

14. Kanahena Cove

You’d find that this snorkeling spot along Makena Road in Kihei is well-lauded by local and visiting snorkeling enthusiasts.

The scenery is breathtaking, with lava rock formations as the highlight and sea turtles not settling as second best.

15. Palauea Beach

This beach is deserving of its name, which translates to ‘lazy,’ because there’s nothing that you’d rather do than idle the time away in this southern Maui beach off Makena Road.

Main attractions in Palauea Beach include scuba diving and snorkeling.

The rock formations planking the beach sides are great snorkeling spots. If you navigate the southern end, the area is also an excellent choice to dive.

Conclusion: 15 Best Beaches in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

What are the best beaches in Kihei?

  1. Kamaole Beach Park
  2. Cove Park
  3. Kalama Beach Park
  4. Mai Poina Beach Park
  5. Kalepolepo Beach Park
  6. Waipuilani Beach Park
  7. Oneuli Beach
  8. Charley Young Beach
  9. Sugar Beach Resort
  10. Waiohuli Beach
  11. Chang’s Beach
  12. Keawakapu Beach
  13. Maalaea Bay
  14. Kanahena Cove
  15. Palauea Beach

Kihei is a 6-mile beachfront destination where you’d wish that time stands still even when you’re out of its inviting water.

From Kihei’s 4th Friday Town Party to Hawaii’s famous luaus, you’d feel at home as you experience the Hawaiian culture.

Whatever beach you choose to snorkel, hike, stroll, dive, or explore, you’d bring home memories that are worth reliving.

Kris Peter

A positive individual enjoying the journey, and always searching for adventure. I created Sunlight Living to help my parents (and eventually myself) prepare for retirement. About Kris

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