Vacation rentals in Kihei

Located on Maui’s southwestern coast, Kihei gets only a foot of rain a year, making it the sunniest six miles of the Hawaiian island. Away from the bustle of the big resorts, Kihei is dotted with zen gardens and pristine beaches, and sits within minutes of world-class snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. You can opt to take a lesson to learn how to swim with a mermaid’s tail, or sip an umbrella drink with a hibiscus bloom tucked behind one ear.

The Hawaiian food in Kihei is some of the most authentic in Maui. Shave ice, macadamia nuts, and pulled pork are staples here, as are the fruit stands selling pineapple, guava, and mangos. Mini-mall cafes serve loco moco, a traditional Hawaiian breakfast that combines a hamburger patty, fried egg, rice, and gravy. And you can’t go home without trying the Portuguese-style malasadas, a doughnut-like ball of pastry fried and rolled in sugar. In Kihei the sweet treat is served with tropical fruit and cream alongside local, award-winning coffee.

With gorgeous, year-round weather, booking a condo rental in Kihei is doable during any season. The island tends to see more traffic around the Christmas and New Years holidays, followed by its lowest traffic season — the two weeks in January that follow. December through April is peak season for whale watching, while summertime tends to see families with children frequent the island while schools are on break.

The oldest marathon west of the Mississippi River is held annually in April, offering a range of shorter runs for all fitness levels. A food and wine festival in June highlights global trends in food and wine — with a special focus on Hawaii — through cooking demos and wine tastings. In October food lovers travel to meet world-class chefs and master sommeliers.

Molokini

A 20-minute ride from Kihei is the launchpad for Molokini, considered one of the top diving sites in the world, known for its crystal-clear blue waters with underwater visibility up to 200 feet deep. The crescent-shaped island was formed from a volcano crater and lies just four kilometres off Maui’s coast. Due to its status as a protected bird sanctuary, you must book a boat to snorkel or dive around the island. Here you can view some of 250 species of tropical fish — some which can be seen nowhere else on the globe, such as the masked angelfish.

Fourth Friday Town Party

Island time sets a laid-back rhythm for night fun, too. At the Fourth Friday Town Party, there is a Keiki Youth Zone, shopping for local art and gifts, live music, and local fare from food trucks. Also in the area are craft breweries and local wine.

Kamaole and Kalama Beach Parks

Charley Young Beach, which sits on the north end of Kamaole I, offers great snorkelling for beginners. Kamaole I is the largest of Kamaole Park’s three beach areas and has a swimming area and grass lawns for picnics and play. Just north of the Kamaole parks is Cove Beach Park and Kalama Park. The Cove is a popular spot with rental equipment for new and intermediate surfers, kayakers, and paddleboarders. The park also has volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts, a skate park, a playground, and shaded areas for cooling off.