Kihei is beach-combing territory on Maui’s southwest shore, the sunniest, driest end of the island. Once a regular destination for sojourning Hawaiian royalty, Kihei features 6 miles of beaches offering clear views of Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai and West Maui.
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Is Kihei South or West Maui?
The South Maui region is favored by locals and visitors for its access to some of Maui’s best beaches, dining options, and sumptuous views. The area covers approximately 37.6 square miles and includes the areas of Maalaea (to a degree), Kihei, Maui Meadows, Wailea, and Makena.
Is Kihei on the leeward side?
The most popular region for visitors is the leeward side, which consists of the south shore (Kihei/Wailea/Makena) and the west side (Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kapalua).This is why it can be so incredibly windy in the Maalaea harbor and the south shore.
Is South or West Maui better?
So some people feel that the west side is the best area to stay in Maui. However, the south side has the advantage of slightly less rain in the winter. Kihei (the condo area of the south side) has more family restaurants than the condo area of the west side.
Which side of Maui has the best beaches?
West Maui is also where you’ll discover one of Maui’s most popular beaches, Kaanapali Beach. Located just north of Lahaina, the beach is fronted by several resorts, including the Sheraton, Hyatt, and Marriot (amongst others). At the far northern end of the beach is Black Rock.
Is Kihei Maui nice?
Kihei is Budget Friendly
Accommodations, shopping, and dining tend to be more moderately priced here, compared to most other visitor areas on the island. So, Kihei is that rare creature — a budget-friendly destination on Maui!
What is the leeward side of Maui?
west
Since Maui’s tradewinds blow out of the northeasterly quadrant for the majority of the year, Maui’s north and east shores are classified as the “windward” side, and the south and west shores are classified as the “leeward” side.
Is Kihei or Wailea better?
As you mentioned, Wailea is more upscale with more attractive and expensive accomodations. There are locations in Kihei that can be nearly as nice and a lot less expensive. I would recommend a Condo and would also recommend renting a car.
Why is Kihei so windy?
Leeward Side
Here is where the trade winds come in to play. The West Maui Mountains split the winds.This blast of wind ends up releasing in Maalaea then wrapping along the Kihei/Wailea coasts. This is why it can be so incredibly windy in the Maalaea Harbor and the south shore.
Is Kihei safe?
Kihei is a pretty safe area to visit, but there are safety concerns anywhere, so it’s a good idea to always be aware of your surroundings. The biggest safety hazards tend to be on the beaches and in the water. It’s a good idea to read all the warning signs carefully, and heed the advice given on them.
What is Kihei known for?
Kihei is beach-combing territory on Maui’s southwest shore, the sunniest, driest end of the island. Once a regular destination for sojourning Hawaiian royalty, Kihei features 6 miles of beaches offering clear views of Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai and West Maui.
Which side of Maui is less windy?
The calmest wind is usually found in South Kihei down through Wailea in the lee of Haleakala.
Which side of Maui is warmer?
Similar to the South of Maui, most of the leeward side of West Maui is located on lower ground near the coast. This area is warmer, sunnier, and drier than the rest of the island.
What is the prettiest beach in Maui?
Visit Maui’s Best Beaches
- Olowalu.
- Hamoa Beach.
- Kapalua Bay.
- Palauea White Rock.
- Honolua Bay.
- Wai’anapanapa State Park.
- Baldwin Beach Park.
- Ka’anapali Beach.
What is the calmest beach in Maui?
Kapalua Beach
Kapalua Beach is one of Maui’s top beaches, offering calm waters within its sheltered lava-rock cove. Kahekili Beach Park is Maui’s old airport strip and a favorite family beach destination.
Which beach in Maui has the most shark attacks?
Makena Point has the highest number of sharks sightings, followed by Kalama, according to local scientists who have been tracking and documenting shark movement and behavior for decades.
Where should I not live in Maui?
Best Place To Live And Top Places To Avoid In Maui
- Safe Places in Maui.
- Wailea. A place of the middle-class residential complex, hotels, and shops.
- Haleakala National Park.
- Kamaole Beach Park III.
- Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center.
- The Iao Valley.
- Areas to Avoid in Maui.
- Happy Valley.
Where do most locals live in Maui?
1. Kahului, Central. Kahului (a.k.a town) is the most urban place on Maui, with the airport and most big stores.
How big is Kihei?
30.2 km²
Is Kihei always windy?
Re: windy Kihei? On any given day, any part of the island can be windy. Having said that, North Kihei/Maalea tends to be much windier than other areas as breezes funnel right down the mountains and through the flatlands. We’ve stayed, however, three times at Sugar Beach, right in the wind zone.
Is it always windy in Kihei?
it can be a nice breeze all the way to very gusty. Just depends on the weather pattern. As suggested, it depends upon the weather pattern. Having said that, the northern Kihei area, especially as you get closer to the mountains and the harbor, tend to get pretty windy.