In this guide to South Maui, you’ll find hidden gems and unique places to stay, where to eat,
where to drink, and fun things to do in South Maui!
Written by Lauren
This post contains affiliate links.
So you’re going to Hawaii (yay!), and better yet, you’ve decided to go to the Valley Isle, Maui (good choice, btw). Now, all you have to do is figure out where you’re going once you get there.
So let’s talk about South Maui.
In this guide to South Maui, you’ll find hidden gems and unique places to stay, where to eat, where to drink, and fun things to do in South Maui.
Jump right to it …
What you need to know about South Maui
Map • Getting around • When to go
Things to do
Hit the beach • Snorkel • Take a stroll • Get out in the water
Pocket Guide to the Best Beaches and Snorkeling Spots in South Maui
Kīhei
Where to stay • Where to eat • Where to shop
Pocket Guide to Kīhei
Wailea-Makena
Where to stay • Where to eat • Where to shop
Map
Pocket Guide to South Maui
But wait, what is a pocket guide, exactly?
Glad you asked.
Pocket Guides are our quick and dirty, need-to-know guides. Short, sweet, and to the point. You won’t find added embellishments or extra long explanations. Formatted so that you can screenshot or copy and paste sections to keep handy in your phone (which you keep in your pocket. Heh, see what we did there?) for when you’re traveling or off the grid.
What you need to know about South Maui
South Maui is on the Leeward (dry) side of the island and stretches down the coast from Kīhei down to Wailea-Makena.
You could easily base your entire stay in Maui from Kīhei or Wailea-Makena, and have the perfect chill Hawaiian vacation filled with morning coffees on the lanai, beautiful beaches, and sunset drinks. But to really get the full Maui experience, we recommend spreading your stay over several areas.
Truthfully, this was our least favorite place we stayed on the island. We were here for a wedding and this was where the wedding party was based. Everyone else in the wedding party stayed here for the entire duration and really enjoyed it, so maybe we’re just biased!
Stay for: 3 – 7 days (or forever)
Best for: beaching + relaxing
Great for: families, couples, uneasy travelers
Getting around Maui
Rent a car
We recommend renting a car for the duration of your stay. There are neighborhoods that are walkable, but for the most part, you will need a car to get around.
It is very easy to get around in a car with easy stress-free parking.
If you’re staying in a condo, you will most likely have access to a free parking spot with your unit. If you’re staying in a resort however, there is usually a daily fee to park ($50+ a day).
Small caveat, if I may: if you are staying at a resort in Wailea, you could theoretically get away with not having your own car. You could arrange airport transportation and shuttle transportation for most activities and excursions you may want to do, or you may not even want to leave the resort at all. But our take here at w + w: it’d be a shame to never leave the resort (as beautiful and luxurious as it is) and miss out on all that Maui has to offer! End caveat.
Piilani Highway (31) is the main thoroughfare down the coast.
Distance from Kahului airport: 30 minutes
Take the 311 to 31 (Piilani highway)
Distance from Pā’ia: 30 minutes
Distance from Lāhainā: 45 minutes
Distance to Haleakalā: 1 hour and 15 minutes
When to go to South Maui
Year round!
Maui averages in the 70s (°F) year round, with lows averaging in the 50s (°F).
November – April average in the lower 70s (°F) and May – October average in the mid to high 70s (°F) .
We went in February and had the most gorgeous weather imaginable—sunny and 72°F everyday!
The days were perfect for hiking, exploring, and hitting the beach. The nights were perfect for beachside strolls and dining. You may want to bring a light cardigan to layer on at night, but most nights, I just went out in a sundress and was completely comfortable the entire time.
South Maui is one of the driest parts of the island. It only rains here three or four times a year! So you can expect plenty of sunshine year round.
Things to do in South Maui
Hit the beach for a leisurely lounge + swim: best beaches in South Maui
South Maui is home to some of the best beaches on the island (and the state, and probably the entire globe). We’re gonna stick to the best and our favorites here.
South Maui might sometimes get hit with bigger swells in the summer (better for surfing), but for the most part, the biggest thing you’ll need to worry about is the wind. Otherwise you’re looking at clear and calm waters for the most part.
The best time to go snorkeling + swimming is in the morning.
Also, do yourself a favor and stick to the beaches south of Kama’ole Beach. The ones north of that have less clear, more brown water due to some nasty run-off issues.
What Maui Revealed calls “one of the most criminally underrated beaches in South Maui.”
And we couldn’t agree more! (Though, they’re the experts so we defer to them.) Keawakapu Beach is a long sandy beach with nary a beach rock to stub your toe on in the water. My friend and I spent hourssss just floating away the day in here. Let’s just say, our friends and significant other weren’t exactly thrilled with us (in our defense, they had a cooler full of drinks and all that Maui sunshine, just saying), but we came out pruny and happy as could be.
Nearly half a mile of pristine sandy beach lined with trees, that never seems to be too crowded. Excellent swimming (and some great snorkeling opportunities await here). Don’t forget to take a climb over the lava rocks on the north side to access the northernmost portion of the beach.
Our friends got married here during a gorgeous sunset ceremony! (We <3 you Jake + Jerry!)
According to Maui Revealed, “Kama’ole I is the biggest and best of the three [Kama’ole beaches]—a long and pretty stretch of fine sand with good swimming much of the time, restrooms, showers, and a lifeguard.”
Other good things:
- convenience store across the street
- close parking
- good snorkeling around the rocks
Wailea Beach has been voted the best beach in America several times over! With a title like that, we definitely think its worth checking out. Parking can get tricky, so say your prayers to the parking gods before you go!
Makena Beach or Big Beach (as the hippies coined it back in the day, cause you know, it’s really big) is the iconic Hawaiian beach—beautiful long, wide, and sandy with lush mountains gently sloping up behind the tree line. Popular spot for swimmers, snorkelers, and beachgoers (also hippies).
There’s a pod of dolphins that like to frequent the area from La Perouse Bay up to Big Beach in the early mornings, so keep your eyes peeled! (Anyone else think that’s a strange saying?)
Pro Tips
Rent all the gear you could ever need from Auntie Snorkel
Beach gear, snorkel gear, GoPros to catch all your action shots, wetsuits, paddle boards, and more
Wear lots of (reef-safe) sunscreen!
Best to go snorkeling in the morning (before noon) before the winds start to pickup.
Snorkel
This was the first place I snorkeled on the island, and it was the perfect spot to get my feet wet (literally and figuratively) because you don’t have to venture far from shore or the beach, and the gentle slope into the water makes it a breeze getting in and out. Once I got in and got my flips and goggles on, I spent about thirty minutes exploring the northern rocky ridge before I headed back in.
A half-sunken crescent shaped volcanic crater 2.5 miles off the coast, Molokini is considered one of Maui’s best snorkeling spots with colorful coral and clear water with visibility up to 180 feet in spots. There are lots of guided tour options to get you out exploring this treasure trove of marine wildlife. Just keep in mind, you’re gonna be there with a lot of other tourists looking for the same experience.
Some snorkel tours that depart from South Maui
Pocket Guide to Best Beaches +
Snorkeling Spots in South Maui
Swimming
(Beach Day vibes)
Keawakapu Beach
Po’olenalena Beach
Kama’ole Beach I
Wailea Beach
Big Beach
Snorkeling
Molokini Crater
Po’olenalena Beach
Kama’ole Beach I
Take a stroll
A 3 mile stretch of sandy beach at the north end of South Maui, it’s the perfect place for a morning or evening stroll along the beach due to the lack of buildings.
Park at Haycraft Park
Kealia Coastal Boardwalk trail
Less than a mile out and back, easy scenic walk over wetlands on an elevated boardwalk
Timeframe: 15 minutes
No dogs allowed
2.6 miles out and back, popular easy trail along the beach
Timeframe: 50 minutes to complete
Dogs allowed and may be off-leash in areas
5 miles out and back, easy trail along the beach
Timeframe: Hour and a half total
Start at: Keawakapu Beach Park
Turn around at: Polo Beach Park
Bathrooms along the trail
No dogs allowed
King’s Highway: Hanomanioa Lighthouse and Kamanamana Beach
5.5 miles out and back, moderate hike
Dogs allowed on leash
Get out on the water
With all those beautiful beaches with crystal clear water, there’s no better way to enjoy Maui than to get out on the water!
Whether you want to rent your own and DIY it, take lessons with an expert instructor, or go more hands-on with a guided tour, here’s some ideas to get you going:
Paddle-boarding
Surfing
Kayaking
Try a combo snorkel and kayak tour!
Take a boat tour
Wonderlist essential
Outrigger canoeing
Get your Moana on with this ancient Hawaiian sport!
- Sail, paddle, snorkel tours with Maui Sailing Canoe
- Drop in with the Kihei Canoe Club on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings (instruction provided) Begin with E Ala E, a traditional chant to welcome the rising sun. Sail in the bright red and gold wa`a’s (canoes), learn about Hawaiian culture and local sea life, and end with a Mahalo chant
Did you know?
Moana means ocean!
Kīhei
(key – hey)
Vibe: residential feel with neighborhoods, smaller hotels and condo buildings, and strip malls
Kīhei will feel very familiar and comfortable to suburbanites.
Where to stay in Kīhei
You will find plenty of mid-range condo accommodations with some of the most affordable prices on the island. And for the most part, they’re all the same (basic grounds, pool. lawn out to the beach). That being said, we’ve found that the accommodations in this area tend to be older and more dated.
Most buildings here are only a few stories high, which gives the area a very low-key feel.
So with that in mind, we wanted to highlight some places that embody a little more of that aloha spirit (whether that be a more authentic plantation style experience or beautifully maintained grounds) than your typical condo unit for a more relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Disclaimer: we only have direct experience with one of these listings, but we wanted to give some options so you could get an idea of what you can find in this area.
Condos + Resorts
Beautiful, clean property with friendly staff just steps away from Kamaole Beach Park
Expedia
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1-3 bedroom condos with balconies on beautiful manicured grounds with swaying palms and ponds
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Plantation style cottages with kitchens on two aces of tropical grounds
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Waterfront condos with pool, in-unit laundry and kitchens
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Hilton Grand Vacations Club Maui Bay Villas
Sip Mai Tai’s at a poolside cabana under the palm trees at this sleek, modern stay
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5 acre site with eight buildings
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Budget
Where we stayed
She don’t look like much, but to be honest, she was completely fine. We weren’t in the room enough for it to matter. There was plenty of room for two women with all our luggage, clothing, and photo gear. We really enjoyed being able to sleep with the sliding door to the balcony open. Our room faced the central courtyard with the pool, and the balcony walls were high enough to provide plenty of privacy.
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Where to eat + drink in Kīhei
Breakfast
Lots of seating (indoor and outdoor) with good lattes and health-conscious dining options (avocado toast, anyone?)
“Diner done Hawaiian style!”
Coffee truck at the food truck park with drive-through window
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
I could wax poetically (and at length) about how much I love Maui Brewing Co’s seltzers (White Claw, never heard of her, at least not after I met Maui POG), but I’ll spare you.
Long story short, refreshing drinks and good eats in a hip open-air industrial space.
Lots of variety with shaded seating
South Maui Gardens Food Truck Park
An unsuspecting tropical oasis hidden in a planet nursery that’s a mix of brick and mortar restaurants and food trucks. Daily live free music and a paid evening hula show that is not to be missed.
Good for large parties
Kīhei Kalama Village aka The Triangle
From one parking lot (across the street from Kalama Park), you can roam an entire network of cozy little watering holes with outdoor seating and hidden nooks. We really enjoyed exploring all the different bars. If you want to feel like a local, this is the place for you. We loved interacting with the other guests and bartenders.
Counter-style casual spot for fresh fare (I ate at the one in Paia)
Late-night option (open till 10pm)
Kings Chinese saved me after I landed and Haui’s kitchen had closed.
Order the Kalua pork cabbage.
Kahale’s Maui’s Local Dive Bar
What Ales You, The Hidden Oasis
Breezy patio seating with live music
Friendly bartenders with heavy-handed pours (god bless ’em)
From left to right clockwise:
Classic bar wall art at it’s finest 🤌🏻
Cocktail with a dirty name that I don’t remember, but it was funny
Lauren and Heather with bartender John (aloha shirt) and bouncer Rudy—we make friends everywhere we go!
Vibe Bar Maui’s very own wardrobe to Narnia!
Karaoke hot-spot with atrocious service, not that that stopped us from frequenting
Where to shop in Kīhei
In the same block that you’ll find the collection of our favorite watering holes (see above), you will find Kīhei Kalama Village, an open air shopping market for gifts and souvenirs.
It really hit the sweet spot for the breezy island market stand shopping experience we were looking for. Touristy AF? Of course, but isn’t that all part of the charm?
Where to shop for groceries + essentials in Kīhei
- Times
- Safeway
- Long’s Drugs (a Hawaiian classic — ya gotta go!)
Pocket Guide to Kīhei
Stays
Aloha Aku Inn + Suites
Kohea Kai Hotel Maui
Nona Lani Cottages
Koa Resort
Maui Hill
Ma’alaea Surf
Villa Moana
Eats + Drinks
Java Cafe
Kīhei Caffe
Kraken Coffee
Kīhei food truck park
South Maui Gardens Food Trucks
Lava Rock Bar & Grill
Maui Brewing Co
Kīhei Kalama Village
Paia Fish Market South Side
Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse BBQ
Kings Chinese Barbecue
Kahale’s Maui’s Local Dive Bar
Dog & Duck
What Ales You, The Hidden Oasis
South Shore Tiki Lounge
Vibe Bar Maui
Haui’s Life’s a Beach
Shop
Kīhei Kalama Village
Groceries + Essentials
Times
Safeway
Long’s Drugs
Wailea-Makena
(Why – lay – uh) — (Mah – ken – ah)
Vibe: gorgeous, relaxed upscale resort area
Watch out for deer!
In 1959, 9 axis deer were brought over from India. (Why, you ask? Probably some brilliant scheme that obviously backfired.) The deer have since multiplied to 60,000 strong
(the 60’s was the decade of love, after all).
Where to stay in Wailea-Makena
Hidden Gems + Unique Stays
Enjoy your own private oasis at this boutique inn on lush tropical grounds with pool and walking paths
Eva Villa Maui Bed and Breakfast
Private hilltop sanctuary, accommodations include cottages, poolside studios, and poolside suites
Resort Life
Wailea Beach Resort — Marriott
Lounge poolside in one of the floating cabanas at this family-friendly resort with five pools, longest hotel waterslide in Hawaii, and waterfalls. Modern accommodations on pristinely manicured grounds with spa, private dining options, and luau.
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Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
The ultimate luxurious oceanfront resort experience, the Grand Wailea was inspired by Maui itself: the water, light, sound, flowers, trees, and art of the Valley Isle. This expansive property covers 40 acres of beautiful gardens with dining, retail, and a spa. Immerse yourself in the local Hawaiian culture with hula and ukulele lessons.
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Four Seasons, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
“Maui’s most glamorous oceanfront resort.”
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“A lush vibrant retreat for all” take a dip in one of three pools (one being a tranquil adults-only serenity pool), spend a day at the spa, or immerse yourself in the Fairmont’s Hawaiian Cultural Program where you can learn how to paddle a traditional outrigger canoe, take hula and ukulele lessons, feed the fish at the koi pond, take part in the nightly torch lighting ceremony that starts with the blowing of the pū (conch shell) to commemorate the ending of another day in paradise, and plant native tree seedlings in the greenhouse!
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Hotel Wailea, Relais & Chateaux (Adults Only)
Exceptional boutique resort with calm and relaxing atmosphere
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Large Parties
Live like a local in this house with a large lanai that sleeps 5 (4 adults)
Private saltwater pool and hot tub with tiki-inspired cabana pool area
4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, sleeps 10-12
Where to eat in Wailea-Makena
In this area, you will mostly find resort restaurants and bars.
- Easy walkability (beachside path), but pricey
Recommended Reading
Maui Revealed
This is my go-to resource for Maui and I cannot recommend this book enough!
Andrew is the real deal. He (and now his team) live and breathe Hawaii in a way that seriously makes me jealous, spending two years on the ground researching, exploring, and doing all the things before publishing their blue guidebooks.
All written with a dash of humor and a smattering of sarcasm, it’s the perfect companion for your Maui trip planning.
In Maui Revealed, he covers:
- Maui’s history
- Everything you need to know about Maui
- All 6 areas of the island, plus 3 offshore islands
- Reviews of all beaches
- Activities
- Adventures
- Dining
X marks the spot
Pocket Guide to South Maui
Need to know
Leeward (dry) side
Main thoroughfare: Piilani Highway (Hwy 31)
Transportation: Rent a car
Stay for: 3 – 7 days
Best for: beaching + relaxing
Great for: families, couples, uneasy travelers
When to go
Anytime!
Where to Stay
Kīhei | Condos
Wailea-Makena | High-end resort area
What to do
Wine and dine
Hit the beach
Go snorkeling
Stroll on the beach
Get out on the water —kayak, paddle board, surf, outrigger canoe
Take a boat tour
Shop
South Maui is the perfect spot to go for the ideal Hawaiian vacation—with plenty of sunshine, palm trees, picturesque sandy beaches, and plenty of opportunities to get out in the water!
Located less than an hour from most hot spot destinations on the island, South Maui is also the perfect place to base your Maui vacation. If you’re looking for more budget friendly accommodations, Kīhei is your spot. If you’re looking to splurge on the ultimate luxurious getaway in paradise, you couldn’t do better than Wailea.
Our best advice when trip planning: don’t overdo it. Pick a few must do things that YOU actually want to do (not what everyone else is doing) or stick to a vibe. You don’t have to do everything all at once or all in one trip. It’s much more enjoyable to do one thing thoroughly, than try to do everything half-assed.
Whichever way you choose to go, we hope this guide to South Maui gives you everything you need to start planning that perfect Maui vacation!
Mahalo!
The Maui Collection
About Lauren
Reader, writer, traveller, itinerary-creator & mapmaker extraordinaire
Detroit-born, Nashville-bent, everywhere-bound, some of her favorite things include drinking coffee, eating in roadside diners frequented by locals and truckers alike, reading entire guidebooks front to back, visiting local bookshops, spirit questing in New Mexico, watching wildlife documentaries, listening to unapologetic amounts of Taylor Swift, and sitting in aisle seats. To name a few.
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