Matt Rott profile picture
Matt Rott
Hawaii Local Expert

Last Modified: January 8, 2026

Kihei map

Kihei Neighborhood Overview

Sunny vibes, Kam I, Cove Surf, Too Many ABCs

🧭Generally defined as the area: Southeast of Maalaea, east of Maalaea Bay, north of Kamaole Beach Park, extending about a mile up into the hills to the east.

📌Widely recognized as the place for: Endless sunsets, winter whales, budget condos, taco trucks.

👕You can spot a Kihei local by: Reef-safe sunscreen sheen and slippers in every car cupholder.

👍Locals live here because: Dry weather, warm water, and work is 10 minutes away.

👎Don't say we didn't warn you about: Afternoon winds, tight parking, and traffic when whales show off.

The general vibe is: Sunny, salty, casual, traffic chaos.

Sun lovers, snorkel lords, shave ice philosophers.

Snappy Scout logo

Moving to Kihei - Make Sense Of Your Next Move

Whether you're new to Maui or deciding which part of the island fits you best, Snappy Scout cuts through the noise and shows you what living here is really like. If you're still finding your way, start with our Moving to Maui guide for the big-picture view — or compare Kihei against other parts of the island in our Maui neighborhood guide.