Local Guide to Kihei, Maui: Top Things to Do + Food Trucks, Sushi, Happy Hour & more!

December 29, 2025
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where to eat in kihei maui

Local Guide to Kihei, Maui: Top Things to Do + Food Trucks, Sushi, Happy Hour & more!

I live and work on the South Shore of Maui, so this isn’t a generic “top 10” list. These are my real go-to spots for beach time, low-key fun, and places I actually eat.

Watch the sunset from Kamaole II beach. One of my favorite beaches! I was out for an evening run and had to stop to take in this glorious sunset!

Before you get in the water (local safety tip)

Ocean conditions change fast in South Maui—especially with wind, swell, and after rain.

  • Check ocean conditions: https://safebeachday.com/county/maui/

  • Look for any advisories. My Non-scientific local tip- Don’t go out if water is murky!

  • Always respect lifeguards and warning flags.KAMAOLE ONE AND TWO TYPICALLY HAVE LIFEGUARDS SO CONSIDER THOSE AREAS FOR SWIMMING AND TALK TO THE LIFEGUARDS FOR ANY ADVICE ON OCEAN CONDITIONS.

Beaches (my favorites for swimming + easy days)

Kihei has so many crescent-shaped beaches. For a classic beach day, these are my personal regulars.

Kama‘ole Beach Parks I, II & III

Great for swimming, sunset walks, and easy beach access.

Keawakapu Beach

One of those beaches that instantly makes you exhale—long shoreline, great for swimming and walking.

Walk or run Sugar Beach (a hidden-gem )

Sugar Beach is one of the longest continuous beaches in Hawaiʻi, and it often feels less crowded because of how long it is—and because much of it fronts a preserve area. I love it for:

Keālia “Natural Preserve” (Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge)

If you want a peaceful nature break between Kihei and Maʻalaea, stop at Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge—Maui’s largest remaining lowland wetland and an incredible place for birdwatching (you’ll often spot endangered Hawaiian waterbirds and, in winter, migratory visitors too). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service+1

Don’t miss the Keālia Coastal Boardwalk, an easy, scenic walk with interpretive signs that help you understand the wetland habitat and the birds you’re seeing. Hawaiʻi Birding Trails+1
There’s also a Visitor/Nature Center where you can learn more about the refuge and its wildlife before (or after) your walk. Hawaiʻi Birding Trails+1

Link: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kealia-pond U.S.

Surf spots: The Cove (yes—Kihei can light up)

South Maui isn’t known for surf like the North Shore, but when there’s a solid south swell… the surf is up.

The Cove (Cove Park)

This is the iconic Kihei surf-learning zone. You’ll often see surf lessons here and a friendly lineup.
Local tip: if there’s been rain or runoff, the water can get murky—check conditions before paddling out.

ProArts Playhouse (small venue, huge talent)

This is one of my favorite “surprise and delight” experiences in Kihei. It’s intimate, and you get to experience music, magic, and theatre up close. Every time I go, I’m thinking: my gosh, the talent!
They rotate shows often, so consider signing up for emails. Some of my favorites are White Hawaiian and Magic in Paradise.

Kalepolepo (Ko‘ie‘ie) Ancient Fishpond

Kalepolepo is a treasure and one of the most intact ancient fishponds in Hawaiʻi. At low tide, it can create a calm, natural pool that can be great for kids (with close supervision, of course). It’s in North Kihei near Menehune Shores.

Pickleball at Waipuilani Park

The courts and conditions could be better, but it’s public, it’s free, and it’s a great way to meet people from all over the world.
Local tip: mornings are usually better—afternoons can get windy. And hydrate more than you think you need. Yes- I love pickleball!!!!

Skate Park at Kalama Park

A classic Kihei spot if you have skaters or are a skater. It is right by the ocean!

Live music (easy night out)

Maui Coast Hotel often has live music by the pool—always check the current schedule before you go.

Kihei Boat Harbor (snorkel + raft departures)

A lot of ocean activities launch out of here. If you’re going on a morning tour, plan to arrive early- check with the boat company.

Snorkeling in Kihei + Turtle Town nearby

For a simple snorkel day close to where you’re staying, try the reefs near the rocky edges of Kama‘ole and Keawakapu when conditions are calm.
Turtle Town is also in South Maui and is known for turtle sightings—conditions matter, so go smart.

Golf (quick mention)

Maui Nui Golf Course is right here in Kihei. I’m not a golfer, but if you are, it’s a convenient option:

Where to Eat in Kihei (my go-to list)

South Maui Gardens (food truck haven + garden oasis)

This is such a fun Kihei experience—lots of food options in a tropical garden setting. It used to be a nursery-it still is! The owners created such a lovely haven!

Also there:

Ramen

Tajima Ramen (Kukui Mall ) is one of my comfort stops for Ramen.

Fish plates (super popular, casual)

Easy yes spots

Brewery day

Maui Brewing Co (Kihei):

Sushi

Healthy grocery + deli

Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods (deli + grab-and-go):

Sweet treats

Indian food with an oceanfront view

Monsoon (Menehune Shores area):

Thai Food:

Nutcharee’s Authentic Thai Food is Thai cuisine right here in South Maui. Pumpkin Curry — often called out as a house specialty / standout dish Visit their website to explore the menu and plan your visit: https://nutchareesthaifood.com/

There is also Maui Thai Bistro. I like their Oxtail Soup! https://www.mauithaibistro.com/

Happy Hour!

One of my favorites is Isana in North Kihei. Honestly one of the best cocktails called Shiso Cool with candied ginger! They have Sushi too.

Isana: https://www.isanarestaurant.net/happy-hour-menu

Quick local reality note

This isn’t the most exhaustive list—and it’s not pretending to be. I’m a full-time working person as realtor,  so I can’t try everything and of course my taste is not necessarily your taste!  And staff/ownership can change and affect quality. These are simply my current go-to’s as someone who lives and works here. I hope to update it but cannot guarantee I will on a timely basis as my focus is on real estate!  But, if you have any recommendations, please contact me and let me know. I would be happy to try and offer you my feedback! Sorry, I don’t do public negative feedback. If I don’t like it I probably just won’t mention it. Or more often than not, I have yet to try it so that is probably why I have not mention it yet.

South Kihei is very walkable

One of the best parts of vacationing in South Kihei is that you can often walk to beaches, coffee, casual food, and sunset spots—especially around Kama‘ole and Kalama Park.

I WILL ALSO BE WRITING ABOUT AREAS SUCH AS WAILEA AND WHAT TO DO AN WHERE TO EAT! WAILEA IS VERY CLOSE TO KIHEI SO IF YOU ARE VACATIONING IN KIHEI YOU CAN GO TO WAILEA IN JUST A FEW MINUTES! SO STAY TUNE!

Explore my featured Maui listings

If you’re curious what’s currently on the market (or you’re planning a move), you can see my featured properties here:
https://www.livingonmaui.com/featured-properties/ Jeannie Kong-Evarts REALTOR®(S)

Maui's best realtor

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

 

 

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