Located on the southwest shore of Maui, Kihei is a sprawling beachfront town that offers visitors, residents, and locals a balance of everything expected in living in an island town. Only a short drive from Wailea, Makena, and Central Maui, this place gives access to wonderful city life while providing the simplicity and charm of rural life. 

Known for its easy-going vibe, numerous beaches, and budget-friendly options, it has made it a sought-after choice for those looking to settle in Hawaii. For potential property owners, there are many real estate options—including starter homes, up-and-coming condominiums, and even some of the most luxurious getaways on the island.

However, before settling in Kihei, you should consider a few things. Moving to an entirely new place may be daunting, but this article is intended to guide you on if living in Kihei, Maui, is right for you!

Climate

Kihei has a tropical climate, meaning you can expect sunshine almost all year round. Temperatures range between the lower 70s to upper 80s degrees Fahrenheit on average but can dip to the low 60s come winter. As for rain, Kihei produces around 10 inches annually, with January being the wettest month.

You can expect steady winds around 20-30 mph when the trades are blowing. Though this acts as a natural air conditioner for some, afternoons on the beach can result in skin irritation, painful sunburns, and other collateral damage.

Cost of Living

According to this report, Kihei's cost of living is 64.4% higher than the U.S. average. The median income in Kihei is around $76,000, and the median home value can go up to $700,000. So before moving, you're highly advised to check your financial situation and see if living in Kihei is sustainable.

Things To Do in Kihei

Why choose Kihei? The whole vibe and many things you can do on this charming island!

It's hard to be bored here with its 6-mile easy-to-access beaches and an eclectic mish-mash of shopping, dining, and other amenities. It offers most of the things you'll need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Whatever you're looking for on Maui, you'll likely find it in Kihei.

  • You will not run out of beaches in Kihei, considering it has six miles of coastline with multiple beaches and oceanfront resorts lined up the South Kihei Road—from Sugar Beach (towards Maalaea) to Keawakapu Beach.
  • Kihei provides accessibility to other towns. Depending on the traffic, it can take you roughly 25 minutes to drive to Kahului Airport. It places you within reasonable driving range to explore the North Shore, Upcountry, Iao Valley, and Maalaea attractions.  You're also a short drive away from all the big box stores where you can find home-building materials, toys, groceries, and other goods.
  • From fine dining to food trucks, shaved ice, and roadside Huli Huli chicken stands, Kihei offers a variety of dining options, more than any other town on the island. You won't run out of dining options here.
  • Accommodations, shopping, and dining tend to be more moderately priced here than in most other visitor areas on the island. So, Kihei is that rare gem—a budget-friendly destination on Maui.
  • Did you know they hold Kihei town parties every 4th Friday of the month? This is an excellent opportunity for you to be acquainted with the place and its community. Enjoy a night of live music, dancing, eating, and other activities with Kihei families, friends, and loved ones.
  • Being in Kihei means getting a chance to be part of one of the most popular activities in Hawaii—a luau! Expect hula dances, Hawaiian chanting, storytelling, cultural activities, and more.
  • If you're a sunset chaser or enjoy the sky displaying beautiful works of art, you'll be happy to choose Kihei. Perfectly positioned with a western orientation, the sunsets are breathtaking.
  • Ocean lovers can enjoy swimming, surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, and other beach & water sports. You can even schedule a snorkel whale watch to feast your eyes on a giant humpback whale breaching the sea's surface.  Remember that water temperatures are highest in September and coolest between January and February, so plan your activities accordingly.

Other Points To Consider

  • If you're moving with pets, gear up for a lengthy and costly screening process since Hawaii carefully guards its ecosystem against outside threats.
  • Be prepared for the occasional run-in with roaches, snakes, spiders, and mosquitoes. It's unavoidable. Keep this in mind, especially when you're deciding on moving to Kihei.
  • Kihei can be a little crowded, given its small geographical area. Traffic is manageable, but you may want to be wary of the tourists. The town is filled with sun-loving, avid beachgoers, including locals and tourists… so it can be a little congested, especially during peak seasons.

Kihei provides every opportunity to kickstart the island life you've always imagined. The natural beauty, proximity to an endless stretch of beaches, good weather, vast dining options, lively activities, and more make this a place you'd want to live in Maui.

With Kihei being a competitive ground for real estate properties, Maui Property has a significant foothold on amazing deals for purchasing and selling customers. Maui Property is knowledgeable when it comes to buying real estate in Kihei. Our experienced team of realtors is more than capable of ensuring that real estate closings are easily managed.

We will ensure you have a pleasurable and rewarding experience in buying or selling property in the area. For more information about the available properties in the neighborhoods of Kihei, contact us here or call (808) 217-8832. There's much to choose from, from large complexes to individual properties to low- & mid-rise vacation condominiums. 

Let Maui Property walk you through the steps as you fulfill your ideal life in paradise.