Planning a trip to Maui? Be sure to check out all the fun things to do in Kihei Maui.
This post will share some of our favorite Kihei beaches and helpful tips.
Kihei is an area of Maui located on the southwest shore. One of our favorite things about Kihei’s location is the weather. This part of the island is almost always sunny and dry.
My family loves to visit Maui. Our first trip to Kihei was more than 10 years ago. We have returned several times with our children.
We brought our family at all ages and stages: babies, toddlers, tweens, and teens. No matter how young or old the kids, we are always able to enjoy a family vacation in Hawaii.
We try to vacation at Kihei Maui as often as time and travel budget allows. Maui is the perfect island getaway for family friendly vacations.
Since there are so many parts of Maui to visit, I am going to focus this post on things to do in Kihei. There are so many fun things to do in Kihei Maui that it will take me more than one blog post.
This is Kihei Post One. Let’s talk about the best beaches in Kihei.
Family Friendly Beaches in Kihei Maui
Kamaole Beach Park 1, 2, and 3
There is a strip of beaches in Kihei called Kamoale Beach Park I, Kamaole Beach Park 2, and Kamaole Beach Park 3. These beaches are an easy place for families to spend the day.
If you are staying in the Kihei area, you may be close enough to walk to the Kamaole Beaches. There are thousands of vacation rentals right across the street.
Even when we stay in Kihei, we end up driving the rental car down to Kamaole Beach Parks. We take everything we need to survive the day from beach chairs and coolers of drinks to sunscreen and beach toys. We park the car and leave it there all day until we are ready to leave.
TIP: For best chance at a good parking spot, get to the beach earlier in the morning. As the day goes on, beach parking gets more competitive.
Kamaole Beach Park I, II, and III are located on South Kihei Road. There is parking along the road and in parking lot areas. All three of these beaches are within easy walking distance of each other.
Kamoaole Beach Parks have a lot of amenities. A few of the ones that my family always takes advantage of:
- Walk across street to tons of restaurants and shopping areas
- Public access bathrooms and showers
- Grassy play areas, playground, and picnic tables
Kihei Maui Beaches: Swimming, Snorkeling, Whale Watching
Swimming at Kamaole Beach 1, 2, 3
Kamaole Beach Park I and 2 have the best waves for swimming and body surfing, especially with younger kids.
K Beach Park 3 is the smallest beach and the waves can get a little rough for swimming. However, the plus side is Kamaole Beach 3 has easy access to the huge grassy park area, picnic areas, and playground. There is even a lot of shaded park area here.
Snorkeling at Kamaole Beach
All the Kamaole Beach Parks have good snorkeling, especially around the rocky areas that divide the three beaches from each other.
If you do not have snorkel equipment with you, a quick walk across the street will take you to Snorkel Bob’s or Auntie Snorkel Beach Rentals and Activities. At either of these places, you can easily rent everything you need to snorkel.
SIDENOTE: Auntie Snorkel Beach Rentals and Activities also has beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, paddleboards, and more of the things that will make your beach trip a pleasant experience available for rent.
We rent the things we need on the first day we get to the beach and return them at the end of our trip. My family has rented from both of these businesses multiple times. It has always been an easy experience plus well worth it to have all the beach supplies that don’t fit in our luggage!
For a truly unique snorkel experience, book a snorkel trip to Molokini. You can see the Molokini Crater from the beach in Kihei.
Whale Watching at Kamaole Beach
Depending on the time of year, you can see whales from Kihei beaches.
Whale watching in Maui is peak season from mid-January to March. However, there’s always a chance you will see whales during whale-watching season (typically November to May.)
Kihei Maui Sunset at Kamaole Beach
The Kamaole Beach Park is one of our favorite places to watch the Maui sunset in Kihei. We like to grab an ice cold shaved ice from Beach Street Maui Shaved Ice or ice cream from Kihei Aloha Ice Cream.
Both these food places are located an easy walk across the street from the Kamaole Beach Parks. There are several other places along S. Kihei Road to get ice cream, food, and drinks.
At Kamaole Beach, there are lots of locations to relax and enjoy the sunset.
Don’t forget to bring a camera to take gorgeous sunset photos. The golden hour before sunset is perfect for family pictures.
Watch the sunset from your beach chair. Or, bring a blanket and sit on the cool, green grass at the park above Kamaole Beach 3. Enjoy a sunset stroll down any of the Kamaole Beaches.
My family loves to walk on the sand, dip our feet in the water at the surf’s edge, and explore the black lava rocks while we wait for sun down.
TIP: Check online to see exactly what time the sun will set each day from Kamaole Beach. Sunset times vary depending on your location around the island.
Are you planning a trip or have you been to Kihei Maui? What is your favorite Kamaole Beach 1, 2, or 3? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
Check out our other family travel ideas like our favorite things to do in Yosemite National Park.
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