Things to Do This Weekend in Kihei

Hawai’i is synonymous with luxury, and Wailea is the pinnacle. Just off South Kihei Road, you’ll find The Shops at Wailea, the heart and soul of Maui’s southern coast. Upscale retail venues such as Gucci, Tommy Bahama, and Imrie fill this premier shopping destination. Wailea shopping is some of the most luxurious in the world, ranging from high-end stores to locally- owned boutiques. At the same time, weekly events are the perfect way to spend the day. Lei Po’o-making classes, live music, and a Polynesian show are just a few locally-hosted events that are sure to entertain the whole family.

The waters off the south coast of Maui tend to be calm and are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and longboarding. The several beaches that run up and down Kihei Road are ideal spots to learn how to surf or take a guided tour around Maui’s beautiful coast. Locally-owned surf shops pepper the coastline, making for easy access when renting kayaks or boards. La Perouse Bay is a lava field covering the southern peninsula of Maui. The unique landscape and remote entrance make this area a quiet oasis away from the bustle of Downtown Kihei. La Perouse is a protected area of coastline that doesn’t allow fishing but is great to paddleboard or just enjoy the unique view of Maui’s incredible landscape.

Maui is known for crystal clear water and vibrant coral reefs and no place is this more prevalent than Kihei. Wailea Beach, known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, is a crescent-shaped bay bordered by the Four Seasons, Waldorf, and the Marriot. This coconut palm-shaded beach offers golden sand and relatively calm waters year-round, making it the ideal snorkel and swim spot. For the adventurer, there’s Keawakapu, a white sand beach that offers an upscale atmosphere hidden by a lush neighborhood, keeping this area private. Saint Anthony, a shipwreck about a quarter of a mile from the coast, makes for wonderful diving and snorkeling. No weekend in Kihei is complete without a trip to Makena Beach State Park, or as the locals refer to it, “Big Beach.” As its name suggests, Makena is one of the largest beaches in Maui, stretching a staggering ⅔ of a mile. The white sand of this beach is tucked between two black lava outcroppings that offer protection from the trade winds, creating a dreamy oasis surrounded by nature and overlooking the islands of Lanai and Molokini.

A walk along Kihei’s coast offers views of the surrounding islands, while a day trip on one of the many catamarans in Maalaea Harbor provides the experience. Molokini is a partially sunk volcanic crater that forms a crescent-shaped islet off the coast of Maui. This uninhabited area is home to 250 fish species and 38 kinds of coral, providing a glimpse into the untouched areas of our oceans. Honolua Bay and Lanai are some other local day trips that offer snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs that surround Maui. During the winter months, humpback whales fill the Maui Nui Basin and can be viewed up close on whale-watching excursions, along with green sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and the occasional spinner dolphin. For a romantic dinner on the water, go on a sunset cruise with excellent cuisine, Mai Tais, and a dazzling view of the most sought-after sunset in the United States.

Hawaiian food is as rich and flavorful as its culture, and Kihei has it all. For delicious local coffee on the beach, try Akamai Coffee, a locally-owned coffee chain found around the Hawaiian islands. Baked On Maui is home to mouthwatering Kona coffee and delicious pastries made from scratch with local ingredients.

For a unique island-wide favorite, Cafe O'Lei at the Mill House is an absolute must. This Kihei staple has been owned and operated by locals for 25 years, boasting the best seafood on Maui’s southern coast. For an authentic Hawaiian meal, visit Cuatro Restaurant, voted the best new restaurant in 2009 and best chef in 2019. This eatery offers freshly-caught local fish, chicken, and award-winning nachos sure to please the entire family. Of course, no evening is complete without a locally-brewed beer at the Maui Brewing Company. When you pair handcrafted cocktails, fresh food, and live music with a patio dripping in string lights, you get the perfect way to end a Saturday night.

The south and west coasts of Maui are sprawling with golf courses, but few compare to the Wailea Golf Club. This club is home to three championship courses spanning the coast of Wailea: Emerald, Gold, and, Blue. These courses are uniquely situated to give players a view of Maui’s stunning landscape. Lava rock, ocean views, and mountains surround these greens, making them some of the most beautiful in the world. The Emerald course is the largest and most challenging, sitting at a whopping 7,000 yards and boasting obstacles such as lakes, narrow driving alleys, and holes nested in lava rock formations. The Gold course is equal when it comes to views but offers a less challenging play for golfers. The Blue course is long and expansive, boasting ocean views and an open feel. This course is best known as a warmup course but can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels.

Maui’s southern coast is a bustling area of culture, food, adventure, and sunshine. For more information on homes for sale in Wailea, contact Kevin Spaise. Maui has become the best place to purchase vacation rentals in 2022 because of the increase in demand and investment. Kevin Spaise and Associates are experienced professionals who’ll make your property-buying experience as enjoyable as possible. When you live in paradise, the vacation never ends!