Ten Things to Know About Living in Kihei, Hawaii

Want to live somewhere with stunning sunsets, fantastic mountain views, and friendly neighbors? Then how about moving to Maui specifically to Kihei, HI. Nestled in the south of Maui island, Kihei has it all. Here, homeowners can enjoy affordable living, numerous beaches, a dynamic food scene, and great weather.

1. Easy Access to the Rest of Maui

People looking at real estate in Kihei, HI find that the area gives them easy access to the rest of the island. From Kahului Airport, it only takes around 20 minutes to get to the north part of Kihei. The town is also within driving distance of beaches and other attractions in Wailea, Maalaea, Lahaina, and North Shore.

2. Accessibility to Living Necessities

Living in Kihei not only gives residents easy access to the rest of Maui but also to all their necessities. In part thanks to the growing tourism in the area, Kihei has a complete array of essential shops and businesses, such as gas stations, banks, post offices, and grocery stores. In fact, the area puts homeowners within 15 minutes by car to the nearest Costco in Kahului.

3. A Laid-back Atmosphere

Kihei has a relaxed environment that helps give residents a better quality of living. Here, there is little rush hour traffic, loud city noises, or people bustling about. Although Kihei has areas that draw in crowds of tourists year-round, homeowners are still more likely to run into friendly locals. The area retains its laid-back vibe, with most locals dressed down in comfy clothes.

4. A Close-Knit Community

Along with its easy-going atmosphere, Kihei boasts a warm, close-knit neighborhood. Locals hold town parties every fourth Friday of the month where the entire community gets together to enjoy live music, dancing, good food, and more. This gives new locals a chance to get to know their neighbors and form new, lasting relationships.

5. Numerous Beaches All-Around

For people who love sandy beaches and taking a dip in the ocean, Kihei is the place to put down roots. Kihei has a whopping six miles of coastline. This gives residents great accessibility to gorgeous beaches and oceanfront parks, with almost any location in Kihei within a five-minute drive to the beach.

6. WonderfulSunny Weather

Kihei is well-known for its warm, sunny, and dry weather. In many cases, even if it is raining in other parts of Maui, chances are high that Kihei remains bright and sunny. Moreover, the area has very minimal changes in weather between summer and winter. Although, the winter months can get “chilly” by Kihei’s standards.

7. DynamicFood Scene

Kihei has no shortage of delicious food places — from food trucks and Huli Huli chicken by the road to fine dining options and iconic shaved ice from Ululani. Restaurants offer a wide variety of options, including seafood, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, vegan, and more. There are also numerous places with open areas or outdoor seating where diners can enjoy delicious food and excellent weather at the same time.

8. Fantastic Nightlife

In contrast to its general easy-going atmosphere, Kihei is actually one of the main places people go to for nightlife in Maui. The Triangle, or the Bermuda Triangle, as some locals may call it, is a collection of bars and dining areas in Kihei Kalama Village. This is where locals and tourists alike congregate for live music, drinking, dancing, and general merry-making.

9. Enchanted Sunsets

Kihei is perfectly positioned for catching some of the best and most beautiful sunsets, thanks to its western orientation. Sunsets in Kihei are beautifully reflected on its numerous beaches for a truly picturesque view.

10. Finding Affordable Housing Can Be a Challenge

With residents and investors eyeing Kihei for all its amazing advantages, finding affordable housing can be difficult. A small family home can cost about $700,000. Meanwhile, renting can be an even bigger challenge, due to a low supply of leased properties. A two-bedroom condominium can cost around $2,000 monthly. However, the prices of homes and condo complexes in Kihei are still lower than in Wailea, whether you are renting or buying.

If you are seriously considering moving to and purchasing a home in Kihei, using a trusted real estate listing site and working with a trusted real estate agent helps boost your chances of finding your ideal Hawaiian home — while staying within your budget!