Kihei HI

Kihei – A sun-soaked gem on Maui’s southwest shore, Kihei blends island charm with breathtaking beauty. With golden beaches, warm ocean breezes, and laid-back aloha vibes, it’s a paradise for beachgoers, families, and adventurers alike. Whether you're snorkeling with sea turtles, savoring fresh poke by the shore, or catching a vibrant sunset over the Pacific, Kihei welcomes you with open arms and endless island magic.

• Population: ~22,000
• Weather: Warm and sunny year-round (70-88°F); dry climate with gentle ocean breezes.
• Places To Visit: Kamaole Beach Parks, Kalama Beach Park, Maui Ocean Center, Wailea Beach, Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge.
• Top Activities: Snorkeling at Molokini Crater, stand-up paddleboarding, whale watching in winter, exploring nearby waterfalls, attending a traditional luau.
• Famous Food: Fresh poke bowls at Eskimo Candy, loco moco from Nalu’s South Shore Grill, shave ice from Ululani’s, and tropical smoothies from beachside cafes.

Kihei, HI, located on the island of Maui, is known for its beautiful beaches, tourism-driven economy, and relaxed island lifestyle. The city offers a variety of job opportunities that support its vibrant hospitality industry, environmental preservation efforts, real estate growth, and community services. Below are some of the top careers in Kihei that are both in-demand and essential to the local economy.

Top 5 Jobs in Kihei, HI

Kihei, HI may be a chill beach town, but it’s full of fun spots where students can unwind, connect with friends, and enjoy the island vibes. Whether you're into sunbathing, surfing, grabbing tasty local eats, or just kicking back under a palm tree, Kihei has something for everyone looking for a study break.

Kamaole Beach Parks (I, II & III) – The “Kam” beaches are a local favorite for good reason. They’re great for afternoon swims, beach volleyball, snorkeling, or just laying out with your friends and watching the sunset. Grab a poke bowl and enjoy a laid-back hang near the shore.

South Maui Gardens – A peaceful green space tucked in the heart of Kihei—perfect for those who love art, local eats, and a touch of nature. There are food trucks, open-air seating, and fun community events like yoga or live music nights.

Paia Fish Market Southside – Looking for casual eats between classes or during a lazy day at the beach? This place serves up fresh fish tacos, plates, and burgers. Great for fueling up before or after a beach hangout with friends.

Boss Frog’s Beach Rentals – Not exactly a hangout spot, but an essential stop if you're planning to make the most of Kihei. Rent paddleboards, snorkel gear, or bikes and explore the coastline. Outdoor fun always makes for the best stress relief.

Lava Java Coffee Roasters – A cozy coffee shop where you can catch up on class reading, sip on an iced latte, or meet with classmates for group work. Locally roasted coffee, ocean breezes, and student-friendly vibes—it’s a solid trifecta.

Azeka Shopping Center – This low-key spot has a bit of everything—food, shops, and even some nightlife. It's a casual place for students to window shop, grab Thai or Hawaiian BBQ, or just hang out at one of the shaded benches while people-watching.

Tiki Lounge – For the older student crowd (21+), this open-air bar and grill has live music, flavorful cocktails with tropical twists, and a cool mix of locals and visitors. It’s very laid-back and a fun place to celebrate after finals or midterms.

Kalama Park – A go-to gathering spot with ocean views, skate ramps, basketball courts, and big open fields to play games or just relax. Great for weekend picnics, pickup games, or watching surfers catch waves down at Cove Park.

Surfing at The Cove – Even if you’ve never surfed before, The Cove is a swell place to try it out. It’s a mellow break perfect for beginners. Rent a board, take a lesson, and laugh through the wipeouts with friends—it's all part of the experience!

Kihei might be small in size, but it's big on charm, community, and chill spots where students can catch a break and have some fun. Whether it's beach hangs, tasty eats, or just good company under the sun, this Hawaiian beach town has everything you need to pause, recharge, and enjoy life on island time.

Kihei, located on the picturesque island of Maui, may be best known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant local culture, but it’s also within reach of excellent collegiate options. While Kihei itself is a smaller community, nearby Maui and the greater Hawaiian Islands offer a range of quality public and private colleges and universities for students interested in pursuing their academic dreams.

Top Public Colleges & Universities near Kihei, HI

University of Hawaiʻi Maui College – Just minutes from Kihei in Kahului, this branch of the University of Hawaiʻi system offers associate degrees, certificates, and select bachelor’s programs in areas such as business, hospitality, sustainable science, and education.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa – Located on Oʻahu but accessible to Maui residents via online classes and inter-island travel, UH Mānoa is the flagship campus. It is highly respected for its research, health sciences, Hawaiian studies, and engineering programs.

University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu – This institution specializes in flexible undergraduate programs including business, education, and public administration. Its distance learning options make it popular with students across the state, including those in Kihei.

Hawaiʻi Community College – Located on the Big Island but offering many online courses, this college focuses on practical and technical programs such as culinary arts, nursing, and automotive technology, serving the workforce needs of Maui and neighboring islands.

Kapiʻolani Community College – Based in Honolulu, Kapiʻolani CC is known for its hospitality, health sciences, and culinary programs, with online and hybrid learning options accessible to students living on Maui.

Top Private Colleges & Universities near Kihei, HI

Chaminade University of Honolulu – As Hawaii’s only Catholic university, Chaminade offers strong programs in education, psychology, business, and the sciences, with online and evening classes catering to neighbor island students.

Hawaiʻi Pacific University – One of the state’s largest private universities, HPU is acclaimed for its global perspective, online degrees, and majors in marine science, business administration, and communications.

Argosy University – Hawaiʻi (formerly in Honolulu) – While now closed, this university was once a significant option for graduate education, including business and psychology programs serving students from across the islands.

Pacific Rim Christian University – Located on Oʻahu, Pacific Rim focuses on Christian leadership, ministry, and counseling, offering distance learning opportunities for students from Maui and Kihei.

Remington College – Honolulu Campus – Though based on Oʻahu, Remington College provides career-focused training in fields like healthcare, business, and criminal justice, with flexible schedules designed for students throughout Hawaii.

No matter where you start your college search from the heart of Kihei, HI, you’ll find that the nearby public and private colleges offer competitive and caring support for your educational journey. With the flexibility of online courses, students in Kihei have access to top programs that can help shape a bright and successful future right from paradise.

Kihei, HI may be a laid-back beach town on the island of Maui, but it’s also home to some strong educational institutions. Families in this part of Hawaii have access to both public and private high schools that are committed to preparing students for success in college, careers, and life beyond. Whether you're looking for a school with a focus on academics, the arts, or character development, Kihei offers solid options that are worth exploring.

Top Public High Schools in Kihei, HI

• Maui High School, Kahului – Though located just outside Kihei in nearby Kahului, Maui High is one of the island’s top public schools. It offers a broad curriculum including STEM, fine arts, and advanced placement courses. The school also has a strong robotics and automotive program.
• Lahainaluna High School, Lahaina – A historic school on the west side of Maui, Lahainaluna is known for its deep cultural roots and strong community involvement. It offers robust extracurriculars and a tight-knit learning environment.
• Kīhei Charter School – This innovative public charter school delivers a college-prep curriculum in a small-school setting. With a strong emphasis on technology and project-based learning, it supports students in becoming both academically prepared and socially responsible.
• Baldwin High School, Wailuku – A comprehensive public high school with a focus on academic growth and personal development. Baldwin High offers AP and honors courses and several award-winning programs in performing arts and athletics.
• – Located a bit farther away in upcountry Maui, this school draws students from all over the island. With a growing reputation for its arts and science programs, King Kekaulike nurtures both creativity and critical thinking.

Top Private High Schools in Kihei, HI

• Seabury Hall, Makawao – One of Maui’s most prestigious schools, Seabury Hall offers rigorous academics, strong arts programs, and a nurturing learning environment. It has a beautiful campus and a focus on preparing students for college and life through character education and leadership development.
• Haleakala Waldorf High School, Makawao – Known for its unique approach to education, Haleakala Waldorf focuses on the whole child—academically, emotionally, and socially. Its curriculum blends academics with arts, movement, and nature experiences, encouraging deep learning and individual growth.
• Carden Academy of Maui, Pukalani – While traditionally a K-8 school, Carden also offers extended learning and is known for high-quality instruction in a caring environment. They focus on developing clear thinking, self-expression, and a love of learning, laying a strong foundation for high school transition.
• St. Anthony School, Wailuku – A Catholic private school offering grades K through 12, St. Anthony is rooted in faith-based education. The high school program provides a strong academic curriculum that includes AP classes, spiritual development, and a wide range of sports and clubs.
• Hawaii Technology Academy (HTA), Statewide with Maui Campus – HTA is a hybrid public charter school that offers a private-school-style experience. With both online and in-person learning on its Maui campus, HTA supports personalized education plans and helps students thrive in diverse learning environments.

Each of these schools offers something unique for students in Kihei and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re drawn to a traditional public high school, a progressive charter school, or a mission-driven private institution, Kihei provides quality options to support your child's educational goals and dreams.

Kihei, Hawaii, known for its scenic beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and aloha spirit, is a beloved destination for tourists and locals alike. While the island lifestyle offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities like surfing, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball, it's important to note that Kihei does not have any major professional sports teams. Due to its small size, remote location, and limited population, Maui—where Kihei is located—focuses more on community-level sports and regional competitions rather than housing franchises from national leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL.

However, that doesn’t mean local sports culture is lacking. Far from it. The people of Kihei, and Maui in general, are passionate sports enthusiasts and often come together to support high school teams, local tournaments, and University of Hawaii sporting events. Residents also closely follow mainland professional teams, often cheering for franchises like the Los Angeles Lakers, San Francisco 49ers, or Golden State Warriors due to Pacific Coast proximity and strong cultural ties.

For soccer lovers, the island hosts a variety of youth and adult leagues, while surfers and paddleboarders find plenty of action in Kihei’s warm waters year-round. In fact, many professional water sport athletes either train on the island or make it a stop during international competitions thanks to Hawaii’s reputation as a water sports paradise.

Though you won’t find NFL stadiums or NBA arenas in Kihei, the spirit of sportsmanship is alive and well. From youth leagues to beach volleyball games at Kamaole Beach Park, the town celebrates the joy of competition in its own special way. Plus, for live pro sports experiences, residents and visitors often make short trips to Honolulu on the island of Oahu, home to the University of Hawaii’s Division I athletic programs and occasional international sports events like soccer exhibitions and surfing competitions.

So while Kihei may not boast professional sports teams of its own, its residents share a deep appreciation for athleticism, teamwork, and community — values at the heart of any great sports town.

Kihei, located on the sunny southwest coast of Maui, Hawaii, is a laid-back beach town with beautiful views, warm waters, and plenty of hidden gems. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned island hopper, Kihei has plenty of surprises in store. Here are 10 fun facts about this Hawaiian paradise:

1. Sunshine Paradise – Kihei boasts over 275 sunny days a year, making it one of the sunniest spots on Maui. Pack your sunscreen!
2. Whale Watching Hotspot – Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warm Maui waters, and Kihei offers some of the best shore-based whale viewing in the world.
3. Beach-Lover’s Dream – Kihei has over 6 miles of coastline with golden-sand beaches like Kamaole I, II, and III—perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun.
4. Once a Royal Playground – In ancient times, Kihei was known as a retreat for Hawaiian royalty due to its warm weather, calm waters, and fertile land.
5. Home to One of Hawaii’s Few Wetlands – The Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge in Kihei is a peaceful sanctuary for native birds, including endangered Hawaiian stilts and coots.
6. Laid-back Vibes All Around – Kihei is known for its relaxed attitude. You’ll find more flip-flops than high heels and more food trucks than fancy restaurants—just the way locals like it.
7. World-Class Snorkeling – The waters off Kihei are crystal clear and teeming with sea turtles and tropical fish, especially at spots near Mokapu and Ulua beaches.
8. Say Aloha to the Farmers Market – Kihei’s farmers markets are full of locally grown fruits, fresh flowers, and handmade goodies. Don’t miss the sweet Maui-grown mangoes!
9. Surprisingly Affordable – Compared to other Maui towns, Kihei is more budget-friendly, offering great value on accommodations and dining for travelers.
10. Taste the Island – Kihei is home to one of Maui’s top breweries, Maui Brewing Co., where you can sip craft beer with a side of island views and breezy vibes.