Published February 10, 2026

What's Living In Kihei Like?

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Written by Francisco Dolores Ortiz

Aerial coastline view of Kihei, Maui with beaches, ocean, and town.

I came to Maui before I even learned how to walk and have spent my entire life on the island, more specifically in North Kihei. Kihei isn’t just a place I’ve lived, It’s the place that shaped who I am.

Convenience 

One of the biggest benefits of living in Kihei is how convenient everything is. You can walk, bike, or drive almost anywhere in town. Most daily necessities are only 2–5 minutes away, including:

  • Grocery stores

  • Gyms

  • Beaches

  • Gas stations

  • Schools

Even larger stores like Costco and Target are only about a 10–20 minute drive.

Kihei sees its fair share of traffic but compared to the mainland or Honolulu it's much more manageable.

Morning Rush are typically 6:30am - 8:30am with people heading to Kahului, Wailuku, school, & work. 

Afternoon Rushes can be 3:30pm - 6:00pm this is typically the time people run errands. There are also people getting off work, sunset watchers & people getting to dinner reservations. 

Cost Of Living 

For many people, Kihei makes the dream of living near the ocean more attainable. Kihei condos tend to have a lower median price at around $686,500 compared to single-family homes, which average closer to $1,280,000.

Condos do come with monthly maintenance fees, and it’s important to plan ahead and understand these costs before buying. In Kihei, maintenance fees typically range from $600 to over $1,000 per month, depending on the location, amenities, and proximity to the ocean. Living closer to the water is amazing, but it often comes with higher ongoing expenses.

 




Kihei is known for its incredible beaches. Sugar Beach is the longest uninterrupted stretch of sandy shoreline on Maui and is perfect for long walks, watching the sunset, or simply relaxing by the ocean.

South Kihei is home to some of Maui’s most popular beaches, including The Cove, Kamaole I, Kamaole II, and Kamaole III. These spots are well loved for swimming, snorkeling, and seeing turtles. Always remember to keep a respectful distance. Being close to the ocean adds to the beauty of Kihei living, but it also brings higher maintenance costs for condos and higher insurance costs for ocean-adjacent homes.

Kihei Home

I love Kihei because of the outdoor vibe. It never feels like you’re boxed into a city. I can step outside, take a walk, and within minutes be at a sandy beach or one of my favorite food spots.

There’s something special about soaking in the sun while feeling the trade winds on your skin. It’s one of those everyday moments that makes living in Kihei feel different.

One thing to keep in mind is the heat. If you don’t want to be cooking all year long, it’s best to find a place with air conditioning or plan to install your own. Not every home or condo in Kihei has A/C, so this is an important detail to think about before buying.

One of my favorite things to do in Kihei is going on long walks with my family, enjoying each other’s company while taking in the beauty of the area. From ocean views to warm evenings and open skies, it’s a simple lifestyle that’s easy to fall in love with. If you’re curious about which part of Kihei fits your lifestyle.


📞Call or text: (808)444-7005

📩Email: Francisco@the808team.com

🌐Website: Francisco.the808team.com

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