Kīhei

Kīhei runs for roughly 6 miles along the south Maui coast between Māʻalaea and Wailea. Where Wailea is resort-polished and expensive, Kīhei is condos and strip malls and vacation rentals — which means better prices, more independence, and a more local feel than anywhere else on the south shore.

The beaches are the same. Kamaʻole Beach Parks I, II, and III (known locally as Kam 1, 2, 3) are free, well-maintained, lifeguarded, and right in the middle of Kīhei. Kam 3 is the largest and has the best facilities; Kam 1 has the most reliable morning calm for swimming. All three have good snorkeling on the south end.

South Kīhei Road is the main strip — restaurants, grocery stores, surf rentals, shave ice. The food is better and cheaper than Wailea's hotel restaurants. Nalu's South Shore Grill and Five Palms are local favorites. The Kīhei Farmers Market runs weekdays on South Kīhei Road.

Kīhei is also the launch point for Molokini Crater trips — the boats depart from Māʻalaea Harbor (northern Kīhei) at 6:30-7 AM. Book a Molokini snorkel tour and stay in Kīhei and you save $100/night over staying in Wailea for the same morning.