During your pre-trip research, you’ve probably seen South Maui listed as one of the best places to stay on Maui.
South Maui has two main towns: Kihei and Wailea. But which is better for a Maui vacation?
Well, it depends on what you’re looking for! While each area offers beautiful beaches and a variety of fun activities, the two towns are very different in terms of accommodation and atmosphere. Below, we’ll break down the differences between Kihei and Wailea so you can make an informed decision when booking your Maui trip!
Wailea vs Kihei: Which is the Best Place to Stay on Maui?
• Accommodations •
Wailea
Wailea is a luxury resort area. It is possible to score fairly-priced condos (hint: Wailea Ekahi), but Wailea is where people come to ball out—or redeem credit card points.
Wailea is essentially a strip of beautiful villas and hotels, such as the Fairmont Kea Lani and Andaz Wailea. There’s also a Four Seasons, Relais & Chateaux, Waldorf Astoria, and more.
If luxury is what you seek, stay in Wailea. (Check out our Wailea recommendations at the bottom of this page!)
Kihei
Kihei offers more affordable options. Condominium resorts dominate here, which come with their own set of benefits—such as full kitchens and laundry rooms.
There are only a few hotels in Kihei, such as the Maui Coast Hotel and Mana Kai. Maui Coast Hotel has been making significant upgrades in recent years and is becoming a destination in itself. Mana Kai offers both hotel rooms and condos with gorgeous views, and it’s set right on one of Maui’s best beaches, Keawakapu. (Check out our Kihei recommendations at the bottom of this page!)
• Walkability •
Wailea
Wailea is fairly walkable. The Wailea resorts are slightly spread out from one another, but the entire strip is only about a mile as the crow flies.
The Shops at Wailea—a shopping mall with restaurants, art galleries, and local and brand-name shops—is smack dab in the middle of it all.
Wailea scores points for walkability because every resort is connected by the Wailea Beach Path. There’s also a nice sidewalk along Wailea Alanui Road. You can also access more restaurants, cafes, a local brewery, local shops, and even a golf course by taking a short walk up Wailea Ike Drive.
Kihei
Kihei is slightly less walkable. This area is not as connected as Wailea—it’s more like pockets of shopping and dining throughout the area.
Kihei is also much bigger than Wailea and more of a local town than a resort community. Some areas, like South Kihei near Kamaole II and III, are convenient for walking. Beaches, restaurants, shops, and Kihei Boat Ramp for snorkel tours are all within reach. Other areas, like North Kihei, don’t have much going on besides condos and beaches.
• Atmosphere •
Wailea
Wailea is definitely high-end. This is where celebrities come to vacation. (A friend recently waited on Adam Sandler, Paris Hilton, and Justin Timberlake in the span of a week at one Wailea restaurant!)
Wailea is great for honeymoons or luxury getaways. Here, five-star restaurants, spas, golf courses, and some of Maui’s best beaches are at your fingertips. But if you’re looking for a local vibe, you won’t find much of that in Wailea.
Kihei
Kihei is more laid-back than Wailea. It offers more of a “real life” version of Maui. If you like mingling with locals, this is where it’s at.
Still, you can always stay in Wailea and come to Kihei for the local flavor. Kihei is special because it’s a hub for local businesses—and boasts some of the best food trucks on the island. Regardless of where you stay, the Kihei Food Oasis is a highlight for foodies, with over a dozen food trucks serving anything from sushi to tacos to island-inspired “grindz.”
• Beaches •
Both Kihei and Wailea have phenomenal beaches. That’s really what makes these two places so popular!
In Kihei, you can walk the longest beach on Maui at Sugar Beach, learn to surf at Kalama Beach Park, or park your towel at Keawakapu or one of the three Kamaoles (the latter beaches also offer great snorkeling).
In Wailea, you can snorkel off Ulua Beach’s golden sands, visit the famous Wailea Beach, or play in the (usually) gentle surf at Polo Beach.
• Where to Stay •
Wailea
Need more reasons to stay in Kihei? Check out our blog on 8 Reasons Why You Should Stay in Wailea.
Fairmont Kea Lani — Maui’s only “all suite and villa hotel.” A great hotel choice for families who don’t want to feel cramped. Great dining options, large pool area, beach access.
Andaz Maui at Wailea — Chic hotel fronting Mokapu and Ulua Beach (great snorkeling). More adult than some of the other Wailea hotels (no waterslide, kids’ pool activities, etc.), but still family-friendly. Great for honeymoons.
Wailea Ekahi — Spacious condos on sprawling, manicured property overlooking the popular Keawakapu Beach. One of Wailea’s most affordable options—without sacrificing quality.
Wailea Beach Villas — A gem hidden in plain sight. A collection of gorgeous luxury villas in the heart of Wailea, overlooking Wailea Beach. Named the #1 resort in Hawaii in 2019 by Condé Nast Traveler.
Makena Surf — A short drive outside Wailea. Gated, oceanfront villas set on a quiet point overlooking Po‘olenalena Beach. A great escape from the resort “scene.”
Kihei
Need more reasons to stay in Kihei? Check out our blog on 8 Reasons Why You Should Stay in Kihei.
Maui Kamaole — Spacious one- and two-bedroom condos set on 23+ acres of lush, tropical grounds in South Kihei, offering beautifully landscaped pools and ocean views from many units. Just across from Kamaole Beach III and a short walk to Keawakapu Beach, it’s perfectly located for beach lovers seeking easy access to South Maui’s top activities, restaurants, and shops.
Kihei Akahi — An affordable option in the heart of walkable South Kihei. Steps to Kamaole Beach II, oceanview bars, and top-rated restaurants and cafes. Studio, one, and two-bedroom condos available.
Mana Kai — Hotel rooms and condos with stunning South Maui views, located directly on Keawakapu Beach. The property features a general store and a beach/snorkel rental store.
Maui Coast Hotel — A recently upgraded gem across the street from Kamaole Beach I. Fantastic on-site restaurants, pickleball court, bike rentals, and a free shuttle for any destination within a 3-mile radius.
See you in South Maui soon!
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Aloha! Tiffany here. I've been blessed to call Maui home since 2011. With a background in the island's finest restaurants and hotels, guiding visitors to create unforgettable Maui memories is more than a skill I've mastered—it's a profound source of joy for me.
