Destination: Kihei

Kihei, the hottest, driest part of Maui typically gets less than 10 inches of rain a year. Because the arid soil could not be farmed, Kihei was a fairly small community in ancient times. Today, however, due to modern water and electrical engineering, Kihei is the third fastest growing small community in the United States.

Kihei's beaches are unchanged by all the development going around them. They are still long, white, sandy stretches that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, surfing and more.

Kihei also has the best beach facilities on the island. Almost all the beaches are equipped with showers and restrooms, and lifeguards keep an eye on everyone in the water. There are many places where you can sit down to have a picnic in the warm sunshine. And if you need something, shopping centers are usually just a short walk across the street.

Maalaea Harbor is where Kihei's beach activities begins. The boats docked in the harbor depart daily for snorkeling expeditions, even cruises, fishing charters, whale watches in winter and many other activities.

The breeze that constantly blows through the harbor and the adjacent beaches makes the ocean too choppy for swimming, and the beaches too windy to sunbathe, but windsurfing conditions are great.

The Kalama Beach Park is located in the middle of town and more geared to near-the-beach activities than to actual beach activity. There are many pavilions and tables to picnic on, along with barbecue pits for a picnic. There is also public volleyball, basketball and tennis courts.

With perfect tropical weather, laid back lifestyle, and a wide range of shopping and dining opportunities Kihei has become one of the more popular destination for an ever-increasing segment of Maui's visiting population.