If you’re visiting Maui, chances are you’ll find yourself spending most of your time in South Maui – one of the most popular areas on the island, home to our stunning One-of-a-Kind Getaway in Kihei, world-class beaches lining the coast, and tons of tasty island eats.
Although Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, you can reach the South Maui area within just a half hour from the main Kahului Airport, located near the north shore.
Check your map when you arrive because South Maui is actually the southwestern shore of the island, known for its incredible year-round weather, excellent water conditions, and tourist activities. For your reference, the southeast part of the island is dominated by the Haleakala National Park, one of the top things to do on the island after exploring South Maui.
So now that you’ve got your bearings straightened, it’s time to see what island gems await. Follow along as we take you to the best things to do in South Maui, from Kihei to Wailea to Makena.
1. Visit the best beaches on South Maui
One beach today, another tomorrow, a different one the next day, and so on! That’s a typical Maui itinerary for guests staying in our One-of-a-Kind Getaway because you’ll have access to many of the island’s best beaches just minutes away from your vacation rental. Beach-hopping is easily one of the popular things to do in South Maui because there are so many options!
Want to experience a luxurious white sand beach? Head to Wailea Beach. Visiting Maui with the kids? Kamaole Beach II is an excellent choice. Want an undeveloped beach setting? Makena Beach (Big Beach) has you covered. Want to enjoy water recreation? Sugar Beach is great for everything from swimming to paddleboarding to kayaking. There’s even public nudity acceptable at Little Beach.
And the best part is that all beaches in Maui are public. So, even if there’s a resort behind you, you’re more than welcome to enjoy the beach amenities. Here are our top picks for nearby beaches:
- Kamaole Beach Park (Kamaole I, Kamaole II, and Kamaole III)
- Wailea Beach
- Keawakapu Beach
- Kalama Beach
- Sugar Beach
- Makena Beach (Big Beach)
- Little Beach
2. Go surfing on the South Shore
Come to South Maui if you want to surf in Maui. The south shore is known for having the best surfing on the island for all ages. This location has consistent waves created by the reef breaks and is shielded from Tradewinds blowing from the Northeast. Enjoy morning waves right at sunrise, or opt for a relaxing evening surf.
Surfing is one of the top things to do in Hawai’i, and surfers come from around the world to experience Hawaii’s world-class waves. If you’re already a seasoned surfer, it’s easy to find surf shops for boards and gear rentals that will have you out on the water promptly after you touchdown on the island. For those who need to brush up on their skills or learn the basics of surfing, there’s no better place to be than South Maui.
Kalama Beach, located across South Kihei Road from Kalama Village, is a go-to destination for private and group surfing lessons. In just a couple of hours, you’ll go from learning the proper stance in the sand to riding your first wave.
Check out these top surfing schools in South Maui:
3. Snorkeling and Diving Spots in South Maui
You’ll spend plenty of time in the water during your Maui stay. You’ll be amazed by the abundance of marine life around the island—and you won’t have to stray too far from shore to experience it! Snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Maui, and it instantly transports you from our world to the underwater world the moment your head dips below the water’s surface.
Scuba diving and snorkeling tours provide excellent opportunities for visitors to witness the best of Maui’s underwater playground. Guided tours take you to the best snorkeling spots to swim with sea turtles, rays, dolphins, reef fish, and more.
These tours provide snorkeling equipment, or you can visit local snorkeling rental gear shops to embark on your own underwater excursion. Don’t forget to use reef-safe sunscreen. The morning is the best time to snorkel when the waters are calmer for improved visibility. Remember water safety guidelines and keep your distance from sea turtles.
Some of the best spots to snorkel in South Maui are:
- La Perouse Bay
- Molokini Crater
- Turtle Town
4. Attend a Luau
What’s a Hawaiian vacation without attending one of the island’s iconic celebrations? Luaus are an ancient tradition in Hawaii where ohana and friends come together to enjoy a feast and live entertainment. It’s finally time to pull out that Aloha shirt you bought because this is an island party you don’t want to miss!
Every luau is different, so there’s always an option during your next Maui vacation (we know you’ll be back!). Many luaus are family-friendly, with interactive island games and skill-building that are fun for all ages. The food is always a highlight, with buffet-style dining featuring the ceremonious Kalua pig. Live entertainment showcases island talent with hula dancing and fire spinning.
The most popular luaus in South Maui are:
- Gilligan’s Island Luau – the only luau in Kihei
- Te Au Moana at the Wailea Marriott
- Grand Wailea Luau
- The Feast at Mōkapu at Andaz Maui Luau
If a luau isn’t in your travel budget, you can get a small taste of the excitement at the free hula show in South Maui Gardens.
5. Eat at the food trucks in the South Maui Gardens
Hawaii feels like a world away from anywhere else on Earth, but the food trucks in South Maui Gardens will bring your taste buds closer than ever to your favorite cuisines.
South Maui Gardens is a six-acre park centrally located in Kihei that is covered with beautiful, aromatic tropical plants. It’s the perfect setting to indulge in worldly cuisines inside the Kihei Food Oasis, named the ‘best food truck on Maui.’ It features 14 food trucks on the North and South sides. The South Side is geared more towards local food, while the North Side features a range of world cuisines.
Taste Argentine cuisine at El Carrito, authentic Thai food at Thai Tee Up, local Hawaiian eats at Aloha Prime Eatery, Canadian-Hawaiian fusion at Howzit Eh!, Greek specialties at Gyros & Gelotos, spicy Indian dishes at Nirvana, signature Mexican delicacies at Little Pink Taco Truck, and much more!
Stay for the weekly hula and fire dancing show on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
6. Go on a self guided shave ice tour
Get an authentic taste of the island with one of Hawaii’s signature treats—shave ice! It’s so good that everyone from a former President to celebrity A-listers have been spotted enjoying this island delicacy during their Maui getaways. While your Instagram post of this colorful treat might not make national headlines, the flavor is something worth writing home about!
Shave ice is a frozen treat made from shaving bits of ice from a giant block and then covered with flavored syrup and fruit toppings. If you think all shave ice tastes the same, think again! While the ice is the same, different shops create their own unique syrups using fresh ingredients, blending with milk, and other recipes. Although it didn’t originate in Hawaii (it actually started in Japan), Hawaiians have embraced it as a staple dessert and a must-try for all tourists!
Here are a few of the top recommended shops/stands in South Maui that will have you screaming ‘ono’ (Hawaiian for tasty):
- Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice in Kihei
- Surfing Monkey Shave Ice in Kalama Village
- Local Boys Shave Ice Stand
7. Go golfing at Wailea Golf’s world-class courses
South Maui makes it easy to relax during your Hawaii vacation. When you need a break from the beaches, golfing is one of the best alternatives for leisure. This area features award-winning golf courses known worldwide for their scenic views and championship-tier greens.
Wailea Golf Club is home to three of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. Tee off on the same courses where Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and other PGA legends played—see how your game ranks against their scores! And if you’re not ready to earn your Masters green jacket, one of the other courses will suit you to practice your game. Each course is tailored to different skill levels while offering incredible views from Hole 1 to 18.
Here are the courses you can choose from:
- Wailea Gold – most challenging
- Wailea Emerald – intermediate course
- Wailea Blue – suitable for all levels
8. Go whale watching at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
The best time to see whales in Maui is between January and March, when they migrate south to warmer waters. If you’re visiting during these months, you may spot these giant mammals right from the lanai (balcony) of our Let’s Go Maui Travel Getaway. For an even better viewing experience and to learn more about them, check out the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in Kihei, near the foot of the Haleakala Volcano.
Did you know that the humpback whale is one of the largest living animals on Earth? With Hawaii’s shallow waters, you’ll have no problem spotting them. The sanctuary and nearby waters are a breeding ground for thousands of North Pacific Humpback whales, representing more than half of the total population. The breeding season is when you’ll see them mating, birthing newborn calves, and more.
These are just a few facts you’ll learn during your visit to the Sanctuary Visitor Center. Also, there are designated areas to gaze out into the Pacific Ocean and see these massive sea creatures with your own eyes!
9. Learn About Maui History on a Walking Tour
There are several ways to explore the island of Maui. If you like driving (we have free parking for up to two rental cars), the Road to Hana will showcase some of the island’s best waterfalls, scenic coastal ridges, and other natural landscapes.
If you prefer a boat, then cruise excursions showcase the beauty of the marine life and surrounding waters. If you decide to stay near your vacation rental in South Maui, a free walking tour is an excellent option to delve into the island’s history.
South Maui is ripe with history for waiting to reveal itself to foot-trekking history buffs. Walking tours are great for all ages. They take a one-mile route through Kihei, showcasing sites used by the US military during WWII and how tourism impacted the island over the decades after the war. Plan for approximately 1.5 hours to complete the tour and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the ocean.
Make reservations for your free walking tour with:
Stay Local to Experience South Maui
South Maui is a tourist hotspot for travelers visiting Maui. Our One-of-a-Kind Getaway is located in Kihei, offering guests access to many of the best things to do in South Maui nearby. It’s a luxury island getaway that puts you in the heart of paradise. Book your stay today!
