Kīhei and Wailea at a glance
South Maui is a chain of beaches and towns along the dry leeward coast: Kīhei, Wailea and Mākena. The Hawaii Tourism Authority describes Kīhei as family friendly and Wailea as the place for upscale dining. Mākena, at the southern end, is known for its state park beaches.
Sunshine is the big draw. In the NOAA climate normals, Kīhei gets about 11 inches (275 mm) of rain a year, far less than the 28 inches (705 mm) recorded at Kapalua in West Maui. Most beaches here have no lifeguard, so read the safety notes below before you swim.
Kīhei, Wailea and Mākena compared
Three neighbors with different rules and a different feel.
| Area | Character | Lifeguards | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kīhei | Family friendly | Towers at Kamaole I, II and III | Low rainfall, about 11 in a year |
| Wailea | Resorts and upscale dining | – | No lifeguard towers at the beaches |
| Mākena | State park beaches | – | Fee for non-residents, shorebreak warning |
Our picks: from South Maui
A luau in Kīhei and the snorkel cruise to Molokini.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Luau with dinner and drinks in Kīhei
Live entertainment with a fire knife finale, a Hawaiian buffet and drinks, including alcoholic ones.
Check availability →
Molokini and Turtle Town snorkeling cruise
A catamaran with breakfast, lunch, soft drinks and snorkel gear. Hotel transfer, parking and towels are not included.
Check availability →Tours and activities from South Maui
Molokini snorkel cruises, whale watching, luaus and day trips from the south coast, with live prices and availability.
Swimming and lifeguards
Maui County Ocean Safety staffs towers at Kamaole I, II and III in Kīhei. There is no lifeguard tower at any of the beaches in Wailea, and rescues for the resort beaches are dispatched from county beaches. Local press has reported that Wailea and Kāʻanapali are among the places on Maui where swimmers get into trouble.
Tower hours run from 8:00 am to 6:45 pm between March 16 and September 15, and 7:30 am to 6:15 pm the rest of the year. Check the posted hours on the day. Look up current conditions on HawaiiBeachSafety.com or HIOceanSafety.com, and swim near a tower when you can.
Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate since January 1, 2021. Keep at least 10 feet (3 m) from green sea turtles and 50 feet (15 m) from Hawaiian monk seals.
Mākena State Park: fees and hours
Rules from the state parks division as of October 2026, for visitors from outside Hawaii.
| Area | Entry | Parking | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oneloa (Big Beach) and Oneuli | $5 per person | $10 per vehicle | 5:00 am to 7:00 pm, May to July until 7:45 pm |
| Puʻu Olai | $5 per person | $10 per vehicle | Weekdays until 7:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 5:00 am to 4:00 pm |
Children up to age 3 are free, and Hawaii residents with ID do not pay. You pay at a kiosk or online. Older guides quote $7 and different hours, which is out of date. The state parks division has warned about dangerous shorebreak at Mākena, so keep children out of the waves when the surf is up.
Snorkeling, whales and the water
Molokini Crater lies about 3 miles off the southwest coast and is a Marine Life Conservation District. The islet is a seabird sanctuary and may not be entered, and only permitted operators run trips there. Many boats leave from Maʻalaea Harbor. More boats and spots are in our snorkeling guide.
Ahihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve has been protected since 1973. Its waters are closed to motorized boats and fishing. Check the current access rules before you go.
From December to May you can watch humpback whales from the shore at Kīhei and Wailea. The minimum distance in the water is 100 yards (90 m) for swimmers, kayaks, boats and drones, all year. Read more in the whale watching guide.
Weather in South Maui
NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals: temperatures from the Mākena Golf Course station, rain from Kīhei.
| Month | Daytime high | Night low | Rain in Kīhei |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 80°F (27°C) | 64°F (18°C) | 2.3 in (59 mm) |
| April | 83°F (28°C) | 65°F (18°C) | 0.4 in (10 mm) |
| July | 87°F (31°C) | 69°F (21°C) | 0.2 in (5 mm) |
| October | 86°F (30°C) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.7 in (19 mm) |
June to September is the driest stretch. The Central Pacific hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, so look at the forecast before you travel. See the Maui weather guide for every month.
Where to stay and evening plans
Kīhei is the family-friendly pick, with the Kamaole beach parks and their lifeguards. Wailea is the resort area, with the luau Te Au Moana at the Wailea Beach Marriott. Prices for that luau differ by source, so check them with the organizer.
Hotel bills add the state tax of 11 percent (since January 2026) and the Maui County tax of 3 percent. Rules for vacation rentals in Maui County are changing, so confirm the booking status with your host. See where to stay in Maui for the other areas.
Kīhei and Wailea: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Kīhei and Wailea?
Kīhei is the more family-friendly town with beach parks and lifeguards at Kamaole I to III. Wailea is the resort district with upscale dining. Mākena, further south, is mostly state park.
Are there lifeguards in Wailea?
No. There are County lifeguard towers at Kamaole I, II and III in Kīhei, but none at the Wailea beaches. Check the ocean conditions before you swim.
How much does Mākena State Park cost?
As of October 2026, non-residents pay $5 per person and $10 per vehicle. Children up to age 3 are free, and you pay at a kiosk or online.
Is South Maui really the driest side?
Yes. Kīhei records about 11 inches (275 mm) of rain a year and the Mākena area about 16 inches (399 mm), compared with 28 inches (705 mm) at Kapalua in West Maui.
Can I see whales from the beach?
Yes, from roughly December to May, at Kīhei and Wailea among other places. Stay at least 100 yards (90 m) away if you are in the water.