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5-star hotels in Kihei
A shortlist of the 5-star hotels listed under Kihei, gathered from eight properties on Maui's sunny south-west coast. It is for travellers weighing up an adult-only hillside retreat against large Wailea resorts and self-contained villas with pools and kitchens.
Staying in Kihei
Kihei sits on Maui's leeward coast, a town of beaches and low-rise streets strung along South Kihei Road, with Wailea's resort area immediately to the south and Maalaea Harbor, the departure point for whale-watching and snorkel cruises, to the north. Rainfall here is lower than elsewhere on the island, and the drier months from April to October are the most popular. Kamaole Beach Parks I, II and III are lifeguarded, and Makena and La Perouse Bay, where the paved road ends at lava fields, lie further south. Most of these hotels carry Wailea addresses rather than Kihei ones: 555 Kaukahi Street, 4100 Wailea Alanui Drive, 3900 Wailea Alanui Drive, 146 Ho'olei Circle and 10 Wailea Ekolu Place all sit in the Wailea resort area, between roughly 4.6 and 5.8 km from Kihei centre. The mix suits couples, with an adults-only property and a cliff-top resort, families drawn to kids pools and family rooms, and longer stays in villas with kitchens and laundry.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Hotel Wailea Relais & Chateaux Adults Only
555 Kaukahi Street, Kihei, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereAdults only and set back from the coast at 555 Kaukahi Street, this Relais & Chateaux property suits couples who want quiet rather than a lobby full of families. A garden, a Jacuzzi and a fitness centre cover the days between outings, and the concierge arranges diving, fishing and golf. Guests rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 749 reviews. Its 5.8 km from the centre puts it in Wailea's resort belt, with the beach nearby.
See Hotel Wailea Relais & Chateaux Adults OnlyFairmont Kea Lani Maui
4100 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Kids pool
- Parking
- Breakfast in room
Why stay hereThe Fairmont Kea Lani Maui is the one for mixed groups: family rooms and babysitting sit alongside a kids pool, and the 2607 reviews make it the best-tested of these addresses. A buffet and breakfast in room handle mornings, and a fitness centre, Jacuzzi and golf course the rest. At 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr, 5.6 km from the centre, it offers a beauty salon and entertainment activities on site. Guests score it 4.7 out of 5.
See Fairmont Kea Lani MauiFour Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
3900 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Kids pool
- Parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereFour Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea draws travellers who want a full resort day without leaving the grounds: a games room, aerobics and a fitness centre, plus family rooms and babysitting for those with children. Breakfast, breakfast in room and dinner are all covered, as are a beauty salon and a Jacuzzi. The address is 3900 Wailea Alanui Drive, 5.1 km from the centre. A guest rating of 4.7 out of 5 comes from 2569 reviews.
See Four Seasons Resort Maui at WaileaHo olei Villas at Grand Wailea
146 Ho'olei Circle, Kihei, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereHo olei Villas at Grand Wailea is built for longer stays: each unit has a kitchen with dishwasher and microwave, plus a balcony and air conditioning. A garden, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi fill the downtime, and fitness, golf and massage are also on hand. Free car parking helps on a 4.9 km run to the centre. At 146 Ho'olei Circle it sits in the Wailea area, with a chapel and currency exchange among the extras.
See Ho olei Villas at Grand WaileaMaui Banyan
Maui Banyan Q 109 2575 S. Kihei Rd, Kihei, United States
Why stay hereThe most central of these addresses, Maui Banyan stands at 2575 S. Kihei Rd just 1.2 km from the centre, which makes it the pick for anyone who wants to be in Kihei town rather than out in Wailea. The facilities on record are limited to a laundry service and lifts, so come for the location and the 5-star classification rather than resort amenities.
See Maui BanyanFairmont Kea Lani Maui Villa Experience
4100 Wailea Alanui Dr Building A, Kihei, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Kids pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereThe villa side of the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, at 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr, 5.6 km from the centre, bundles a spa, sauna and steam room with a health club and outdoor pool, so a stay can be spent entirely on site. There is an outdoor pool for children, a restaurant and cafe, and a supermarket for supplies. Golf, sailing, surfing and diving are all covered, with a gift shop.
See Fairmont Kea Lani Maui Villa ExperienceWailea Luxury Hilltop Resort Vistas
10 Wailea Ekolu Pl, Kihei, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereWailea Luxury Hilltop Resort Vistas is the smallest and quietest option here, at 10 Wailea Ekolu Pl, 4.6 km from the centre. An outdoor pool, garden, terrace and picnic area provide the setting, a lounge offers somewhere to sit, and a shuttle service is available. Free car parking and wheelchair access are noted. The beach is nearby, and the 5-star class fits a low-key hilltop stay.
See Wailea Luxury Hilltop Resort VistasOceanfront Kihei Paradise Vistas
938 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Car parking
Why stay hereOceanfront Kihei Paradise Vistas sits on S Kihei Rd, 3.9 km from the centre, and pairs an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi with a spa and lounge. A terrace, picnic area and garden keep the outdoor spaces varied, and a laundry service and lifts add convenience. Free car parking and wheelchair access are listed, with the beach nearby.
See Oceanfront Kihei Paradise Vistas
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Wailea Relais & Chateaux Adults Only | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5.8 km |
| Fairmont Kea Lani Maui | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5.6 km |
| Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5.1 km |
| Ho olei Villas at Grand Wailea | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 4.9 km |
| Maui Banyan | ★★★★★ | – | – | – | 1.2 km |
| Fairmont Kea Lani Maui Villa Experience | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5.6 km |
| Wailea Luxury Hilltop Resort Vistas | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 4.6 km |
| Oceanfront Kihei Paradise Vistas | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 3.9 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
Fairmont Kea Lani Maui has family rooms, a kids pool, babysitting and cots, rated 4.7 from 2,607 reviews. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea also offers family rooms, babysitting and a games room, and Fairmont Kea Lani Maui Villa Experience adds an arcade, kids pool and outdoor pool for larger groups.
Fairmont Kea Lani Maui · Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea · Fairmont Kea Lani Maui Villa Experience
Closest to town
Maui Banyan at 2575 S. Kihei Rd is 1.2 km from the centre, the nearest of the list, with laundry service and lifts. Oceanfront Kihei Paradise Vistas at 938 S Kihei Rd, 3.9 km out, pairs a beach-nearby setting with a pool, jacuzzi and spa.
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Most visitors arrive at Kahului Airport (OGG), about a 20- to 30-minute drive from Kihei via Route 311 or Route 31. Rental cars are the main way to get around, as public transport is limited. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available but can be costly for frequent trips. Once in Kihei, South Kihei Road connects the beaches and businesses, and driving is the most practical way to reach neighbouring areas like Wailea, Maalaea and Makena. Some resorts also offer shuttle services to nearby attractions.
When to go
Kihei is a year-round destination, but the most popular time to visit is during the drier months from April to October. Winter months bring larger waves to north-facing shores and the chance to see humpback whales, typically from December to April. Summer is warmer and busier with families. Rainfall is lower here than in other parts of Maui, so outdoor activities are usually possible throughout the year.
Questions, answered
What is the best way to get around Kihei?
A rental car is the most convenient option for exploring Kihei and the rest of Maui. Public buses run infrequently, and many beaches and attractions are spread out along the coast. Several hotels on this list, including Ho olei Villas at Grand Wailea, offer free car parking.
Are there lifeguarded beaches in Kihei?
Yes, several beaches in Kihei have lifeguards, including Kamaole Beach Parks I, II and III. Conditions can vary, so always check with lifeguards before entering the water.
Is Kihei a good base for whale watching?
Yes, during the winter months (December to April), humpback whales can often be seen from shore in Kihei. Boat tours also depart from nearby Maalaea Harbor, to the north of town. Hotel Wailea Relais & Chateaux Adults Only and the Wailea resorts are a short drive from the harbour.
What is the difference between Kihei and Wailea?
Kihei is a more residential and laid-back town with a mix of condos and smaller hotels, while Wailea is a planned resort area with luxury hotels and golf courses. They are adjacent, so visitors can easily enjoy both.
Do I need a car to stay in Kihei?
While some areas of Kihei are walkable, a car is recommended to fully explore the island. If you plan to stay mostly at your resort and nearby beaches, you might manage without one, but options are limited. Maui Banyan is 1.2 km from the centre.
Which hotel here is best for an adults-only stay?
Hotel Wailea Relais & Chateaux Adults Only is the only adults-only property on this list, rated 4.8 out of 5 from 749 reviews, with a garden, jacuzzi, fitness centre and golf course, 5.8 km from Kihei centre.