Kihei Travel Guide - Owner Direct Vacation Rentals: Kihei (kee-hay), sometimes referred to as the "Gold Coast", is both a residential and resort area. Kihei is situated on the leeward side of East Maui, and has some prime beaches.
This resort, as one of Maui's most popular tourist destinations, offers excellent shopping and dining. Enjoy the white sand beaches that grace the shorelines of Kihei. Stroll along these sandy stretches next to the clear Pacific. These beaches usually have warm water temperatures which combine with the clarity of the water to create great snorkeling and diving areas.
Because it is leeward, Kehei and Wailea have a dry and sunny climate with an annual rainfall of only 14". This is the lowest of any region in Maui. Daytime temperatures range from about 27C/80F in the winter to 32C/90F in the summer.
MauiHI.com:
Kihei - When we first came here in the days before time, shopping in Kihei was an idea whose time hadn't come. Now, there are seven (count 'em, seven) strip malls with more shops than you can count. Certainly more than you can get through in a few days. We can't keep track, but here's a quick guide.
Azeka Place - In 1950, Kihei was a little beach town with a dirt road. Bill Azeka opened his first store. Used to be the place to stop and get a hamburger on the way to the beaches. Today Azeka Place is Kihei's largest shopping center with over 50 shops and restaurants.
Lipoa Shopping Center - Home to Hapa'a Brew Haus, a Japanese restaurant and several shops.
Kukui Mall - Across the street from Kalama Beach Park, you'll find the Kukui Mall with a triplex movie theater, Waldenbooks, Local Motion, Subway, Tempo Music and many other shops and family dining spots.
Kihei Town Center - Offering a selection of shops with sporting goods, jewelry, novelties, groceries and clothing.
Dolphin Plaza - Deli, tacos, sushi, pizza and shops.
Rainbow Mall - Shave ice, espresso, subs, Thai and African food plus video rental.
Kama'ole Beach Shopping Center - A general store, dive shop, clothing and several restaurants including the Cinnamon Roll Faire.