Maui 's Kihei, one of the islands little beach towns, is home to a series of white sand beaches that stretch over 10 miles from Maalaea all the way down to Keawakapu. The word Kihei means "cape" and draws reference to the traditional tapa cloth cloaks, and is pronounced key-hay. Twenty years ago the Kihei-to-Wailea coastline was little more than a scrubby "kiawe" jungle at the foot of Mt. Haleakala. Today, it is Maui's fastest-growing resort and residential community boasting several shopping centers, scores of condominiums and several stunning new luxury hotels. Whether or not you're staying at one of the Wailea resorts, you can enjoy the 1.5-mile paved public walkway that runs from Polo Beach on the south to the Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort on the north. It's a great place from which to watch whales in season.

People staying near Kihei are also treated to the sight of crescent shaped Molokini which is only a short boat ride away. This declared Marine Life Conservation District is a favorite snorkeling, diving and marine watching spot. Snorkeling cruises depart for Molokini from Maalaea, Kihei boat ramp and Lahaina Harbors, usually in the morning. Many of the fish at Molokini are tame and the protective arms of the sunken crater rim assure calm waters for novice snorkelers.

On weekends and holidays the Kamaole Beach Parks are popular with local residents and are actually three separate sandy beaches with their own picnic tables, showers and changing rooms.

At the end of the road is the massive lava flow that in 1790 formed La Perouse Bay, now an official sanctuary for over 90 species of exotic reef fish.