Walkable place near surf beach, shops, restaurants

Question

We’re looking at places in Kihei and are trying to find a condo that’s walkable to a beach with waves to surf/boogieboard and near shops & restaurants. We’re a family of 4 with a 12 & 15 year old. Any suggestions on places to stay that we should check out? Thx!

Answer

Kihei is a great choice for a family looking for walkable access to beaches, surf, and local dining and shopping. The area has a range of condos and resorts that make it easy to enjoy the beach lifestyle without needing a car for every outing.

For your family of four with teens, you’ll want a location that’s close to surfable beaches as well as casual restaurants and shops. Here are some top areas and complexes to consider:

Kamaole Beach Parks area (Kamaole I, II, III): This is arguably the most convenient area for families. All three Kamaole beaches are within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and small convenience stores. The waves are generally good for boogie boarding and beginner surfing, especially at Kamaole II.
Mana Kai Maui: Located right at Kamaole I, this complex offers beach access directly in front of the property and is just a short walk to cafes and casual restaurants. It’s very family-friendly and easy to surf or boogieboard right off the sand.
South Kihei area near Kalama Beach Park: Kalama Beach has good waves for kids learning to surf and is near several eateries, shops, and the Kihei town center. There are condos and vacation rentals in this area that are very walkable.
Kihei Akahi: A larger condo complex near Kamaole beaches, offering tennis courts, pools, and short walks to the beach. It’s also near a small cluster of restaurants and shops along S. Kihei Road.

Additional tips for a walkable stay in Kihei:

Look for condos along S. Kihei Road between the 200–400 block; this area keeps you near multiple beaches and eateries.
Check for accommodations that mention “beachfront” or “beach access” to avoid units requiring a long walk or stairs to the sand.
Many of the condos have pools and BBQ areas, which is nice for families with teens if you want downtime between beach outings.

Overall, the Kamaole Beach area and nearby complexes like Mana Kai Maui or Kihei Akahi strike the best balance of surfable waves, walkable shopping and dining, and family-friendly accommodations. If your teens are active, staying within 5–10 minutes’ walk of the beaches ensures they can easily get in the water or grab a snack without relying on driving.