10 Things to Do Within 15 Minutes of South Maui Gardens

One of our favorite things about living in Kihei is how much you can do without spending half your day in the car.

Start at South Maui Gardens and within roughly 15 minutes, you can be swimming at a beautiful beach, walking the Wailea coastline, learning to surf, watching the sunset, or simply finding a shady patch of grass and doing absolutely nothing.

After more than 30 years on Maui, we’ve learned that a great island day doesn’t need an elaborate itinerary. Sometimes you just need a swimsuit, sunscreen, something good to eat, and a general direction.

Here are 10 of our favorite things to do close to home.

1. Spend the Morning at Kamaʻole Beach

The three Kamaʻole Beach Parks run along the Kihei coastline, and each has its own personality. If you want an easy beach morning, start with Kamaole Beach Park I or Kamaole Beach Park III. Kam III is especially convenient for families, with a large grassy area, playground, showers and restrooms in addition to the beach. Hawaii Files

PRO TIP: Maui mornings are hard to beat. Ocean conditions can change throughout the day, so always check conditions and posted warnings before getting in the water.

2. Walk Keawakapu Beach

Keawakapu Beach sits where Kihei begins to give way to Wailea. It's a long stretch of sand that's perfect for a morning walk, a swim when conditions cooperate, or simply finding a spot and settling in.

This is one of those places where we'd bring lunch rather than make lunch another stop. Find some shade, take your shoes off and stay awhile.

3. Explore South Maui Gardens

You don't actually have to leave.

South Maui Gardens itself is a six-acre tropical oasis with a working plant nursery, local businesses, a weekly Artisan & Farmer's Market, the Lahaina Bird Stand and the Kihei Food Oasis. The Thursday market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with rotating pop-ups at other times as well. South Maui Gardens

Walk through the nursery. Meet Dozer the tortoise. Browse the local vendors. Have lunch under the trees.

Sometimes the adventure is right outside our door.

4. Learn to Surf at Kalama Park

If you've always wanted to try surfing, central Kihei is a convenient place to start. Kalama Park is a large oceanfront park with plenty happening on and off the water, and surf lessons operate in the area.

Even if surfing isn't on the agenda, Kalama is worth visiting for an oceanfront walk, its recreation areas and a glimpse of everyday Kihei life.

5. Have a Family Beach Day at Kam III

Yes, Kamaʻole gets two spots on our list—but if you have kids, Kamaole Beach Park III deserves its own mention.

The combination of beach, big grassy lawn and playground makes it particularly easy to spend a few hours here without having to plan much. Bring lunch, let everyone burn off some energy, and make an afternoon of it.

PRO TIP: Grab sandwiches, salads, banana bread or cookies at Garden Market & Deli first. Beach food somehow tastes better after you've been in the ocean.

6. Walk the Wailea Coast

Head south into Wailea and trade the car for your feet.

Wailea Beach connects into the paved coastal walk that runs past beaches and resorts along the Wailea shoreline. It's an easy way to see a beautiful stretch of South Maui without committing to a hike. Hawaii DLNR

Go early when it's cooler, or save this one for late afternoon when the light starts to soften.

7. Swim or Snorkel at Ulua Beach

Ulua Beach Park is another favorite Wailea stop. Its reef edges make it popular for snorkeling when conditions are suitable, while the beach itself is an easy place to swim, relax or connect with the coastal walk.

PRO TIP: Never assume yesterday's ocean is today's ocean. Conditions around Maui can change quickly. Check conditions locally, respect posted warnings and stay out if you're uncertain.

8. Find a Quieter Moment at Mōkapu

Right next to Ulua is Mōkapu Beach, a smaller sandy beach fronting the Wailea resort area.

You don't need to turn every beach into an all-day excursion. Sometimes an hour in the water followed by a good sandwich is exactly enough.

Parking around the Ulua/Mōkapu access can become limited as the day gets busier, so earlier is generally easier.

9. Watch the Boats at Kihei Boat Landing

Kihei Boat Landing is primarily a working boat launch and departure point for ocean excursions, not a traditional beach park, but it's also a reminder of how connected South Maui life is to the water.

If you're booked on a snorkel, dive or fishing trip departing from Kihei, you're likely to become familiar with it. Just remember that boats and crews are actively working here, so keep launch areas clear.

10. Do Absolutely Nothing at Sunset

This might be our most important recommendation.

Pick a beach. Bring something to sit on. Put the phone away. Keawakapu Beach, the Kamaʻole beaches and Wailea Beach all offer beautiful places to end a South Maui day.

You don't need reservations. You don't need an itinerary. Just get there before the sun goes down and stay for a while.

Before You Go...

Whatever direction you're heading, come see us first.

Garden Market & Deli is located inside South Maui Gardens on the Auhana Road side of the gardens. We make fresh salads, sandwiches on homemade focaccia, house-made dressings, smoothies and baked goods that are easy to take along for the day. South Maui Gardens

Grab lunch. Fill the cooler. Ask us where we'd go today.

Then head out.

That's what Maui Pro Tips is all about: less time figuring out what to do and more time actually enjoying where you are.