Explore Wailea Beach, Keawakapu Beach, and Charley Young Beach, and find out why Rent By Owner is the go-to site for booking vacation rentals near the best beaches in Kihei. Experience the comfort, privacy, and affordability of renting a vacation home through Rent By Owner.

Are you craving some vitamin ‘sea’? As a beach lover, there’s nothing like sinking your toes into the sand and soaking up the sun. And if you’re considering a summer getaway to Maui, you will want to take advantage of this guide to the best beaches in Kihei!
In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey to Wailea Beach, Keawakapu Beach, and Charley Young Beach, three of the best beaches in Kihei, Maui. We’ll also feature tips on how to rent a vacation home through Rent By Owner, which can offer you a more personalized and convenient experience than staying in your conventional hotel or resort.
So whether you’re a seasoned beachgoer or just in need of some R&R by the breathtaking ocean, join us on this beach lover’s guide to Maui’s best.
Let’s dive in!
Sun, Sand, and Sea: World-class Beaches in Kihei
Kihei, Maui is a hot destination for beach lovers, and it’s easy to see why. The town boasts some of the best beaches on the island, where the sun, sand, and sea make the perfect combination to relieve stress.
Here are our top three picks when it comes to beautiful beaches in Kihei:
Wailea Beach

Wailea Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Its soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The beach is also home to some of the most luxurious resorts on the island, making it an ideal spot if you’re looking to blend relaxation with a dose of adventure.
Insider tip: Arrive early in the morning to snag a good parking spot, and bring your own beach chairs and umbrellas since there are none available for rent.
Keawakapu Beach
For a quieter and more secluded option, Keawakapu Beach is our pick. This beach is perfect for families with small children (or those who love their Ks and vowels). Thanks to its calm waters and soft sand, it’s easily one of the best beaches you can check out while in town.
However, it’s not just for families – the beach also offers rental equipment for kayaking and paddleboarding, making it an ideal spot for true blue adventure-seekers. Just remember to pack your own snacks and drinks since there aren’t any restaurants or vendors on the beach.
Insider tip: The right side of the beach is the most ideal place for snorkeling.
Charley Young Beach
Charley Young Beach is a local favorite and hands down one of the best beaches in Kihei for surfing and snorkeling. The beach boasts a protected reef that’s home to an abundance of tropical fish and sea turtles, making it a great spot for underwater exploration. Charley Young Beach is also a great spot for watching the sunset, where you can sit on the sand or take your pet on a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.
Insider tip: Bring your own snorkeling gear or rent from nearby shops since there are no rentals available on the beach.
Compared to other beaches in the area, Wailea Beach is arguably the most developed and popular among tourists. Keawakapu Beach and Charley Young Beach, on the other hand, offer a more laid-back and local experience. But no matter which beach you choose, you’re guaranteed to enjoy any of Kihei’s world-class beaches.
Other Beaches Near Kihei

While Wailea Beach, Keawakapu Beach, and Charley Young Beach are some of the most popular and well-known beaches in Kihei, there are plenty of other beaches in the area worth exploring.
Here’s a sneak peek to some of the other noteworthy beaches near Kihei:
Kamaole Beach Park III is a popular spot for families and has plenty of amenities, including well-maintained restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Its wide expanse of golden sand makes it perfect for sunbathing and fun beach games. If you’re traveling with kids, Kamaole Beach Park III is your best bet.
Makena State Park Beach, also known as “Big Beach,” is one of the largest and most beautiful beaches in Kihei. It’s popular among surfers and boogie boarders, but the strong currents make it unsafe for swimming. So if you’re an adventurous surfer, it would be amiss if you didn’t check out Big Beach.
So if you ask us which beach is the best in Kihei, it depends on your preferences. And no matter which beach you choose to visit, Rent By Owner can help you find the perfect accommodations for your Kihei vacation. From beachfront condos to luxurious villas, our vacation rentals are the perfect home base for exploring all the beaches in Kihei and beyond.
Up next–find out how to book the perfect stay when planning a Maui holiday!
Love the Beach Even More With a Rent-By-Owner Vacation Home
While there are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from in Kihei, renting a vacation home is becoming an increasingly popular option for travelers. Vacation homes offer more space and privacy, making them ideal for families or larger groups. They also often come with full kitchens and other amenities, such as this two-bedroom condo in Wailea-Makena, allowing you to save money by cooking your own meals.
If you’re aiming for budget-friendly, comfortable accommodations like this Kihei Akahi condo, Rent By Owner remains dedicated to helping travelers find the perfect vacation rental for their needs. With over 10 million vacation homes worldwide, you surely wouldn’t run out of options that fit your preferences.
As a trusted UpNext travel brand, Rent By Owner is the go-to website for anyone looking to book a vacation rental in Kihei. You can easily compare prices and places to stay, view thousands of direct vacation home listings, and find properties in more than 180,000+ cities around the world.
We also understand that many travelers are concerned about the security and reliability of renting a vacation home from individual owners. That’s why we maintain a dedicated team of travel industry experts who ensure that every rental meets our standards for safety and comfort.
So why settle for a typical hotel room when you can have your own private vacation home just steps from some of the best beaches in Kihei, at a more affordable rate?
Visit RentByOwner.com today and start planning your beach getaway with us!
TLDR
Beach lovers can never run out of enjoyable options in Kihei, Maui. With its world-class beaches like Wailea Beach, Keawakapu Beach, and Charley Young Beach, there’s no shortage of sun, sand, and sea to enjoy.
At Rent By Owner, finding the perfect vacation rental to fit your needs is easy!
With over 10 million vacation homes worldwide, we offer a wide variety of rentals to fit every budget and style.
Plan your dream beach vacation in Kihei today and experience the comfort, security, and affordability of renting that only Rent By Owner can provide.