Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.
A Luxury Guide to Kihei
Tell us a little about yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Kihei in Maui?
I’m a journalist who loves to travel. Thankfully, my fiancé does too. This past year we lived in Florida, California, and Georgia. We’ve visited Maui three times since 2010 and always stay in Kihei.
What makes Kihei a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?
Beautiful sunsets, amazing food, luxurious hotels, and a long list of beautiful beaches make Kihei a glamorous destination.
What 5-star hotel is the best in Kihei?
The Waldorf Astoria’s Grand Wailea is our favorite 5-star hotel in Maui. It is less than five minutes from Kihei. Click here for rates and availability.
What about boutique hotels in Kihei, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?
Kamaole Sands is a condo complex that is run like a boutique hotel. The beach is just across the street, and they have an excellent selection of rooms. Click here for rates and availability.
Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler in Kihei?
Our absolute favorite adventure activity is watching the sun rise or set at Haleakalā National Park. Taking a whale watching tour is also a great option for the months of December to April.
What about adventurous travelers wanting to get in the water?
Take a day cruise from Kihei to the “Disneyland of Snorkeling,” more commonly known as Molokini Crater to swim with more than 250 species of fish and marine life.
Where are the best hangouts during the day in Kihei?
Charley Young Beach is the best place to be during the day.
If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Kihei and what are their best dishes?
The 5 Palms Restaurant at 2960 S Kihei Road is the perfect date night spot. Make a reservation for just before sunset and order the 5 Palms Filet Oscar.
Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best?
Shaved ice is very popular in Hawaii. Check out Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice.
Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designers in Kihei?
The Kihei Kalama Village has more than 40 shopping kiosks selling various items from local artists. We also love the Shops at Wailea, which feature the Maui Clothing Company, Tiffany & Co., Maui Dive Shop, and many more high-end and local retailers.
What are a couple of the best salons and spas in Kihei?
The Hidden Spa at 993 S. Kihei Road has several massage options we love. Locals like J Meier Salon for cuts and color.
Time for a great sunset view in Kihei… where would you go?
Kama’ole Beach parks have the best spots to watch the sunset. Travelers and residents travel to the beach to watch the sunset almost every day.
Now that the sun’s gone down fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.
Check out Three’s Bar & Grill in Kihei’s Kalama Village for cocktails and live music.
If you end the night at a fancy club, which one do you head towards?
Visit the elegant Botero Lounge at the Grand Wailea. For the late night party, visit Ambrosia Maui Martini Lounge.
Jerriann Sullivan is an award-winning journalist. The L.A. Times, Chicago Tribune, and NBC News have published her work. She is the travel editor for Being Abroad. Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Google+.
Wow! The place looks amazing. We would like to visit this place some day. Thank you Rachel / Jerriann for sharing this one :-)
Never heard about Kihei before. It looks beautiful – especially since I’m “stuck” in Copenhagen on a grey rainy day :)