3 Great Attractions Near South Maui’s Kamaʻole Heights Neighborhood

Did you see the 4-bedroom/4-bath home I featured in my last blog post? If so, you may remember that I mentioned its fantastic location in south Kihei. As a follow-up, I thought I’d highlight a few of the fun places to visit within a five-minute drive of Kamaʻole Heights, on Maui’s sunny southern coast.

South Maui Gardens

Over the past few years, what started as a basic, 6-acre plant nursery in Kihei evolved into a major hub for community activity and entertainment! Of course, South Maui Gardens still provides homeowners, landscapers, and businesses with a fantastic selection of trees, plants, and flowers – but these days, it also has food, music, shopping, and other entertainment daily.

As you stroll around the lush, peaceful grounds at South Maui Gardens, browsing the plant life, outdoor furniture, pots, fountains, and other garden accessories, you’ll also find the Kihei Food Oasis, which was voted best “food pod” on Maui. Here, 14 food trucks serve up everything from burgers, bentos, wings, local Hawaiian fare, and shave ice, to Argentine, Greek, Indian, and Thai cuisine. You can also enjoy 100% organic artisan bread and sourdough pizza from Blue Door Bread & Pizza Company, or just grab a seat in one of the picnic areas, relax, and sip on something from Da Green Coffee Bar.

On Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., don’t miss the artisan market at South Maui Gardens, which showcases handmade creations from local craftspeople, including art, clothing, jewelry, gifts, and even local honey and coconut oil. And check the events calendar to stay updated on their free live music shows, free movie nights, donation-based Aloha Friday Yoga, comedy nights, and concerts by local musicians like Kanekoa.

Every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evening from 5 to 7 p.m., South Maui Gardens also features a hula show in an intimate setting, with traditional mele (music) and oli (chant). On top of everything else, they periodically host events like the (free to the public) lunar new year celebration, happening this Second Saturday, complete with lion dances, traditional martial arts demonstrations, food, and a night market.

Kihei Kalama Village

Often referred to as “The Triangle” by locals, Kihei Kalama Village is home to a wide variety of excellent restaurants like Paia Fish Market South Side, Three’s Bar & Grill (which appeared on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives), and Kihei Caffe (named one of the best breakfast spots in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure magazine). And when it comes to nightlife, whether you’re hoping to hear a little live music, dance, shoot pool, play trivia, or just unwind with a tropical cocktail, Kalama Village has something for you.

The shops in Kalama Village range from fine jewelry stores and boutiques like Mahina to more casual options for both men and women at KaiAloha Supply and 808 Clothing Co. For art, home décor, and gifts, you can also check out local favorites like CocoNene. There’s even an ʻukulele store!

Kalama Park and Cove Park

Right across the street from Kihei Kalama Village, you’ll find Kalama Park, which has not only soccer fields, baseball fields, and basketball courts, but tennis courts, a volleyball court, a skate park, and a skating rink! The makai (ocean) side of the park has a paved walking path with panoramic views of the Molokini crater, the islands of Kahoʻolawe and Lānaʻi, and the West Maui Mountains. Just glance toward the water as you’re walking, and you’re likely to see sea turtles drifting by, right near the shore – and in the winter months, the park is also the perfect place to watch our visiting humpback whales.

Usually just referred to as “The Cove,” Cove Park is situated at the south end of Kalama Park. Thanks to its shallow water, sandy floor, and gentle waves, the cove offers a great place to stand-up paddle, learn how to surf, or hone your surfing skills before you venture out into more challenging surf breaks. You can rent paddleboards and surfboards from Maui Waveriders right across the street – or if you’re new to water sports, let them give you a lesson! In case you decide to hang out at the park for a while, there are facilities like bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, and barbecue grills.

If you’d like to know more about life in Kihei, south Maui, or Maui in general, reach out to me today!