What to know when moving to Kihei, HI
Kihei at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 38.1% of residents rent and the median household income is $87,948.
- The Major Draw:
- Enjoy the beaches, with nearby Wailea Beach rated at 4.7 stars from over 2,100 reviews.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,076, which can be a stretch for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 1.3% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 53 rainy days a year, so investing in rain gear is wise.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Kihei is home to a population of 29,249, with about 35.3% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area has a mix of renters and homeowners, with 38.1% of residents renting their homes. With a relatively low unemployment rate of 2.4%, the local economy appears stable. The climate features 53 rainy days a year, with most precipitation occurring in winter.
Probably not your spot if: high housing costs are a concern, as the median home value is $958,400.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,076, which could be on the higher side for many.
- Median owner-occupied home value stands at $958,400, indicating a costly housing market.
- Poverty rate is at 10.1%, reflecting some economic diversity.
- Renter population is 38.1%, suggesting a mix of both renters and owners.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime statistics for Hawaii show a downward trend in both property and violent crime rates over the last few years.
- Violent crime: 201.9 per 100k, significantly below the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,601.9 per 100k, slightly above the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have dropped by 56% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Hawaii).
Schools & Higher Ed
Kihei has access to a couple of nearby educational institutions.
- Postsecondary institutions: 2
- With College Scorecard data: 2
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Maui County experiences about 16.5 inches of rainfall annually, with the majority falling during winter months. The area has 53 rainy days each year, so be prepared for wet weather.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Wailea Beach - 4.7 stars, 2,102 reviews
- Kamaole Beach Park III - 4.7 stars, 3,203 reviews
- Mākena State Park - 4.8 stars, 3,262 reviews
- 'Īao Valley State Monument - 4.6 stars, 5,456 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The local economy in Maui County is performing well, with a low unemployment rate.
- Unemployment rate: 2.4% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 80,037 individuals.
- Labor force: 82,041 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.