Is Kihei Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kihei

Kihei, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, is a popular census-designated place known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere. It offers a unique island lifestyle with a strong sense of community, drawing in residents who appreciate its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. This guide delves into various aspects of living in Kihei, providing insights into its safety, economic landscape, cost of living, climate, and educational offerings.

Understanding the nuances of a new place is crucial for anyone considering a move. Kihei presents a blend of tropical charm and practical considerations for potential residents. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview, covering everything from the practicalities of daily life to the broader community characteristics, helping you make an informed decision about whether Kihei is the right fit for you.

Is it Safe to Live in Kihei?

Kihei’s overall crime rate is reported to be 35.95 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). While this indicates a crime rate higher than the average US city, Kihei ranks in the 23rd percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 23% of cities (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents generally consider the southern part of Kihei to be the safest, with the chance of being a victim of crime varying by neighborhood (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Violent crime in Kihei occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of all population sizes in America. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 446, equating to a rate of 2 per 1,000 inhabitants (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime is also a significant concern, with a person’s chance of becoming a victim being one in 38, a rate of 26 per 1,000 population (according to NeighborhoodScout). Motor vehicle theft rates in Kihei are notably high compared to the rest of the nation (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Kihei is approximately 53% higher than the U.S. national average and 37% lower than Hawaii’s state average (according to Salary.com). This is driven by soaring housing costs, elevated transportation expenses, and rising food prices. Housing costs in Kihei are about 16.5% higher than the national average, with monthly expenses for a single person totaling around $2,722 and for a family of four, approximately $5,896 (according to Salary.com).

The median home value in Kihei is approximately $753,800 (according to Kurby AI), which is significantly higher than the national median. Renting can be a more accessible option, with a median rent price in Maui County around $1,916 (according to Niche). However, the rental market in Kihei is competitive, with high demand often leading to numerous applications for available properties (according to Hawaii Life).

Median Home Prices and Rent

In March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Maui County was $1.1 million, showing a slight increase of 0.7% compared to the previous year (according to Redfin). The median sale price per square foot in Maui County is $804, which is down 10.2% from the previous year (according to Redfin). For those considering renting, the average rent in Maui County was $3,581 in March 2026, a 1.9% increase month-over-month (according to Zillow).

The median home value in Kihei is around $869K (according to Movemap), and a significant portion of Maui County’s homes are valued at $750,000 or more (according to Niche). The median rent price in Maui County is $1,916 (according to Niche), with a substantial percentage of rentals costing $2,000 or more per month (according to Niche).

Job Market and Economy

In Kihei, the most common employment sectors are Accommodation & Food Services, Retail Trade, and Health Care & Social Assistance (according to Data USA). From 2023 to 2024, employment in Kihei declined by 4.5%, with the number of employees decreasing from 11.9k to 11.3k (according to Data USA).

The unemployment rate in Maui County was 2.4% in January 2026, a decrease from the previous year (according to USAFacts). This rate is among the lowest in Hawaii, indicating a relatively healthy job market within the county (according to USAFacts). Major employers in Maui County are not specifically detailed for Kihei, but the broader economic landscape is influenced by tourism, agriculture, and a growing service sector.

Average Salary and Major Employers

The average annual salary in Kihei is approximately $34,943, which breaks down to about $16.80 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Kihei typically range between $26,616 and $40,667 annually (according to ZipRecruiter). Some of the top-paying jobs in Kihei include Software Engineer, Director of Finance, and Physician Assistant (according to ZipRecruiter).

For Maui County, the median household income was $97,161 in 2024 (according to Point2Homes). The per capita income in Maui County is $38,618 annually (according to BestNeighborhood.org). While specific major employers for Kihei are not readily available, the tourism industry, hospitality, and retail sectors are significant contributors to employment across Maui County (according to Data USA).

Climate and Weather

Kihei experiences a warm, muggy, and windy climate year-round. Temperatures typically range from 65°F to 87°F, rarely dropping below 59°F or exceeding 90°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The area is characterized by a distinct dry season from April 22 to November 7 and a wetter season from November 7 to April 22 (according to myPerfectWeather).

The average annual rainfall in Kihei is approximately 16 inches, with January being the wettest month receiving about 3 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather). June is typically the driest month, with around 0.3 inches of rainfall (according to myPerfectWeather). The water temperature in Kihei is warmest from August to November, averaging above 79°F, with September having the warmest water at 80°F (according to myPerfectWeather).

Average Temperatures and Rainfall

The average high temperature in Kihei is around 87°F, and the average low is 66°F (according to Livability.com). Over the course of the year, temperatures are generally mild, with daytime highs often in the high 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit. The warmest water temperatures occur in September, reaching around 80°F (according to myPerfectWeather).

The driest period in Kihei lasts from May 27 to July 9, with June receiving the least amount of rain at about 0.3 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). Conversely, March is the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 1.9 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). Despite the “wetter season,” the chance of a wet day remains relatively low, with January having the most wet days at 6.5 days per month (according to myPerfectWeather).

Education and Demographics

Kihei’s population is approximately 22,247, with a median age of 43.1 years (according to Kurby AI). The racial makeup of Kihei includes a significant portion of White residents (44.04%), followed by Asian residents (21.64%) (according to Kihei, HI Population 2026). The population is diverse, with a notable percentage of residents born outside of the country (18.2% as of 2024) (according to Data USA).

In terms of age, 25.1% of Kihei’s population is under 18, and 7.0% are 65 years of age or older (according to Wikipedia). The gender distribution shows 48.8% males and 51.2% females (according to Point2Homes). The median household income in Kihei is $87,772, with a poverty rate of 7.4% (according to Kihei, HI Population 2026).

School Ratings and Opportunities

Information regarding specific school ratings for Kihei is not readily available in the provided search results. However, educational data for Maui County in general is often found through resources like Niche.com, which typically provides rankings and reviews for local schools. The U.S. Census Bureau and other demographic data sources can offer insights into the age distribution of the population, which may indirectly indicate the presence and needs of school-aged children.

For those seeking educational opportunities, exploring the broader Maui County school district would be the next step. While specific ratings for Kihei’s schools are not detailed here, the general demographic data suggests a community with a mix of age groups, implying the presence of educational facilities. Further research into Maui County’s school system would be necessary to assess specific school performance and availability.

Demographics and Community Life

Kihei is home to approximately 21,567 residents, with a gender split of 48.8% male and 51.2% female (according to Point2Homes). The median age in Kihei is 43 years (according to Point2Homes). The community is diverse, with 44% of locals identifying as Caucasian, 1.3% as African American, and 21.6% having Asian roots (according to Point2Homes).

The population density in Kihei is high, with approximately 2,409.75 people per square mile (according to Kihei | Neighborhood Guide). Kihei has 8,182 households, with an average of 3 members per household (according to Point2Homes). A significant portion of these households, 61.2%, are families, while 38.8% are individuals living alone or with non-relatives (according to Point2Homes).

Population Trends and Diversity

Kihei’s population has seen some fluctuation, with a reported decrease of 4.4% compared to the previous year based on the 2019-2023 American Community Survey estimates (according to Point2Homes). As of 2024, 18.2% of Kihei residents were born outside of the United States (according to Data USA). The community is home to a variety of ethnic groups, with White (Non-Hispanic) residents being the most numerous, followed by Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents (according to Data USA).

The U.S. citizenship rate in Kihei is 92.2%, which is slightly lower than the national average (according to Data USA). The foreign-born population has seen an increase, with 18.2% of residents born outside the U.S. as of 2024 (according to Data USA). This diversity contributes to the unique cultural tapestry of Kihei.