Kahului is the commercial and industrial hub of Maui, central on the island. It has the main airport, Kahului Airport, and many highways converge here. Still, this town of nearly 30,000 manages to remain small, laid-back and peaceful. “People who move here from the mainland are sometimes used to a faster pace, but Kahului’s pretty slow,” says Hank Rapoza, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker who lives in the area. He’s been on Maui since 2007 and has sold homes since 2020. “There’s usually not much going on, and a lot of families like that. I’ve seen more and more restaurants coming in, though, and there’s a fair amount of commercial growth near the airport.” Kahului Harbor, the central port for the area’s cruise routes, is getting a new addition in 2029 — a mixed-use affordable housing development that includes 300 units, commercial space, offices, a civic center and a library. The development is part of a larger growth trend in Maui, where tourism continues to bounce back after Lahaina’s fires in 2023.
Kahului residents have easy access to the ocean and retail areas.
Fresh produce is always ready for Kahului shoppers at Whole Foods Market.
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The island’s retail hub: Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, Maui Mall Village
People come from all over the island to shop in Kahului. As Maui’s commercial center, this town has major brands such as Costco, Walmart, Lowe’s and Macy’s, and locally owned restaurants are scattered throughout. Queen Ka’ahumanu Center is an indoor-outdoor mall with over 100 businesses, and Maui Mall Village is nearby with more indoor stores and a movie theater. Maui Marketplace and Pu’unene Shopping Center have the most popular department stores, clustered on the town’s south side. That’s also where new restaurants have opened in recent years, including Gen Korean BBQ and Hawaii's first-ever Chik-fil-A.
The Queen Ka'ahumanu Shopping Center is the main retail hub in Kahului.
Food trucks and small eateries offer delicious on-the-go bites in Kahului.
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Single-family homes close to the Pacific
Single-family homes fill Kahului’s valley. Ranch-style properties are most common, but higher-end listings tend to have two stories, additional square footage and new build dates. While Kahului doesn’t have many established neighborhoods, The Island at Maui Lani is one of the most recognizable. This gated golf course community is on the town’s east side, and it’s highly sought after. Alternatively, some low-rise condos are just off the coast and have views of the ocean, but beaches are walkable from many homes regardless. The town’s median sale price is $1 million, aligned with neighboring Wailuku. Still, that’s roughly $200,000 less than the median for Waikapu and Kihei. Homeowners should also consider Maui’s chances of earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural disasters.
Beach-style houses are common in Kahului.
You'll find modern homes in The Island gated community in Kahului.
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Access to Kahului Airport, Maui’s highway system
Kahului Airport, on the town’s east side, is the main airport for all of Maui, so many freeways connect to the area. The scenic Hana Highway goes along the North Shore, while state routes 30, 311 and 380 lead down to West and South Maui. Most people drive around Kahului itself, but neighborhoods have sidewalks and little traffic. Alternatively, Maui Bus operates several loops around town, which travel to major shopping centers and coastal areas.
Top-tier recreation at Kanaha Beach, ʻĪao Valley State Monument
Of many beaches near Kahului, Kanaha Beach is the most popular. "It’s a nice stretch of beach because it’s always windy,” Rapoza says. “Lots of people go out there to windsurf and kitesurf, and the parking lots are usually busy.” Waves are too small for a standalone surfboard, but Ho’okipa Beach Park, up the coast, has a reef that causes larger breaks. The West Maui Mountains are just east of town too, so hiking trails are a short drive away. ?Iao Valley State Monument covers a 4,000-acre valley between these mountains. Kuka’emoku, otherwise known as the ?Iao Needle, is a 1,200-foot formation here that serves as both a landmark and a sacred site for Hawaiians. Other spaces around town include waterfront Keopuolani Regional Park, sports-oriented Kahului Community Park and The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course. Temperatures are in the 70s and 80s year-round, and sunshine is frequent.
Visitors can take in views of beach and turquoise blue water at Kanaha Beach Park in Kahului.
Local fishermen take to the beaches on Kahului.
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Maui Arts & Cultural Center events and the Ho’olaule’a
Part of Keopuolani Regional Park, Maui Arts & Cultural Center has many events throughout the year. Ki-ho’alu Festival is held in June and brings slack key guitar, a fingerstyle genre that dates back to early-1800s Hawaii. Also in June, Maui Film Festival has outdoor film screenings under the island’s star-filled sky. Maui Swap Meet is a more regular event — every Saturday morning — in the parking lot across from the Cultural Center. Just off the coast, the OluKai Ho’olaule’a is held in October and allows both amateur and professional paddlers to compete. The main race follows an 8-mile downwind route on Maui’s north shore, stretching from Maliko Gulch to Kanaha Beach Park.
Crime levels on Maui
Maui Police Department reports crime for the whole island but not Kahului specifically. Islandwide property crimes numbered 3,500 in 2022, a slight decrease from the previous year. Violent crimes numbered 391, a year-to-year decrease of more than 20%. These trends follow a significant drop in crime statewide.
High ratings for Kahului schools
Hawaii Department of Education, the statewide school district, operates 10 schools in the area, and they mostly receive Bs from Niche. Maui High School is a B-plus-rated standout founded in 1913. Its 1,700 students can enroll in four Career Academies, specializing in topics like industrial engineering and sustainability. The University of Hawai’i Maui College is close to the beach and has over 20 career pathways.
Maui High School and satellite classrooms are located in Kahului.
Maui Waena Intermediate boasts a dedicated team of educators committed to student success.
Gloria Ezera R(BIC), specializes in helping clients buy and sell homes with confidence. With extensive experience and a strong track record of successful transactions, she brings expertise, market knowledge, and negotiation skills to every deal. Known for her open communication, transparency, and client-focused approach, Gloria ensures a smooth and stress-free real estate experience. Whether assisting sellers, buyers, or investors, she is dedicated to guiding clients through every step of the process to achieve their real estate goals.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
