Wailea

Wailea, along with the smaller Makena to the south, are resort areas on the south side of Maui, Hawaii, immediately south of the town of Kihei. Known for their luxury resort hotels and condos, upscale restaurants, fancy shopping center, and expensive golf courses, Wailea and Makena represent Maui's most polished and upscale resort experience. The beaches that attracted developers in the first place remain in all their golden sand beauty, though now largely framed by hotels and condos.

The climate in Wailea is warm and sunny year-round, with temperatures averaging 80–85°F (27–29°C). The area receives less rainfall than the windward side of the island, making it ideal for beach activities. The winter months (December through April) bring whale watching opportunities, with humpback whales visible from the shore. Summer months offer calmer seas ideal for snorkeling and swimming.

Wailea's development began in the 1970s as a master-planned resort community. The Shops at Wailea serve as the center of town, and the 1.5-mile Wailea Beach Walk connects the community's beaches. The area's five golf courses, numerous luxury hotels, and fine dining restaurants make it a self-contained vacation destination.

By Plane

Kahului Airport (OGG) is the main airport, located about 18 miles (29 km) and 30 minutes' drive east. Follow signs to Kihei and Wailea via Highway 311 (Mokulele Highway). Highway 311 becomes Highway 31 (Pi'ilani Highway) in Kihei and ends in Wailea, where it becomes Wailea Ike Drive.

By Car / Road

From Kahului Airport, follow Highway 311 south to Kihei, then continue on Highway 31 (Pi'ilani Highway) to Wailea. The main street through town is Wailea Alanui Drive. The Shops at Wailea (Wailea Alanui Drive and Wailea Ike Drive) serve as the center of town. Rental cars are available at Kahului Airport.

Wailea is designed for driving, with Wailea Alanui Drive connecting the resorts, golf courses, and shopping. Walking is pleasant along the Wailea Beach Walk, which stretches 1.5 miles and connects the community's beaches. Rental cars are essential for exploring the rest of Maui.

• Makena Beach (Big Beach) — A beautiful stretch of beach south of Wailea in Makena State Park. Two beaches — Big Beach (main) and Little Beach (over a hill). Facilities limited to pit toilets and picnic tables. Bring your own food.

• Wailea Beach Walk — A scenic 1.5-mile path connecting Wailea's beaches, offering ocean views and whale watching in winter.

• Golf

  • Wailea Golf Club, 100 Wailea Golf Club Dr, ☏ +1 808 875-7450. Three courses — Blue, Emerald, and Gold — with ocean and Haleakala views. Gold course hailed as one of the world's best by Conde Nast Traveler. $155–225.
  • Makena Golf Courses, 5415 Makena Alanui Dr, ☏ +1 808 891-4000. Two courses — North and South — among rolling hills. $120–190, cheaper after 1PM.

• Luaus

  • Grand Luau at Honua'ula, 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr, ☏ +1 808-875-1234. At the Grand Wailea Hotel. Adult $225–275, child $112.50–137.50.
  • Feast at Mokapu, 3550 Wailea Alanui Dr (Andaz Maui). Adult $280, child $140.
  • Te Au Moana, Wailea Beach Resort, ☏ +1-877-827-2740. Adult $225, child 6–12 $155.

• Swimming and Snorkeling — Several beaches along the coast offer excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions.

• Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante, 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr (Four Seasons Resort), ☏ +1 808 874-8000. 11:30 AM–9PM. Outdoor Italian dining with seafood. $25–50.

• Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr (Grand Wailea Resort). 5:30 PM–9PM. Located in a Polynesian-style hut in a lagoon off Wailea Beach. Rated highly for ambiance. $30–60 mains.

• Tommy Bahama's Tropical Cafe, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr (Shops at Wailea), ☏ +1 808 875-9983. Seafood and meat dishes. $30–40 mains.

• Aurum Maui, 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, ☏ +1 808-793-0054. Daily from noon. New American cuisine with seasonal influences. $30–50 per person.

Accommodation in Wailea and Makena is upscale, with hotels in the four- and five-star range. For cheaper options, Kihei is a better bet.

• Budget: Not applicable in Wailea itself. Kihei (5 mi north) has budget options from $100–200/night.

• Mid-range: Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, 3700 Wailea Alanui Dr, ☏ +1 808 879-1922. 546 rooms on a rocky shore adjacent to two beaches. Rates from $300–500/night.

• Upscale / heritage: Fairmont Kea Lani, 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr, ☏ +1 808 875-4100. All-suites luxury resort. Four Seasons Resort, 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, ☏ +1 808 874-8000. Quiet luxury with pampering service. Grand Wailea Resort, 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr, ☏ +1 808 875-1234. Maui's largest hotel with 787 rooms, numerous pools, and world-renowned Spa Grande. Hotel Wailea Maui, 555 Kaukahi St, ☏ +1 808 874-0500. 15-acre all-suite resort on hillside. Rates from $500–1,500+/night.

The Shops at Wailea — Maui's premier shopping destination with luxury brands, boutiques, and galleries. Located at Wailea Alanui Drive and Wailea Ike Drive.

• Makena (3 mi / 5 min) — The area south of Wailea with Makena Beach (Big Beach) and the Maui Prince Hotel.
• Kihei (5 mi / 10 min) — More affordable dining, shopping, and beach access.
• Kahului (18 mi / 30 min) — Maui's main commercial center and airport.
• Haleakala National Park (35 mi / 45 min) — Spectacular volcanic crater and summit with sunrise viewing.
• Hana (60 mi / 2.5 hr) — Remote town on Maui's northeast coast, reached via the famous Road to Hana.