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Wailea Things to Do
Things to Do near Wailea on Maui
Wailea is located in South Maui, about 35 minutes from Kahului Airport. Because of its unique crescent-shaped coves, it provides a sense of privacy that is uncommon for popular resort towns. The area has been developed over the past three decades and is now home to outstanding golf courses, top-rated hotels and restaurants, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It is a carefree area with peaceful trails, some of the loveliest beaches on the island and acres of green parkland that makes it feel less crowded than other tourist areas.
Lavish Accommodations
You will find Wailea is a resort community that attracts those used to living in more opulent surroundings. The Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa and the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea are surrounded by distinguished condominiums and gracious homes. All hotels are located close to the beaches that hug the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views.
Natural Attractions
Wailea is known for its beauty, with several natural attractions that provide breathtaking views of Mother Nature’s handy work. There are five beaches in Wailea, each with its own welcoming waters. Wailea Beach is known for its swimming and snorkeling, while Ulua Beach Park is a favorite spot for joggers and stunning sunsets. If you head south on the coast, you will find Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, a perfect spot to snorkel or take in the coastal lava field.
A few miles further will take you to La Perouse Bay, where you can still spot the lava from Maui's last eruption. Nature lovers will find hiking trails, with the Hoapili Trail taking you on a winding tour along the coast. You end up at the lava fields to Kanaio Beach that are about a 2-mile trek and well worth the effort.
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Golfers’ Heaven
If golf is your reason for living there are three stunning courses to enjoy including Wailea Blue, Wailea Gold, and Wailea Emerald. They consist of 54 holes of championship quality golf that has kept avid golfers flocking to the area for years.
Weather in Wailea
Wailea has a warm and muggy climate with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 87°F. When planning your trip, a good time to travel to the area is from late May to late September if you are planning to participate in warm-weather activities. The wetter months run from November to April with the risk for rain peaking in mid-January. If you want to avoid the muggier weather, don’t visit the area between May and mid-December as this time of year you are more likely to experience muggy and even oppressive weather.
World-Class Dining and Shopping
Wailea offers high-end shopping and world-class dining. It attracts many annual, high profile events including the Maui Film Festival, and is a destination for whale watching during February’s Whale Week. The area is known for its Hawaii Regional Cuisine offering you a chance to indulge in local favorites. As well, because the area caters to a distinguished local community you will find a list of world-renowned spas for some much-deserved pampering.
Main Attractions of Wailea
The top things to do in Wailea include:
Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach doesn’t disappoint if you’ve traveled to the area to take in stunning views, swimming, and snorkeling. This breathtaking beach is a true Hawaiian experience with the scent of flowering hibiscus trees, restaurants to enjoy a fresh ahi poke bowl and easy access to restrooms and equipment rentals.
When visiting the beach, enjoy a stroll along the paved beach walk that travels along the coastline and takes you to the best hotels, shops, and restaurants in the area. The Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk Trail is a 2.9-kilometer walk and easy to manage for people of all ability levels. It is a great way to take in the local wildflowers and is not overly crowded even in peak tourist season.
Makena Beach (also known as Big Beach and Oneloa Beach)
This is one long, deep beach known for its golden sand and killer waves. It is still undeveloped offering unsurpassed views you can’t afford to miss. Although you have to avoid swimming due to the shore-break that can be dangerous, you can definitely enjoy watching those crashing waves come into shore.
The beach is also very wide, a rare find in Maui so you can easily find a spot to drop your beach blanket. While you might be safer on shore, you can watch the more adventurous enjoy some extreme boogie boarding. If you’re hungry there are some top-notch food vendors serving up local grub outside the park.
The Shops at Wailea
The Shops at Wailea offer something for everyone with an impressive list of shops and restaurants from world-class designers to surfing shops and elegant dining to casual cafés. It is a must for shopping enthusiasts who are looking for unique purchases whether you are all about internationally renowned designers or want something distinctively local. When you’ve worn out your credit cards, you have your choice of dining experiences from American favorites to the flavors of the Pacific Rim.
Keawala'i Congregational Church
If you want to experience a little of the area’s history this landmark is a must. Founded in 1832, it was originally built of pili grass and reconstructed about 20 years later using lava stone, timber, and coral mortar. The stones were hand-carved from the bedrock and local lumber was felled for support beams. Located at the end of a roughly paved road, just south of Makena Bay landing, the church has withstood droughts, depressions, and wars. You can join the congregation to listen to sermons in Hawaiian complete with native hula and chants.
The Pint And Cork
Located in The Shops at Wailea you can discover the perfect spot to enjoy some local craft beer, or custom cocktails if you prefer something a little more refined. The kitchen is known for its unique culinary creations, including Fresh Poke Bowls, Kalua Pork Sliders, Lobster Mac ‘N Cheese and Huli Chicken. A perfect combination of local fare, Pacific Rim inspired dishes and good old-fashioned American make it easy to find something for everyone on the menu.
Wailea is an ideal destination for those looking for a spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the islands without sacrificing any of the conveniences and luxuries you’ve come to expect.
