Wailea
Kihei, Maui, HI, 96753
Wailea is South Maui at its most polished: think luxury resorts, championship golf courses, and calm, turquoise water ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Travelers come here to unwind, explore the ocean, or join tours to nearby spots, including Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. Wailea offers a relaxed yet refined base for exploring the island, with cultural experiences, coastal trails, and sunny weather.
The basics
In-the-know travelers start their visit with the Wailea Beach Path, an easy, 3-mile (5 kilometers) coastal trail with views of Molokini Crater, the West Maui Mountains, and the island of Kaho'olawe. While Wailea is more of a resort enclave than a tour destination, a handful of self-guided tours stop at its beaches, and some whale-watching outings explore the Wailea-Makena Coastline, near the heart of the Hawaiian Humpback Marine Mammal Sanctuary.
Things to know before you go
The Wailea Beach path starts near Polo Beach at the south end of town, and Mōkapu Beach at the north end.
Ulua Beach Park has restrooms, showers, and a public parking lot.
From north to the south, five beaches line the coast in Wailea: Polo Beach, Wailea Beach, Ulua Beach, Mōkapu Beach, and Keawakapu Beach.
How to get there
The best way to get around Maui is with a rental car: From Kahului Airport, it's a roughly 40-minute drive along highways 311 and 31 (Piilani Highway). On public transportation, the Maui Bus Public Transit System route #10 connects the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center shopping mall with Wailea. Other options include taxis, rideshares, independent airport shuttles, and shuttles run by resorts and hotels.
When to get there
Wailea is packed with tourists during the summer season, so consider visiting in the spring or fall. Whale watching season in Maui runs from November to May, typically peaking between January and March. Also keep in mind, Wailea is known to be drier than the rest of the island, which has a very wet rainy season during most of the winter.
Getting into nature near Wailea
Travelers interested in exploring outside of Wailea's resort-lined beaches can easily head out of town and into nature—if they have a car. Nearby are the Kula Botanical Gardens, the Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, the Kula Forest Reserve, and the ’Āhihi-Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve, a marine protected area with beautiful snorkeling spots along coastal lava fields, protected coves, and tidal pools teeming with sea life.
Ways to explore
Wailea is home to five beaches, luxury resorts, and oceanfront walking paths. You can book snorkeling and kayaking tours, attend a beachfront luau, or relax with a spa treatment. The area is also a common pickup point for Molokini Crater and Turtle Town excursions. Some tours stay local with paddleboarding or cultural experiences, while others include stops across the island. Wailea offers an easy and convenient base for exploring Maui’s south coast, as many tours include round-trip transportation from its local hotels.
Accessibility
Many Wailea resorts, beaches, and the Wailea Beach Path offer paved, wheelchair-friendly access. Public beach wheelchairs are available nearby (ask ahead).
Age limits
None
What to pack
Reef-safe sunscreen, brimmed hat, insect repellent
What to wear
Light, breathable clothes, sandals or water shoes for the beach. Resort-casual attire is typical at dinner venues and luaus, plus pack a layer for cooler evenings.
Not allowed
Smoking, drones, alcohol in certain areas
Amenities
Public access points include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, trash bins, and free parking (space may be limited at peak times).
Address
Wailea sits on Maui’s south shore, about 16 miles (26 kilometers) from Kahului Airport. Many tours that depart from Wailea include hotel pickup, making it easy to explore other parts of the island without a car.
Driving
From Kahului Airport, it's a roughly 25-minute drive along highways 311 and 31 (Piilani Highway).
Public transportation
The Maui Bus Public Transit System route 10 connects the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center shopping mall with Wailea.
Best times to visit
Mornings are ideal for beach walks, snorkeling, and ocean tours before trade winds and afternoon heat set in.
Best days to visit
Weekdays tend to be quieter at beaches and along the walking path. Resort restaurants and spas may be busier on weekends.
Best months to visit
The shoulder season months of April, May, September, and October are typically quieter and cooler than the peak summer months.
Special events
The annual Maui Film Festival is in June. There are frequent luaus and cultural events at beachfront resorts year-round.
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