Wailea

 

 

Nestled between sunny Kihei and Makena’s gorgeous beaches, Wailea is a master-planned, luxurious resort community in South Maui. It is the place to go if you're looking for peace and quiet in the middle of South Maui, as it is home to the island's most opulent resorts and extravagant residences, many of which offer breathtaking ocean views. Luxury hotels like The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, The Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, and Andaz Maui highlight the Wailea coastline. Championship golf courses like Wailea Gold Golf Course,  unique shops at The Shops of Wailea, and fine dining are all found in Wailea.

Wailea is home to 13 communities, each with its perks. Wailea Beach Villas, Wailea Elua Village, and Wailea Ekahi are the only communities in Wailea with beachfront access. Several communities in Wailea provide direct access to the golf courses; the newest of them is Ho'olei, which is bordered on three sides by the Wailea Blue Golf Course.

 

Wailea is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts and people who desire an active lifestyle. Popular things to do at Wailea include walking the Wailea Beach path, shopping at The Shops at Wailea, relaxing at one of the spas in the various resorts, playing tennis at the esteemed Tennis Center, and golfing at one of three stunning, world-class courses.

The Shops at Wailea is an upscale shopping and dining complex. Over seventy shops, cafés, and galleries are found in this one-of-a-kind outdoor shopping complex. For your retail therapy needs, The Shops at Wailea features a wide variety of stores. You can find anything from jewelry to clothing to local specialties and gifts. After shopping, head to one of the many restaurants such as Pint & Cork, Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar and Ruth's Chris Steak House.

For scenic views and delicious food, head to Gannon's. Dine in style beneath soaring ceilings illuminated by modern chandeliers while taking in picturesque views of the coast through floor-to-ceiling windows. Chef Gannon offers a unique dining experience by combining traditional flavors and her own personality to deliver delicious food. The Four Seasons is magical, whether you're enjoying a meal on the lanai at Spago or a cocktail at Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante on the beach. Spago, run by Chef Wolfgang Puck, is a stunning combination of Hawaiian and California cuisine that accentuates locally produced Hawaiian ingredients. Be sure to order the ahi tuna cones and the wagyu beef bolognese. At the same time, the poolside restaurant at DUO serves fresh fish and fine steaks in a more relaxed setting.

For a relaxing meal with family and friends, visit Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman. This restaurant is a favorite for its laid-back vibe, live music, and happy hour menu. The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea, Matteo's Osteria and Lineage are a few other great eateries in the area.

 

Wailea hosts events that attract tourists worldwide, including February's World Whale Day, Maui Film festival, and Wailea Food & Wine Festival. The Maui Film Festival takes place in June and is a celebration of cinematic art and a showcase for today's top filmmaking talent. World Whale Day was founded in 1980 in Maui to celebrate humpback whales. The purpose of this day is to draw attention to these stunning animals and highlight their vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Wailea has some of the most popular snorkeling and swimming areas in Maui. Wailea Beach, Polo Beach, and Ulua Beach are popular snorkeling areas due to their pristine, calm waters.

 

With world-class golf resorts like Wailea Golf Club in South Maui, it's no surprise that golfing is Hawaii's most opulent pastime. The club's David Leadbetter Golf Academy provides golf lessons for players of all skill levels. Kayak tours are a fantastic way to see the stunning Southwest coast, which is dotted with beautiful beaches and surrounded by water on all sides.