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Get Your Aloha On: Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Wailea Maui, Hawaii (And No, Sunbathing Isn’t One Of Them)

The Wailea Coastal Walkway runs about 1.5 miles right along the whole of the coastline out there. The Grand Wailea Resort runs a whole 780 of the rooms and nine of the pools out there. The Four Seasons Maui runs just 380 of the rooms and three of the pools on it. The Shops at Wailea out there holds over 70 of the stores. Walk it together.

You have made Wailea, Maui, which is where two people go for a Hawaiian week and remember they like each other. Long beaches, green country and more to do than a week will hold. With that much on offer the hard part is choosing, so here is the list of things to do and places to visit in Wailea Maui to build the itinerary from.

Dining in Wailea. Wailea holds some of the strongest restaurants in Maui, across a long list of cuisines. Seafood through to sushi, Italian through to Hawaiian, there is a table that fits. A casual beachside room or a serious dinner, Wailea runs both. Book something.

Key Takeaways

• Wailea has a diverse range of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets.
• The beaches of Wailea offer a variety of activities, from snorkeling to kayaking.
• Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Wailea has something for everyone.

Tickling Your Taste Buds: Dining in Wailea

You have spent the day on the beach, snorkeling in clear water and sitting in the sun in Wailea. Now you are hungry. Wailea runs dining options across the range, from high-end rooms through to local favorites.

High-End Eateries

For a serious dinner, Wailea is well placed. Take the finest cooking in town at one of these high-end rooms.

• Monkeypod Kitchen: This award-winning restaurant is a must-visit for foodies. The menu features fresh, locally-caught fish, hand-tossed pizzas, and craft beers. Don’t miss their signature Mai Tai, which is made with fresh-squeezed juices and house-made syrups.
• Fine Dining: Wailea is home to several fine dining establishments that are sure to impress. Treat yourself to a multi-course meal at one of these top-rated restaurants. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly.

Local Favorites

On a budget, or after something more relaxed, Wailea runs plenty of local favorites. These are the ones worth the table.

• Food Trucks: Wailea is home to several food trucks that serve up delicious, affordable eats. From tacos to shave ice, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the garlic shrimp truck, which is a local favorite.
• Hawaiian Plate Lunch: A Hawaiian plate lunch typically consists of rice, macaroni salad, and a protein like kalua pork or teriyaki chicken. It’s a filling and affordable meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Check out one of the local plate lunch spots in Wailea for an authentic taste of Hawaii.
• Local Markets: If you’re in the mood for a picnic or just want to grab some snacks for the beach, head to one of the local markets in Wailea. They offer a variety of fresh produce, sandwiches, and other grab-and-go items.

Whatever the budget and whatever the appetite, Wailea has a room for it. Eat well and make the days count.

Sun, Sand, And Surf: Beaches Of Wailea

For a day in the sun, take the beaches of Wailea. Swimming, surfing or lying still, there is a beach here that fits. These are the ones we would pick.

Wailea Beach

First, Wailea Beach. This one suits swimming, with calm water and room to spread out. Turtles turn up here, so keep watching. For something harder, take a board out, and the rental shops nearby will sort you out.

Makena Beach

Next, Makena Beach, known as Big Beach. The name is honest. It is among the largest beaches in Maui. White sand and clear water are why it stays busy for swimming and snorkeling.

Keawakapu Beach

For somewhere quieter, take Keawakapu Beach. It sits further from the crowds, so there is room to spread out. The water suits swimming, with gentle waves and warm temperatures.

Big Beach

Back to Big Beach, which also works for swimming and lying in the sun. The waves here run stronger than at the others, so take care in the water. If you want the challenge, there are waves worth catching.

Little Beach

And last, Little Beach. It sits further out than the others and it runs a clothing-optional policy. If that appeals, the sun is there for it. It fills up on weekends.

So those are the beaches in Wailea. Swimming, surfing or an afternoon doing nothing, there is one here for it. Take the sunscreen and the swimsuit.

A Splash Of Adventure: Water Activities In Wailea

Ready to get into the water in Wailea, there is plenty to choose from. These are the water activities worth the day.

Snorkeling Spots

Snorkeling in the clear water at Wailea is the thing to do here. Turtle Town is the popular spot, where you swim alongside sea turtles and other marine life. Molokini Crater is the other, with coral reefs and colorful fish on it.

Surf’s Up: Surfing

For a thrill, try surfing. Maui Waveriders is a family-owned surf school running lessons at every skill level. Their instructors will have you up faster than you expect.

Kayaking Adventures

Take the coastline of Wailea by kayak. Rent one and paddle out yourself, or join a guided tour. Work along the shore and watch for dolphins and whales.

Scuba Diving Excursions

For something you will talk about afterwards, go scuba diving in Wailea. Dive Molokini Crater for the coral reefs, the schools of fish and the sea turtles. Dive shops like Maui Dive Shop and Scuba Shack run guided dives at every experience level.

Whichever water activity you pick, Wailea delivers. Take the swimsuit and the sunscreen and get in.

Retail Therapy: Shopping In Wailea

For shopping during a stay in Wailea, you are well placed. This upscale resort town runs some of the strongest shopping in Maui. High-end designer boutiques through to surf shops, there is a version for you.

The Shops At Wailea

For everything in one place, take The Shops at Wailea. This open-air center runs over 70 stores, high-end names like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Coach among them. A designer handbag or an afternoon browsing, it is all in there.

Shopping is not the only thing at The Shops at Wailea. The outdoor mall also runs restaurants and cafes alongside live entertainment on some evenings. Eat something, take a cocktail and let the Maui weather do the rest.

Surf Shops

For beachwear and surf gear, Wailea has plenty. Take the local surf shops, Maui Tropix Surf Company or Hi-Tech Surf Sports, for everything from board shorts to rash guards.

You do not need to surf. These Wailea shops also run beach accessories, towels and hats and sunglasses, alongside souvenirs to take home. You can look the part without going near a wave.

High-end shopping or surf wear, Wailea runs both. Take a Maui afternoon over it.

Swinging In Style: Golfing In Wailea

Golfers do very well in Wailea. The courses here run long views and hard holes. These are the top courses in Wailea to book.

Wailea Golf Club

The Wailea Golf Club runs three championship courses: the Wailea Gold, Wailea Emerald and Wailea Blue. Each plays differently, with hard holes and the Pacific Ocean out beyond them. Any serious golfer should play here.

Wailea Blue

The Wailea Blue course is known for its ocean views and its hard holes. With wide fairways and large greens it works at every skill level. For an enjoyable round that still tests you, take the Blue.

Wailea Emerald

The Wailea Emerald course is known for its greenery and its ocean views. With narrow fairways and hard greens it suits experienced golfers looking for a test. For something different, take the Emerald.

Wailea Gold

The Wailea Gold course is the hardest of the three at the Wailea Golf Club. Narrow fairways and hard greens make it a course for experienced golfers. If you want the test, take the Gold.

Seasoned golfer or beginner, Wailea has a course for you. Take the clubs and play a round you will remember.

Take the Wailea Coastal Walkway in the evening rather than in the whole of the middle of the day. The 1.5 miles of it run right along the coast with the nearby islands out in front. The Hoapili Trail is the harder one out there and it runs about 3.5 whole miles. Time it for the light.

Exploring The Outdoors: Hiking And Trails

For the outdoor country of Wailea Maui, Hawaii, hiking is the way in. There are two walks worth doing: the Hoapili Trail and the Wailea Coastal Walkway.

Hoapili Trail

The Hoapili Trail runs along the rugged coastline of south Maui. It suits anybody interested in ancient Hawaiian culture. You pass ancient Hawaiian villages. There are petroglyphs along it. Old lava fields run beside the path.

The trail runs about 3.5 miles and it is hard going, so carry water and wear proper shoes. Take a camera too, because the ocean and the country around it are the reason for the walk.

Wailea Coastal Walkway

For something gentler, take the Wailea Coastal Walkway. This paved trail runs along the coastline of Wailea with the ocean and the nearby islands out in front of you.

The trail runs about 1.5 miles and it suits a morning or an evening walk. You pass beaches, luxury resorts and some local wildlife. Take the camera.

A hard walk or an easy one, Wailea Maui has both. Put the shoes on, take the water and go.

Luxury Living: Hotels And Resorts

For a luxurious stay in Wailea, Maui, there are two options: the Grand Wailea Resort and the Four Seasons Resort. Both are serious. The question is which suits the two of you.

Grand Wailea Resort

For a resort as grand as the name, the Grand Wailea Resort is it. The property runs 780 rooms, nine pools and a 50,000 square foot spa. That is 50,000 square feet. A whole day in the spa will not cover it.

The Grand Wailea is not only size. The architecture, the landscaping and the art collection all hold up. You come out of it feeling like you stayed somewhere considerable.

That level of comfort costs. The Grand Wailea Resort is among the most expensive hotels in Wailea. For the luxurious version of the trip, it earns the money.

Four Seasons Resort

For understated elegance rather than scale, the Four Seasons Resort is the one. This resort runs on attention to detail, from the art collection to the personal service.

The Four Seasons Maui is among the most exclusive resorts in Wailea, with just 380 rooms. The size is not a limitation. It runs three pools, a serious spa and some of the strongest dining in Wailea.

The location is the other reason for the Four Seasons. The resort sits on a prime piece of ground, with the ocean in front and easy access to the best beaches in Wailea.

That comfort costs as well. The Four Seasons is among the most expensive hotels in Wailea. For a genuinely luxurious few days, it earns the money.

So which resort suits you comes down to what the two of you want. To feel like royalty, take the Grand Wailea. For understated elegance and personal service, take the Four Seasons. Either way the stay is a good one in one of the better resort towns anywhere.

Local Gems: Unique Attractions

For something off the usual route, take these corners of Wailea Maui that most visitors never find.

La Perouse Bay

If you want the harder version, take a trip to La Perouse Bay. This rocky shoreline suits hiking, snorkeling and working through unusual ground. Wear sturdy shoes, because the terrain is rough and uneven.

While you are there, watch for the Hawaiian spinner dolphins that live in the bay. They are playful and acrobatic and they will improve the day.

Makena Turtle Town Eco Adventure

Get close to Hawaii’s green sea turtles on the Makena Turtle Town Eco Adventure. This guided kayak and snorkel tour takes you to the best spots for turtle sightings, Turtle Town and Five Caves among them.

Along the way you also work coral reefs and swim among colorful fish. Take a waterproof camera, because you will want the record of it.

Art Galleries

Wailea Maui runs a real arts scene, with galleries showing local and international artists. Walk the Shops at Wailea for the best of them, the Lahaina Galleries and the Maui Hands Gallery among them.

Seasoned collector or somebody who just likes looking, something in those rooms will catch you. You may leave with a name you had not heard of.

So those are three attractions that will stay with you after Wailea Maui. Nature person, adventurer or art person, this corner of Hawaii has a version of it.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Information

You are ready for Wailea Maui, Hawaii. Before you pack, here are the practical things that make the trip run smoothly.

Weather

First, the weather. You are in Hawaii, so expect warm temperatures and sun. The weather here still turns without warning, so pack a light jacket or sweater.

Safety

Then safety. Hawaii is a safe place to visit, and like anywhere it pays to know where your things are. Watch your valuables, particularly at the beach or in a crowd. And wear sunscreen.

Parking

Parking runs tight in Wailea, particularly in peak season. Staying at a hotel, ask about parking first. Some run free parking and others charge daily. Renting a car, reserve a parking spot in advance. And flying into Kahului Airport, book the car ahead so you are not standing in line.

With those in hand you are ready for Wailea Maui. Pack the bags and the sunscreen and go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with Wailea? Is it really all that?

It is. Wailea is a luxurious resort town on the sunny south shore of Maui, Hawaii. It is known for its beaches, its championship golf courses and its five-star resorts.

Can you really walk to the beach from Hotel Wailea or is it just a cruel joke?

You can walk to the beach from Hotel Wailea. It takes about 10-15 minutes and it is worth doing. You also work off some of the mai tais on the way.

What’s the best way to spend a day in Wailea without breaking the bank?

Take the beaches. All of them in Wailea are free and open to the public. Spend the day in the sun and the clear water, and watch for sea turtles. Pack a picnic lunch and eat it on the sand.

What are some must-visit spots in Wailea for foodies?

If you’re a foodie, you’re in luck because Wailea has some amazing restaurants. Some of our favourites include Monkeypod Kitchen, Gannon’s, and Morimoto Maui. And if you’re looking for something a little more casual, check out Pita Paradise or Maui Tacos.

What’s the most Instagram-worthy spot in Wailea?

There are plenty of good-looking spots in Wailea and the infinity pool at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort takes it. It is the shot everybody else will react to.

Is it worth it to splurge on a luau at Wailea or are they all the same?

Go for it. The luaus in Wailea all hold up and each runs its own version. The Old Lahaina Luau is our pick, and none of them will let you down. Come hungry.

Frequently asked questions about Wailea Maui, Hawaii

How long is the Wailea Coastal Walkway trail over in Wailea Maui, Hawaii?

The Wailea Coastal Walkway is paved and it runs about 1.5 miles right along the whole of the coastline. It takes a morning or an evening walk and it passes the beaches and the resorts. The Hoapili Trail out there is the harder one at about 3.5 whole miles. Evening.

Which beach in Wailea Maui is the quiet one worth walking to?

Keawakapu Beach out there sits further from the crowds and there is plenty of room to spread right out. The water on it out there suits the swimming, with the gentle waves and the warm temperatures. Wailea Beach is the other calm one and the turtles turn up right on it. Free.

How many rooms does the Grand Wailea Resort in Wailea Maui have?

The Grand Wailea Resort runs a whole 780 of the rooms and nine of the pools right out there. The spa in there covers a whole 50,000 square feet of the resort on its own. The Four Seasons Maui runs just 380 rooms and three of the pools instead. Temperament.

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