Where to Stay in Wailea, Maui

My Favorite Hotels in Wailea

• Five-Star Luxury: Four Seasons
• 4-‧ Four-star hotel: Wailea Beach Resort
• 3-Star: The Mana Kai
• For Families: Grand Wailea
• Train Station: Fairmont Hotel

The 10 Best Hotels in Wailea

1. The Four Seasons Resort • 2. The Andaz Resort • 3. The Hotel Wailea • 4. The Grand Wailea Resort and Spa • 5. The Fairmont Resort • 6. The Mana Kai Resort • 7. The Elua Village • 8. The Wailea Beach Resort • 9. The Grand Champions Villas • 10. The Residence Inn

Staying in Wailea

Situated in the driest and sunniest region of Maui surrounded by beaches and championship golf, Wailea is a dreamlike destination. Celebrities such as Clint Eastwood, Usher, Britney Spears, Oprah, Jennifer Aniston, and Arnold Schwarzenegger often select lavish vacations here. Wailea is a 1500-acre meticulously planned complex incorporating high-end resorts, golf, upscale dining, and shopping centered around luxury. Wailea offers an enchanting though inauthentic vision of Hawaii complete with luaus under palm trees and crescent beaches. The television drama White Lotus was filmed at the Four Season Wailea. (I enjoyed though note it contains mature content unsuitable for all audiences.)

Wailea is situated approximately halfway along the South Coast, with the cheerful town of Kihei to the north and the low-key area of Makena to the south. South Kihei Road runs alongside the coastline, while Piilani Highway (inland about a kilometer) runs parallel and loosely bounds the resort area to the east. Keawakapu Beach marks the northern end of Wailea. The Mana Kai Hotel is situated at the northern end of Keawakapu. The Andaz Hotel is on the southern end of the same beach and marks the northern boundary of Wailea and is the starting point of the Wailea Beach Path.

Polo Beach and the Fairmont Hotel delineate the southern boundary of Wailea proper. A bit farther south is the excellent Chang’s Beach and Makena Surf Resort which are a bit removed from the Wailea scene and much calmer, though neither is connected to the Wailea beach path.

The Wailea district is roughly divided evenly by Wailea Alanui Drive, with most luxury resorts and high-end stores on the western (coastal) side and moderately priced hotels, shopping centers, luxury condominiums, and golf courses on the eastern side. Additional budget and mid-range hotels can be found north of Mokapu Beach, while the southern end of Wailea past Polo Beach is primarily residential.

The beaches stretching along the Wailea-Kihei coast for nearly 10 kilometers provide magnificent sun-drenched golden sand and scenic separating spaces of greenery and lava rock. All of Hawaii`s shorelines welcome public access, even those adjacent to upscale resorts. Visitors can lodge at reasonably priced Kihei hotels or inland in Wailea yet still gain entrance to the identical beaches. Facing westward, the beaches offer gorgeous sunsets daily with nearby automobile parking and most including restrooms and outdoor showers. Positioned towards the setting sun, the shorelines experience regular surf all year. The finest waves for surfing come during summer months; however, just advanced and intermediate board riders should attempt surfing in Wailea. Beginners are advised to head north to Cove Beach Park in Kihei.

Within Kihei is Kamaole Beach Park II (Kamaole I being in north Kihei), one of just two beaches in the vicinity having a lifeguard constantly on duty. Site visitors will find powder-soft sand, vibrant underwater life, picnic tables under the trees for shade. It shares a parking lot with Kamaole Beach Park III immediately south. Kamaole III is the other beach constantly supervised; families especially enjoy this beach as it too has a playground and picnic tables in the shade.

Keawakapu (unofficially separating the Kihei and Wailea areas) is the longest beach in the region, having gentle sand, excellent swimming, and good snorkeling opportunities. This is a less busy beach, and there are no restrooms; there are, however, three parking lots. Situated next to it to the south is Mokapu Beach directly in front of the Andaz. This is also where the Wailea Beach Path starts, a lovely seaside walkway running the length of the resort complex and ending on Polo Beach just past the Fairmont Kea Lani. Mokapu Beach gets somewhat full, but is extremely sandy and has great snorkeling and diving, especially early in the day. Ulua is right beside Mokapu; the two beaches share parking and restrooms. Ulua sits in front of the condominium resort Elua Village and is also near Wailea Beach Resort (which has a rocky coastline composed of lava). This is a well-liked spot for scuba divers and novice snorkelers with a small reef at the southern end, a progressive slope from the shore into the water, fine sand, and some shady trees at the northern end.

Wailea Beach, right in front of the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons, is a wide stretch of seaside sand usually encompassing calm surf conditions, making it perfect for swimming. Underwater observers will discern a diversity of vivid fish and sometimes sea turtles in this location. Polo Beach is adjacent, situated in front of the Fairmont Hotel. Having the form of twin sideways semicircles, Polo is a small beach consisting of fine-grained sand, a gently sloping entry into the water, some aquatic life, several trees providing cover from the sun, and picnic tables. The coastal walking path concludes at the Fremont.

Below Polo lies the concealed Palauea Beach, locally known as White Rock Beach. There exists no nearby parking garage, just street parking. The two beach entry pathways run between private residences and aren`t as conveniently noticeable as those at Wailea`s other beaches. As a result, a calmer, less crowded beach experience can be experienced. This is an all-natural beach lacking showers or restrooms, yet abundant in sun and sand, exceptional swimming, and sea turtles at the northern end. Finally, the southernmost beach of Wailea is Po`olenalena, an additional all-natural beach lacking showers (though a porta-potty exists). This is an extended stretch of soft sand with a gradual submerge into the water and lava rocks at the northern and southern ends. It proves to be the most reliable beach in the area for spotting sea turtles and excellent for snorkeling early on. However, there might be strong currents and larger waves, so it`s best suited for experienced swimmers, boogieboarding, and bodysurfing. At the far northern end is a small cove known as Secret Beach, an unofficial nude beach. The far southern end, known as Chang’s Beach, especially abundant in marine life.

Stunning beaches are the primary attractions in Wailea, but they are not the only things to do in South Maui. During winter, Wailea is one of the best places in Maui for viewing whales. Whale watching boat tours operate several times daily from November through May (though mid-January through March sees peak whale activity), while snorkeling, scuba diving, and diving tours to the Molokini Crater, home to over 250 marine species, run year-round. Meanwhile, the Wailea Golf Club is home to three world-class 18-hole golf courses, incorporating lava rock outcroppings and ancient stone walls into their designs, plus breathtaking ocean and volcano views. The Gold Course is the longest and most challenging, while the Emerald Course is the most beautiful and offers something for all skill levels. The Blue Course is the original Wailea golf links, the best option for beginners and casual players with wide fairways and strategically-arranged bunkers.

Where To Stay in Wailea for:

Best Luxury Resort: Four Seasons

With three saltwater pools, oceanfront and indoor spas, and a prime location on the southern end of Wailea Beach, the elegant Four Seasons is the top choice on the South Maui coast. Rooms and suites are spacious, beginning at 56 square meters, and all include generous private outdoor spaces, air purification systems, and marble bathrooms with double sinks and separate tubs and showers. Dining and drinking are phenomenal at the resort’s four eateries and two bars, and room service is available 24 hours a day. Bespoke experiences are the resort’s strong suit, and nothing is off limits, whether it’s swimming in lava caves, throwing a midnight pool party, or island hopping by helicopter for real Kona coffee in the mountains.

Best Family Resort: Grand Wailea

Ideal for families, this luxury resort rests on a sandy coastline with nine interconnected pools, four water rides, and a lazy river for relaxation. The children’s camp is accessible year-round with supervised activities, an arcade, and a small theater; teen activities are available seasonally. A wide variety of cuisine is accessible to satisfy even the choosiest eaters from four dining spots (including a fun food truck) and three lounges; cultural performances offer an exciting blending of crowd-pleasing meals with interactive fun, dancing, and storytelling. The sandy beach is a wide strip with usually gentle waves, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and standup paddleboarding.

Best Honeymoon Resort for Couples: Hotel Wailea

This adult-only resort located in Wailea is the only boutique hotel in the area. It offers elegant one-bedroom suites for couples with private lanais, king beds, and bathrooms containing deep soaking tubs and separate showers. Designed with spouses in mind, the resort provides complimentary experiences such as private transportation to the beach and throughout Wailea by valet, beach service with umbrellas and sun loungers, mixology classes, and yoga sessions. As a Relais & Chateaux resort, the culinary program is outstanding featuring a farm-to-table restaurant, private dining in a luxury treehouse, and a five-course `Kiawe Night` under the stars paired with wines. Upgraded romantic activities include outrigger canoeing, surfing lessons, sunset sailing trips, and retro glam road tours in a 1957 Porsche Speedster.

Best Beach Resort: Andaz

Contemporary beachfront resort located at the northern edge of the Wailea Beach Path along palm-lined Mokapu Beach, a renowned spot for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. Guests can enjoy four infinity pools arranged in tiers with magnificent ocean views, a holistic wellness center, and exquisite culinary options. Spacious guest rooms, suites, and villas all include a rainfall showerhead, private lanai, and complimentary mini bar. Complimentary amenities comprise daily outrigger canoe and kayak trips, yoga and Pilates classes, ukulele and hula lessons, a professional photography session, and more.

Best Golf Resort: Four Seasons

The resort has views of the Wailea Golf Club’s Blue Course with complimentary shuttle service to the nearby Gold and Emerald Courses, making this one of the best situated hotels for golfing in the area. On site, guests will find a pro shop, practice putting green, and driving range, plus a Topgolf Virtual Simulator for practicing with simulated golf. Aerial tours over the golf courses are available, along with golf lessons.

Best Spa Resort: Fairmont

The Fairmont`s highly regarded well-being center artfully blends regional ingredients, Polynesian traditions, and energy-centered remedies on the seaside, around the pools, or in the spa, complete with practical rain showers, hydrotherapy rooms, and a suite for couples. Positioned on the sugary shores of Polo Beach, this all-suite and villa resort boasts two free-shaped pools, a pool for kids, and an adults-only pool concealed away in a separate area. Suites start at a sizable 80 square meters; villas add private pools.

Best Midrange Hotel: Mana Kai

Situated at the northern end of Wailea on Keawakapu Beach, this family-friendly resort has a heated beachfront pool, surf shack, yoga studio, and restaurant. Rooms feature king-sized beds and seating areas; one and two-bedroom condos add private lanais, ocean perspectives, and fully equipped kitchens. The beach stretches for a full kilometer with soft sand and gradual entry into the ocean, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Within easy walking distance to shops, eateries, and several other gorgeous Wailea beaches.

Is it better to stay in Wailea or Lahaina?

Both areas are on west-facing beaches with soft sandy shores and excellent swimming conditions, however similarities end there. Lahaina is a vibrant community with a rich past, local cuisine, a small nightlife scene, and plenty of cultural and historic sites worth seeing. Wailea is an ultra luxurious resort area where tranquility meets indulgence with fine dining, championship golf courses, designer shopping outlets, and what seems like an endless stretch of beach after beach.

1. Four Seasons

2. Andaz

3. Hotel Wailea

4. Grand Wailea

5. Fairmont

6. Mana Kai

7. Elua Village

8. Wailea Beach Resort

9. Grand Champions Villas

10. Residence Inn