Your Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in Wailea, Hawaii
Wailea is the best luxury destination on Maui. It has beautiful beaches and world-class resorts along the island’s sunny southwest coast. This high-end resort area turns a regular Hawaiian vacation into something truly special. It has everything from championship golf courses to award-winning spas.
Wailea has experiences that will stay with you forever, whether you want to have fun on clear waters, relax on golden sands, or learn about the culture through the local food. The area is a perfect mix of natural Hawaiian beauty and modern conveniences. It’s great for couples looking for romance, families looking for adventure, and solo travellers looking for luxury.
This complete guide covers the best things to do in Wailea, from free beach activities to high-end spa treatments. You’ll find hidden gems, must-see sights, and insider tips that will help you make the most of your time in this tropical paradise.
The Amazing Beaches of Wailea
Wailea Beach: The Best of the Best
Wailea Beach is known for being one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches. The calm, clear waters of this crescent-shaped beach are great for swimming and snorkelling. The gentle slope makes it great for families with kids, and the steady waves are just right for bodyboarding.
The beach has great amenities like restrooms, showers, and parking close by. Palm trees give shade naturally, but getting there early gets you the best spots. The golden sand stays comfortable even when the sun is at its hottest because of how fine it is and how it is made.
Polo Beach: A Snorkelling Paradise
Polo Beach is at the southern end of Wailea and is a popular spot for snorkelling because of its colour ful underwater life. The rocky outcroppings on either side make safe places for tropical fish to live. Sea turtles often come to these waters, and if you are respectful, you can have magical experiences with them.
The beach is quieter than the other beaches nearby. Facilities include restrooms and outdoor showers, while food trucks occasionally park nearby. Polo Beach is a photographer’s dream because it has great snorkelling and beautiful views.
Ulua Beach: A Place for Thrill Seekers
Ulua Beach is better for people who want to do more exciting things in the water because the waves are a little bigger and there are more things to do. At low tide, the beach connects to Mokapu Beach, making a long shoreline that is great for long walks. The bodysurfing conditions here are some of the best in Wailea.
There are great places to snorkel on both sides of the beach where the rocks are. Marine life includes colourful reef fish, moray eels, and dolphins that you might see from time to time. The way the beach is facing makes for beautiful sunset views, which make evening visits especially memorable.
Keawakapu Beach: A Beach That Locals Love
This lesser-known gem gives you a more real Hawaiian experience away from the crowds at resorts. The three-mile stretch provides ample space for beach activities, while local families often choose this spot for gatherings. The beach is long enough for morning runs or evening walks.
The weather can affect the conditions for snorkelling, but the southern end usually has the clearest water. Because there aren’t many facilities, you’ll need to bring your own supplies. However, this means there will be fewer people and a more natural setting.
Experiences in Championship Golf
Three Different Courses at Wailea Golf Club
There are three championship courses at the Wailea Golf Club, and each one has its own set of challenges and stunning ocean views. Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed the Gold Course, which has the most difficult holes because of its strategic bunkers and raised greens. Trade wind patterns add complexity to shot selection.
The Emerald Course has a layout that is easier to play on while still keeping the area’s beautiful look. The landscaping is lush and includes native Hawaiian plants, making it feel like a garden. The Blue Course is popular with intermediate players because it is both challenging and fun to play.
All of the courses have the best practice areas, professional teachers and high-end equipment rentals. The clubhouse has great places to eat with views of the ocean that are perfect for celebrating after a round.
The Makena Golf and Beach Club
This Robert Trent Jones Jr. design is next to Wailea and offers a links-style experience that is unique to the islands. The routing shows off Maui’s many different landscapes, and the rolling fairways and well-placed water features make for memorable holes. The 15th hole, which is the most famous one, is one of the most photographed places in golf.
Food Adventures in Paradise
Fine Dining Experiences
Wailea has a restaurant scene that rivals that of any major city, with James Beard-nominated chefs making new Hawaiian dishes. Restaurants put a lot of emphasis on using ingredients that come from the area, such as fresh fish, tropical fruits, and vegetables grown on the island. Many places to eat have views of the ocean that make every meal better.
Hawaiian techniques like poke are used in seafood dishes, and Asian, Pacific, and American flavours are mixed together in fusion cuisines. Reservations for sunset dinners fill up quickly, especially during busy times. Many restaurants will work with you if you tell them ahead of time about any dietary restrictions.
Local Flavours and Casual Dining
Food trucks and casual restaurants offer real Hawaiian experiences at prices that are easy to reach. Plate lunch combos come with big portions of popular local foods, and shave ice stands are great places to get treats for a day at the beach. Farmers markets sell food and goods made by people in the area.
Coffee shops use beans grown in Maui, and they often roast them on the spot. A lot of places serve pastries and light breakfasts in the morning, which is perfect for early beach days. Happy hour deals at resort restaurants let you eat fine food for less money.
High-End Shopping Areas
The Wailea Shops
This open-air mall has high-end stores and local artists working together in a beautifully landscaped area. Local stores sell Hawaiian crafts and art, while high-end stores sell everything from designer clothes to fine jewellery. The center’s design is based on traditional Hawaiian styles.
Hula shows, lei-making demonstrations, and local music shows are all regular cultural events. The main courtyard is where Hawaiian festivals happen throughout the year. There are a lot of different kinds of restaurants to choose from, from fast food to fine dining.
Art and Crafts from the Area
Wailea has a thriving community of artists who make one-of-a-kind works of art that are inspired by Hawaiian culture and nature. Galleries show off paintings, sculptures, and photos that celebrate life on the island. A lot of artists teach traditional Hawaiian crafts in workshops.
Local artisans make jewellery out of koa wood, shells, and volcanic rock, among other things. These items are great souvenirs and help the island’s creative community at the same time. Visitors can make custom items to remember their time in Hawaii.
Fun and exciting things to do in the water
Diving and Snorkelling
Wailea’s protected waters provide ideal conditions for underwater exploration. There are many different types of diving spots, from shallow reefs that are great for beginners to deeper walls that are great for more experienced divers. Marine protected areas keep coral ecosystems healthy and fish populations high.
Rental shops have good gear and can give you good advice about the weather. Transportation, gear, and expert guides who know a lot about the local marine life are all included in guided snorkel tours. Many tours combine snorkeling with cultural education about Hawaiian ocean traditions.
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) gives you a different view of Wailea’s coast. The mornings are calm, which is great for learning, and the afternoons are perfect for adventures because of the gentle trade winds. Rental shops teach people of all skill levels and take them on guided tours.
Kayaking tours go to secret coves and sea caves that can’t be reached by land. You can learn about traditional Hawaiian ocean culture by going on an outrigger canoe trip. Many operators make stops for snorkelling in quiet places away from the beach crowds.
Whale Watching in the Autumn
Humpback whales come to Hawaiian waters from December to April, making for great viewing opportunities. You don’t need any special equipment to watch from the shore, but boat tours let you get closer to these amazing animals. Professional naturalists share knowledge about whale behavior and conservation efforts.
Sunset whale watching cruises are a great way to spend the evening because they offer a lot of different activities. A lot of tours include snacks and cultural shows. Photography workshops help people take pictures of these once-in-a-lifetime events.
Spa Experiences of the Highest Quality
Spa Treatments at the Resort
Some of the best spas in the world are at Wailea’s luxury resorts. They offer treatments that combine traditional Hawaiian healing with modern wellness methods. Signature treatments use natural ingredients like volcanic clay, sea salt, and native plants. A lot of spas have outdoor treatment areas that take advantage of the warm weather.
Couples treatments let you relax together in private suites. Packages that last for more than one hour include massages, facials, and body treatments to make you feel completely new. Many spa packages come with extras like saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation pools.
Hawaiian Healing the Old Way
Lomilomi massage is an old Hawaiian healing art that works on both the body and the spirit. People who practise use traditional methods that have been passed down through the years, and they include prayer and cultural elements in their treatments. These real-life experiences help people connect with their culture on a deeper level.
Native plant treatments use things like kukui nut oil, coconut, and tropical fruits. Many spas offer classes that teach visitors basic Hawaiian wellness principles that they can use in their daily lives. These learning experiences help people understand Hawaiian culture in a deeper way than just as tourists.
High-End Places to Stay
High-End Resort Properties
The resorts in Wailea are some of the best in the world and each one has its own unique style and amenities. Some hotels are great for couples because they have adults-only areas and cosy settings. Others are great for families because they have kids’ clubs and amenities for people of all ages. Each property has beautiful grounds with tropical landscaping that are always clean.
Most resorts have more than one restaurant, a gym, and cultural activities. Concierge services help guests make plans and get reservations at popular tourist spots. Many resorts in the Wailea area offer free shuttle services.
Condos and vacation rentals
Renting a condo gives you more space and a kitchen, which is great for families or people who want to stay for a long time. Many units have views of the ocean and access to resort amenities through partnerships. Guests can cook meals with local ingredients from nearby markets in full kitchens.
Rental properties range from studio units to multi-bedroom estates. Many have private beaches and other amenities that only residents can use. Property management companies offer concierge services that are similar to those at resorts, but they also let vacationers keep their independence.
Fun Day Trip Adventures
The Road to Hana Journey
This well-known drive along the coast of Maui has more than 600 turns and 50 bridges that show off the island’s different landscapes. There are stops at waterfalls, black sand beaches, and tropical gardens along the way. A lot of people like guided tours that include stories about the culture and access to places that are off-limits.
Rainbow Falls, Waianapanapa State Park, and a number of fruit stands selling tropical fruits from the area are all popular stops. Hana, the destination village, has places to eat and cultural sites. Some visitors choose to fly back instead of driving back, which gives them more time to explore.
The National Park of Haleakala
Haleakala’s sacred summit is one of the most spiritual places in Hawaii to watch the sunrise. Because of the high elevation temperatures, you need to wear warm clothes for the drive before dawn. But seeing the sunrise above the clouds will stay with you forever. You now need to make a reservation in advance to see the sunrise.
The park has hiking trails that go through landscapes that look like the surface of the moon. Silversword plants bloom at different times of the year, making for rare photo opportunities. Star-gazing tours make the most of low light pollution to give you great views of the stars.
Lahaina’s History
This former whaling village preserves 19th-century architecture and maritime history through museums and cultural sites. The historic banyan tree, which was planted in 1873, now covers almost an acre and is a place for both visitors and locals to meet. Art galleries show work by Hawaiian artists who are still alive today.
Street performers, local vendors, and stunning ocean views are all part of the sunset celebrations on Front Street. The Old Lahaina Luau is a great way to experience Hawaiian culture through traditional foods, music, and dance. Tours of historic sites give you a better idea of how important the town was to trade in the Pacific.
Things to Do with the Family
Things for Kids to Do at the Beach
The beaches in Wailea are safe for swimming, which is great for families with kids. The gentle waves and sandy bottoms make for great play areas, and snorkelling lets kids see marine life in calm, clear waters. Beach equipment rentals have gear for kids of all ages for all kinds of water activities.
Kids stay busy on beach days with sand castle building contests and treasure hunts. Many beaches have bathrooms and places to rinse off with fresh water, which are important for families. Shaded areas help you stay cool in the middle of the day, but beach umbrellas and pop-up shelters give you even more protection.
Learning Experiences
The Maui Ocean Centre, which is close by, has hands-on exhibits that teach about Hawaiian marine ecosystems. Touch tanks let kids safely play with sea creatures, and guided tours teach kids about conservation in a way that is right for their age. The facility has special programs for kids who come to visit.
Cultural centres teach Hawaiian traditions through hands-on activities like making leis, hula dancing, and traditional crafts. These programs teach kids about culture in a way that sticks with them for a long time. A lot of the activities are crafts that you can take home as unique souvenirs.
Free Things to Do in Wailea
Access to the beach and natural beauty
All beaches in Hawaii are open to the public, so anyone can enjoy Wailea’s beautiful coastline for free. Walking between beaches is a great way to get exercise while seeing different places and things. You don’t have to pay to see the sunrise or sunset, but they are world-class entertainment.
The Wailea Coastal Walk is 1.25 miles long and connects resort areas to public beach access points. This paved path has views of the ocean, tropical plants, and several places to stop and take pictures or rest. The walk provides excellent exercise while showcasing the area’s natural beauty.
Cultural Events
Many resorts offer free cultural activities like hula shows, lei-making demonstrations, and workshops on traditional crafts. These programs let you have real Hawaiian experiences without having to pay extra. Local artists and musicians often play in hotel lobbies at night.
You can explore ancient Hawaiian sites on your own, such as petroglyphs and the sites of old villages. These historical markers provide insight into pre-contact Hawaiian civilization. Interpretive signs help people understand the cultural importance of different places in the area.
How to Plan the Perfect Wailea Trip
Knowing how the seasons work can help you make the most of your trip to Wailea. During the winter, the surf is a little bigger, but it’s still a great time to see whales. In the summer, the water is calmer, which is great for snorkelling, but the cost of lodging goes up. Shoulder seasons are the best time to visit because the weather is good, prices are low, and there are lots of options.
Making reservations for hotels and activities well in advance guarantees availability, especially during busy times. A lot of popular restaurants, spa treatments, and guided tours fill up quickly. Being able to change your dates often lets you get better rates and availability.
Hawaii Guide Hub is an expert at making Wailea trips that fit your interests, budget, and way of travelling. Because we know the area well, we can help you find hidden gems and avoid tourist traps. We help you make the most of your Hawaiian vacation, whether you’re going on a romantic trip or a family trip.
Wailea is the perfect place to make memories that will last a lifetime, whether you want to relax on beautiful beaches, go on adventures in clear waters, or learn about the culture through real-life experiences. Call Hawaii Guide Hub today to start planning your dream vacation in Hawaii.
