Wailea, and the smaller Makena to the south, are resort areas on the south side of Maui, Hawaii, immediately south of the town of Kihei. They are known for their luxury resort hotels and condos, upscale restaurants, fancy shopping center and expensive golf courses. And although hidden behind the hotels and condos now, the beaches that attracted the developers in the first place are still there in all their golden sand beauty.
Things to do
- Makena Beach, South Makena Rd (in Makena State Park 1 mi S of the Maui Prince Hotel, there are two parking lots on the W side of the road). A beautiful stretch of beach south of Wailea that is good for swimming. There are two beaches — Big Beach, which is the main one, and Little Beach, which is over a hill at the north end of Big Beach. Facilities are limited with just pit toilets and a few picnic tables. It’s a good idea to bring your own food if you want to eat as the concession trailer is very expensive for what you get.
- Go swimming or snorkeling at one of the many beaches along the coast.
- Take a stroll along the Wailea Beach Walk. It stretches for a mile and a half and connects the town’s beaches. In winter, it provides a good spot to watch whales.
- Wailea Golf Club, 100 Wailea Golf Club Dr, +1 808 875-7450 (toll free: +1 888-328-MAUI, info@waileagolf.com, fax: +1 808 875-5114). Three courses — Blue, Emerald and Gold — that offer views of the ocean and Haleakala. Emerald is considered the most forgiving and Gold the most challenging. $155-225 with twilight rates available on the Blue course.
- Makena Golf Courses, 5415 Makena Alanui Dr, +1 808 891-4000 (makena@maui.net, fax: +1 808 879-2834). Two courses — North and South — that play out amongst the rolling hills of the area. The South course has a couple of holes by the ocean, while the North course tends to play higher on the mountain. $120-190, with cheaper rates after 1PM.
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