Wailea

Wailea is a polished South Maui resort community known for Wailea Beach, oceanfront resorts, golf courses, the Wailea Beach Path, shopping and sunset views.

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Wailea, Maui

Wailea is a 1,500-acre master-planned resort community located at the base of Mt. Haleakala on the south shore of Maui. It is an upscale area with high-end resorts, luxury condominiums, private estates and spa facilities. It was named one of the 99 Best Recreational & Residential Private Communities in America.

The town boasts five crescent-shaped beaches along its 1.5-mile shoreline, including Wailea Beach, which was named "America's Best Beach" by Dr. Stephen "Dr. Beach" Leatherman in 1999 (Wailea Beach ranked No. 3 in 2024). The Wailea Blue, Wailea Gold and Wailea Emerald 18-hole golf courses have also been consistently ranked among the finest in the country.

Key Features

South Maui setting: Planned resort community south of Kihei and north of Makena
Signature beach: Wailea Beach fronts major resorts and offers sunset views
Nearby beaches: Close to Mokapu Beach, Ulua Beach, Polo Beach and Keawakapu Beach
Beach path: Wailea Beach Path links resorts, shoreline views and beach access points
Golf destination: Blue, Gold and Emerald courses serve the resort area
Shopping and dining: The Shops at Wailea and resort restaurants are nearby
Visitor planning: Check surf, wind, currents, parking and golf access before heading out
Population: 6,027 at the 2020 Census
Zip code: 96753

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Wailea on Maui?

Wailea is on Maui's sunny south shore, south of Kihei and north of Makena. It sits along Wailea Alanui Drive, beaches, resorts, golf courses and ocean-view neighborhoods.

What is Wailea known for?

Wailea is known for Wailea Beach, luxury resorts, the Wailea Beach Path, The Shops at Wailea, golf courses, landscaped roads and South Maui ocean views.

Is Wailea Beach good for swimming?

Wailea Beach can be good for swimming when conditions are calm, but surf, wind, currents and visibility can change. Check posted warnings before entering the water.

Can visitors walk the Wailea Beach Path?

Yes. The Wailea Beach Path connects several resort, beach and shoreline areas. Stay on public paths and respect resort boundaries and private property.

Is Wailea a good place to stay?

Yes. Wailea works well for visitors who want a polished South Maui resort base with beaches, restaurants, golf, shopping, spas and upscale vacation rentals.