Attractions and Places To See around Wailea - Top 20

Wailea is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the ancient lava fields at Lava Fields at King's Trailhead, which are part of Maui's historic King's Trail. The region also boasts stunning beaches like Keawakapu Beach and Charley Young Beach, known for their soft sand and clear waters. Further south, you'll find Makena Beach State Park, La Perouse Bay with its lava formations, and the marine life sanctuary of Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve.

Yes, Wailea offers a glimpse into Maui's history. The Lava Fields at King's Trailhead are part of the ancient King's Trail, offering insights into the island's geological and cultural past. You can also visit the historic Hanamanioa Lighthouse, a late 19th-century structure marking the end of the Hoapili Trail, providing panoramic ocean views. Keawalai's Congregational Church is another historical site worth exploring.

Wailea offers several family-friendly options. Beaches like Keawakapu Beach and Charley Young Beach are excellent for families, offering calm waters for swimming and space for activities. Charley Young Beach even has a grassy area for picnics and beach volleyball. Many resorts also offer luaus, which are a fun cultural experience for all ages.

The Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk is a popular choice for scenic walks and runs. This paved pathway winds along the shoreline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and connecting various resorts and beach access points. For more running options, you can explore routes like the Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk Trail run or the Charley Young Beach loop run, detailed in the Running Trails around Wailea guide.

Yes, the Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk is noted as wheelchair accessible, providing a paved, scenic pathway along the coast. This allows visitors to enjoy ocean views and access various points along the shoreline comfortably.

Wailea and its surrounding areas offer fantastic snorkeling opportunities. Molokini Crater is renowned for its clear water and abundant marine life. Closer to shore, areas like Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, Ulua Beach, Polo Beach, and the southern end of Keawakapu Beach are excellent for spotting tropical fish and sea turtles. Turtle Town, between Makena's One'uli Black Sand Beach and Nahuna Point, is also a prime location for encountering green sea turtles.

Beyond exploring the attractions themselves, Wailea offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes along the coast, such as the Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk Trail, or longer routes like the Ulua Beach Park to Keawakapu Beach path. For more options, check out the Easy hikes around Wailea guide. Cycling is also popular, with routes like Mākena State Park via Polo Beach available in the Cycling around Wailea guide.

For upscale shopping and dining, visit The Shops at Wailea. This outdoor mall features over 70 shops, including high-end retailers and local Hawaiian specialty stores, alongside a variety of restaurants. It also hosts a monthly ARTwalk for art enthusiasts.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning ocean views, especially from spots like the Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk and Hanamanioa Lighthouse. The tranquility and beauty of beaches like Keawakapu Beach are also highly appreciated, with many enjoying peaceful strolls, whale watching, and sunset views. The unique geological formations at the Lava Fields at King's Trailhead offer an impressive and memorable experience.

Yes, Wailea is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. The area boasts three championship golf courses: the Wailea Blue, Wailea Gold, and Wailea Emerald courses. All offer stunning ocean views, providing a picturesque backdrop for your game.

Absolutely. Wailea is a fantastic place for marine wildlife viewing. You can often spot Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (honu) while snorkeling at locations like Turtle Town, Ulua Beach, Polo Beach, and the southern end of Keawakapu Beach. During winter months, humpback whales can be seen breaching offshore from Wailea Beach, and early morning visits to La Perouse Bay might reward you with sightings of playful Spinner Dolphins.

The King's Trail, also known as the Hoapili Trail, is an ancient historic path that winds through old lava fields, offering insights into Maui's heritage. The Lava Fields at King's Trailhead is one access point, and La Perouse Bay is situated at one end of this remarkable trail.