Wailea Beach Maui
Wailea Beach offers soft sands, breathtaking sunsets, and a scenic coastal walk, perfect for relaxation and spotting sea turtles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Wailea Beach Maui
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wailea Beach offers soft sands, breathtaking sunsets, and a scenic coastal walk, perfect for relaxation and spotting sea turtles.
"An incredible place to spend watching the sunrise/sunset. The sand here is as soft as butter."
🚶♀️ Walk the Wailea Beach Path
Enjoy a scenic 1.6-mile stroll past luxury resorts. Great for sunset!
🌅 Catch a Stunning Sunset
Wailea Beach offers incredible sunset views. Perfect for photos and relaxation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wailea Beach Walk
Coastal path along Wailea Beach
A 1.6-mile paved path offering stunning ocean vistas and resort access. Perfect for sunset strolls.
Sunset Views
Wailea Beach
Experience some of Maui's most spectacular sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. A must-do for any visitor.
Sea Turtle Sightings
Wailea Beach
Keep an eye out for Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) often spotted near the shore.
+1
Makena Beach (Secret Beach)
South of Wailea Beach
A less crowded, beautiful cove known for its soft sand and calm waters, perfect for relaxation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wailea Beach Walk
+1Sunset Spectacles & Happy Hour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Wailea Beach Path
Enjoy a scenic 1.6-mile stroll past luxury resorts. Great for sunset!
🌅 Catch a Stunning Sunset
Wailea Beach offers incredible sunset views. Perfect for photos and relaxation.
🐢 Spot Sea Turtles
Look for honu (sea turtles) in the calm waters, especially in the mornings.
💰 Beat High Prices
Utilize happy hour deals and nearby markets for more affordable dining options.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Wailea Beach Path
Enjoy a scenic 1.6-mile stroll past luxury resorts. Great for sunset!
🌅 Catch a Stunning Sunset
Wailea Beach offers incredible sunset views. Perfect for photos and relaxation.
🐢 Spot Sea Turtles
Look for honu (sea turtles) in the calm waters, especially in the mornings.
💰 Beat High Prices
Utilize happy hour deals and nearby markets for more affordable dining options.
🚗 Parking for Makena Beach
Park on the side of the road and look for an opening in the wall to access this 'secret' beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Wailea Beach's soft sand, stunning sunsets, and the relaxing atmosphere. The Wailea Beach Walk is a highly recommended amenity for scenic strolls. While dining can be pricey, happy hour deals and nearby markets offer good alternatives. Some mention the sand gets very hot during the day.
"This is a perfect place to stay in Maui. I have to say we are Bonvoy members so we got an upgraded to the sun deck room which was a fabulous. Food was terrific. Prices high . I do recommend happy hours. There is a great market walking distance with good food and cheaper options ."
Bina S
"This was in walking distance to our condo. The walking path was a great way to see all of the beachfront and get some good photos. My family and I came here 3 evenings to see the sunset. Beautiful beach. Absolutely gorgeous."
Melle M
"Super nice place for family and relax."
VoltaAoMundo ThiagoBianco (VoltaAoMundo)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wailea Beach is located in South Maui. If driving, you can find public parking lots, such as the Wailea Beach Public Parking Lot. Many resorts in the area also offer access.
Yes, there are public parking lots available, including one near the Wailea Beach Public Parking Lot, which is a good starting point for the Wailea Beach Walk.
Many of the luxury resorts along Wailea Beach, like the Four Seasons, Grand Wailea, and Andaz, offer public access points to the beach and the Wailea Beach Walk.
To find Makena Beach, search for 'Makena Beach' on Google Maps. Park on the side of the road and look for an opening in the wall to access the beach.
Absolutely! The Wailea Beach Walk is a 1.6-mile paved path that is well-maintained and perfect for leisurely walks, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Wailea Beach is a public beach and does not require tickets for entry. Access is free for everyone.
Public parking lots are generally free, but it's always a good idea to check for any posted signs regarding parking fees or time limits.
Yes, the Wailea Beach Walk is a public path and can be accessed by anyone, regardless of whether you are staying at a resort.
Makena Beach is a public beach and typically does not have an entrance fee. Parking is usually free along the roadside.
Wailea Beach is a public beach and is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. The Wailea Beach Walk is also accessible during daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, walk the beach path, enjoy sunsets, and look for sea turtles. Some tours offer outrigger canoe paddling and snorkeling.
Yes, Wailea Beach generally has calm waters, making it suitable for swimming. The cove area can be less windy.
Yes, Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) are frequently spotted in the waters off Wailea Beach.
It's a 1.6-mile paved coastal path that connects several resorts and offers beautiful ocean views. It's well-lit and maintained.
Crowds can vary, but it's generally less crowded than some other popular Maui beaches, especially during weekdays and outside peak tourist seasons.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are many dining options at the luxury resorts. For more affordable choices, check out the market within walking distance or food trucks in nearby Kihei.
Yes, many resorts and restaurants in Wailea offer happy hour specials. It's a great way to enjoy the views and save money.
Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea is a popular choice. For other options, consider exploring nearby Kihei for food trucks and local eateries.
Yes, there's a market within walking distance of some resorts that offers good and more budget-friendly food options compared to resort dining.
Dining in Wailea can be expensive, as it's home to luxury resorts. Taking advantage of happy hours and local markets is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The Wailea Beach Walk offers numerous scenic viewpoints. The beach itself, especially during sunset, and areas with sea turtles are also great photo opportunities.
Golden hour, just before sunset, provides the most beautiful light for photography. Sunrise is also a great option.
Generally, photography is allowed on public beaches. However, be mindful of private resort areas and respect the privacy of other beachgoers.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local rules. It's best to check current regulations before flying a drone in the area.
Expect stunning ocean views, golden sands, dramatic sunsets, palm trees, and potentially sea turtles. The resorts also offer picturesque backdrops. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The resort offers a great mix of fun and relaxation for all ages. The calm waters of Wailea Beach are also generally safe for swimming and playing. Consider packing beach toys and sunscreen for the little ones. The Wailea Beach Walk is also stroller-friendly, making it easy to explore the coastline with young children. For dining, look for family-friendly spots or utilize the market for more casual meals.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on food, seek out the market within walking distance of some resorts for more affordable meals and snacks.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider booking a room with an ocean view at one of the resorts for a truly special experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wailea Beach Walk
+1Travelers often recommend starting the walk around golden hour to capture the best light. The path is well-maintained and well-lit, making it safe and enjoyable at various times of the day. Along the way, you'll encounter beautiful sandy stretches, clear blue waters, and lush tropical landscaping, providing ample opportunities for photos and relaxation.
Beyond the scenic beauty, the Wailea Beach Walk provides easy access to the beach itself, allowing you to dip your toes in the Pacific or simply relax on the soft sand. It's a fantastic way to experience the essence of Wailea without needing to stay at one of the high-end resorts.
Dining and Budgeting in Wailea
To manage your budget, consider taking advantage of happy hour specials offered by many of the beachfront bars and restaurants. These can be a great way to enjoy the ocean views and sample delicious appetizers and drinks at a more reasonable cost.
Additionally, there are more affordable dining options available. Some visitors mention a market within walking distance of certain resorts that offers good food at lower prices. Exploring nearby Kihei also reveals a variety of food trucks and local eateries that provide delicious and budget-friendly meals. For those looking for a quick bite or picnic supplies, the local market is a convenient option. Planning your meals to include a mix of resort dining, happy hour deals, and local finds can help you enjoy the culinary offerings of Wailea without breaking the bank.
Wildlife Encounters: Sea Turtles and Whales
+1Visitors are advised to observe the turtles from a respectful distance and avoid touching or disturbing them, as they are protected. The best times to spot them are often in the morning when the water is clearer and calmer.
During the winter months, specifically from January to March, Wailea also becomes an excellent vantage point for whale watching. Humpback whales migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters to breed and calve. While you might see them from the shore, booking a whale watching tour offers a more immersive experience.
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