Wailea Resort is an ideal home base for exploring the island’s rich heritage and phenomenal water-based activities
By Jim Bebbington
Jet off to the sun-soaked south-central coast of Maui to escape winter and enjoy a paradise of diverse activities that cater to both the adventurous spirit and those seeking tranquility. This area’s calm waters are especially favorable for snorkeling, diving, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
For a tranquil experience, start your mornings with serene strolls along the golden sands of Wailea Beach, soaking up the view of the impressive Haleakalā volcano. Then, hit the water for whale-watching excursions during the winter months—generally December through May—when the humpbacks are ever-present.
If snorkeling or diving is your thing, Molokini Crater, a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater located about 2.5 miles off the coast, is one of the most popular destinations. These clear waters—with visibility up to 150 feet—are teeming with technicolor coral gardens plus more than 250 species of fish. Be sure to watch for endangered sea turtles.
For cultural immersion, historic Hawaiian villages in the area offer the chance to indulge in a traditional luau. Marvel at the rhythmic hula performances and bask in the famous Maui sunsets.
But let’s not forget your beautiful home base—Wailea Resort. There are eight hotel and resort complexes along the Wailea shores. Within the community are homes, residences, villas, and condos available for all visit durations, such as quick trips with buddies or over-winter stays. The resort community has evolved over decades of development and spans 1,500 acres along 1.5 miles of the Pacific oceanfront. In addition to the eight hotels and residences, there are four boutique commercial districts, three world-class resort golf courses and a tennis center.
Also, within the Wailea Resort community, five beaches provide instant access to snorkeling and diving experiences: Keawakapu Beach, Ulua Beach, Wailea Beach, Mokapu Beach and Polo Beach. They are a short walk from anywhere in the community or out the back door of some of the most elite seaside residences.
Wailea also offers a range of spa and wellness offerings. The largest spa in Hawaii, Kilolani Spa at the Grand Wailea, opened earlier this year. Additionally, poolside luxury is available for anyone staying in any of the eight hotels in the community. For people opting for private residences and condominiums, many resorts offer day passes for families to use their lazy rivers, waterfalls and lounges. Whale-watching tours, kayak excursions, sunset cruises, and diving tours are available daily from hotels in the community and nearby. “Wailea is gracious hospitality, and we have so much to offer our visitors,” says Wailea Resort Association’s Kathleen Costello.
WAILEA DINING
There are more than 50 eateries within the resort area, including pubs, kitchens and restaurants—many with top ratings.
Start your day at Akamai Coffee—either within Wailea or nearby Kihei—a regular on the ‘best of Maui’ lists. There are dozens of lunch options: grab-and-go for a beach picnic or to enjoy poolside. The popular Monkeypod Kitchen features fare from island farms and ranches as well as hand-tossed pizzas. Take a peek at Koholā Brewery’s new taproom.
All the resorts have high-end dining options, including ‘Ikena at the Grand Wailea, Ferraro’s Restaurant & Bar at the Four Seasons Resort, and the AMA Bar & Grill at the Fairmont Kea Lani. Pilina at Fairmont Kea Lani, Humuhumunukunukuāpua’a at the Grand Wailea, Humble Market Kitchin by Roy Yamaguchi at Wailea Beach Resort, Morimoto Maui at Andaz, or visit Gather on Maui for a 19th hole at Wailea Golf Club.
Outside the resort, you’ll find sumptuous Asian fusion staples, and Oao is a delicious excursion for sushi. Hungry but still need to catch an important game? The sports gastropub The Pint & Cork is worth a visit.
wailearesortassociation.com
