Beaches Near Wailea Beach Resort

About the Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott)

The Wailea Beach Resort sits along Maui's south shore gold coast, flanked by the Grand Wailea to the south and Shops at Wailea to the north. The resort fronts Ulua Beach, one of the best morning snorkeling spots on Maui, where a rocky reef point separates the calm cove from the adjacent Mokapu Beach.

Wailea's five crescent beaches are connected by a paved beachfront walking path that makes it easy to explore the entire resort coast on foot. This part of Maui lies in the rain shadow of Haleakalā, so sunny skies and dry conditions are nearly guaranteed. Water quality along the Wailea coast is consistently excellent due to the absence of any significant stream outlets.

From the Wailea Beach Resort, all five Wailea beaches are accessible on foot via the 1.5-mile Wailea Beach Path. Ulua Beach is right at the resort. Wailea Beach is a five-minute walk south. Polo Beach is about 10 minutes south. Kamaole III is a five-minute walk north. Makena (Big Beach) requires a 10-minute drive south on Wailea Alanui and Makena roads — arrive early for parking on weekends.

Best snorkeling: Ulua Beach (reef, turtles, morning conditions). Best for swimming: Wailea Beach (calm, wide, excellent water quality). Best for families with kids: Kamaole III (playground, calm water). Most dramatic: Makena Big Beach (powerful shore break, stunning scenery).

After heavy rain, bacteria levels spike at beaches near streams and river mouths. If a brown water advisory is active near Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott), Maui:

• Wait 72 hours after rain stops before entering the water
• Avoid brown or murky water regardless of whether an advisory is posted
• Best rain-resistant option: Wailea Beach (South) — generally clearer after rain due to geography
• Check the Maui live advisories page for current conditions