Beaches Near Wailea

About Wailea

Wailea is an upscale resort area on Maui's dry, sunny south shore, home to the Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, Fairmont Kea Lani, and other luxury properties. The entire area was master-planned around a series of crescent beaches connected by the paved Wailea Beach Path, making it one of the best spots on Maui for beach-hopping on foot.

The south shore gets significantly less rain than the north side of the island, so beach conditions are reliable almost year-round. Water quality here is consistently among the best on Maui, with low bacteria counts and good water clarity.

The Wailea Beach Path is the best way to move between beaches on foot — a paved 1.5-mile walkway connecting Ulua Beach in the north to Polo Beach in the south, passing directly through Wailea Beach. For Makena and Kamaole III, you will need to drive. All beaches have public access and free parking, though lots can fill by mid-morning.

Best for calm swimming: Wailea Beach. Best for snorkeling: Ulua Beach (morning). Best for a wild beach: Makena Big Beach (powerful shore break). Best for families: Kamaole III (playground, gentle waves).

After heavy rain, bacteria levels spike at beaches near streams and river mouths. If a brown water advisory is active near Wailea, 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 (Central Wailea) — generally clearer after rain due to geography
• Check the Maui live advisories page for current conditions