Best Beaches in Maui (Wailea Beach 2023)
Walk to Wailea Beach from Shops at Wailea
Lunch at Molokini Bistro @ Grand Wailea
Aloha Maui travelers and welcome to the Best Beaches in South Maui!
This blog is one in a series of Best Beaches in South Maui for 2023.
Click on the video and get more details about Wailea Beach. We also explore the popular beaches of Big Beach and our favorite - Keawakapu Beach. Okay, LetsgotravelMAUI.com! First, we need to get to south Maui. Looking on the Maui map drive south on state Highway 311 to 31 (actually known by locals as Pi’iliana Highway) until the highway ends at one of the most beautifully landscaped communities on Maui - Wailea. Right at the tee intersection of Pi’ ‘ilani Highway and Wailea Alanui Drive is the world renowned Shops at Wailea. This relaxed and open outdoor shopping mall is at the heart of Wailea. You can actually walk to Wailea Beach from The Shops at Wailea. It's really close.
The Shops at Wailea
BONUS: The Shops at Wailea has a few great restaurants including Tommy Bahamas, Longhi’s, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Cheeseburger in Paradise and the convenient Island Gourmet Market. Enjoy lunch before or after Wailea Beach!
Directions
The video above gives great driving directions to the public parking and beach access.
Want some exercise?...Jog or walk the coastal footpath...5,500+ steps round trip...Marriott, Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, Fairmont Kea Lani
Footpath along Wailea beach
Grand Wailea and Four Season Resort are located on Wailea Beach
Parking & Access
You only have a 3 min drive south, from The Shops at Wailea, to get to the public parking for Wailea Beach. This beach is very popular with guests from the Grand Wailea and The Four Seasons Resort because they are located right on the beach. There is plenty of public parking, restrooms, showers and places to eat. The really nice feature about this beach is that it’s right on the footpath that connects all of these ocean front resorts that are located here in south Maui. Take a walk or jog along the footpath if you want to break up your beach activities.
Sun & Fun!
Speaking of beach activities this beach is perfect for families especially with families with small children. The entire beach length is sand and easy to wade into the water for the Keiki (small children in Hawaiian). Its great for easy and gentle boogie boarding and of course just lounging and swimming in the water. If you want great snorkeling just venture to either end of the beach and swim out to around the point (see photo below). If you are lucky you might see a spotted eagle rays.
Food and Drinks
If you want to spend a small fortune on lunch you can always stroll up to the Grand Wailea’s Molokini Bistro and enjoy a cocktail at their ocean view bar or have lunch on their lanais and watch the day go by with views out to Molokini crater. You could also step up the Fours Seasons and have lunch at Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante which serves up amazing modern Mediterranean-Italian flavors. Both are expensive but hey your in Maui, right? Go for it! You will be glad you did.
Safety and Ocean Conditions
The ocean and shore break at Wailea Beach is typically very gentle and calm. Just take a few minutes to observe the waves before entering the ocean. There are no lifeguards at this beach. How about the jellyfish? Yes, there can be jellyfish at various times of the year. Lastly, just read the warning signs and be safe. "When in doubt - don't go out!".
Hawaiian Word of the Day:
Kama 'aina (KA-ma-EYE-na) ---Long time Hawai'i resident
Wailea Beach Characteristics:
Easy beach entry...usually a calm beach
Great for swimming and easy boogie boarding
Long sandy beach - great for sunsets
Open and sunny crescent shaped beach (not much shade)
Next to Grand Wailea and Four Seasons...walk up to either for lunch while enjoying a Mai Tai..ahhh!
Plenty of public parking with restrooms and showers
No lifeguard on duty
What to bring to the beach
Wailea Point
One-of-Kind MAUI Getaway!
