Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott)

As you make your way around the point toward Wailea Beach Resort, be sure to glance at the lava flows, in the water, as you may catch  glimpse of green sea turtles (Honu in Hawaiian) coming up for a quick breath of air.

Out in front of Wailea Beach Resort, is a telescope station, for viewing to the neigboring islands, molokini, and whales (when they are in season).  There is also 2 plaques with some helpful information about whales and the neighboring islands.  Take a minute to learn about why our island and neighboring islands are so special.

Wailea Beach Resort has updated their property over the last several years.  It was beginning to look dated. They went through a significant property renovation that included updating the architecture and guest amentities.  It's evolved into a really nice property.  

They have both adult pools and a dedicated kids adventure pool with all kinds of beach goodies and activities for the keiki (children in Hawaiian). Be sure to check out the sand sculpture, along the path,  at the south end of Wailea Beach Resort.  Marvel at the detail and artist's craftsmanship of building sculptural masterpieces.  

Lastly, as you round the last corner of the Wailea Beach Resort, you will see a big grassy area.  This where they have the famous Te Au Moana: The Ocean Tide - A Spectacular Lū'au Experience.  

Next up...The Grande Wailea and the beautiful Wailea Beach!

Wailea Beach / Grand Wailea / Four Seasons Resort Maui

So you should be about 15 minutes into the walk (7 min if you are jogging) when you reach two of the most luxurious resorts in south Maui..The Grande Wailea and The Four Seasons Resort Maui. The Grande Wailea is like the Las Vegas of Maui.  

It's a ginormous resort to say the least.  The resort sits on 40 acres and boasts 830 guestrooms, several fabulous restaurants, a world renowned spa, and the most impressive pool amentities you can imagine.  Really?... a water elevator! The resort also employs the most people on the island. It's organized chaos as you walk by and see the hundreds families and activities going on.  

The Grande Wailea built their resort on  one of the best beaches in Maui...Wailea Beach!  

This long golden sandy beach is a favorite for swimming, boogie boarding, SUP, snorkeling, sun bathing, volley ball, weddings, outrigger canoeing (check out Hawaiian Ocean Sports for a true and authetic Hawaiian outrigger canoeing experience - located in front of the Four Seasons...tell them LETSGOTRAVELMAUI referred you) , and countless other beach activities.  

Snorkeling around Wailea Point is a favorite snorkel spot (at the south end in front of the Four Seasons Resort Maui).  Watch our YouTube video to learn more about Wailea Beach.

The Four Seasons Resort Maui is tucked away in the south corner of the beach.  Don't be surprised if you see a Hollywood star as you pass by.  This resort is famous for attracting many of the rich and famous of the world.

 The Four Seasons Maui also has a few amazing culinary masterpieces including Wolfgang Puck's Spago Maui.  Our favortie is Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante because it has intimate dining terrace.  

The sunsets at dinner are stunning as you look out to Molokini crater and our neighboring island Kaho'olawe.  

Okay, by now you've had an overdose of how the wealthiest 1% of the world vacations ...yes right here in south Maui.  As you leave Wailea Beach you will travel around Wailea Point.  

Those are the red tile roof condos that all look the same and look rather dated and mundane.  However, these architectural onions sell for several million dollars.  They occupy a very special point on the island.  

The snorkeling at Wailea Point is one the best snorkeling Maui has to offer...shhhhh...don't tell anyone!  You won't hardly see anyone snorkeling this point.  However, swim out and around the point,  from the Four Seasons, and  you will see incredible marine life.  

You might even be lucky enough to watch a white spotted eagle ray cruising on by.  

Last stop on the foot path is Fairmont Kea Lani  and Polo Beach...

Fairmont Kea Lani / Polo Beach

By the time you reach Fairmont Kea Lani and Polo Beach you will have reached the halfway point and walked about 2500 steps...good job!  

The Fairmont Kea Lani is an architectural gem that may seem a bit out of character for Maui.  It has a Moorish design and touches of Hawaiian flavor.  Regardless of the design it's a beautiful work of architecture in our opinion.  It too has some wonderful restaurants that will make your mouth water.  

Like the Grande Wailea and the Four Seasons, it's a very expensive resort.  They also have detached villas that sit right in front  of Polo Beach.

Polo Beach feels a bit more secluded in that it hosts a smaller crowd, primarily the guests of the Fairmont Kea Lani, because it's a much smaller beach than Wailea Beach. It has similiar characteristics to Wailea Beach because of it's more gentle shoreline and similar beach activities.  

You can also swim out to Wailea Point from this beach to do amazing snorkeling.  Again, hardly anyone does this but you would be remise if you didn't explore the snorkeling.

The south end of the beach also has great snorkeling too!   Polo Beach Park is also connected to Polo Beach.  

It is a more linear park with plenty of shade, picnic tables, BBQs, shower, restrooms etc.  It also has a large parking lot.  

This is where you would park if you started the walk in the opposite direction.

The Finale - Snorkeling at Ulua Beach!

Now turn around and enjoy the walk or jog back to Ulua Beach.  By now you know all the highlights of the "Hotel Walk".  There are a few we didn't share with you but you will discover them on your own or read about them in another blog.  This is a such a healthy choice when vacationing here in Maui.

To wake up and start the morning with a brisk walk, clean Maui air, scenic views of the best beaches in Maui, stunning resort architecture, a 10,000 foot high dormant volcano as the backdrop, what could really be better?

Now, the best part... 

Put those running shoes in the car and grab your snorkel gear and your  beach towel and head back down to Ulua Beach.  It's right in front of the showers and restroom building that you walked past going to the car.  Take the last 30-45 minutes of your 90 minute easy fitness morning to enjoy some spectacular snorkeling.  

Don't be surprised to see the divers joining you on the way out into the water.  Be sure to snorkel all the way around the point of the reef  (almost to the next beach - Mōkapu Beach).  Many of the newbie snorkelers only go along the south side of the reef.    

This is where you'll  see green turtles (Honu), Moray eel (Puhipaka), Reef triggerfish (Humuhumu-Nukunuku-Apuaa), Parrotfish (Uhu), Spiny lobster (Ula), Black Durgon Triggerfish (Humuhumu-Eleele), Koa Cauliflower Coral, and the list goes on and on.  

That should be enough for one morning...tomorrow morning plan to do the Hotel Walk and snorkel around Wailea Point!  

Go be adventurous and explore what goes on underwater at the best beaches in Maui - Ulua Beach!

If you found this article to be entertaining and informative, and inspiring,  be sure to subscribe below and stay informed about how to make your travels to Maui Nō Ka 'Oi (the best) !  You can always send us an email to at: [email protected] if you have questions or want to book some of our favorite island activities.

 Mahalo nui loa (Thank you!) from your ohana at LETSGOTRAVELMAUI

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