The 14 Best Things to Do in Wailea (+ how to get to Molokini FIRST)

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I was a die-hard West Maui fan (still am, obviously). But growing up, we never went to Wailea. I just assumed it was fancy, boring, and full of big resorts.

But man, I was wrong.

When we moved to Maui, I was determined to get to know this area better, and I’m so glad we did. Not only did we find great activities, my favorite coffee shop (Akamai) on the whole island, and some of the best restaurants I’ve been to, but we also fell in love with the beaches, the walking path, and the overall vibe.

We love to split our time between Wailea and West Maui and have a running list of the best things to do in Wailea.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for what we love to do in Wailea:
– Sunrise snorkel and be the first to Molokini Crateri!
– Head out on a power raft to Molokini (and maybe to the backside)
– There are excellent luxury luaus, like Te Au Moana
– We especially love Wailea Beach and Keawakapu Beach

Wailea FAQs

Where is Wailea?

The resort community of Wailea is located on the southwestern coast of the island of Maui, roughly a 35-minute drive from the Kahului Airport. It’s super popular thanks to the beautiful beaches and luxury resorts.

Its central location makes it easy to reach other parts of the island. For example, you can get to Paia in 30 minutes and Makawao (upcountry has great things to do!) in 35 minutes. And you’re just down the road from Kihei, which has some great things to do.

What is Wailea Famous For?

Luxury. This upscale community is home to some of the most luxurious resorts on the island (it’s where you’ll find the Four Seasons, the Fairmont, and the Hotel Wailea), with upscale restaurants, shops, and attractions to match.

And the beaches. While all of the beaches there are excellent, the two that really stand out to me are Wailea Beach, right in front of the Grand Wailea, and Maluaka Beach, which is closer to Makena (south of Wailea). They are jaw-dropping beautiful. Check out a list of the best beaches on Maui for some of the best near Wailea.

Further inland is where you’ll find three championship golf courses – the Wailea Blue, Wailea Gold, and Wailea Emerald. Even if you’re not a pro, it’s worth setting up a tee time to play on these legendary courses (all three are open to the public).

Is It Better to Stay in Wailea or Ka’anapali?

I was always loyal to west Maui and the Ka’anapali, Napili, and Kapalua area and felt really confident in my choices. Wailea or Ka’anapali can be a contentious discussion. But the reality is, both places have their own unique advantages so you can’t go wrong with what you choose.

If you love a big resort and a great resort pool, Wailea is the spot. The service and atmosphere are second to none, which makes Wailea a great destination for those who want to unwind and relax in style. If you want Wailea’s atmosphere with a little more of the conveniences of home, there are 7 great vacation rentals in Wailea that we recommend!

Ka’anapali is a resort community as well, but it’s a bit more crowded. There are vacation rentals in Ka’anapali, but in the summer months, we love going even further north on the west side to Napili and Kapalua.

For us, we usually split our time between the two areas. We’ll stay at the resorts and have a fun resort vacation with our kids for a few nights before heading to west Maui.

Things to Do in Wailea Videos

Here at The Hawaii Vacation Guide, we love to show you what you can expect when visiting Maui. Check out some of these Things to Do in Wailea in our video below. You will feel more comfortable with South Maui when you land!

Wailea Travel Guide Video

Get more inimitate with Wailea with our Wailea Travel Guide Video. Let me show you all the resorts, things to do, beaches, and more about Wailea!

The 14 Best Things to Do in Wailea

1. Enjoy a luau

A luau is one of those bucket list things for many people visiting Hawaii. You don’t have to head to a luau, but they are great — the performers are usually so spectacular (very talented!) and it’s a nice way to learn a little more about Polynesian culture.

There are three different luaus in Wailea that we can recommend. The first one is the Feast at Mokapu (and premium seating), which is located in the Andaz hotel. Although it’s one of the most expensive luaus on the island, it does feature an open bar, pre-show activities, and awe-inspiring views over the ocean.

The Te Au Moana Luau at the Wailea Beach Resort is another excellent option for a luxury experience. We had the best time at this luau and our kids loved that they brought out more kid-focused food (chicken fingers and fries) in addition to the traditional luau food.

If you prefer a private table, then book the Luau at the Grand Wailea (opt for premium seating by booking here). You’ll have beautiful sunset views and a fantastic show with hula dancing and fire throwing to keep you entertained. 

Check out our full list of the best luaus on Maui.

2. Visit the Shops at Wailea

Sandwiched between the Grand Wailea and the Wailea Beach Resort, the Shops at Wailea is a beautiful outdoor mall with over 70 different shops and restaurants. You’ll find various international brands (Banana Republic, Lululemon, Quicksilver) as well as high-end designers (Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton).

It’s also a good spot to pick up some souvenirs. Grab a bag of coffee beans at Island Vintage Coffee or pick up some sweet treats at the Honolulu Cookie Company. There’s also Island Gourmet Markets (an upscale ABC Store) where you can find more knick-knacks and toiletry items plus some food to go and groceries.

There are some great traditional Hawaiian events held here throughout the week. Think ukulele lessons, coconut husking, and island wood carving. They also host their very own Polynesian show with live music and hula dancing. We really enjoyed their free hula show — our kids sat and watched the entire thing!

To see what’s happening next, check the Shops at Wailea calendar of events.

If you’re planning on seeing Maui, we highly recommend getting a rental car! We have saved thousands booking with Discount Hawaii Car Rental. Get a reservation with a national carrier and no pre-payment is necessary. It’s truly a win!

3. Walk the Beach Path

The winding 1.5-mile-long Wailea Beach Path is arguably one of Wailea’s most beloved attractions. This paved walkway snakes along the coast boasting magnificent ocean views the entire way.

The Beach Path is busy throughout the day, starting with early morning joggers and ending with post-dinner evening walkers (some of the best restaurants in Wailea are located on this path). And while people come here to exercise, it’s also used as the primary way for pedestrians to hop between the different hotels, restaurants, and beaches in the Wailea resort district. The view is absolutely stunning and worth seeing, even if you’re not a big walker!

If you want to complete the entire circuit, you can start at the Fairmont Kea Lani in the south. From here, the path heads up the coast past the Shops at Wailea until it reaches the Andaz in the north. From here, you’ll find a small path that takes you to Wailea Ekahi Village Resort and further to Keawakapu Beach.

If you’re looking for a great vacation rental in Wailea, the Wailea Ekahi Village is one of our top picks. We stay here almost every time we visit.

4. Play Golf

Hawaii is an excellent destination for golfers, and Wailea is home to not one, not two, but three 18-hole golf courses. The most famous course is the Wailea Gold Course, which has been hailed as one of the best designed courses by Conde Nast Traveler, Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, and Golfweek. It also happens to be the most difficult course in Wailea, although it’s still suitable for golfers of all skill levels.

The Wailea Blue Course is another challenging option with sloping fairways and sand bunkers. It’s a fun course, but if things get too frustrating, you’ll have the picturesque views of Wailea, the ocean, and Mt. Haleakala to help calm you down.

If you’re looking for something a bit easier, then we recommend booking your tee time at the Wailea Emerald Course. The tropical setting and panoramic ocean views make it a fun course for everyone (including beginners and families!).

All three courses are open to the general public, although guests staying at a resort in Wailea and Maui can get discounted rates. You can also save a few bucks by coming during their Happy Hour tee time (3 pm to close). And if you’re traveling with kids, there are discounts for junior golfers aged 7 – 17 and family fun packages as well. 

5. Be the First to Snorkel Molokini in the Morning

The crescent-shaped island of Molokini is one of the best places to go snorkeling or scuba diving around Maui. Not only are the waters crystal clear (you’re inside of a submerged volcanic crater), but they’re also home to an array of tropical marine life.

But because of its popularity, Molokini can be very crowded. Throughout the day, dozens of boats and tour operators dock here, which means the waters are filled with tourists.

If you want to experience Molokini for yourself, then book the Sunrise Snorkel Tour As it leaves at 6:15 in the morning from Maluaka Beach in Makena, it’s the first boat to arrive at the crater, which means you’ll get 45 minutes to snorkel in peace and quiet. Afterward, you’ll head to Turtle Town to snorkel with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. (Don’t worry, they also have a later tour you can enjoy!).

The tour starts with fresh coffee, hot chocolate, and cinnamon rolls. After snorkeling, you’ll head back to Maui and enjoy a huge spread of delicious breakfast foods like frittatas, breakfast sausage, potatoes, and an open bar with mimosas and bloody marys.

We’ve gone out with them so many times and it’s always fantastic. It’s a treat for our family and is a really special outing.

We also love the quick adventure style snorkel trip when we go out on this raft. We even got to go to the backside — it is so fun!

You can check out our full list of the best Molokini snorkeling tours and pick the one that’s right for you!

6. Grab a Coffee at Akamai Coffee

Maui coffee may not be as famous as Kona coffee from the Big Island, but it’s equally as delicious and something you have to try when visiting. Our favorite place to go is Akamai Coffee in Wailea Village, although they also have cafes in Kahului and Kihei.

All of their beans are 100% locally grown and roasted on Maui. It’s so good that we come here even if we don’t need the caffeine! In addition to their coffee drinks, Akamai Coffee also serves breakfast and brunch. Belgian waffles, avocado toast, and grilled cheese sandwiches are just a few mouthwatering items they have on the menu.

7. Indulge in a Gourmet Meal

If there’s one thing to know about Maui, it’s that you can eat very, very well here. There are so many great restaurants here, from fresh seafood restaurants to gourmet food trucks – and everything in between!

We enjoy Olivine, which has a variety of delicious options for vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters alike. Monkeypod is another great option for familiar favorites like pizza, burgers, and salads, although we usually come here for the happy hour (half-off apps and $2 to $4 off drinks!).

And if you’re celebrating a special occasion, then book a table on the outdoor lanai at Gather on Maui or the Restaurant at Hotel Wailea. Both places have outstanding food and unparalleled views over the ocean. We can also recommend Humble Market Kitchen in the Wailea Beach Resort for dinner or a sunset happy hour.

8. Have a Beach Day

The beaches on Maui are arguably some of the best in all of Hawaii, so make sure to pencil in at least one day for beach hopping. Best of all, you don’t have to go far to enjoy a bit of sun and surf, as there are some amazing beaches right here in Wailea. And because all the beaches in Hawaii are public, they’re accessible and free to everyone!

Wailea Beach is one of our favorites. It’s the main strip of sand located in front of the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons resorts, so it can be crowded. However, the sand is powdery soft, and the waves are calm and gentle (so make sure to bring your snorkel gear and boogie board).

You can also head to Ulua Beach, which is just a bit north of Wailea Beach. Although it’s not as big, it’s great for snorkeling and scuba diving as there are colorful corals and lots of marine life (turtles!). For this reason, Ulua can also be crowded during the day.

If the crowds are simply too much, then head to Maluaka Beach in the southern end of Wailea. This hidden gem is a bit off the main tourist track, so it has more of a secluded island feel. Snorkeling is also pretty good here, and there’s a high chance you’ll see turtles in the water too.

Check out our list of the best beaches on Maui.

9. Grab Drinks at the Birdcage Bar

There are so many bars in Wailea, but in our opinion, it doesn’t get much better than the Birdcage Bar. Located in the lobby of the elegant Hotel Wailea, this bar has excellent service, a laid-back atmosphere, and some of the best cocktails on the island!

The entire place is open-air, so you’ll get to enjoy a fresh breeze while sipping on your hand-crafted libation. And the view! It’s one of the prettiest places to come for sunset.

Jordan and I stayed here on our babymoon and we spent a lot of time enjoying the atmosphere in the bar.

Although the hotel itself is adults-only, kids are more than welcome to join at the restaurant (they have small plates and desserts if they’re feeling hungry). Besides the shareable apps, you can also order dinner here. Get the pork ribs, burger, or one of their sashimi or hand roll sets for a delicious meal with breathtaking jungle and forest views.

10. Snorkel at Ulua and Mokapu Beach

The marine life that lives off the coast of Wailea is nothing short of astounding. With shallow reefs and crystal-clear waters, you’ll be able to see an entire world of colorful corals, tropical fish, and even green sea turtles.

Ulua Beach and Mokapu Beach are two of the most popular Wailea snorkeling spots – and for good reasons! The water here is only around 15 feet deep, so you can get up close to the reef system that is shared between both beaches. In addition to the turtles, keep an eye out for mountain bass, goatfish, red pencil urchins, and the Hawaiian state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a!

Check out our full list of the best snorkeling spots on Maui.

It’s important that you take extra precautions while snorkeling here. It’s the Pacific Ocean, after all, and strong currents can show up at a moment’s notice. For this reason, you should never snorkel alone (always bring a buddy!) and check the lifeguard warning flags before you go out.

And if you’re unsure about the safety conditions, don’t risk it! As we always say, if in doubt, don’t go out. This beach safety website from the state of Hawaii is really helpful in learning more.

11. Get a Mai Tai at Monkeypod

If you want to know where to find the best mai tai on the island, look no further than Monkeypod Kitchen. This casual restaurant/bar whips up a mean Monkeypod Mai Tai, which is made with kula organic silver and dark rums and house-made macadamia nut orgeat syrup. It’s then mixed with lime and orange curacao and topped with honey-lilikoi foam. One sip, and you’ll see why it’s the star of the menu!

But Monkeypod has more than just delicious cocktails. Their menu uses organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, so you can feel good about what you order. Try one of their hand-tossed pizzas or troll-line caught fish and chips, but make sure you save room for one of their cream pies (banana, coconut, chocolate, or strawberry).

And if you need some more convincing, they also have live music every day of the week, starting at lunchtime. It’s such a great, laid-back spot that we end up coming here every time we are in Wailea.

This location does take reservations, so if you know you want to dine there, make a reservation.

12. Canoe Sail

Outrigger canoeing is the official team sport of Hawaii, although the tradition has existed on the islands for almost 2,000 years. If you’ve ever wanted to learn about this historic activity, then you’ll want to spend an afternoon on an outrigger canoe tour with Maui Sailing Canoe.

Leaving from the famed Polo Beach, you head out into open waters on a custom-built outrigger. The boat has a sail and a lounge pad, so you can relax in the sun while you enjoy the fresh Maui breeze (although you’re still more than welcome to paddle, too!). As you sail along the Maui coastline, keep a lookout for whales, turtles, and other marine creatures. Snorkel equipment is also provided if you want to see even more sea life.

Canoe sailing tours are group tours, so depending on your group’s size, you’ll be with other parties. If you want a more exclusive experience, Maui Sailing Canoe also offers a private tour for up to eight guests.

While canoe sailing is a great activity to do during your trip to Maui, it’s the crew that really makes this trip a worthwhile experience. Not only are they friendly and helpful, but they have so much knowledge about Hawaiian history and culture that we know you’ll find interesting.

13. Get a Pool Pass to the Fairmont Kea Lani

The Fairmont Kea Lani is one of our favorite resorts on the Wailea coastline. The rooms are massive (every room is a suite!), the grounds are lush and tropical, and the family-friendly activities are seemingly endless. However, this is very much a luxury property, and overnight stays cost a pretty penny.

But if you want to enjoy all the amenities of the Fairmont without spending the night, you can purchase a day pass. With this pass, you’ll have access to the pool and the surrounding property. There are two family-friendly pools, an adults-only pool, and a mass 140-foot waterslide! You’ll also be treated to poolside service, just like you would if you were a guest.

If you feel like being pampered, you can also book a private cabana by the pool. There are three different cabana options – ‘Elua Cabana (2 people in the adults-only pool), Ali’i Cabana (6 people in the adults-only pool), and the ‘Ohana Cabana (4 people in the family-friendly pool). Each package comes with complimentary soft drinks, ice cream, and food and beverage credit.

It’s also possible to book a Fairmont Fitness Class Pass. While it doesn’t include access to the resort pools, it will allow you to participate in any of the fitness classes that are put on by the hotel.

Check out our experience at the Fairmont Kea Lani!

14. Wailea Farmer’s Market

We try to shop locally as much and as often as we can, which is why we love the Wailea Farmer’s Market. Every Tuesday from 8 am to 11 am, you can head to Wailea Village to shop some of the best farms and purveyors on the island.

You’ll find fresh produce, seafood, dry goods, and local handicrafts that we think make great souvenirs! In addition to the local vendors, you’ll also find some hot and ready-made foods, so make sure to come hungry.

Related reads:
The 15 Best Things to do in Kapalua and Napili
7 Best Maui Sunset Cruises For a Great Night Out
The 12 Best Maui Beach Hotels (+ 5 awesome beachfront condos)
The 8 Best Road to Hana Tours: Find Your Perfect Guide

Get the Best Maui Itinerary

Ready to plan the rest of your trip? We have you covered with our Maui Itinerary. It covers everything you need to plan the perfect vacation with excursion days all the way down to where to park.

Thank you so much for your itineraries.  Just got the Maui and Oahu ones and man oh man are you guys a life saver.  

I’m surprising my wife for her 40th to Oahu for 3 days then hopping over to Maui for 7 more days and have booked exclusively off your recommendations!  Cannot thank you guys enough for all this.  

Best regards and see y’all in April!

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