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Wailea

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Wailea

What: 1,500 acres of luxurious beaches, resorts and attractions
Where: South Maui, about 35 minutes from Kahului Airport
 
Known for its five beautiful, crescent-shaped beaches and stellar golf courses, Wailea is a luxurious resort community in South Maui that spans 1,500 acres of land with staggering ocean views. The area exudes a sense of privacy, serenity and freedom spread across an area three times the size of Waikīkī.
 
There are five hotels tucked into the town, including opulent resorts like the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa and the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. This resort community also includes distinctive condominiums and stately private homes.
 
The area’s signature beaches include Wailea Beach, named “America’s Best Beach” in 1999, Polo Beach, with excellent swimming and snorkeling, and Ulua Beach Park, where early morning and sunset walkers and joggers abound. The Wailea Blue, Wailea Gold and Wailea Emerald courses make up the 54 holes of championship golf that have made Wailea so famous.
 
Drive south about 6 miles down the coast and you’ll reach ‘Āhihi-Kīna‘u Natural Area Reserve, which boasts a renowned snorkeling area and coastal lava field. Or continue for a couple more miles and you’ll come to Keoneʻōʻio Bay, where lava from Maui's last eruption flowed into the sea. The site has some nice hiking trails, including the Hoapili Trail, which winds its way along the coast through some shade and then strikes inland over the lava fields to Kanaio Beach 2 to 2.5 miles away.
 
Back in town, The Shops at Wailea is a destination in itself, featuring world-class restaurants and shops, along with regular entertainment programs. Wailea is also home to events such as the Maui Film Festival, February’s Whale Week, as well as award-winning restaurants serving the best of Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine. Wailea’s world-renowned spas round out an unforgettable Maui getaway.