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To start off, I’m going to state the obvious. There are a lot of great places in Hawaii. Exotic beaches, jagged green mountains, charming local towns, VOLCANOES. That’s undeniable the best part of Hawaii…the real Hawaii. But there’s another part of Hawaii that I love too. Resort Hawaii. Yesssssss. Planned resort communities designed and laid out with tourist conveniences in mind. Filled with luxury resorts, sparkling pools, golf courses, tennis courts, restaurants with ocean views, shopping, and the whole thing landscaped and manicured to perfection. It may not be the “real Hawaii” but it’s pretty awesome.

All of the Hawaiian Islands have resort areas…little bubbles of tourist paradise…but in my opinion, the best resort area in all of Hawaii is in Maui…in Wailea.

If you’re never been to Maui before, chances are it’s exactly what you think Maui would be like – manicured and lush, quiet and luxurious with gorgeous beaches and world class resorts. It’s definitely not “local,” but it’s the stuff Hawaii vacation dreams are made of. Plus, unlike some resort communities on other islands, Wailea isn’t super isolated. It’s right next to Kihei, a more local (albeit very touristy) town, and a short drive to Maalaea where you’ll find a handful of attractions. 

Things to Do in South Maui

So if you’re lucky enough to be staying in Wailea or Kihei, keep reading for my list of favorite things to do in South Maui…

Things to Do in Wailea

Hit the Beach

Let’s start with the obvious. Wailea has some of the loveliest beaches on Maui. 

Wailea, Polo, and Mokapu/Ulua are the major beaches in the area (all with nice resorts situated on them). 

Keawakapu is a long (and often quiet) stretch of sand between Wailea and Kihei that’s one of my favorite spots for a long walk. 

Big Beach is one of Maui’s most stunning beaches (it has huge waves!), Secret Beach (just past Big Beach) is a cozy little cove and the most popular spot for weddings on the island, and Maluaka beach is likely the best spot for turtle sightings (it’s very near Turtle Town). 

Read this post for an in depth breakdown of Wailea and Kihei’s best beaches including info on public parking and access points.

Molokini Snorkel Trip

Hands down one of the most popular things to do on Maui is going out on a snorkel tour to Molokini. This partially submerged volcanic crater has some of the best visibility for snorkeling and diving anywhere in Hawaii. 

My personal favorite way to go is with Kai Kanani on their Sunrise Snorkel Tour. 

It leaves from Maluaka Beach in Makena (just about 5 minutes from the resorts in Wailea) which is the closest launching spot on Maui to Molokini (this means it’s a super quick ride compared to some of the companies that leave from much farther away). 

In addition to Molokini, Kai Kanani also makes a stop at Turtle Town so you can snorkel with the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles! 

Read my full review of snorkeling Molokini with Kai Kanani here. 

Wailea Beach Walk

Okay, this is one of my favorite parts about staying in Wailea. 

This beachfront walkway between Polo beach (Fairmont Kea Lani) and Mokapu beach (Andaz) is 1.5 miles of beachfront and cliffside beauty. Whether you’re a jogger or just a stroller (or using the path to hop from happy hour to happy hour), you’ll definitely want to explore the trail.

***Want to save major $$$ on your trip to Hawaii? I get asked ALL the time how I’m able to travel so often to Hawaii and stay at really nice resorts. Well, my favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free airfare and free nights at some of Hawaii’s most high end resorts. Read my full guide on the exact system I use to max out credit card rewards here. Seriously, it’s going to save you soooo much money. 

Go Resort Hopping

Whether you’re staying at a resort in Wailea, or you just want to get the full “Wailea experience,” everything here revolves around the resorts. 

There are five major resorts in Wailea and they’re all connected to the Wailea Beach Walk which means they’re all easily accessible whether you’re coming up from the beach, from the resort you’re staying at, etc. 

From north to south you’ve got the Andaz, Wailea Beach Resort, Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, and the Fairmont Kea Lani. 

The Andaz sits on Mokapu Beach, the Wailea Beach Resort is in between Ulua and Wailea Beach, the Grand Wailea and the Four Seasons are on Wailea Beach, and the Fairmont Kea Lani is on Polo Beach. 

Besides each resort having valet or self parking (which they’ll validate if you’re having a meal, shopping, etc.) each of those beaches also has public parking. And you can pay by the hour to park at the Shops at Wailea (they’ll also validate with a purchase). 

All five resorts are places that are worth checking out. Generally speaking, Grand Wailea is the most jaw dropping and impressive. They’ve got several shops, a large lobby bar, plus a lowkey poolside bar/restaurant (Bistro Molokini). 

I think having a drink at the Lobby Bar at the Four Seasons is a must do Wailea experience. It’s just so…civilized. 

The Andaz is probably the most impressive property on Maui. It’s modern and sleek and drinks or lunch at the Bumbye Beach Bar is a great way to see the place. 

The Wailea Beach Resort is probably the most lowkey resort in Wailea, but they’ve got the best “Instagram setup.” Their giant ALOHA sign is a big crowd pleaser (this is super close to the Shops at Wailea-if you’re parked there you can walk down to the resort) and Kapa is a great place for a more affordable resort lunch/drink/casual sunset dinner. 

The stretch of the Wailea Beach Walk between the Four Seasons and the Fairmont Kea Lani is probably the most dramatically beautiful part of the 1.5 miles so if you like beautiful scenery and cliffside views, you’re not going to want to miss that. 

Mai Tais at the Monkeypod

If there’s one thing you’re going to want to do in Wailea, it’s hit happy hour at the Monkeypod. Now I will preface this by saying that there’s now a Monkeypod in Ka’anapali at Whalers Village and that one has ocean views so if you’re staying on the west side then I would probably hit that one instead, but the Monkeypod in Wailea is the original and it’s pretty much my favorite restaurant in Hawaii. 

When I lived on Maui, we would stop at the Monkeypod in Wailea for happy hour all the time after a beach day so it feels a bit like tradition. 

Anyways, they’re famous for their mai tais which have a lilikoi foam on top and they do a really good happy hour. Check the recent hours but there’s usually an early one from 3ish to 5ish and a later one after 8 or 9. Besides pretty good deals on drinks, most of their appetizers and pizzas are half off. 

Side Note: If you’re looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. They’re seriously the only company I ever use. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

Watch Sunset

Wailea has a prime location for viewing the nightly sunset whether it’s from a high end restaurant, the infinity pool, a spot along the beach walk, or with your feet in the sand. 

Indulge in Some Shave Ice

I’ll be honest, I’m not even the biggest shave ice fan, but I really love Waikomo Shave Ice. Their truck is usually parked on the lawn in front of the beach at the Andaz (Mokapu Beach) and it’s not cheap, but with all the toppings and add ons, it’s pretty much a meal.

Tennis

The Four Seasons is the only resort in Wailea with courts and a tennis program (some of the condo complexes have a court or two) but it’s open to non guests as well. Find their daily clinic schedule and rates for lessons and court time here. 

The Wailea Tennis Club also hosts clinics and lessons and has 11 hardcourts plus a pro shop. 

And it has such a dreamy setting! Find out more info here. 

Golf

The Wailea Golf Club has three championship golf courses which is more than enough to keep even the most avid golfer busy on vacation.

Kayak Eco Adventure

If you like adventure, book a kayak eco tour to Turtle Town with Maui Kayaks. They launch from Makena Landing and have at least two snorkeling spots. Besides turtles, they often spot dolphins, rays, octopuses, and whales in season! This is a great alternative if you don’t want to go all the way out to Molokini, and you’d like to visit Turtle Town but aren’t comfortable swimming out from the shore on your own. 

Water Sports & Rentals (Snorkeling, SUP, Outrigger Canoes, etc.)

Each resort in Wailea has rentals for paddle boards and snorkel gear plus usually some different tour options to get you out and enjoying life on and under the water. 

Most resorts also offer rides in outrigger canoes (sometimes they’re complimentary for hotel guests if you sign up in advance). 

And even if you’re not staying at one of the resorts, you’ll still be able to rent gear from the different vendors. 

I’ll drop some photos below from different vendors at the resorts along the beach walk. 

Most of them offer some version of a kayak/outrigger canoe snorkel/turtle spotting expedition like the eco adventure I mentioned above. If you’re wanting the absolute best experience possible, I’d go with a company like Maui Kayaks that meets near Makena Landing to go to Turtle Town. If you just want convenience and being able to leave right from the resort, go with one of these options. 

Also, yes most resorts offer snorkeling equipment for you to go out on your own and there are reefs accessible from most of the resort beaches in Wailea, but I think the best spot to go is the south side of Mokapu Beach right in front of the Andaz. The rocks hook around a bit and form somewhat of a protected area and since it’s right in front of the resort there’s usually plenty of people out there snorkeling which is a GOOD THING. 

You don’t need to be that person snorkeling way out by yourself. We call them shark bait ; ) 

Also, the best snorkeling conditions are going to be earlier in the morning. Plan to be finished by 11AM. 

Fine Dining at the Hotel Wailea Restaurant

There is no shortage of high end restaurants in Wailea, but the restaurant at the Hotel Wailea is SPECIAL. If you are a foodie, you appreciate the finer things in life, and you’re okay dropping some $$$ on a special occasion dinner, then you simply must make a reservation here. 

I’ve compared it to Mama’s Fish House, but it’s just different. It’s going to appeal to a more niche audience, but honestly it’s more elevated than Mama’s. It just doesn’t have that beachfront location. It feels more like a hideaway. 

It’s $125/person with a choice of a first course, second course, and dessert and options are plentiful for all three. And this isn’t one of those fancy schmancy expensive places with tiny portions. The food is substantial here. 

La Perouse Bay & Lava Fields

I love a good scenic drive, and the drive down to the end of the road through Makena is one of my favorite parts of Maui. You’ll pass through some of Maui’s most high dollar real estate (rumor has it Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler has a place in Makena) where the road hugs the coast just feet from little coves and beaches before you drive through a lava field (from Maui’s most recent volcanic eruption) and end at La Perouse Bay.  

La Perouse Bay is usually a good spot to see spinner dolphins and you’ll find some ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites including heiaui (a temple/altar). It’s also the trailhead for the Hoapili Trail (the most accessible portion of the ancient King’s Highway that circumnavigated the island). 

Snorkeling at Ahii Nature Preserve

On your way to La Perouse Bay, pull over to the side of the road to snorkel in one of the pristine and calm pools at the Ahii Nature Preserve.

Hit the Shops

There’s plenty of shopping in Wailea. The most obvious place to hit is the Shops at Wailea. This open air shopping mall has everything from high end luxury brands (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc.) to surf shops (Billabong, Roxy, etc.) and a few local shops as well. 

The Lululemon has a Hawaii exclusive line, and I also love Whalers General Store and Island Gourmet Market for souvenirs, prepared food, and light groceries. Parking is paid (your ticket will be validated with a purchase) and the entrance to the shopping center is off the main road in Wailea, but if you want to walk there from your resort along the beach walk you can cut through the Wailea Beach Resort. 

Besides the Shops at Wailea, I really like the Wailea Village where my FAVORITE Bikini Market is located. 

But honestly, I think the best shopping is at the resorts. Every resort has at least one boutique (the Grand Wailea has several) and they have the best stuff. 

Enjoy the Spa

With so many luxury resorts, you KNOW there have to be some cushy spas in Wailea. The Grand Wailea’s Spa Grande is widely regarded as having the best overall spa facilities in the area. It’s practically like its own resort but it’s undergoing MAJOR renovations so I would hold off until 2024.

I wasn’t personally too impressed with the spa at the Four Seasons (there wasn’t anything wrong with it but it just didn’t knock my socks off-but go check out the eucalyptus steam shower if you’re staying there-you don’t have to book a treatment). 

The Fairmont Kea Lani wins awards for best treatments (they have some truly unique options that you won’t find very many places), but their facilities aren’t over the top. 

The spa at the Andaz seems to be recommended as the best mix of impressive facilities AND treatments. 

Horseback riding

Makena Stables offers morning and sunset rides on Ulupalakua Ranch just above La Perouse Bay and the Ahii Nature Preserve.

**They’ve recently stopped offering trail rides and it’s unknown if they’ll start again in the future. It’s worth checking though because I think they have the best tour on Maui. 

Things to Do in Kihei

Wailea and Kihei run right into each other, but they couldn’t be more night and day. While Wailea is an upscale resort area, Kihei feels more like a local town, but it still mostly caters to visitors. 

Beach Hop the Kams

Kihei has some of the prettiest beaches on Maui and while they’re often crowded from the masses of condos nearby and because they’re so easily accessible, they have their charm. 

Kamaole I, II, III are all popular beaches (some with more parking than others), and my favorite thing is to start either at Kam I or Kam III and walk from beach to beach. Each beach is connected with a little path (you don’t need to use the sidewalk up by the road). 

Keawakapu Beach is also not to be missed. It sits right on the border between Kihei and Wailea and it’s one of the island’s few truly long stretches of sand. 

Read this post for an in depth breakdown of Wailea and Kihei’s best beaches including info on public parking and access points. 

Find Horhitos Taco Truck

The very first time I ever came to Maui, we stumbled upon this taco truck the first night and to this day, I still think they’re the best fish tacos on Maui. It’s right across the street from “The Cove” at Kalama Beach Park next to the 76 gas station. 

Take your tacos to go and sit on a bench right by the water!

Try WowWow Lemonade

WowWow is always a MUST DO for me. They started as a little lemonade stand by the airport and now they’ve got franchises all over the place and a much bigger menu. 

Actually, their acai/smoothie bowls are some of the VERY best in Hawaii and they make each one from scratch. 

But you’ve got to try the lemonade. I always love the blackberry lavender one, but trying new ones is part of the fun. And you can get your drink in a mason jar (with a lid and straw) that makes for a great souvenir. 

On Another Note: If you’re looking for a condo or vacation rental for your trip, I’ve put together a post about where to find condos on Maui. It breaks down different areas to look for condos depending on your budget and what you’re looking for. Seriously, don’t miss this post. 

Have Breakfast at the Kihei Caffe

If I only have time for one breakfast on Maui, this is probably the spot. It’s just a little dive, but it’s right across the street from the beach and the food is good, hearty portions, and pretty reasonably priced. 

Take cash (there’s an ATM inside) and be prepared to wait in line, but it moves pretty quickly. 

VIsit the Maui Ocean Center

Located just up the road from north Kihei in Ma’alaea, the Maui Ocean Center is a great spot if you have young kids, or you’re looking for a good rainy day activity. It’s a little pricey and if you have a decent aquarium near your hometown, it’s probably not going to blow you away, but the shark tunnel is pretty cool. 

Take Surf Lessons

Kihei is a hot spot for surf lessons on Maui. Most companies work out of Kalama Beach Park on the south side (at the Cove). Try Maui Waveriders or Big Kahuna Adventures and then hit up the Horhito’s truck across the street for the best fish tacos of your life after. 

Snorkel Tours from Kihei Boat Ramp

Redline Rafting offers Molokini snorkel tours out of the boat ramp in Kihei. I said earlier that Kai Kanani is my favorite way to do Molokini, but if that’s out of your price range, Redline’s two hour Molokini snorkel is a good option. They have an early morning tour as well so you won’t have to deal with the crowds.

Whale Watching from Ma’alaea Harbor

Most of the big tour operators on the island offer Molokini snorkel tours and whale watching trips (in season) from Ma’alaea, just north of Kihei. While I’ve already told you that I don’t love Molokini trips that leave from Ma’alaea (it’s so far away and you’ll end up snorkeling the crater with everybody else on the island), if you want to go whale watching (December through April), Ma’alaea is a good option if you’re staying on the south side so you don’t have to drive all the way to Lahaina. I think PacWhale Eco Adventures is the best.

Want to read more posts about Maui? I’ve got plenty!

Things You Can ONLY Do on Maui // 4 Day Maui Itinerary // My Favorite Road to Hana Itinerary // Things to Do Upcountry // Tips for Sunrise at Haleakala National Park // Snorkeling Molokini Crater // Whale Watching

My Favorite Hotels on Maui // Where to Find Condos on Maui // Wailea vs Kaanapali // Every Resort in Wailea Ranked // Four Seasons Maui Review // Andaz Maui Review // Fairmont Kea Lani Review // Wailea Beach Resort Review // Four Seasons vs Andaz Maui // Andaz Maui vs Wailea Beach Resort

Best Restaurants in Wailea // Best Breakfast in Wailea & Kihei // Mama’s Fish House // Best Luaus in Wailea

My Favorite Things to Do in South Maui // Best Beaches in Wailea & Kihei // Road to Hana Tips // Driving the Backside of the Road to Hana // Where to See Turtles on Maui

Maui vs Kauai // Everything You Need to Know BEFORE you go to Maui

Here’s one more really important thing you need to know before your Hawaii trip…

Reservations You Need to Make BEFORE Your Hawaii Trip

You’ve got your airfare, hotel, rental car and your big activities booked, so you should be good to go, right? Wrong!

Travel is BOOMING in Hawaii so a lot of state and national parks used the closure and reopening to institute reservation systems at some of the island’s most popular spots to make things a little more sustainable.

That means that there are now over half a dozen sites (beaches, trailheads, etc.) that require advance reservations. And some sell out well before you arrive on the island so you really need to have some sort of a plan.

I recently saw somebody in a Hawaii travel group post in a panic that they didn’t know they had to make reservations for things in advance…they thought they could just show up and “go with the flow.” I was tempted to say, well, “as long as the flow doesn’t take you somewhere that requires reservations, you can!” ; )

But I don’t want YOU to be that person, so I’ve pulled together a list of all the places you need to reserve entry in advance (plus all the details on booking windows, price, links, etc.) and a handful of popular tourist hotspots that book out really far in advance too.

P.S. Thanks for sticking around and reading this whole post! If you have ANY questions about planning your trip to Hawaii, you can join my free Facebook group here. I’m there answering questions every day and there are 7500+ other friends who have a ton of Hawaii information to share!

Also, if you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. And please share my account with your friends that are headed to Hawaii! Your support really helps me keep this blog running!