Wailea

Wailea is a resort community on the southwestern coast of Maui, Hawaii, in Maui County. Located within the Kihei-Wailea area, it comprises luxury hotels, condominium developments, golf courses, and a retail and dining district along a stretch of beaches centered on Wailea Beach. The community operates as a master-planned development that began in the 1960s and 1970s on former plantation land and has since grown into a major tourist destination.

Geography and features: Wailea extends along a crescent of coastline with several beaches that are central to its appeal, including Wailea Beach, Polo Beach, and Ulua Beach. The area is characterized by a coastal, relatively flat landscape with resort properties near the shore and upscale residences on higher ground. The resort cluster is designed to provide a cohesive visitor experience, with landscaped grounds, promenades, and oceanfront amenities.

Facilities and economy: The local economy is dominated by hospitality and tourism. The Wailea Golf Club operates three championship courses—Blue, Emerald, and Gold. The Shops at Wailea serves as a major open-air shopping and dining destination. Notable hotels in Wailea include the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort; Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea; Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott; and Fairmont Kea Lani, among others.

Accessibility and demographics: Wailea is accessible from Kahului Airport (OGG) via a road network standard for Maui. It is a popular destination for luxury accommodations, golf, weddings, and beach recreation, attracting visitors year-round while maintaining a relatively small year-round resident population.