Do you plan to visit the Maui resort town of Wailea? Or are you hoping to make this island paradise your new primary or vacation home location and will be in the area to start looking at homes for sale? No matter which situation you find yourself in, there are plenty of Wailea activities in the town to keep you busy. Here are six things to do in Wailea to maximize your time.
1. Spend a day on the beach
One of the best Wailea things to do is to spend a day soaking in the summer sun on the beach.
Wailea Beach is an excellent option for visitors, as its shoreline provides plenty of soft sand to lay out on. The ocean’s current is calm in this area, which makes it ideal for snorkeling, boogie boarding, and body surfing. This beach sits right between two high-end resorts, which keeps it well maintained. Beachgoers can also observe nearby sights of Kaho’olawe, Lana’i, and Molokini.
Another beach to visit in the area is
Oneloa Beach. Oneloa offers a private experience for visitors, so remote that people don’t realize it’s there at all at first. The expansive, sandy shoreline is perfect for laying out and enjoying the sound of the waves or swimming for strong swimmers. Visitors can also enjoy the view of Molokai and the lava cliffs to its north.
2. Visit Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Preserve
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When looking for Wailea activities, visit the
Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Preserve. Designated a reserve in 1973, this area protects the natural habitat of several species of fish. This makes it a fun place to snorkel and see the varied marine life. The depth of the bay in this preserve is less than 15 feet in the first 100 feet from the shore. Beyond there, it deepens to 35 feet.
You'll see extensive coral formations if you choose to snorkel out on the bay’s east side. Nearer the shore, you can explore the shallow caves and sand trenches. If you swim further into the water, you may spot a Hawaiian green sea turtle. Check the tide before you head out, as it can be too dangerous to snorkel at certain times of the day.
3. Kayak and snorkel with Ohana Ocean Adventures
If you want a guided snorkeling and kayaking experience, book a tour with
Ohana Ocean Adventures. This company values the connections it creates between the wildlife of Maui and its customers and staff. The tour guides are well-experienced people who know their way around the Maui ocean scene. This tour is a must when planning Wailea things to do.
Their “Clear Kayak and Snorkel Adventure” begins at Makena Landing Park and lasts three hours. This attraction is great for friends and families, as up to 10 people can be in a group. The guided tour through the clear blue waters is one of the best ways to see the surrounding reefs, marine life, and scenery. And the transparent kayak makes seeing the views below possible without having to disembark to snorkel if you’d rather stay in your boat.
4. Play golf at Wailea Gold
You don’t have to be at the beach to enjoy Wailea’s nature.
Wailea Gold at the Wailea Golf Club has an award-winning designed course that honors the Hawaiian natural elements in the area. Enjoy the rugged design that showcases the land’s natural curves, dips, and lava rock walls. The blue Pacific waters are also visible from this palm tree studded course, which makes for a memorable Wailea golf experience.
The Wailea Gold golf course was created by Robert Trent Jones II and is a fair challenge for experienced golfers. If you’re a bit newer to golfing or with your family, Wailea Emerald has a course that can be tailored to your skill level. Also, try out Wailea Blue for a good in-between option.
5. Stroll The Shops at Wailea
Located along Wailea Alanui Drive,
The Shops at Wailea offer a premier retail experience for residents and visitors. Alongside Wailea shops unique to Hawaii, there are over 70 retail lifestyle and luxury shores, great restaurants, and world-renowned luxury brands. There’s also a list of events for all types of shop-goers to bring the community together. Learn how to play the ukulele, catch a Polynesian show, or learn a skill native to the island.
People strolling through these Wailea shops can stop by well-known luxury brand stores like Gucci and Prada for their fashion needs. Or they can visit Na Hoke, a fine jewelry store unique to Hawaii. If you need a pick-me-up in the middle of the day, Island Vintage Coffee offers the best 100% Kona coffee. Or visit LINEAGE, one of the best restaurants in Wailea. The Shops at Wailea have enough restaurants, shopping, and events for you to spend a day there.
6. Relax at Spa Grande
A list of activities would be incomplete without mentioning at least one high-end Wailea spa. If you want to unwind after a long day of exploring, visit
Spa Grande. Located in the Grand Wailea resort, this facility offers its guests several locally inspired spa treatments. Spa-goers can enjoy a personal and private spa experience surrounded by rich gardens and ocean views.
If you want a complete Wailea spa experience, the Hawaiian Healing spa package is a half-day option full of massage therapies, skin treatments, and island essences. Treatments like the Ho'omalu help keep your skin and body radiant. There are also several options for massage therapies, facial therapies, and couples therapies, as well as options for kids and teenagers.
Ready to have some fun in Wailea?
There’s plenty to do in Wailea that makes it the place to visit when you go to Maui. When you’re ready to live a little closer to these six things to do, or you want to explore more of the attractions in the area, contact local agent
Kevin Spaise to guide you through the process. More than 80% of Kevin’s clients are mainland-based and have transacted their Maui real estate purchases remotely. With Kevin on your side, you can be sure the property you buy more than lives up to your standards.
Reach out to his team today.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock