About Wailea ▪ Golfer's Paradise ▪ Hotels/Spas ▪ Beaches ▪ Restaurants ▪ Shopping ▪ Day tripping
South Maui’s Wailea is 1,500 acres of prime resort land and staggering ocean views that include the stark red island of Kaho‘olawe and the quarter-moon sliver of tiny Molokini islet, a popular snorkeling destination. Molokini, a marine sanctuary, is the lip of a submerged volcano and one of the stellar sights of Maui.
Wailea’s mile and a half of shoreline is notched into five crescent beaches, fringed in palms and splashed by gentle surf. Five hotels are tucked into this resort. Three times the size of Waikiki, exuding a sense of serenity, privacy and freedom, Wailea also encompasses low-rise condominium villages and luxurious private homes. All have been guided by a master plan that preserves and enhances the natural beauty of the setting.
Although it was Wailea's reputation as a Golfer's Paradise that put Wailea on the tourism map, tennis is another big draw. Wailea’s 1,000-seat tennis stadium is the site of one of Hawai‘i‘s largest local tournaments, and the Wailea Tennis Academy offers state-of-the-art instruction. Both the tennis and golf facilities include clubhouses, pro shops and instruction by resident professionals.
There’s a lot going on with the event scene in Wailea. In addition to the televised Skins games, annual events include Whale Week in February, May Day festivities in May, the Maui Film Festival in June, the Maui Writers Conference in August, LifeFest Maui in September, and the XTERRA Championships in October.
Other activities are sailing, swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and whale watching. Hawaiian cultural programs, art tours, and fitness programs are all available, as well as prominent health and wellness facilities. For the ultimate in rejuvenation, the resort houses five spas, some of which have been ranked among the best in the world.
Stretched across Wailea’s gently sloping terrain are 54 Erin-green fairways that make up the Wailea Blue, Wailea Gold and Wailea Emerald courses -- all 18-hole, par 72 resort courses. The latter two, designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones II, have been named among the country’s best courses; and the Wailea Blue is consistently ranked among the finest courses in Hawai‘i. Each winter, the Wailea Gold Course is home to the ConAgra Foods Seniors Champions Skins Game and ConAgra Foods LPGA Skins Game. Even the Wailea Gold Golf Club and the Wailea Emerald clubhouse are award-winners, and the state-of-the-sport training facility is unlike any other in Hawai‘i. No matter how good the golf gets, however, players are constantly distracted by the panoramic vistas of mountain, sky, and sea – and the occasional whale.
There are several 5-Star hotels close by, including the Grand Wailea Hotel -- located within a 5 minute walk from the condominium. Enjoy a 'spa day' at the Grand Wailea, which includes use of many of the facilities at the Grand Wailea.
Wailea is known for it's beautiful beaches, which are a short drive from the condo. Check out the Wailea beach listings or see a more extensive list of Maui beaches.
The following are provided at the condo for your convenience:
- Beach towels and mats
- Beach umbrella
- Beach chairs
- Beach toys
There are dozens of restaurants in Wailea, including several national award-winners.
Here is a list of some of our favorite places to eat:
- Mateos, which is right next to the condo complex, has good pasta and pizza.
- Sansei Japanese restaurant in Kihei is good if you are in the mood for Japanese.
- Cuatro Restaurant in Kihei (a couple of doors down from the Sansei Japanese restaurant) is relatively new and is a small restaurant, but the seafood is excellent and the prices are great. Even the wine list is good.
- We are big fans of Tommy Bahamas restaurant in the Wailea Village Shopping Center. The food is consistently good and they do great mixed drinks.
- If you want a very special evening, we highly recommend Mama's Fish House. It's in Paia, which is about 45 minutes away. It's a little dressier, and definitely expensive, but is well worth the trip! It's right on the ocean, the food is always excellent and the setting is great!
- When we don't feel like going out and we just want a sandwich or pizza, we order from Shaka Pizza in Kihei which delivers to the Ekolu condos.
If you like to shop, you won't be disappointed. There are plenty of high-end shops and art galleries within walking distance at The Shops at Wailea.
Hana, Maui is a great day trip or overnight stay. Lanai is a fantastic overnight trip (take the ferry), though you can visit for the day. Visit Haleaka national park if you are up for a vigorous day of walking.