Wailea, Maui

LUXURY April-May, September-November OGG - Kahului Airport US Dollar
Trip Profile
Budget Category LUXURY $400-800 per person
Perfect For
Luxury Romantic Beach Golf Family Outdoors
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
8.0/10
Romance
10.0/10
Adventure
7.0/10
Relaxation
10.0/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
Loading weather...
Best Months to Visit
April-May, September-November
Hurricane Season
June-November
Peak: December-April | Shoulder: May and September-November
Airport
OGG - Kahului Airport
No Passport Needed (US Citizens) | No Visa Required
US Dollar
English

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When to visit Wailea

Best months
April-May, September-November
Peak season
December-April
Shoulder season
May and September-November
Off season
June-August
Hurricane season
June-November

Wailea quick facts

Main airport
OGG - Kahului Airport
Language
English
Currency
US Dollar
Typical daily cost
$400-800 per person
Budget category
Luxury

Getting around Wailea

Wailea is designed for resort-based relaxation with most amenities within walking distance of your accommodation. The area has limited public transportation, making rental cars the preferred option for exploring beyond the immediate resort area.

Rental car

Highly recommended for maximum flexibility to explore Maui's attractions, beaches, and dining options beyond Wailea's resort corridor.

Public transit

Very limited bus service connects Wailea to other parts of Maui, with infrequent schedules that don't suit most vacation itineraries.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber and Lyft operate in Wailea but with limited availability and higher prices than mainland US cities; taxis are available through resort concierges.

Local tips for Wailea

Insider tips

  • Book spa treatments and restaurant reservations well in advance, especially during peak season as Wailea's top venues fill up quickly.
  • The Wailea Beach Walk connects all the major resorts and beaches along a scenic coastal path perfect for sunset strolls.
  • Golf twilight rates typically start after 2 PM and offer significant savings on Wailea's championship courses.
  • Many resorts offer complimentary beach equipment including snorkel gear, boogie boards, and chairs for their guests.
  • The nearby Shops at Wailea stay open later than most Maui retail areas and offer upscale dining and shopping.
  • Makena Beach, just south of Wailea, offers a more secluded beach experience with equally beautiful sand and water.
  • Resort parking fees can be expensive; ask about package deals that include parking when booking your stay.
  • The South Maui coast is ideal for whale watching during winter months, with many tour boats departing from nearby Kihei.
  • Local food trucks near Kihei offer authentic Hawaiian plate lunches at a fraction of resort restaurant prices.

What to pack

  • Reef-safe sunscreen (required by Hawaii law)
  • Lightweight resort wear and sundresses
  • Golf attire if planning to play championship courses
  • Snorkel gear or plan to rent locally
  • Comfortable walking sandals for beach walks
  • Light jacket for air-conditioned restaurants
  • Dressy evening attire for upscale resort dining
  • Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
  • Waterproof phone case for beach activities
  • Comfortable shoes for exploring beyond the resort

Sample itinerary: 4 days in Wailea

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1 — Arrival and Resort Orientation
Morning: Arrive at Kahului Airport and transfer to your Wailea resort, taking time to check in and explore the property's amenities.
Afternoon: Relax at your resort's beach or pool area, getting acclimated to island time and enjoying your first taste of Maui's sunshine.
Evening: Dine at one of your resort's restaurants and take an evening stroll along the Wailea Beach Walk to watch the sunset.
Day 2 — Beach and Water Activities
Morning: Start with breakfast then spend the morning snorkeling at Wailea Beach or Ulua Beach, both known for excellent visibility and marine life.
Afternoon: Continue beach activities or book a spa treatment at your resort, followed by lunch at a beachfront restaurant.
Evening: Head to the Shops at Wailea for upscale shopping and dinner at one of the area's renowned restaurants.
Day 3 — Golf and Luxury
Morning: Play a round of golf at one of Wailea's championship courses like the Gold or Emerald Course, enjoying ocean views throughout.
Afternoon: Relax with a couples massage or spa treatment, then enjoy a leisurely lunch with resort pool time.
Evening: Experience fine dining at a signature restaurant like Mama's Fish House or Ko Restaurant for authentic Hawaiian cuisine.
Day 4 — Island Exploration
Morning: Take a day trip to Haleakala National Park for sunrise viewing or explore the scenic Road to Hana.
Afternoon: Return via Makena Beach for a more secluded beach experience or visit Maui Ocean Center aquarium in nearby Kihei.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau at your resort or a nearby venue for cultural entertainment and local cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Wailea

The best time to visit Wailea is April-May, September-November. Peak season runs December-April, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (May and September-November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November.

A typical daily cost in Wailea is $400-800 per person per person. Wailea is generally considered a luxury destination.

No passport is needed for US citizens visiting Wailea, as it is a US destination.

The main airport serving Wailea is OGG - Kahului Airport. The primary language spoken is English. The currency used is US Dollar.

Essential items to pack for Wailea include: Reef-safe sunscreen (required by Hawaii law), Lightweight resort wear and sundresses, Golf attire if planning to play championship courses, Snorkel gear or plan to rent locally, Comfortable walking sandals for beach walks, Light jacket for air-conditioned restaurants, Dressy evening attire for upscale resort dining, Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Wailea: Book spa treatments and restaurant reservations well in advance, especially during peak season as Wailea's top venues fill up quickly.. The Wailea Beach Walk connects all the major resorts and beaches along a scenic coastal path perfect for sunset strolls.. Golf twilight rates typically start after 2 PM and offer significant savings on Wailea's championship courses.. Many resorts offer complimentary beach equipment including snorkel gear, boogie boards, and chairs for their guests.. The nearby Shops at Wailea stay open later than most Maui retail areas and offer upscale dining and shopping..