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📝 1. Overview
South Maui, including the areas of Wailea and Kīhei, is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and upscale resorts. Wailea is famous for its luxury resorts, world-class golf courses, and stunning beaches like Makena Beach and Wailea Beach. Kīhei, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed vibe with a variety of affordable accommodations, casual dining, and laid-back beaches. Whether you’re looking to indulge in luxury or explore casual beach towns, South Maui has it all.
🧡 Most liked comment: “Wailea Beach at sunset is absolutely breathtaking—the colors are unreal.”
🥇 Runner-up: “Kīhei’s beaches are perfect for swimming and snorkeling—so many calm, clear waters to enjoy.”
🏅 Fan fave: “Wailea’s luxurious resorts, combined with its natural beauty, make it the perfect getaway destination.”
🌟 2. Highlights
🏖️ Wailea Beach – Calm waves, luxury resorts, and soft golden sand
🌊 Kamaole Beach Parks I–III – Family-friendly, sunset-perfect beach trio
🌋 Big Beach (Makena) – Huge waves, wide open space, and dramatic scenery
🐠 Snorkeling at Ahihi-Kinau – Lava coastline + sea life galore
🐢 Turtle spotting at Maluaka Beach – Hidden gem with frequent honu sightings
🏌️ Wailea Golf Courses – Lush ocean-view fairways for all skill levels
🛍️ Shops at Wailea – Open-air shopping with tropical flair
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Times:
☀️ Morning = best for calm snorkeling and fewer crowds
🌇 Sunset = beachfront dining & photo ops
🚗 Parking at Makena gets full fast – arrive early
🧴 Bring reef-safe sunscreen – strictly enforced
📵 Cell signal can drop in remote beach areas
🎟️ 4. Tickets & Info
🎫 Category | Price (USD) | Opening Hours |
---|---|---|
Maui Ocean Center (Maʻalaea) | $39.95 adult / $26.95 child | 9AM – 5PM |
Wailea Golf (varies by course) | ~$150–250/round | 6:30AM – 6PM |
Big Beach (Makena State Park) | Free / Parking fee may apply | 7AM – 7PM |
🍽️ 5. Nearby Eats
🍤 Monkeypod Kitchen – Lively scene, mai tais & local plates
🍺 Maui Brewing Co (Kihei) – Craft beer + relaxed menu
🥩 Lineage – Upscale Asian-Hawaiian comfort food at Shops at Wailea
🚗 6. Access
📍 Location: South Maui (~30 min from Kahului Airport)
🚗 Rental car recommended for beach hopping
🅿️ Beach parks have lots, but fill up midday
🚌 Maui Bus routes available to Kihei, limited to Wailea
🧘♀️ 7. Vibes & Add-ons
🧘 Morning beach yoga near Keawakapu
🐢 Turtle Town snorkeling tours from Mākena Landing
🌅 Sunset picnics at Kamaole III + beach BBQ spots
🏨 8. Recommended Hotels
- Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea 🌅🌴
- Luxury, oceanfront spa, and celeb-level pampering
- 💰 Price: $$$$
- 📍 Wailea - Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort 🧖♀️🌊
- Chic, design-focused, beachfront infinity pools
- 💰 Price: $$$$
- 📍 Wailea - Maui Coast Hotel 🏖️☀️
- Best-value hotel in Kihei, walk to beach
- 💰 Price: $$–$$$
- 📍 Central Kihei
🌐 9. Contact / Info
🌐 Maui Visitors Bureau
📍 Wailea/Kīhei Parks: County of Maui
📞 Beach Conditions Hotline: +1 (808) 270-7230
📞 Makena State Park: +1 (808) 984-8109
📞 Maui Police Kihei Station (non-emergency): +1 (808) 874-2600