04-02-2026
Wailea Beach, Maui: Swimming, Snorkeling & Resort Access
Located within the Kihei Region on Maui
President & certified Hawaii travel expert with 15+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
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Wailea Beach
One of the more popular beaches in Maui, Wailea beach is located behind the Grand Wailea Resort.
Wailea Beach — Quick Facts
- Location: South Maui — behind the Grand Wailea Resort, off Wailea Alanui Dr. About 25 min from Kahului Airport.
- Public access: Beach is public; resort parking charges a fee. A small public beach access path runs between the resorts.
- Best for: Calm swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing — generally calmer than West Maui, great for families year-round
- Snorkeling: Rocky outcroppings at each end of the beach hold reef fish and sea turtles
- Amenities: Grand Wailea and Fairmont Kea Lani offer beach service for guests. Bring your own chairs/umbrellas if visiting independently.
- Season: South-facing location stays calm year-round — one of Maui's most reliable swimming beaches
This crescent-shaped beauty is the poster child for Hawaiian beaches at their best. Why? It offers most people all they need.
Snorkelers and families alike are drawn to this beach because of the activities on offer. Water sports lovers, surfers, and sunbathers are all welcomed, and taken care of at this popular beach.
Try your hand at your preferred water sport with rental equipment available to enhance your experience.
One day will never do with this beach vying for your attention every hour you are here.
This beach definitely has a resort vibe, dotted with umbrellas and an array of tourists and locals abound. If you don’t mind a more crowded type of beach, you’ll love this one.
Wander through the resort (they don’t mind) and grab a thirst-quenching cocktail or enjoy any of the restaurants ready to make your days at Wailea beach memorable.
Where: If coming from Kihei Head south on Piilani Highway. Make a right onto Wailea Ike Road. Turn left at Wailea Alanui. Look for the signs to the beach
Accessibility: There are 2 parking lots near the beach with a larger one further from the beach
Did You Know? This beach has free access but is run by the Grand Wailea Resort
Top Tip: Feel like a walk? Take the Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk Trail
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Published by: Tori C. Derrick
President & certified Hawaii travel expert with 15+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Hawaii Safety Information
Location
Facilities
Shower & Restrooms
Dining
Picnic Tables & Grill
Lifeguard
No Lifeguard on Duty
Activities
Swimming
Sunbathing
Paddling
Sunbathing
Paddling
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What's Nearby
Beaches
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0.4 mi
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0.8 mi
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Wailea Beach
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