A wide crescent of golden sand in front of the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons, one of five beaches in the Wailea resort area. The sandy middle is the main swimming spot, with snorkeling around the lava points at each end.
Why we love it
Resort-quality sand and calm morning water, with a free public lot, showers and the coastal path to stroll at sunset.
What to expect
The public lot is off Wailea Alanui Drive just south of the Grand Wailea, with a small roundabout at the end; a flagstone path leads to the sand. Mornings are usually calm and good for swimming in the sandy middle; afternoon trade winds roughen the water. The shorebreak is usually small, but Wailea still logged 13 spinal injuries in 2009–2017 trauma data, so don’t turn your back on the waves. Snorkel the rocky ends only when it’s calm. In season, humpbacks often spout offshore.
Know before you go
- Lifeguards
- None. Wailea Beach isn’t on the state’s lifeguarded-beach list.
- Parking
- Free public beach-access lot off Wailea Alanui Drive. It fills early on sunny weekends and holidays.
- Facilities
- Restrooms, outdoor showers and a foot-rinse station at the access.
- Whales
- Humpbacks are seen offshore November through April. Federal law keeps swimmers and paddlers 100 yards away.
- Shorebreak
- Small most days, but injuries happen. Stay out when the surf or wind picks up.
