Unsurprisingly, the Island of Maui is consistently rated as one of the best tropical islands to visit in the world. No matter how you visit Maui, there's an abundance of amazing activities, beaches, restaurants, and entertainment to explore. 

Wailea is located in South Maui. The area is coastal and spreads from South Kihei to Makena. It is characterized by gorgeous beaches, fantastic views, private residential areas, and world-renowned golf courses. Wailea is regarded as a luxury destination throughout the Hawaiian Islands, but that does not make it out of reach for visitors. In Wailea, 'luxury' is defined in many ways, including by catching a gorgeous sunset.

For current and future guests of Maui Resort Rentals, we love to offer suggestions and insider tips for the best things to do in Maui. Please enjoy reading our blog about The Most Amazing Things to do in Wailea. 

 

1. Watch the Sunset at Mokapu Beach

In the ancient Hawaiian language, moka kapu means sacred island, and you'll feel blessed when watching a sunset from this glorious oceanfront vantage point. 

Mokapu Beach is located in front of a Wailea resort area but can be accessed by trail or by neighboring Ulua Beach. When the water is calm, it's an excellent place for a swim and snorkel, offering clear visibility with a primarily sandy shoreline. It's also a wonderful beach for soaking up South Maui's glorious sunshine and relaxing with a book in a shaded area closer to the boardwalk. 

This stunning Maui beach is also one of Hawaii's most popularly photographed beaches. Not just for the ocean views and dreamy blue waters, but yes, for the epic sunset scenes. 

The best way to watch the sunset at Mokapu is to arrive a bit earlier than you think you should. You'll need time to park, walk to the beach, and finally settle. Set your navigation to Ulua Beach Public Parking, but note you will be one of many looking for parking. If the sun sets at 6:45 pm, we suggest that you arrive on the sand by 5:45 pm. This way, you can watch the skies bursting into one of the most technicolor sunsets you've ever seen. Enjoy! It's an absolute jaw-dropper.

Learn more about Mokapu Beach in Wailea here

 

2. Go Shopping at Shops at Wailea 

Within the Hawaiian Islands are a handful of beautiful outdoor shopping centers to explore. On Oahu, the Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu is the most famous. On Maui, there are two gorgeous outdoor shopping malls; Whalers Village in Kaanapali and Shops at Wailea in South Maui.

Shops at Wailea is very accessible –whether or not you're staying in Wailea. There's easy access from the highway and walking distance from a nearby resort area. They also have a vast parking lot that always has space. 

When visiting "The Shops," we suggest you plan a good amount of your day. There's a massive selection of luxury fashion boutiques, lifestyle and surf-wear shops, jewelry stores, art galleries, specialty foods boutiques, and so much more. We have some great news if you are visiting with travelers that may want to avoid shopping around for hours with you. Shops at Wailea is also home to coffee shops and restaurants, including Waikiki Brewing Company and the Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar. From tasty bites to cold brews and signature Mai Tai's, everyone in your party will find something fun to do with a view.

Learn more about Shops at Wailea here

 

3. Hit the Fairways at Wailea Golf Club 

Golfing is hands down one of the most popular activities in Maui. The ultra-famous Wailea Golf Club decorates the rolling hills of Maui's South Shore. 

Maui's Wailea Golf Club comprises the Wailea Blue, Gold, and Emerald Courses. Within those three courses, golf buddies and golfing families can choose from many options, including booking a tee time. 

One of the most notable points of the Wailea Golf Club is the Wailea Golf Academy. Here is where guests can perfect their game on vacation while being taught by world-famous golf professionals. The current Director of Instruction at the Wailea Golf Academy is Claude Brousseau, a PGA Master Professional. One of his accolades is being ranked Hawaii's #1 on Golf Digest's "Best Teachers in Your State" article for 2022-2023.

In addition to enjoying fairway games and ocean views, the Gold and Emerald Courses are also home to Junior Golf Camps (should be booked for your kids in advance), and the Blue Course hosts a Sunset Cart Tour (without golf clubs). 

Learn more about the Wailea Golf Club here

 

4. Decompress at Mohalu by Spa Grande 

Located at Waldorf Astoria's Grand Wailea Resort is the Mohalu Spa. Although the Island of Maui is full of luxurious and incredible spas, Mohalu is one of the best. Here is a Maui spa that invites guests to decompress while feeding themselves with true wellness, Hawaiian-style fully. 

From the services offered to the products used, this spa is creme-de-la-creme. We highly recommend that you book your treatments ahead of time to ensure you can enjoy this amazing Maui activity. 

Spa services are broken down into massage and facial therapies, nails, wellness, signature treatments, and many upgrades. Popular treatments are:

• The Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massages.
• HydraFacial® facials.
• The Age-Defying and Brightening SkinCeuticals® facials. 

The 'Honey Macadamia Nut Indulgence Signature Treatment' is one of our favorites, nourishing you from head to toe. This treatment begins with a bee pollen mask to boost immunity, followed by a whipped honey and macadamia nut oil massage. After, the therapy continues with a hydrating full-body cocoon and foot treatment. 

*The Mohalu Spa Menu also offers treatments specific for men, teens, and kids. 

Learn more about Mohalu by Spa Grande here

 

5. Book Tickets for Te Au Moana 

If you're looking for one of Maui's best luaus, look no further than booking tickets for Te Au Moana. 

This popular South Maui Polynesian show occurs at the Marriot's Wailea Beach Resort on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. We recommend booking with as much advance notice as possible because this show sells out weekly.

At Te Au Moana, guests can expect to enjoy a beautiful evening of Hawaiian foods, culture, entertainment, and gorgeous South Maui views.

When booking, guests can choose Premium or Standard seating, with Premium being closer to the oceanfront stage. 

The 3-course dinner is served family-style and at the table. It begins with Starters & Salads like Taro Rolls, Namasu, Hawaiian-style Poke, and various salads. The menu continues with Hot Selections like the Imu Kalua Pork & Cabbage, Huli Huli Chicken, Garlic & Herb Grilled Steak, or Misoyaki Mahi Mahi. Accompaniments include Local Vegetable Stir-Fry, Garlic & Furikake Rice, Coconut Glazed Sweet Potatoes, Traditional Poi, and more. There's also an array of desserts, local Maui beers, and tropical cocktails at the open bar. 

What makes Te Au Moana so unique is the food and views and the true sense of the aloha spirit. The evening begins with being gifted a flower or kukui nut lei and unfolds with the most beautiful evening of ancestral Hawaiian story-telling, song, and dance.

Learn more about Te Au Moana here 

 

6. Visit the Dolphins at La Perouse 

Unlike Maui's seasonally visiting Humpback Whales, dolphins can be seen on Maui year-round. One of the best places to see the dolphins from land or by boat tour at La Perouse Bay. The most commonly seen dolphins at La Perouse are Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins.

The Bay is named after Jean-François de La Pérouse, a French explorer who is believed to be the first European to lay foot on Maui in May of 1789. For the Hawaiian people and archeologists, La Perouse also marks the beginning of the Historical King's Trail, a coastline trail stretching from La Perouse to East Maui.

When visiting the dolphins or the King's Trail, always remember respect and distance. Do not try to touch or feed the dolphins, and please stay on the foot trail. Ancient Hawaiian historical sites surround the area.

Learn more about seeing Dolphins at La Perouse here 

 

7. Dine at The Four Seasons Maui Resort 

One thing is for sure; almost nothing is more luxurious than dining at Four Seasons Maui Resort. 

The property is impeccably maintained, and the service is always 5-star. The resort is famous for its international collection of tourists for many reasons, including its impeccable staff, offerings, restaurants, and sprawling views.

For visitors that are not staying at the Four Seasons Resort, restaurant options include Wolfgang Puck's Spago, FSM's DUO Steak & Seafood, and Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante. All three options are fabulous with incredible seating options, ocean views, and singular menus.

When visiting Spago, arrive before your reservation so you can enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in their lounge. DUO has a menu full of options for everyone and hosts a fantastic weekend brunch menu. Ferraro's may be our favorite as it's perched on the oceanfront part of the property, and the menu is like a rustic Italian menu fused with locally grown Maui ingredients. 

Wherever you decide to dine at Four Seasons Maui, we can guarantee it will be a cherished vacation memory for all the senses!

Learn more about Four Seasons Maui Resort here

 

8. Book a Treatment at Revitalize Maui 

RevitalizeMaui is the most personalized experience to be had on Maui. Here is where you'll find Maui's leading med spa full of offerings for everyone.

Maui's premier aesthetic medicine and anti-aging center is truly one-of-a-kind. The renowned Dr. Okwuje leads the experienced, professional, and friendly staff.

Here is where clients find discreet and customized treatments in a safe environment. 

Treatments include Botox® and a wide range of fillers, skin resurfacing treatments, laser hair removal, non-surgical body contouring, and longevity treatments like hormone therapy, IV and IM vitamins, emerging weight loss treatments, and more.

Here's a pro tip if you're arriving on the island and trying to avoid jet lag. Book a treatment straight from the airport for a Vitamin B treatment followed by a consultation with Dr. Okwuje.

Learn more about RevitalizeMaui here

 

9. Have a Cocktail at Lehua Lounge

A popular vision is when one fantasizes about a tropical vacation, surf, sand, and a cocktail in hand! 

If you want to enjoy gorgeous ocean views and tasty tropical libations, make time for a pit stop and a snack at Andaz Resort's Lehua Lounge. It's also a classy spot to have lunch in Wailea (and includes a kid's menu). If you're planning a Wailea date night, you can quickly start at Lehua Lounge and prepare for dinner reservations at neighboring Morimoto Maui.

The cocktail menu at Lehua Lounge is decorated with Signature Cocktails like the Wailea Spritz, Silversword, and an Agave Old Fashioned. The wine menu is impressive, with a complete list of Sparkling, White, and Red wines by the glass or bottle. Both domestic and local beers are on tap or bottled, and plenty of non-alcoholic cocktails and fresh smoothies are on the menu. 

The food menu is also divine at Lehua Lounge, with small plates, large plates, a kid's menu, and a sweet dessert menu. Our favorite plates are the Roasted Beet & Kale Salad, Parmesan Fries, Burrata, Ahi Poke, Wagyu Burger, Risotto (with truffle butter), and the Maui Beer Company Battered Fish & Chips.

Learn more about the Lehua Lounge here 

 

10. Check out Maui's Magical Mystery Show 

Maui's Magical Mystery Show occurs at the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort in Wailea. Here's a fan-favorite activity for all ages and one to certainly impress all kids on vacation in Maui.

Recommended by 99% of Maui's travelers that leave ratings on TripAdvisor, here's a 1.5-hour show that takes guests back to London's Victorian era but beachfront on Maui. The show is full of magicians, surprises, laughter, and entertainment that will awe and inspire.

Show tickets include complimentary valet parking, and a portion of every ticket is donated to the Shriners Children's Hospital in Honolulu, Oahu.

The Maui Magical Mystery Show group also offers daily magic classes at the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort (for kids and adult kids that love magic).

Learn more about Maui’s Magical Mystery Show here

 

The Maui Resort Rentals team thanks you for spending time reading this article. We look forward to seeing you on the island soon. Read more of our blogs here