Wailea-Makena on Maui’s sunny south shore offers world-class snorkeling, scenic hiking, and tranquil beaches. From paddleboarding calm bays to hiking rugged coastlines, it’s an outdoor adventure hub with luxury and aloha spirit.
Wailea-Makena on Maui’s sunny south shore offers world-class snorkeling, scenic hiking, and tranquil beaches. From paddleboarding calm bays to hiking rugged coastlines, it’s an outdoor adventure hub with luxury and aloha spirit.
Adventure Awaits in Wailea-Makena, Hawaii’s Coastal Playground
Wailea-Makena, a radiant jewel on Maui’s southern coast, invites travelers to blend upscale relaxation with robust outdoor thrills. Here, gleaming beaches give way to vibrant coral reefs, framed by rugged volcanic outcrops and lush gardens. Sunshine pours down almost year-round, setting the perfect stage for an array of adventures.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Wailea-Makena, Hawaii special.
7.893 miWailea Beach near Kihei, Hawaii features gentle waves, golden sands, and vibrant coral reefs ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. An easy-access beach within a marine sanctuary, it offers calm waters and family-friendly coastal walks with scenic mountain views.
8.592 miUlua Beach Park in Kihei, Hawaii, offers snorkeling and swimming with vibrant marine life. Enjoy walking along the scenic Wailea Coastal Walk. The beach is family-friendly with lifeguard presence and best visited in the morning for clear waters.
8.793 miExplore Wailea Beach in Maui, Hawaii, perfect for sunbathing and gentle beach strolls. Ideal for families, the beach offers paddleboarding, snorkeling, and stunning sunset views. Visit year-round, though expect summer crowds and enjoy the chance to spot sea turtles.
8.792 miKeawakapu Beach in Kihei, Maui, offers soft golden sands and clear waters perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. Enjoy peaceful ocean views, with sunrise and sunset strolls along the scenic shoreline. Accessible year-round, it's great for families looking for a relaxing day in paradise.
7.894 miOneuli Beach, near Kihei, Hawaii, features rare black volcanic sand and a quiet shoreline ideal for beachcombing, snorkeling, and hiking. The easy-access beach offers peaceful ocean views and unique lava rock formations, best visited in spring and fall when crowds are light and weather favorable.
94 miVisit Little Beach in Kihei, HI for an easy hike to a serene beach. Enjoy sunbathing, snorkeling, and swimming. Known for a unique, open atmosphere, it's a great spot year-round for sunsets and local culture.
8.594 miMākena State Park on Maui features two beautiful beaches offering excellent swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Accessible by car from Kihei, it combines calm waters, volcanic coastlines, and vibrant marine life. Best visited April to October, with moderate crowds and natural, peaceful surroundings.
8.594 miMakena Beach near Kihei, Maui, offers a moderate coastal experience with snorkeling, hiking, and tide pool exploration. Visitors enjoy volcanic rock formations, clear waters, and native plants. Drive-in access makes this scenic beach popular, especially on weekends.
9.291 miExplore the vibrant underwater world of Molokini's half-moon crater, located off the coast of Maui, Hawaii. Experience unparalleled snorkeling and scuba diving in easy, crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Prime whale watching occurs from December to April.
8.897 miAhihi-Kinau Natural Reserve on Maui’s southern coast offers moderate hiking over volcanic lava fields and excellent snorkeling in clear tide pools. Visitors can observe marine life and seabirds in this quiet, protected coastal area near Wailea, with natural rugged beauty and minimal facilities.
7.283 miThe Lahaina Pali Trail near Wailuku, HI offers a 3.5-mile moderate hike along a volcanic ridge featuring panoramic ocean views, native plants, and cultural history. Ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and photography, this trail is best visited early for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
8.782 miWest Lāhainā Pali Trailhead in Wailuku, HI offers a moderately challenging hike with scenic ocean views, volcanic landscapes, and native plants. Hike early to enjoy cooler temperatures and spot native birds, while exploring an ancient trail once used by Hawaiian chiefs.
Discover curated outdoor adventures and verified guided tours in Wailea-Makena, Hawaii, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your journey.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Wailea-Makena, Hawaii.
12 bookable experiences
3.48 mi awayHonolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii
1.86 mi awayHonolulu, Hawaii
Waimanalo, Hawaii
Waimanalo, Hawaii
2.31 mi awayHonolulu, Hawaii
Waimanalo, Hawaii
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Make the most of your visit to Wailea-Makena, Hawaii with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected public lands.
Wailea-Makena, Hawaii hosts celebrated events showcasing local heritage, outdoor recreation, and regional community gatherings.
Experience the vibrancy and outdoor culture of Wailea-Makena, Hawaii during Wailea Golf Tournament. Check local schedules and reserve travel accommodations early.
Experience the vibrancy and outdoor culture of Wailea-Makena, Hawaii during Maui Whale Festival (in adjacent seasons). Check local schedules and reserve travel accommodations early.
Experience the vibrancy and outdoor culture of Wailea-Makena, Hawaii during Makena Beach Clean-up Days. Check local schedules and reserve travel accommodations early.
Wailea-Makena, Hawaii is surrounded by pristine national parks, forests, and wilderness preserves offering backcountry trails and scenic recreation.
Waimanalo Bay Beach Park offers a long, sandy shoreline perfect for swimming, picnicking, and water activities on the windward coast of Oahu. Known for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere, it is a favored local spot away from the crowds.
Makapuʻu Point State Wayside is a scenic lookout and hiking area on Oʻahu's southeastern coast known for its panoramic ocean vistas, seabird sanctuaries, and whale-watching opportunities during winter months.
Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline on the island of Oahu offers sweeping ocean views, rugged coastline, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.
Makapuu Point State Wayside is a coastal park on the southeastern tip of Oahu, Hawaii, offering dramatic ocean views, lighthouse access, and excellent whale watching during winter months.
Rent a snorkel or paddleboard locally to avoid bringing bulky gear.
Start hikes early to avoid midday heat and secure parking.
Respect protected areas and watch for closures in the Ahihi-Kinau Reserve.
Sun protection is essential year-round; bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Parking near popular beaches can fill quickly—arrive early.
Book golf tee times in advance during peak travel seasons.
Always check local regulations, park permits, trail advisories, and weather forecasts before embarking on any adventure around Wailea-Makena, Hawaii. Respect wildlife and preserve our shared outdoors with Leave No Trace ethics.