
Wailea Resort Area, South Maui
Wailea captures the essence of resort living in South Maui, where sun-soaked beaches, manicured fairways, and postcard-perfect views come together. This master-planned community offers five-star resorts, fine dining, and upscale retail, all set against turquoise seas and a warm, inviting climate.
Just minutes from the laid-back charm of Kihei, it offers seamless access to the broader South Maui lifestyle and an exceptional selection of Wailea beach homes for sale.
WELCOME TO THE WAILEA RESORT AREA
The Wailea Resort Area stretches along South Maui’s golden coastline, where soft-sand beaches, calm turquoise waters, and championship golf courses create a dreamlike backdrop. Here, you’ll find five-star resorts, oceanfront dining, and designer shopping in a setting that feels worlds away yet close to everything.
It’s a place where mornings might start with a paddle across calm bays or tee time on a championship course, and evenings end with sunset views over Molokini. Just minutes away, Kihei’s more casual pace offers a relaxed counterpoint to Wailea’s refined resort life.
Named from the Hawaiian words wai (water) and lea (joy or pleasure), Wailea − “the water of joy” − has evolved from a quiet fishing and farming coast into a master-planned paradise since the 1970s. Tourism is the primary economic driver in Wailea, South Maui, with the real estate scene, high-end resorts, and golf courses also attracting visitors and investors from around the world.
THE WAILEA RESORT AREA REAL ESTATE SCENE

The green sea turtles might have to carry their homes, but yours can be right on the shore.
The allure of Wailea homes comes from a blend of spectacular scenery, distinctive architecture, and resort-style living. Many are steps from pristine beaches and offer sweeping views of the Pacific and neighboring islands.
From gated golf course estates and sleek luxury condos to oceanfront beach villas for sale, the Wailea Resort Area showcases some of Hawaii’s most desirable properties. Custom residences emphasize privacy and craftsmanship, while resort-managed homes pair ownership with five-star services.
Consistent strong demand for second homes, vacation rentals, and luxury investments continues to shape the market, attracting buyers who value long-term stability and the prestige of a Wailea address.
Notable neighborhoods
WAILEA KIALOA
Behind its gated entrance, Wailea Kialoa’s 34 acres hold a collection of three- to five-bedroom residences in contemporary island and Mediterranean designs. Many feature pools, expansive lanais, and ocean views, all within a short drive of Keawakapu Beach, The Shops at Wailea, and the resort’s golf courses.
WAILEA PUALANI
On 32 landscaped acres, Wailea Pualani offers 92 custom homes averaging 10,000 square feet. Architectural styles range from Plantation to Mediterranean, with layouts designed for open-air living, shaded lanais, and private pools.
WAILEA GOLF ESTATES
Perched within the Wailea Blue Golf Course, this 30-acre gated enclave is known for its 61 luxury homes, many exceeding 12,000 square feet, and all oriented to capture sweeping ocean, island, and fairway vistas. Infinity-edge pools, tropical landscaping, and generous outdoor spaces are hallmarks here.
WAILEA HIGHLANDS
With just 24 estate sites, Wailea Highlands sits high above the Wailea Blue Golf Course, granting many homes commanding Pacific views. Grand Contemporary and Mediterranean-inspired designs take full advantage of the scenery, pairing resort-style pools with expansive outdoor living.
HO’OLEI
Terraced into the hillside across from Wailea Beach, Ho‘olei’s 120 luxury villas combine residential privacy with resort privileges. Each two-story home offers a private elevator, a spacious lanai with an outdoor kitchen, and an attached garage, while community amenities include a lagoon-style pool, a fitness center, and shuttle service to Grand Wailea.
KAI MALU
This 25-acre gated neighborhood lines the Wailea Blue Golf Course with 150 two-story townhomes. Open layouts, private lanais, and attached garages are standard, complemented by a residents-only infinity pool, fitness center, and sauna.
WAILEA EKAHI AND ELUA VILLAGES
Stretching across 34 acres of oceanfront, these neighboring communities offer direct access to the Wailea Beach Path. Wailea Ekahi’s 296 garden-style condos and Wailea Elua’s 152 low-density residences feature pools, manicured grounds, and prime positioning steps from the sand.
WAILEA LIFESTYLE

Living in Wailea means the Pacific is your launchpad and the sky is your limit.
Beyond its beautiful homes, Wailea’s lifestyle is shaped by its resort setting, oceanfront location, and strong sense of community. From browsing designer stores and dining with ocean views to snorkeling in clear bays and joining local cultural events, life here combines leisure, adventure, and the spirit of aloha.
Dining, shopping, and entertainment
- THE SHOPS AT WAILEA – An open-air shopping destination with designer boutiques, local galleries, and dining options ranging from quick bites to elegant sit-down meals.
- NICK’S FISHMARKET – Serving freshly caught seafood signatures since 1996, this fine-dining favorite set in Fairmont Kea Lani is also known for its award-winning wine list and open-air setting.
- SPAGO – Wolfgang Puck’s signature restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Maui, blending Hawaiian and California cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a sophisticated oceanview setting.
- FERRARO’S – Another restaurant from the Four Seasons, this open-air Italian venue serves handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and wood-fired specialties alongside panoramic views of Wailea Beach.
- HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUĀPUA’A – Set over a tropical lagoon at the Grand Wailea, this award-winning restaurant serves fresh island seafood and Polynesian-inspired dishes.
You may also catch live Hawaiian music and hula performances at select Wailea resorts, adding a cultural touch to the dining experience.
Just minutes away, Kihei offers a more laid-back collection of casual shops, cafés, and beachside eateries that complement Wailea’s refined resort atmosphere − perfect for days when you want variety without going too far.
Outdoor recreation
- TEE OFF AT WAILEA GOLF CLUB – Play on any of the three championship courses − Blue, Gold, and Emerald − each offering distinct challenges, lush fairways, and panoramic views of the Pacific and neighboring islands.
- SNORKEL AT TURTLE TOWN – Known for its underwater lava formations and abundant green sea turtles, a protected species in Hawaii, this reef offers calm, clear waters and excellent visibility. Snorkelers may explore vibrant coral gardens and schools of reef fish, making it a favorite for both beginners and experienced divers.
- KAYAK THROUGH CRYSTAL-BLUE WATERS – Launch from Ulua or Polo Beach for a guided paddle that blends coastal views of Haleakalā, Molokini, and Lanaʻi with snorkeling opportunities in clear waters teeming with turtles, urchins, and reef fish.
- CATCH HUMPBACK WHALES ON THE HORIZON – From December through April, opt for a kayak or boat tour to witness majestic humpbacks breaching just offshore, combining wildlife viewing with ocean immersion.
- WALK THE WAILEA BEACH PATH – Stretching from the Andaz at Mokapu Beach to Polo Beach in front of the Fairmont Kea Lani, it’s perfect for sunrise strolls, sunset walks, or enjoying the South Maui coastline, with the option to extend north along the sand to Keawakapu Beach.
DISCOVER PARADISE IN THE WAILEA RESORT AREA, SOUTH MAUI
With golden beaches, world-class golf, and a resort lifestyle framed by views of Molokini and Haleakalā, it’s no surprise Wailea is one of South Maui’s most sought-after destinations. Beach homes for sale in Wailea have the location, amenities, and long-term value that discerning buyers look for.
Finding the perfect property for your lifestyle or asset portfolio in this lovely slice of paradise in South Maui becomes easy with the help of Maui Real Estate Collective. Our team combines deep local expertise with a hands-on, client-focused approach to help you navigate this exceptional market. Contact our Wailea Realtors at 808.633.3936 or send an email today.