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Maui is a fun island with gorgeous scenery, lots to do, and fabulous beaches!
Pam Grimes
Owner, InterlineDiscounts.com
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Maui is a beautiful island filled gorgeous beaches, impressive mountains, and breathtaking vistas. If you’re lucky enough to visit during whale season, you’ll also see the Humpback Whales that venture to Hawaii for the winter.
You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to take awesome photographs and shop for unique souvenirs in Maui. There are more than enough activities and water sports to keep you on the go during your entire visit!
Wailea Area
The Wailea area, located on the leeward side of South Maui, is sun-drenched and wonderful. Wailea, a posh area 30 minutes from the Hakului Airport, is lined with beautiful hotels and resorts. It makes an ideal vacation destination.
Some of the hotels in Wailea area include:
* Westin Maui Prince Hotel (lush tropical gardens)
* Four Seasons Resort (features reproductions of early Hawaiian furniture)
* Grand Wailea Resort (has a luxurious spa)
* Outrigger Wailea Resort (recent 25 million dollar renovation)
* Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort (offers a wonderful Luau)
You’ll find beautiful landscaping with fountains, streams, statues, lush foliage and sparkling swimming pools throughout these hotels. I recommend Wailea as a great place to stay during your visit to Maui. We stayed at the Renaissance Wailea and loved both the hotel and the Wailea area.
There is a complimentary shuttle bus that runs from the Wailea hotels to the Wailea Golf Club and the Shops of Wailea. I almost felt like I was living in a private community during my stay at Wailea.
Beaches
Sapphire blue waters with good visibility and soft, beautiful sand, make Wailea’s beaches – Polo, Wailea, Mokapu, and Ulua – among the most beautiful in the islands. In fact, Wailea Beach was dubbed "America’s Best Beach in 1999” by Dr. Beach (Stephen Leatherman), a geologist who rates beaches around the world.
Dr. Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University, stated in his May 27, 1999 announcement: “Wailea Beach on the west side of Maui always has the great sunny beach weather. This pocket beach of white coral sand is defined by two points of black lava rock and the trademark hotels in a beautiful tropical setting. Wailea is excellent for swimming and snorkeling during the usually calm days; divers and snorkelers often encounter large sea turtles and sometimes manta rays just offshore.” You heard it from Dr. Beach himself.
I may not be Dr. Beach but I can tell you that Wailea, protected from the wind by Mt. Haleakala and warmed by the South Maui sun, provides a perfect location for swimming, lying in the sun, or whale watching. Swimming is best from 6am-9am before the winds start up in the afternoon. You’ll find equipment rentals for snorkeling gear, kayaks, and windsurfing. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Golf
The Wailea Golf Club is literally across the street from many of the resorts, has three courses – Gold, Emerald, and Blue. Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed the Gold and Emerald courses and the Blue course was designed by Arthur Jack Snyder. We played the Blue Course one afternoon. There are some incredible views from the Blue Course – be sure to take your camera as well as your clubs.
Guests in the Wailea hotels receive discounted prices on the courses. The Blue Course offers an additional discount in the afternoon. However, be advised that it gets very windy in the afternoon and it can make golfing these courses even more challenging.
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