Wailea

About this spot

Wailea sits immediately south of Kihei on Maui's leeward south coast, occupying a string of crescent beaches — Mokapu, Ulua, Wailea, Polo, and on toward Makena — separated by low lava points. The geography is similar to Kihei, but the coastline curves slightly more south, and the daily thermal sea breeze tends to fill in a touch later and lighter, giving Wailea a marginally longer glassy morning window. For foilers it's a calmer, lower-density alternative to Kihei proper. Resort beach access is open but parking is structured around the hotels, and most launches happen off Wailea or Polo Beach where the entry is sand and the water deepens quickly. The Au'au Channel runs offshore toward Lanai and Kaho'olawe, so the same humpback season rules that govern Kihei apply here from mid-December through mid-April — federal 100-yard distance, strictly enforced. Wailea pairs naturally with a Kihei session: glassy dawn at Wailea, drift north as the thermal builds, or use Wailea on days when Kihei is busy. Reef sits close to several of the points — scout the entry rather than assuming sand.