Wailea is a coastal resort community on the southwestern shore of Maui, Hawaiʻi, set between the slopes of Haleakalā and the Pacific Ocean. Its dry climate, landscaped grounds, sandy beaches, and views across the ʻAuʻau Channel toward neighboring islands give it a distinct setting within South Maui. The area is known for several major beaches, including Wailea Beach, Ulua Beach, and Polo Beach, as well as a network of walking paths connecting resorts, beaches, parks, and shopping areas. The nearby town of Kīhei provides additional restaurants, markets, and everyday services.

Wailea lies within an area with deep Native Hawaiian cultural connections, and its place names reflect the traditional geography of South Maui. The coastline and surrounding lands supported fishing, farming, and travel between communities, while freshwater resources were important in the relatively dry region. Nearby ʻUlupalakua and Makena also contain places associated with Native Hawaiian settlement and traditional land use. Today, Hawaiian cultural practices remain visible through place names, local food, music, hula, and programs that interpret the history of Maui’s people and relationship with the land.

Wailea’s coastline contains several beaches with different conditions and landscapes. Wailea Beach has calm, sheltered water during suitable ocean conditions and views across the channel toward Kahoʻolawe and Lānaʻi. Ulua Beach and Mokapu Beach are popular for swimming and snorkeling, while Keawakapu Beach extends farther north along the South Maui coast. The Wailea Coastal Walk follows the shoreline past beaches, lava-rock formations, and ocean overlooks. Offshore waters support Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and other marine life, while humpback whales can be seen from shore during their seasonal presence around the Hawaiian Islands.

Food in Wailea ranges from contemporary Hawaiian cuisine and locally sourced seafood to Japanese, Pacific, and international dishes served at restaurants throughout the resort area. Fresh fish, poke, taro, tropical fruit, and Maui-grown produce feature prominently in local menus. Wailea also has a strong connection to golf, with several courses designed around views of the Pacific and surrounding mountains. One distinctive feature of the area is its combination of a dry South Maui climate with carefully landscaped resort grounds, where native and introduced tropical plants grow alongside the natural lava-rock coastline and sandy beaches.