Maui Information - Communities

Wailea Resort and Makena

Lying just south of Kihei and stretching over 1,450 acres along the southern coastline, Wailea is without a doubt the most luxurious of all Maui communities. Here you will find wide, tree-lined avenues, championship golf courses, the Wailea Tennis Center (known as Wimbledon West), elegant shopping at the Shops of Wailea, spas, golden-sand beaches and spectacular views. Many of the restaurants to be found in Wailea are world-famous, specializing in Pacific Rim cuisine.

Leaving Wailea and driving south along the coast, you will come to wild and beautiful Makena. Large, luxury homes are starting to be built in this area but, for the most part this area remains undeveloped and is known for its snorkeling, kayaking, diving and beaches. Makena Golf Course, a part of the Maui Prince Hotel, is considered one of the best courses on Maui.

Wailea and Makena are known for their many annual festivals including the Senior Skins Golf Tournament in which long-time golfing greats participate in a four-man tournament and the Maui Film Festival, where Hollywood premieres select movies at various locations throughout Wailea including the Celestial Theater at night under the stars.

Wailea and Makena Real Estate

Many visitors are familiar with the Wailea / Makena areas even before they arrive on Maui. Wailea’s reputation for elegance and up-scale, gated residential communities precedes it. Wailea Kiaoloa and Wailea Pualani Estates are two of the more established residential communities with construction starting sometime in the early 90’s for Kiaoloa and late 90’s for Wailea Pualani. Homes in these and similar areas range from slightly under $2 million into the mid-3’s. Somewhat newer residential developments, such as Wailea Golf Vistas or Wailea Highlands, command higher prices starting just below $3 million and going up. Learn more about the Wailea Maui Real Estate Market....

Wailea and Makena Weather

Wailea and Makena are, like Kihei, some of the sunniest and driest of the communities along Maui's coastlines and, as such, the most popular for those seeking the sun or sport. On most days, the high clouds which form around the top of Haleakala in late morning, bring welcome shade to this region. With the exception of a winter storm or two, Wailea and Makena stay dry most of the year with temperatures hovering around 85 degrees year round. Wailea and Makena also receive Maui's (almost) daily tradewinds, a breeze from the northeast which rises in the late morning and subsides before sunset, helping to cool the entire southern coast.

Beaches

Keawakapu Beach

Situated along Maui's southern, sunny coast, where South Kihei ends and Wailea begins, this long stretch of golden sand is perfect for morning strolls, swimming, snorkeling, jogging and in winter, whale watching.

Ulua Beach & Makapu Beach Park

Voted one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in America, this sandy gem is one of the best beginner snorkeling spots on Maui. A sandy, gentle sloping entrance also makes it one of the better children's beaches and is usually crowded with families and young children. This is also a favorite spot to learn diving from one of South Maui's professional diving shops. If the water is very calm, it is possible to snorkel out and around the coral reef situated along the north side of the beach ending up at Makapu Beach.

Big Beach (also known as Oneloa)

Big Beach, located along the southern tip of Maui, is one of largest white sand beaches in Hawaii. This long, beautiful stretch of sand is a perfect beach for sunbathing. This is not really a swimmer's beach as the shoreline break can be quite rough here and it is advisable to stay out of the water unless it is like glass. Amenities include picnic tables and portable bathrooms. At the north end of the beach, there is a winding path that leads to "Little Beach" Maui's unofficial (and illegal) clothing optional beach. Little Beach is also known for its body surfing.

La Perouse Bay

This bay, found at the very end of South Maui's shoreline road, is part of Ahihi Kina'u Natural Area Reserve, and as such protected by state law. While the entrance is rocky, on calm mornings when the water is clear, the snorkeling can be very good. Wild spinner dolphins sometimes come to the bay to eat and play.

Wailea and Makena Churches

Congregational

Keawala'i Congregational Church - Makena

Address: 190 Makena Rd., Makena, Maui HI 96752

Ph: (808) 879-5557

Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses - Wailea

Address: 230 East Welakahao, Kihei 96753

Ph: (808) 879-8217

United Church of Christ

Congregational Church - Makena

Address: 5300 Makena Rd., Makena, Maui HI  96753

Ph: (808) 879-5557

Katrina Pitman Real Estate

P.O. Box 1733, Makawao, Maui, HI  96768

Phone:  (808) 298-6938

Email: Katrina@KatrinaPitmanRealEstate.com

Credits: Photo of Hawaiian Torch Lighting Ceremony &  first image View from Wailea by Kristin Fein of Fein Art Photography: (808) 281-1302.  All other photos by Mary Sloan  Photography (808) 283-6374

© 2007 Katrina Pitman Consulting Services