Wailea

Wailea
source
Name	Wailea
Settlement type	Census-designated place
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Hawaii
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Maui

Wailea. Wailea is a master-planned resort community and census-designated place located on the southwestern coast of the island of Maui in Maui County. Developed primarily in the 1970s, it is renowned for its luxury resorts, championship golf courses, and pristine beaches along the ʻAlalākeiki Channel. The area is a major tourism destination within the State of Hawaii, known for its sunny and dry climate compared to other parts of the island.

Geography

Wailea is situated on the leeward side of the dormant volcano Haleakalā, which shields it from the prevailing northeasterly trade winds and creates its characteristically arid climate. The coastline features a series of crescent-shaped beaches, including the famous Wailea Beach, Ulua Beach, and Mokapu Beach, which are composed of coral sand. The community is bordered by the older town of Kihei to the north and the prestigious Makena resort area to the south. The underlying geology consists primarily of lahar deposits and lava flows from Haleakalā, with the area's topography gently sloping towards the Pacific Ocean.

History

Prior to modern development, the Wailea area was an arid region used for limited fishing and agriculture by Native Hawaiians. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, parts of the land were used for ranching and pineapple cultivation by companies like Maui Pineapple Company. The transformative development began in the early 1970s when Alexander & Baldwin, one of Hawaii's major Big Five companies, initiated a master plan to create a luxury resort destination. The first hotel, the Maui InterContinental Resort (now the Fairmont Kea Lani), opened in 1976, setting the standard for subsequent high-end properties like the Grand Wailea and the Four Seasons Resort Maui.

Economy

The economy of Wailea is overwhelmingly driven by tourism and hospitality. The area is home to several world-class resorts operated by international brands such as Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Complementary to the hotels are the Wailea Golf Club, which features three courses designed by renowned architects like Robert Trent Jones Jr. and hosts events like the PGA Tour Champions, and The Shops at Wailea, an open-air luxury retail center. Other significant economic activities include high-end real estate, with numerous condominium complexes and vacation rentals, and a vibrant wedding and events industry catering to destination ceremonies.

Demographics

As a resort community, Wailea has a relatively small permanent population, with many residences serving as second homes or investment properties. According to the United States Census Bureau, the population is affluent, with median household and per capita incomes significantly higher than the averages for Maui County and the State of Hawaii. The racial makeup is diverse, with substantial Asian American, White American, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander American communities. A significant portion of the workforce resides in neighboring communities like Kihei and Kahului and commutes to jobs in Wailea's hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments.

Culture and recreation

Wailea is a hub for luxury leisure activities and cultural events. Annually, it hosts the Maui Film Festival at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and the culinary-focused Kapalua Wine & Food Festival. Recreational amenities center around its coastal and golf offerings, including snorkeling at Molokini Crater, outrigger canoe paddling, and tennis at the Wailea Tennis Club. The area's shoreline is part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, providing seasonal whale watching opportunities. Fine dining is prominent, with restaurants led by chefs such as Wolfgang Puck and Masaharu Morimoto having establishments in the resort.

Government and infrastructure

Wailea is governed as part of Maui County, with local administration handled by the county's executive branch led by the Mayor of Maui County and the legislative Maui County Council. Key infrastructure includes the Mokulele Highway (State Highway 311), which provides the primary road link to Kahului Airport and central Maui. Water resources are managed by the Maui County Department of Water Supply, with a significant portion of water reclaimed for irrigation of the golf courses and landscaping. Public safety services are provided by the Maui Police Department and the Maui Fire Department, which has a station located in neighboring Kihei.