SOUTH MAUI - Maui: Including Molokai and Lanai - page 253

sunset from Keawakapu Beach
WAILEA
Ulua Beach and Mokapu Beach
Ulua and Mokapu are the northernmost of Wailea's beaches, separated by a small, grassy
headland. Mokapu is on the north side of the hill, Ulua is on the south, and the point that
separates the two is one of the best spots for snorkeling in Wailea. Ulua is slightly larger
than Mokapu and more protected from the surf. Mokapu Beach is also the northern ter-
minus of the Wailea Coastal Walk, although the trail technically crosses the sand dune on
Mokapu and continues down the beach to the southern end of Keawakapu. Restrooms and
showers are available. A large public parking lot is at the bottom of Ulua Beach Road, just
north of the Shops at Wailea.
Wailea Beach
Home to Maui's “see and be seen” crowd, Wailea Beach epitomizes Wailea. Fronted by
the Grand Wailea and the Four Seasons Maui, this is a beach where corporate CEOs and
professional athletes mingle with regular travelers. Out on the sand everyone is working
on the same tan. Beyond luxury, however, this beach is also characterized by fun. Wailea
Beach buzzes with activity, and there's a trampoline for the kids, snorkeling around Wailea
Point, stand-up paddleboard rentals, outrigger canoe tours, and dozens of visitors playing
in the surf who are happy to just be spending a day on Maui. Despite the private nature of
the resorts, public access to the beach is quite easy, as there is a large public parking lot
just past the entrance for the Four Seasons. In the parking lot there are public restrooms
and showers.
Polo Beach
Polo Beach is the southernmost of Wailea's resort beaches, and is the southern terminus
of the Wailea Coastal Walk. The cloud-white Fairmont Kea Lani dominates the shoreline,
its Arabian spires providing a unique backdrop to the shimmering blue waters. Of all of
Wailea's beaches, Polo Beach is the most popular with locals due to the large public park-
ing area being a convenient place for launching stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. There
are public restrooms, showers, and one small barbecue grill. Polo Beach can also be good
for boogie boarding in summer, and there is a small activity booth on the north side of the
beach if you want to rent a paddleboard or kayak. To reach Polo Beach, travel south along
Wailea Alanui Road before making a right on Kaukahi Street and following it to the end.