Hotel Wailea was once a budget hotel in upscale Wailea, but a complete renovation in 2014 turned this property into a luxury stunner with all the trimmings of a stylish boutique hotel. Each of the rooms are one-bedroom suites with private outdoor spaces; some have distant ocean views. Guests can eat Mediterranean food at Capische?, which has a chef's table and uses organic ingredients, or The Cabanas, a poolside bar. Kids under the age of 16 aren't allowed here, making for a peaceful and romantic property that appeals to honeymooners. One caveat -- Hotel Wailea isn't directly on the beach but a Mercedes-Benz limo brings guests to a nearby beach club with free chairs and bottled water. The nearby Four Seasons Maui is a good bet for families with kids.
This massive 294-unit condo resort is spread out over a nicely maintained 34-acre tropical property alongside a lovely beach in Wailea. While part of the property extends down to the ocean, most of the condos are set back a bit inland, and it can be a 10-minute walk to reach the beach from the farthest units. These level of updating in these mid-range condos varies from unit to unit, and though they are smaller and a bit older than those at neighboring Elua Village, they're also at a slightly lower price point. All in all, they're a good value for this upscale neighborhood.
The Polo Beach Club is an eight-story, oceanfront condominium resort located directly on a secluded beach in the Wailea/Makena area. The quiet location makes it ideal for families and couples looking for an affordable Hawaiian vacation. The condo units are spacious and all come with fully equipped kitchens offering microwaves, refrigerators, and coffeemakers. Units are individually owned, so they differ in size and decor. As such, it's a good idea to look at the floor plans on the hotel website before deciding which unit to book. The property features an outdoor pool and hot tub, as well as easy beach access. However, some guests have complained that the beach is small and can seem too crowded at times. The property offers thoughtful amenities, such as in-room massages, chefs, and pre-stock grocery services (all for a fee). The outdoor grill station and herb garden is an enticing option for guests to cook a relaxing dinner on their own.
There aren’t many three-pearl lodging options in ritzy Wailea, but Wailea Grand Champions Villas offers solid value with its 107 one-, two-, and three-bedroom condo units. The quiet property is located in the middle of the Wailea Blue Golf Course and within walking distance of local shops and restaurants, though it's a hilly 20-minute walk from the beach. There are two outdoor pools with adjacent grilling areas, but no other amenities like a fitness center, restaurant, spa, or daily housekeeping. Travelers looking for apartment-style units with resort amenities might prefer Honua Kai Resort & Spa, though it’s pricier and located on the opposite end of Maui on North Kaanapali Beach.
The Outrigger Palms at Wailea offers 70 contemporary mid-range condos scattered across a large property on a sloping hillside – however it’s set back from the beach, requiring at least a 15-minute walk to reach the sand. The trade-off for the distance is more space – the condos have generous living areas and lanais that are larger than those at comparable properties. While the property is light on amenities with just one pool and hot tub, it provides a decent option in Wailea for families whose budget is more of a priority than proximity to the beach. Those who do want to be on the sand should consider the slightly pricier Mana Kai Maui.
A mid-range condo complex overlooking the Wailea Blue Golf Course, Wailea Ekolu Village Resort attracts families and older couples looking for space to sprawl. The property’s 148 individually owned one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos feature full kitchens, open-concept living spaces, and in-unit laundry facilities, but decor is mostly dated and varies between units. There are two pools and multiple outdoor grilling areas scattered across the manicured grounds, but Wailea Ekolu Village is not within walking distance of the beach. Nearby Wailea Ekahi Village is directly on the sand, and offers similar accommodations with more amenities.