Wailea Beach in South Maui is located close to numerous high end resorts and hotels. Amazing views can be enjoyed from every part of this beach and the beautiful water is inviting and tempting. On a summer day, the water is filled with swimmers and surfers, and crabs can often be spotted along the seashore. Absence of rocks, makes it safe even for children to take a dip and the winds are never too strong.
Framed by towering trees, this quaint center instills a sense of peace and calm in all those who venture here. Embodying the spiritual aspects of Buddhism, the Maui Dharma Center aims to promote a deeper understanding of religious practices as exemplified by Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Visitors can drop by to meditate or pray, or can simply stroll through the grounds and immerse themselves in the spirituality that permeates the site. A stupa, built to reflect the core values of Buddhism, is one of the center's most prominent attractions.
View the natural wonders of Maui from above. The state-of-the-art Black Beauties can get passengers amazingly close to waterfalls, cliffs, craters and other stunning landmarks. Two popular tours are the West Maui Deluxe Tour, which flies over the West Maui Mountains, Lahaina and Ka'anapali, and the Hana/Haleakala Special, which visits the Haleakala Crater, Hana and Ho'okipa Beach. A horseback-helicopter combination tour is offered; call for more information.
With its seemingly endless expanse of golden sand beach and perfect bodysurfing waves, Makena State Park is a must-see destination. The picturesque Big Beach here is one of the largest and most picturesque beaches in Maui. Little Beach, a five-minute hike up and over rocks, is a world-famous clothing-optional beach. The surrounding environs are perfect for a hike that offers splendid views of the deep blue ocean. The waters around Makena State Park are home to an array of marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling.
The first sight of Ho'okipa is likely to make a visitor pull the car over and stare. From the vantage point of the highway or the parking lot, one can appreciate the spectacle: a seemingly endless expanse of deep blue water, white rock and crashing waves. This beach has been called the windsurfing capital of the world and is popular with daredevil surfers as well. However, it is not recommended that you swim here; the surf is as perilous as it is beautiful, and sharp coral reefs lurk below the waves.
Located behind the Mana Kai Maui Hotel on the border of Wailea and Kihei, this beach is small but still fairly popular. It offers spectacular sunning and great facilities. Beach parking is also available. The half-grass, half-sand beach is less than a minute's distance from the parking lot. As far as swimming goes, this is a good place to get refreshed, but not particularly good for water sports. There's a great deal of lava rock just below the surface, and although the waves tend to be small, getting knocked against the rock is still a danger.