South Maui is Hawaii’s sweet spot of beauty, adventure, relaxation, and luxury. Here you’ll find pristine beaches; world-class dining, shopping, and golf; and dry, sunny conditions — it honestly doesn’t get much better than this!
And whether you’re staying in Kihei, Wailea, or Makena — these 7 South Maui experiences should be at the top of your Maui wishlist.
Snorkeling at Maluaka Beach and Ulua Beach
South Maui is home to some of the island’s most spectacular snorkeling spots, notably Maluaka Beach and Ulua Beach.
Maluaka Beach, aka “Turtle Town,” will bring you swimming alongside honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) in calm, crystal-clear waters. The gentle reef system makes it accessible for snorkelers of all experience levels.
Just a short drive away is Ulua Beach, which offers another incredible snorkeling experience. Here you’ll find thriving coral reefs and a protected cove that creates ideal conditions for spotting colorful fish and other marine life. Convenient amenities — parking, showers, and restrooms — make for a comfortable day of beachy exploration.
Walking the Wailea beach Path
You simply can’t go wrong with the Wailea Beach Path. This breaktaking, easygoing scenic 1.5-mile coastal trail winds along some of Maui’s most stunning shoreline and luxury resorts. The walkway is paved, with restrooms and water along the way, and passes by five pristine beaches and priceless ocean views the entire way.
Early mornings are particularly magical, when the air is cool, the path is less crowded, and soft light illuminates the coastline. During winter months (December-April), keep your eyes on the horizon for breaching humpback whales.
Sunset strolls are just as memorable, of course, with the sky transforming into remarkable splashes of orange, pink, and purple.
Dining at South Maui’s culinary gems
South Maui’s dining scene is exceptional, with restaurants that showcase our island’s freshness and diversity:
Monkeypod Kitchen has earned a reputation statewide for island farm-to-table cuisine and commitment to local ingredients. You can find craft cocktails — including their legendary Mai Tai topped with lilikoi foam — and daily live music.
Humble Market Kitchin by Roy Yamaguchi offers a refined dining experience that mixes Hawaiian flavors with Asian and European influences, all set against stunning ocean views at the Wailea Beach Resort. Signature dishes like misoyaki butterfish and macadamia nut-crusted rack of lamb highlight the menu, making it a dreamy spot for a sunset dinner.
When it’s time to celebrate, Ferraro’s at Four Seasons delivers an upscale oceanfront dining experience with Italian-inspired dishes and mesmerizing sunset views. The open-air setting creates a romantic ambiance that’s perfect for special occasions.
Exploring South Maui Gardens and food truck oasis
South Maui Gardens is one of Kihei’s hidden gems — combining lush tropical foliage with a diverse array of food trucks. This unique destination allows you to wander among beautiful plants while deciding between fresh poke bowls, vegan specialties, and other local Island eats.
The garden’s shaded seating areas offer a welcome break from the sun, and occasional live music, hula performances, and movie nights add to the laid-back, community vibe. It’s a really nice spot for a casual lunch or dinner that showcases the island’s creative culinary talent.
Relaxing and taking pics at Keawakapu Beach or Big Beach
South Maui is blessed with some of the island’s most spectacular beaches, each with its own distinct personality:
Keawakapu Beach offers a more secluded experience with its long stretch of soft sand and typically gentle conditions. Perfect for morning walks, afternoon swims, and peaceful sunbathing, this beach feels like a local secret despite being accessible to all.
For those seeking special photo ops, Makena Beach (aka Big Beach) delivers with its expansive golden shoreline and impressive waves. The powerful shore break makes it popular with experienced body surfers. Please exercise caution when walking on the beach, and follow all posted signs and lifeguard recommendations.
Celebrate pau hana with free local music while you shop
In Hawaii, pau hana is that time of day right after work when you basically just want to kick back with family and friends and relax. On Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:00pm at The Shops at Wailea, you can do just that with free live music performances by local talented musicians.
Wailea Wednesdays is not just your chance to connect with Maui’s vibrant local culture, but you also get to stroll through this charming outdoor shopping center and enjoy its diverse dining and shopping options. Not a bad way to spend an early midweek evening!
Attending a traditional luau in Wailea
No visit to Maui is complete without experiencing a traditional Hawaiian luau. In Wailea, several world-class options bring Polynesian culture to life through music, dance, and cuisine.
The Te Au Moana Luau at Wailea Beach Resort takes guests on a journey through Hawaiian history and mythology, with performances set against the backdrop of a magnificent sunset. Similarly, the Grand Wailea Luau combines ancient traditions with modern entertainment for an unforgettable evening.
Lūʻaus offer more than just entertainment, they provide insight into the rich culture that makes Hawaii so special, along with yummy traditional dishes like kalua pig, poi, and haupia.
Image credits: 38534720@N00, Jake Houglum, webnelly
Need a hand with your next Maui vacation? Please contact the Sunny Maui Vacations team at info@sunnymauivacations.com or call 808-240-1311, ext. 21. We’ll find you the best vacation rental condo or rental home in South Maui and help you with any and all recommendations and activities across Maui.
