Let’s face it: You probably flew long enough that you’d like to minimize travel time to the water once you’re in Hawaii. Here are Maui’s best properties right on the beach in South Maui.
Feature Photo: Fairmont Kea Lani Facebook
TIP: Don’t waste your day! Since most hotels have check-in until 4pm, be sure to ask for an early check-in. If they can’t accommodate, they will usually let you store your bags so you can head to the beach!
Four Seasons Resort Maui
The first full-service Four Seasons resort when it opened in 1990 towers above Wailea Beach, one of the best strands of sand in South Maui. The 383 recently renovated rooms on the 15-acre compound include 76 lavish suites with koa wood furnishings and contemporary Hawaiian motifs; you’ll pass lush gardens and fountain courtyards on the way down to the beautiful beach. Everything is top-notch, from the two pools (including the adults-only Serenity Pool), three restaurants, spa and fitness center to the nightly hula in the lobby lounge. There’s also no daily resort fee to drive up your bill, but plenty of complimentary amenities, especially down at the beach.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Apply the free reef-friendly sunscreen, then wait 20 minutes before hitting the water on a boogie or paddle board or in a snorkel set.
- If you’d rather lounge and enjoy views of the uninhabited island of Kaho‘olawe and Molokini crater, the beach team will bring you chilled treats throughout the day.
Fairmont Kea Lani
Perched above secluded Polo Beach at Wailea’s southern end, the all-suite Fairmont Kea Lani embodies the genuine spirit of aloha and offers exceptional cultural, spa and dining experiences in a truly spectacular setting. Closest to the beach, two- and three-bedroom villas offer prime accomodations for larger groups or families, including a private furnished courtyard with plunge pool and barbecue grill. At the top of the hillside site, roomy suites (starting at 800 square feet) can also accommodate up to four and include a mini-kitchen in the foyer and large lanai. Don’t miss dinner at Ko restaurant (drawing from the island’s multi-ethnic plantation heritage) or a tropical cocktail at the swim-up pool bar.
HIGHLIGHTS
- All guests can sign up for a complimentary outrigger canoe ride (you’ll be part of the six-person paddling crew), where you’ll learn some of the lore of this ancient tradition.
- Staying on shore? The beach pavilion team will set up an umbrella for you, provide reef-safe sunscreen and after-sun lotion, also for free.
Did we miss your favorite hotel?
Let us know — email us at stay@localgetaways.com or tag us @localgetaways
