According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP covers an area of 10.7 square miles (27.8 km2), of which 7.5 square miles (19.3 km2) is land and 3.3 square miles (8.5 km2), or 30.70%, is water.[5]
Wailea is bordered by Makena to the south, Kihei to the north, the Pacific to the west and Haleakalā to the east.
Wailea has multiple beaches, including Polo,[6] Wailea,[7] Ulua,[8] Mokapu,[9] and Keawakapu.[10]
Wailea Resort is a 1,500-acre (6.1 km2), master-planned resort located on Maui's sunny, southern leeward coast. Its development is guided by two important documents: a master plan that ostensibly ensures low density and good community planning, and the Wailea Community Association's design guidelines which claim to preserve Maui's island environment in all new building projects.[11] Both documents are administered by the Wailea Community Association, which has long combined professional management (since 1984) and volunteer owner control of the Board of Directors (since 1999) to effectively manage the community in a customer service manner for all stakeholders: residents, hotels, commercial owners, and tourists. Wailea was named one of the country's 99 Best Recreational & Residential Private Communities in America. Many of Wailea's single-family and condominium complexes offer gated entryways for enhanced security and privacy. Utilities are buried underground, and roadways are landscaped. Nearby are Wailea's many amenities, including restaurants, championship golf courses, tennis facilities, shopping, and beaches.
Panoramic view of Wailea Beach from waterWailea beach resort, Maui, Hawaii
Wailea was originally a fishing settlement and its name translates to “water of lea” the goddess of canoe-builders. Legend has it she transformed the area into a beautiful forest for birds and would frequently fly above it to appreciate its beauty. In ancient Hawaiian times natives would settle toward the mountains of Wailea where they grew sweet potatoes (uala) and would venture down to the shore to fish.
In the past two centuries cattle raising became a mainstay of the economy and led to the formation of places such as Ulupalakua Ranch.
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