Are you deciding between Wailea and Makena for your South Maui home? You might love Wailea’s polished resort energy, or you may crave Makena’s raw coastline and privacy. Either way, you want clarity on lifestyle fit, property types, and practical details before you commit. This guide breaks down what matters most so you can choose with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Wailea vs Makena at a glance

• Wailea: amenity rich, walkable resort district with golf, shopping, dining, and a range of luxury condos and gated neighborhoods.
• Makena: low density, dramatic beaches, larger lots, and a quieter, more private feel with limited commercial development.
• Both: sunny, leeward South Maui climate with warm ocean temps and seasonal whale watching in winter.

Setting and overall vibe

Wailea sits on South Maui’s shoreline just south of Kihei. It is a planned resort community centered around hotels, golf, and shopping. You feel a steady rhythm of visitor activity and curated services.

Makena begins just south of Wailea and stretches along a more natural coastline. Properties are more spread out, commercial services are limited, and the landscape feels wilder. If you value seclusion, Makena often resonates.

Both areas share South Maui’s dry, sunny microclimate. You enjoy plenty of beach days, snorkeling, and winter whale sightings. Ocean conditions and coastal processes vary by cove and season, so always assess individual properties carefully.

Beaches and coastline

Wailea beaches

Wailea’s shoreline is a string of smaller coves and embayments with groomed access. Many beaches offer lifeguards and calm-water conditions that suit swimming and snorkeling. If you prefer a morning beach walk followed by coffee and errands within minutes, Wailea fits nicely.

Walkability is a real perk here. Many condos and resort properties are a short stroll to the sand. That convenience makes daily ocean time easy.

Makena beaches

Makena is famous for expansive, natural beaches. Big Beach, also called Oneloa, delivers a wide, dramatic stretch of sand. Little Beach, near Puʻu Ōlaʻi, is a smaller cove known for its setting and scenery. These areas feel more exposed and wild, and they sit away from resort development.

Parking and facilities can be more limited, and beach access may be rugged in places. If you want an untamed coastal backdrop, Makena delivers it.

Lifestyle and amenities

Wailea convenience and services

Wailea offers a high concentration of luxury services. You have fine dining, boutique shopping, spas, golf, tennis, and concierge support within a compact area. There is also a robust network of property and rental management providers that cater to second-home owners.

If you enjoy an active social scene and event programming, Wailea’s resort calendar often provides it. You can plan a golf round, dinner out, and a sunset walk with almost no driving.

Makena privacy and nature

Makena leans into quiet and open space. You trade proximity to shops for a more secluded, nature-forward experience. Homeowners often drive to Wailea or Kihei for groceries, dining, or fitness classes.

If you want space to unplug, take long beach walks, and watch the sky change over a near-empty shoreline, Makena is compelling.

Housing and development patterns

Wailea real estate mix

You will find a wide range of resort condominiums in Wailea, including low-rise and mid-rise properties, along with gated single-family neighborhoods and custom estates. Inventory often includes turnkey, lock-and-leave condo options that appeal to second-home owners and investors.

Lot sizes for single-family homes tend to be smaller to moderate compared to Makena. If you want community amenities and a choice of condo complexes, Wailea stands out.

Makena estate living

Makena features fewer condominiums and more single-family oceanfront or near-ocean estates. Lots are typically larger, with a lower-density feel and fewer commercial elements nearby. Small condo communities do exist, but they are limited in number.

For buyers who prioritize land, privacy, and a direct relationship with a natural coastline, Makena’s development pattern is attractive.

Rental and investment considerations

Wailea has a greater presence of short-term rental product and the infrastructure to support it. Some condo complexes are oriented toward vacation rentals, and management services are readily available. That can translate to stronger investor appeal, subject to Maui County rules and HOA or condo documents.

Makena tends to lean toward longer-term ownership and private estates. Short-term rental opportunities are more limited, often determined by specific zoning, community plan designations, and HOA rules.

If rental income is part of your plan, take these steps early:

• Verify current zoning and whether a property has a valid transient accommodations permit if required.
• Review HOA or condo documents for rental limits, minimum stays, and management requirements.
• Confirm whether there have been recent enforcement actions or moratoria.
• Consult a local attorney or experienced broker for clarity.

Access and daily living

Both areas are a short drive to Kihei for broader services. Wailea’s cluster of amenities reduces the need to drive for daily needs, while Makena residents often head into Wailea or Kihei for shopping and dining.

Drive times to Kahului Airport vary by traffic and exact address. Test the route during typical conditions so you understand how the commute feels at different times of day.

Risks, costs, and due diligence

Oceanfront and near-shore properties require careful review. Here are key checkpoints to include in your diligence:

• Coastal hazards: Understand exposure to erosion, storm surge, and long-term sea-level rise. Consider site-specific coastal hazard and erosion assessments for shoreline parcels.
• Flood and insurance: Confirm flood zone designations and price out wind, hurricane, and flood coverage early. Premiums can be significant for shoreline homes.
• HOA and operating costs: For condos and resort communities, request budgets, reserve studies, recent assessments, meeting minutes, and rules. Verify any special assessments and owner-use restrictions.
• Utilities and infrastructure: Confirm water, sewer or septic, electric, and internet service. Large Makena lots may rely on septic and private water arrangements.
• Taxes and resale: Maui County property tax rates and assessed values drive carrying costs. Resale dynamics differ by product type, with Wailea condos enjoying consistent demand and Makena estates trading in lower volume with pricing tied to unique attributes such as frontage, views, and lot size.

Decision guide: Which fits you?

Use the priorities below to narrow your focus:

• Choose Wailea if you want resort amenities, walkable dining and shopping, multiple condo options, and easy access to rental management.
• Choose Makena if you want a larger, private lot, natural beaches, and a quieter setting with fewer visible developments.
• Choose Wailea if golf, social programming, and a lively resort scene are top of your list.
• Choose Makena if you prefer solitude, a nature-forward environment, and limited nighttime traffic.

Your practical touring plan

Here is an easy two-day approach that helps you compare apples to apples:

• Day 1: Wailea focus

  • Tour a cross-section of resort condos, from oceanfront to golf-facing options.
  • Visit a gated single-family neighborhood to compare lot sizes and privacy.
  • Walk a few Wailea coves to gauge beach access and crowd levels.
  • Experience a dinner and sunset in the resort core to feel the evening vibe.

• Day 2: Makena focus

  • Preview estate properties and larger parcels to understand scale and setting.
  • Walk Big Beach and nearby coastal trails to see how exposed conditions feel.
  • Confirm utility setups for each property, especially septic and water.
  • Drive back to Wailea or Kihei for groceries to test daily convenience.

Bring this quick checklist to each showing:

• Is the property within any coastal setback or erosion zone, and are recent shoreline surveys available?
• What is the current status of short-term rental permissions or permits, if relevant?
• What do HOA budgets and reserve studies show, and are there pending assessments?
• Which utilities serve the property, and is there a septic system?
• What insurance is available, and what are current premium estimates?
• What are typical seasonal traffic and parking conditions for residents and guests?

The bottom line

Wailea and Makena both deliver world-class South Maui living, but they offer different daily rhythms. Wailea pairs convenience with resort polish and a deep condo pool. Makena offers space, scenery, and privacy with fewer built amenities. Start with your lifestyle priorities, then verify the details that affect ownership and long-term value.

If you want a calm, informed process tailored to how you live, we’re here to help you compare properties on the ground, align your shortlist with your goals, and navigate the fine print with confidence. Request a personalized consultation with Mino McLean to map the right path for you.

FAQs

Which has better beaches in South Maui?

• Makena has wide, dramatic beaches like Big Beach, while Wailea offers accessible, groomed coves that are great for calm-water swimming and snorkeling.

What area is better for rental income in Wailea vs Makena?

• Wailea typically has more short-term rental infrastructure and product, but results depend on permits, HOA rules, and the specific property.

Where will I find more privacy, Wailea or Makena?

• Makena generally offers lower density and greater seclusion, while Wailea has a more active, resort-oriented atmosphere.

Are there special coastal restrictions for oceanfront properties?

• Yes, shoreline setbacks and coastal hazard rules apply, and requirements vary by parcel; confirm details with Maui County and relevant state agencies.

Should I be concerned about insurance costs near the water?

• Yes, wind and flood insurance can be significant for shoreline homes; verify availability and premiums early in your diligence.