Just south of Kihei, Wailea stands as a spacious, meticulously laid out resort, built in the early 70's by A & B (Alexander and Baldwin). There are five separate beaches along a mile and a half of shore with views of Lanai, Kahoolawe and Molokini. Winter whale-watching, good from vantage points down the length of the leeward shore, are exceptional off the Wailea beaches, where, sometimes, whales play just 100 yards from the shore.

The artfully designed hotels, condominiums, and exclusive residential communities set amid well-planned streets, a couple of world-class golf courses, a tennis club and a shopping center have been joined by newer and more densely clustered low-rise condo villas, but there is still the feeling of green, manicured lushness.