The shores of Wailea Beach Resort have always been a gathering place for community, once fertile ground for canoe carving, fishing, and all manners of life at the ocean’s edge. Residing on the ahupua’a (land division) of Paeahu, translated as the “altar of embarking/disembarking,” Wailea has been a site of arrival and departure for voyagers since ancient times.

The name Wailea translates to "Waters of Lea" - 'wai' referring to the surrounding ocean and 'Lea' after the female deity associated with canoes and canoe carvers. In traditional lore, Lea was said to be able to transform into the ‘elepaio bird and flit from tree to tree looking for bugs to eat, an indication that the wood was rotted and not ideal for canoe carving.

The process of selecting a tree was steeped in ritual, with prayers made to Lea at every key step. Under the watchful eyes of the Kahuna Kalai Wa‘a (master canoe carver), a tree ignored by the 'elepaio would be selected, felled, and roughly shaped in the forest. The community would then come out to help haul the tree down from the forest to the shore where the final canoe carving would be completed, with more prayers and offerings made to Lea. Throughout the resort, you will discover symbolic reminders of Wailea’s origins. From the ‘elepaio bird stylized on select windows to an original Ku’ula Stone, a sacred artifact venerated by fishermen in honor of the god of fishing, Ku’ula. When it was came time to put that canoe to use, prayers and offerings would be made to Ku’ula for a bountiful voyage out to sea.

We invite you to experience the water’s edge through the cultural traditions of ancient Hawaiians, whether you have journeyed here for rest, work, or play.

Envision magical beachfront ceremonies and inspiring wedding receptions along the ocean's edge. Discover elegant indoor and outdoor venues, enhanced by an expert team of wedding planners. Collaborate with our catering team to create a custom menu for your wedding reception in Wailea. Plan sunset wedding receptions and private rehearsal dinners at our signature restaurant, Humble Market Kitchin by celebrity Chef Roy Yamaguhi. Treat your wedding guests to soothing spa treatments, five pools across three distinct locations, and adjacent beaches.

A stay at the ocean's edge includes access to robust amenities and unrivaled, one-of-a-kind experiences. Our location on the water inspires our complimentary daily wellness and cultural classes, including our popular traditional Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe experience, hula and lei-making classes, evening s'mores around the firepits, and depending on the time of year, festivities and holiday celebrations for all ages. Our state-of-the-art facilities include an Arrivals/Departure Lounge, Movie House with daily showings, GameSpace featuring billards and vintage video games, and a Keiki (Kids) Club for an additional fee. For guests seeking to celebrate a special occasion or that extra enhanced experince, guests can book an early morning private outdoor massage followed by a Chef's breakfast ("Awaken in Wailea Experience") or one of our popular Candlelit Private Dinner Experiences under the stars or in one of our floating cabanas with infinity pool views.