This Is the Best Beach in Hawaii-and It Has White Coral Sand, Calm Clear Waters, and Winter Whale-watching

"Wailea Beach is a series of five pocket beaches, which are part of the Wailea resort complex that is mandated to provide a public right-of-way for visitors," Dr. Beach said in his report. "The white coral sand beach gently slopes offshore and is great for snorkeling when the ocean is calm. The swanky hotels are set back far from the beach, providing a [beautifully landscaped] park, adorned with tropical vegetation and flowering bushes and trees."

"Given its proximity to both resorts, the beach is typically a bit more on the crowded end of the spectrum. You'll find people lounging in beach chairs, boogie boarding, body surfing, swimming, and sipping tropical drinks from Wailea Surf Haus. There's even whale watching in the winter months. If you are getting in the water at Wailea Beach, be aware of the surf and any rip currents. According to Maui Guidebook, south swells can lead to hazardous water conditions."

Maui's Wailea Beach earned Hawaii's top beach pick and placed No. 2 nationally in a long-standing coastal beach ranking system. The beach comprises five pocket beaches within the Wailea resort complex and includes a mandated public right-of-way. White coral sand gently slopes offshore, offering good snorkeling when conditions are calm. Upscale hotels are set back from the shore, creating a landscaped park with tropical vegetation and flowering bushes. Proximity to resorts makes the beach relatively busy, with activities such as lounging, boogie boarding, body surfing, swimming, and seasonal whale watching in winter. Visitors should monitor surf, rip currents, and south swells that can create hazardous conditions.

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