Here is the thing mainland visitors are often surprised to learn: there is no such thing as a private beach in Hawai’i. Every beach, including the perfect crescent in front of the Four Seasons and the Grand Wailea, is public to the high-wash line — and the resorts are required to share access. Wailea Beach is the best place on Maui to cash in that law.
How the public access works
Look for the small blue Shoreline Public Access signs off Wailea Alanui Drive. Dedicated free public lots sit at both ends of Wailea Beach; they are small and popular, so the morning rule applies — arrive by nine and you will walk straight on, arrive at noon and you may circle a while.
From the lots, paved paths lead a couple of minutes down to the sand, past the resort landscaping. There are public restrooms and outdoor showers at the access points. Once your towel hits the sand you have exactly the same beach as the guests paying four figures a night behind you.
The Wailea Beach Path runs along the shoreline above the sand, linking Wailea to Ulua and Polo beaches — which means if the first lot is full, you can park at another access point and stroll over. The walk itself is one of the best free experiences in South Maui.