Polo Beach, Wailea, Maui
The verdict
- Best for: Couples and travellers who want a calmer, quieter golden Wailea beach with easy swimming, snorkeling rocks and resort dining close by.
- Best spot: The rocky point at the southern end, where the snorkeling is best on calm, clear mornings before the day warms up.
- Know this: This is a free public beach fronting the Fairmont Kea Lani; public parking and a beach access path keep it open to everyone.
Published 16 February 2026. Last reviewed 28 May 2026
Polo Beach is the calmer, quieter sibling at the southern end of the Wailea resort strand. A neat curve of golden sand fronting the Fairmont Kea Lani, it has the same sheltered south shore water as its grander neighbours but usually a fraction of the crowd, which makes it a favourite for an easy swim and a relaxed afternoon. A rocky point at the southern end adds reef for snorkeling on calm mornings, and the paved Wailea Beach Path runs from here past the resorts to Wailea Beach and beyond.
The honest read is that Polo is about calm and convenience rather than wow factor. It is a resort beach, backed by the Fairmont rather than wild cliffs, and while the public access path and parking keep it genuinely open to everyone, the loungers on the sand are mostly for hotel guests. The water is usually gentle on the sheltered south shore, but a summer south swell can lift a shore break, and there is generally no lifeguard tower here, so you look after your own safety.
It suits couples and travellers who want a quieter, calmer Wailea beach with easy swimming, a little snorkeling and resort dining within reach. If you want the liveliest, widest Wailea sand, the main Wailea Beach is a short walk north along the path, and for a vast, wild contrast, Big Beach at Makena is a short drive south. For the calmest snorkeling on the island, the west side bays of Kapalua and Napili still lead.
Clubs on this beach
Polo Beach is public sand fronting the Fairmont Kea Lani, so there is no public beach club; service on the sand is mainly for resort guests, with dining at the hotel above.
Fairmont Kea Lani above the beach
The Fairmont Kea Lani sits directly above Polo Beach and provides the serviced side of a day here, including beachfront loungers and dining for its guests and its oceanfront restaurants. This is resort service rather than a public beach club, and access, hours and any minimum spend vary and are to be confirmed.
Public sand, guest loungers
Polo Beach itself is free public sand reached by a public access path and parking, so anyone can use the beach. The loungers set out on the sand, however, are mostly reserved for resort guests, so day visitors should bring their own kit or look into the resort's offering. Details are to be confirmed with the hotel.
Polo Beach lies at the southern end of the Wailea resort area in South Maui, about thirty five to forty five minutes from Kahului Airport. A signed public beach access road leads to a parking lot beside the Fairmont Kea Lani, with a short path down to the sand. The lot is free but small and fills on sunny days, so arrive earlier in the day for a space and the calmest morning water.
Use the public access path, parking, restrooms and showers, and follow the paved Wailea Beach Path if you want to stroll to the other Wailea beaches. With generally no lifeguard tower on Polo itself, swim within your limits, snorkel the southern rocks only when calm, and keep an eye on any south swell. Bring sun cover and water. Conditions are typical rather than guaranteed, so check the daily forecast before you swim.
Reserve a beach club day in Maui
Polo Beach is free public sand fronting a Wailea resort, with service mainly for guests. Tell us your date, party and plan and we will help arrange a serviced beach day in Wailea. No charge to enquire.
Common questions
Can anyone use Polo Beach in Wailea?
Yes, Polo Beach is free public sand, like all Hawaii beaches, reached by a signed public access road, parking lot and path beside the Fairmont Kea Lani. Anyone can use the beach. The loungers set out on the sand, however, are mostly reserved for resort guests, so day visitors should bring their own kit or check the resort's offering.
Is Polo Beach good for snorkeling?
There is decent snorkeling around the rocky point at the southern end of Polo Beach on calm, clear mornings, when reef fish gather along the lava. It is gentle and casual rather than a top island snorkel site. There is generally no lifeguard here, so snorkel within your limits and only when the water is settled.
Is Polo Beach safe for swimming?
Polo Beach sits on the sheltered south shore, so the water is usually clear and calm and good for easy swimming. A summer south swell can lift a shore break on some days, and there is generally no lifeguard tower on the beach itself, which is to be confirmed. Swim within your limits, watch conditions, and treat the calm as typical rather than guaranteed.
Where is Polo Beach and is there parking?
Polo Beach is at the southern end of the Wailea resort area in South Maui, about thirty five to forty five minutes from Kahului Airport. A signed public beach access road leads to a free parking lot beside the Fairmont Kea Lani, with a short path to the sand. The lot is small and fills on sunny days, so arrive earlier in the day.
How is Polo Beach different from Wailea Beach?
Polo Beach is the quieter, calmer beach at the southern end of the Wailea strand, fronting the Fairmont Kea Lani, while Wailea Beach is the wider, livelier main beach a short walk north. The paved Wailea Beach Path links them, so many visitors use Polo for a calmer swim and stroll over to Wailea Beach for the broader sand and resort buzz.
