Welcome to Ma’alaea
Spectacular vistas meet serenity in this intimate Maui enclave.
Plenty of ink has been devoted to Wailea, Kihei, Lahaina, Ka’anapali, and Kapalua — the most popular string of beachside jewels that line Maui’s hypnotizing leeward coast. However, you may be less aware of the secret gem that rests in the center of it all: Ma’alaea. Famous worldwide for possessing the fastest waves on the planet, the beachy, beautiful hamlet isn’t on most people’s radars, and that’s a large part of its appeal. Situated between North Kihei and the West Side’s strand of entrancing coves, Ma’alaea boasts a tight-knit community, which renders it one of the most tranquil places on Hawaii’s second-largest island.
While Ma’alaea may be small, it’s big on beauty, charm, and personality. It houses a bevy of gorgeous private and commercial boats, a few superb restaurants and bars, and the liveliest new nightclub on Maui — to say nothing of its crown jewel, the largest tropical aquarium in the Western world. Pair all of this with sun-splashed skies, dramatic vistas of Maui’s outlying islands, perpetual island breezes, and proximity to Maui’s leading attractions, and you can understand why Ma’alaea epitomizes the prevailing idea of paradise.
Ma’alaea Real Estate Market
Ma’alaea real estate tends to sell fast. Contact the 'Ohana Real Estate Team of Ma’alaea realtors & agents to find condos, houses & beach homes for sale in Ma’alaea, HI.
What to Love
- Stunning condominiums with high-end touches and private lanais (patios)
- Staggering views of Molokini, Kaho’olawe, and Lanai
- An abundance of splendid outdoor and cultural attractions
Local Lifestyle
Ma’alaea’s small population gives the intimate enclave a wonderful community feel. The few residents who call Ma’alaea home are a mix of retirees, professionals, and families, all of whom relish living directly on the water. The oceanfront community enjoys access to Ma’alaea Bay and extreme surfing conditions. From early morning walks on Sugar Beach to sunset strolls along the boardwalk of Kealia Pond, those fortunate to call Ma’alaea home enjoy wholesome, healthy lives outdoors.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Ma’alaea’s prime location in the heart of Maui translates to nearly effortless access to the island’s finest restaurants, bars, and boutiques. You can brush elbows with Maui’s professional set at the ultra-hip Esters Fair Prospect in Wailuku, linger over an impeccably prepared three-course meal at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea, or meander from boutique to boutique in Paia.
Ma’alaea proper also has its own impressive list of offerings. The opulent, award-winning Seascape offers fresh fare that celebrates Maui’s bounty. Start with their sumptuous ahi poke nachos with sweet Maui onions, island-harvested avocado, and ‘alaea salt. Dive into the catch of the day, coupled with organic, seasonal produce, and conclude with Maui apple-banana creme brulee, all while sipping on a glass of lychee Sangria.
Ma’alaea residents are also known to frequent Tante’s Fishmarket Restaurant & Bar, a romantic spot within the open-air plaza of Ma’alaea Harbor. Specializing in just-caught seafood and island-sourced ingredients, this is the perfect place to sample pan-seared ono with lilikoi caper cream and Keanae Valley taro topped with mussels and shrimp. Whether residents, visitors, or passersby need a cup of Maui-grown coffee to jumpstart their morning or artisan beer for a beach party, the historic Ma’alaea General Store is sure to provide it. The shop features a range of gourmet snacks, top-notch libations, and fresh eats.
Meanwhile, Ma’alaea has lit up the island in more ways than one since Da Playground opened its doors. The vibrant venue frequently features an array of post-dusk pleasures, including live comedy, cabaret shows, and international musical acts that pass through Hawaii.
Things to Do
Maui is consistently ranked the best island in the world for several reasons, but the sheer number of activities available to its residents is chief among them. With surfing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, kiteboarding, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, mountain biking, and even ziplining, the island abounds with thrills, and Ma’alaea is a walk or quick drive away from many.
Maui Ocean Center is an enormous draw for Maui residents and visitors alike. Spanning over three acres, the immaculate and enthralling aquarium boasts a 750,000-gallon tunnel reef flourishing with vivid tropical fish, sleek sharks, and immense manta rays. It also has a beautiful section dedicated to the North Atlantic humpback whales that migrate to Maui Nui every November.
Whether or not you have keiki (children) in your crew, the Maui Golf & Sports Park is the optimal spot to spend one of Maui’s classic sunny days. With bumper boats, a miniature golf course, a climbing wall, and infectious energy, you and your family will indeed have a fantastic time at this lively center.
For an evening to remember or a simple Saturday night out, Ma’alaea and other Maui residents flock to Haycraft Park, a striking stretch of sand lined with rustic kiawes ( trees) on one side and the glimmering Pacific on the other. Follow it with a night on the water on one of the many sunset cocktail cruises that depart out of Ma’alaea Harbor.
