Shops at Wailea
Shops at Wailea
Shops at Wailea

Overview
The Shops at Wailea are consider by many (including us) as the creme de la creme of luxury shopping on the island of Maui. The upscale shopping and dining in Wailea will have you thinking you're about to bump into one of the regular celebrities that like to endulge at the Grand Wailea Resort nearby. If luxury is your game, than this is your shopping paradise.

Although you'll find island regulars such as ABC Stores, Crazy Shirts, and Honolulu Surf Co. here at the Shops, they share space with big names like Louis Vitton, Tiffany's, Gucci, and many high end art galleries and jewelers. From a list store directory perspective, you might think there is a similar mix here as can be found at Whalers Village. But just 5 minutes after stepping into one of the main courtyards at the Shops of Wailea, you'll soon realize that no expense was spared and every last detail was carefully planned with luxury in mind.

Notes
While The Shops at Wailea might seem a little too rich for our blood, or everyone else except the most elite luxury travelers, it is still a gorgeous shopping center. From the giant palms in the courtyards, the cascading waterfalls along side the stone staircases, to the lovely fountains that greet you at the different entrances. Even the ABC Store on the second level look like a high- end grocer compared to their other locations on the island.

For us, it definitely feels very glamorous, and personally, that's really not why we go to Maui. We realize that Wailea is quite possibly the most upscale and luxurous part of the island, which is saying a lot considering the competion from both Kapalua and Ka'anapali for attracting extravagent travelers. An area like that deserves a shopping center that follows suit, and although we've never been to southern California, the Shops at Wailea certainly has that "Beverly Hills" feel.

All that said, you should really check it out at least once, especially if you happen to be in South Maui or definitely if you're staying at the Grand Wailea. Maybe it's your thing, maybe it's not, but you'll have to agree that it is still very gorgeous. Even their website is a thing of true, web beauty.

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