Is Wailea Safe, Pros and cons of living in Wailea

Wailea, a picturesque resort community on the island of Maui, Hawaii, is renowned for its pristine beaches, luxury accommodations, and world-class golf courses. Nestled on the sunny southern coast, this master-planned development offers an upscale island living experience that attracts visitors and residents seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Its carefully managed environment emphasizes low density and preserves the island’s natural charm, making it a highly desirable location for those who appreciate a refined tropical lifestyle.

The community’s development began in the 1970s, aiming to create a harmonious blend of residential comfort and resort amenities. This vision has resulted in a meticulously designed area where residents and guests can enjoy a high standard of living. Wailea’s commitment to preserving its environment is evident in its design guidelines and community association, which work to maintain Maui’s unique island character.

Is it Safe to Live in Wailea?

Wailea is generally considered a safe neighborhood, with crime rates that are significantly lower than national averages. The violent crime rate in Wailea is approximately 3.255 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Furthermore, Wailea ranks in the 69th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than a majority of neighborhoods across the United States (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

While overall crime is low, specific areas within Wailea may experience slightly different rates. Residents often consider the eastern parts of the neighborhood to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime, a trend consistent with national patterns (as reported by DoorProfit). Despite its high safety ranking, exercising general caution, especially after dark, is always advisable for residents and visitors alike.

Climate and Weather

Wailea boasts a warm, muggy, and windy climate with partly cloudy skies throughout the year. Temperatures typically fluctuate between 65°F and 87°F, rarely dropping below 60°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by Property). The driest period in Wailea generally occurs from late May to early October, making it ideal for water activities (as reported by Property).

Rainfall is present year-round, though it is more common during the winter months. March typically sees the highest average rainfall at 1.9 inches, while June experiences the least with about 0.3 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). The south side of Maui, including Wailea, is known for being warm and dry, receiving less than 10 inches of rain annually (as reported by The Maui Blog). The ocean temperatures also vary seasonally, with the warmest water from August to November, averaging around 80°F, and cooler waters from January to May, around 75°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Demographics and Population

As of the most recent data, Wailea is home to approximately 6,352 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The population has seen a slight year-over-year decrease of 3.3% (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Wailea is around 58.1 years, with a notable portion of the population being 65 or older, suggesting a significant retiree community (as reported by Point2Homes).

The racial makeup of Wailea is predominantly Caucasian, at 67.5% of the population. Significant portions of the population also identify with Asian roots (10%) and report having two or more races (18.1%) (as reported by Point2Homes). Gender-wise, the population is slightly more male, with 52.2% identifying as male and 47.8% as female (as reported by Point2Homes).

Cost of Living

Wailea is known for its high cost of living, which is significantly above the U.S. average. The overall cost of living in Wailea is approximately 124.9% higher than the national average (as reported by Property). This elevated cost is largely driven by housing expenses.

The median household income in Wailea is reported as $90,000 annually (as reported by Point2Homes). However, the average annual household income was $144,610 in 2024, though this figure saw a notable year-over-year decrease of 11.6% (as reported by Point2Homes). The median gross rent in Wailea is around $2,554 per month (as reported by Point2Homes).

Housing Market

The housing market in Wailea is characterized by high-end properties and significant price points. The median listing price for a home in Wailea is approximately $1.55 million, reflecting its status as a high-end market (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Wailea typically sell for around 4% below the list price and go pending in approximately 110 days (as reported by Redfin).

The median rent in Wailea is substantial, reported at $6,125 per month, though this figure has seen a notable year-over-year decrease of 39.36% (as reported by Redfin). There are a limited number of active rental listings, which can create competition for desirable units (as reported by Redfin). For those considering purchasing property, the median sale price of a home in Wailea was approximately $1.9 million as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin).

Job Market and Major Employers

The job market in Wailea is heavily influenced by its thriving tourism and hospitality sector. Major employers in the area include prominent resorts and related businesses, such as the Grand Wailea Resort, Four Seasons Resort Maui, and Fairmont Kea Lani (as reported by Wikipedia). Other significant employers include the Wailea Golf Club, various resort villas, and well-known dining establishments like Tommy Bahama and Spago (as reported by Wikipedia).

The average annual salary in Wailea is approximately $36,326, which translates to about $17.46 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, salaries can vary widely depending on the occupation and experience level, with most salaries ranging between $29,584 and $40,750 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The primary industries contributing to employment in Maui County, which includes Wailea, are hospitality, real estate, and retail (as reported by Statistical Atlas).

Climate and Average Temperatures

Wailea experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. The average daily high temperatures generally range from 83°F to 85°F in May, with slight variations throughout the year (as reported by Weather Spark). The hottest month is typically August, with average highs around 79°F to 88°F, while the coolest temperatures are usually in February, with average highs around 72°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather, Property).

The area’s climate is described as warm, muggy, and windy (as reported by Property). While temperatures remain relatively stable, humidity can be noticeable during the summer months, from May to November (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The microclimate in Wailea, situated on the leeward side of Maui, results in generally drier and warmer weather compared to other parts of the island, even during the wetter winter season (as reported by Grand Wailea).

School Ratings

Public schools serving Wailea are part of the Hawaii Department of Education. Niche provides an overall grade of B+ for Maui High School, which serves students in grades 9-12 (as reported by Niche). Kamalii Elementary School is also noted, with GreatSchools ratings based on student performance and other factors (as reported by Realtor.com).

For those considering private education, Hawaiian Mission Academy Maui, a K-8 private school, has received a high rating of 4.91 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Other public charter schools in the vicinity, such as Kihei Charter School and Hawaii Technology Academy, also receive ratings from Niche, indicating varying levels of academic performance and parent satisfaction (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Population Trends

Wailea is a census-designated place with a population of approximately 6,027 as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The community is growing, with an estimated population of 6,717 in 2026, reflecting an annual growth rate of 0.73% (as reported by World Population Review). The median age is 58.1 years, with a slightly higher proportion of males to females (as reported by World Population Review).

The population is diverse, with a majority identifying as Caucasian (67.46%), followed by those of Asian descent (9.97%) and individuals identifying with two or more races (18.07%) (as reported by World Population Review). A significant portion of Wailea’s residents are 65 years or older, contributing to the community’s mature demographic profile (as reported by Wikipedia).

Pros and Cons of Living in Wailea

Living in Wailea offers a luxurious island lifestyle with access to beautiful beaches, high-end amenities, and a generally safe environment. The consistently warm climate and stunning natural scenery are major draws for residents and visitors alike. The community’s master-planned design ensures well-maintained surroundings and a sense of exclusivity.

However, the cost of living in Wailea is exceptionally high, particularly when it comes to housing and daily expenses. The median home prices and rental rates are among the highest in Hawaii, making it challenging for many to afford. While the job market is present, particularly in hospitality, the average salaries may not align with the high cost of living for all residents.