Wailea, Hawaii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wailea, Hawaii
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| Country | United States |
| State | Hawaii |
| County | Maui |
| Area | |
| • Total | 10.74 sq mi (27.82 km2) |
| • Land | 7.44 sq mi (19.28 km2) |
| • Water | 3.30 sq mi (8.54 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 6,027 |
| • Density | 809.65/sq mi (312.59/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-10 (Hawaii-Aleutian) |
| Area code(s) | 808 |
| FIPS code | 15-76935 |
Wailea is a special community in Maui County, Hawaii, United States. It's called a census-designated place (CDP). This means it's a place the government counts for population, but it's not a city with its own local government. In 2020, about 6,027 people lived there. Before 2010, Wailea was part of a larger area called Wailea-Makena. The community of Wailea started to be built in 1971. Two companies, Alexander & Baldwin and Northwestern Mutual, worked together to create it.
Contents
Geography of Wailea
Wailea is located at 20°41′24″N 156°26′21″W / 20.69000°N 156.43917°W. It covers an area of about 27.8 square kilometers (10.7 square miles). Most of this area, about 19.3 square kilometers (7.4 square miles), is land. The rest, about 8.5 square kilometers (3.3 square miles), is water.
Wailea is surrounded by other places. To the south, you'll find Makena. To the north is Kihei. The Pacific Ocean is to the west. To the east, you can see the large volcano, Haleakalā.
Wailea is famous for its beautiful beaches. Some of these include Polo Beach, Wailea Beach, Ulua Beach, Mokapu Beach, and Keawakapu Beach.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 6,027 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2020, the population of Wailea was 6,027 people. This information comes from the United States Census.
Wailea Resort Community
Wailea Resort is a large, planned community that covers about 1,500 acres (6.1 square kilometers). It is located on the sunny, southern coast of Maui. The resort was designed to have a low number of buildings. This helps keep the area feeling open and natural.
The Wailea Community Association helps manage the resort. They make sure new buildings fit in with Maui's island environment. This group works to keep the community well-managed for everyone. This includes people who live there, hotels, businesses, and tourists. Wailea has been named one of the best communities in America for recreation and living.
Many homes and condos in Wailea have gated entrances. This offers extra security and privacy. All the power lines and other utilities are buried underground. The roads are also beautifully landscaped with plants. Close by, you can find many fun things to do. There are restaurants, golf courses, tennis courts, shops, and, of course, the beaches.
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Economy and Jobs
Wailea has many important businesses that provide jobs. These include several large resorts. The Grand Wailea Resort, Four Seasons Resort Maui, and Fairmont Kea Lani are some examples. Marriott Wailea Beach is another big hotel.
Other major employers are the Wailea Golf Club and Wailea Beach Villas. Popular restaurants like Spago also provide jobs. Many other businesses, such as Tommy Bahama, are part of Wailea's economy. These places help make Wailea a lively and successful community.
History of Wailea
Wailea was once a small fishing village. Its name means "water of Lea." Lea was a goddess in Hawaiian legends. She was known as the goddess of canoe-builders. The legend says she turned the area into a beautiful forest for birds. She would often fly above it to enjoy its beauty.
In ancient Hawaiian times, people lived closer to the mountains in Wailea. They grew sweet potatoes, called uala. They would then go down to the shore to fish for food.
In the last two hundred years, raising cattle became very important for the economy. This led to the creation of places like Ulupalakua Ranch.
See also
In Spanish: Wailea (Hawái) para niños
