Maui, Hawaii
Photography Harvey Lloyd/Jamie Ardiles-Arce
We asked Sam Wilhelm of the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea to gather the savviest sight-seeing suggestions he could find—not just his own, but also those of other local connoisseurs, including some he works with every day at the Resort. Maui offers a stunning array of tropical landscapes, from rain forest to volcanic landscapes, and outdoor activities ranging from golf to outrigger canoes. You will also find upscale shopping, fine dining, art and entertainment.
Golf Where the Pros Play
Golfers love to tackle courses they’ve seen their heroes play on television. The Gold Course at Wailea Golf Club hosted the Wendy’s Champions Skins Game for years, while Wailea’s Blue Course was long the home of the LPGA’s Kemper Open. Royal Kaanapali now has the Skins Game, while the PGA Tour season always starts at Kapalua’s Plantation Course with the Hyundai Tournament of Champions.
Shop and Be Seen
Attracting the most discerning visitors and locals alike, the Resort is home to two premier retail boutiques—Cabana and 22 Knots. Peruse merchandise from top luxury designers, including such iconic brands as Missoni, Stella McCartney and Lanvin. Several times a year, the boutiques feature trunk shows, for which elite designers travel to Maui to grant exclusive access to their newest collections.
Winter Whale Watch
The narrow channel between Maui and Lana‘i is among the best places in the world to see humpback whales, which frolic between December and May. Visitors can see dolphins in the same waters. Among many tour operators, the non-profit Pacific Whale Foundation stands out with its eco-friendly catamarans.
Hotel or Museum?
The world’s pre-eminent collection of contemporary Hawaiian art cannot be found in a museum: It’s on display throughout the Four Seasons Resort Maui. A curator painstakingly assembled more than 280 important paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles and artefacts, all created since Hawaiian statehood in 1959. A podcast tour is available.
