Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea (Things to do in South Maui)
I’ve listed nine things you have to do if you ever find yourself in South Maui! I give you specifics about why we enjoyed our stay at this particular hotel (The Four Seasons) but will also list activities in this area even if you choose to stay somewhere else.
If you have a special occasion to celebrate like a birthday or anniversary and want to go all out, the Four Seasons Maui is THE place to go. From the lei necklaces, drinks, and snacks we received upon arrival to the incredible amenities like the adult only infinity pool, this place impressed me every day. I’ll give you specifics about why I enjoyed our stay at this particular hotel but will also list activities in this area (southern Maui) even if you choose to stay somewhere else. There are several other hotel and Airbnb options in south Maui, so check them out to see what’s best for you.
1. Go on a run/walk on the Pathway by Wailea Beach
Pathway by Wailea Beach
Beach Pathway Run
There is a pathway along Wailea beach in front of the hotels with gorgeous views. We ran on this beach pathway almost every day! Grab a cup of free coffee from your hotel and get out there early as it becomes more crowded the later you wait. In total, the pathway is about 2 or 3 miles. If you are staying at the Four Seasons and wake up too late, you can always use the outdoor treadmills at the hotel. They have virtual runs, a great view of the hotel outdoor area, cold fruit-infused water, towels, and everything you could imagine to enhance your workout.
If you walk out of the hotel and choose to start your run or walk to the left on the Wailea Beach Pathway, it’s a little less crowded and stops at a dead end after about a mile. We continued through the dead end into the parking lot and then straight into a neighborhood to discover a private beach down the way, full of chickens!
If you walk out of your hotel and go to the right, the pathway is a little more crowded and you’ll pass by lots of major hotels plus the Wailea Shops. There’s also a cute beach bar along this way called The Whale’s Tale where you can grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner and coffee or cocktails. We stopped here for a drink and ended up seeing a huge turtle lounging on some rocks in the ocean right in front of us!
Huge turtle we discovered by the Whale’s Tale Beach Bar
Whale’s Tale Beach Bar
2. Spend the day on Wailea Beach
The resort provides towels, chairs, and umbrellas, but if you’re not staying at the hotel, bring your own! The beach is public and therefore free for everyone and is also one of the most beautiful beaches in Maui. You can rent snorkeling gear if you’re feeling adventurous or simply lounge on the sand all day. We ended up seeing a huge rainbow on the day we went out! One thing to keep in mind is that drinking alcohol is prohibited on the beach.
3. Spend the day at the Serenity Pool
If you do decide to stay at the Four Seasons, the Serenity Pool is the Adults Only pool with views that will blow your mind! It is open until 7-sunset, has a swim-up bar (opens at 9am), and starts serving food at 11:30. Servers will let you pick a chair and deliver your food and drink from there, or you can choose to swim up to the bar to order. There are a couple of hot tubs in addition to the long infinity pool. The food and drink at this pool and at every restaurant at the hotel ain’t cheap, but they are quality and worth it!
4. Visit Maui Brewing Company
We’re from Asheville, NC (Beer City USA), so beer is a big deal for us. We had to make the short 10 minute drive to Maui Brewing, especially since we had rented a car. It was raining this particular morning (apparently we visited Maui during a weird weather week) and thought “this is our opportunity!” Just when we arrived to the brewery, the sun came out and we were able to sit at an inside table next to the huge open doors to the front yard of the brewery. The beer was very tasty (we both ordered flights to find our favorite one), and we also ordered the house cut fries with kurikake and sriracha. They were DIVINE!
5. Eat at Monkeypod Kitchen
Just up the road about a mile from the hotel is a restaurant, Monkeypod, that we heard multiple people rave about. The staff as well as some travelers who had visited Maui before said we MUST try Monkeypod… so we did. Twice. We first stopped there on our way back from Maui Brewing. Stuffed from fries, we weren’t really that hungry so we just tried a drink and an appetizer. We were so impressed that we made reservations for dinner for the next day (Friday) and we’re glad we did, because it was packed! Their Mai Tai was the. best. Mai. Tai. I’ve. ever. had. It’s made with silver rum, dark rum, lime, house-made macadamia nut orgeat, orange curacao, and topped with a dairy-free honey-lilikoi foam. Our bartender, and then our server, said the best thing on the menu was (hands-down) the grilled Ahi, so I went for it. It came with jalapeño mashed potatoes and bok choy, and was —dare I say— better than the Mai Tai.
6. Have Breakfast in Bed (or Breakfast on Balcony hehe)
Enjoy the spectacular views from your hotel room by ordering room service for breakfast. The resort has something for everyone including gluten and dairy free items. I ordered the gluten and dairy free pancakes, and my husband got the Breakfast Quesadilla. YUM!
7. Go on a Whale Watch
Whale Season in Hawaii is between November and April, so if you find yourself here during these months, book a whale watch! We went through Alii Nui ($149 each), and I can’t say enough about them and their employees. They picked us up at our hotel, provided all you can eat drinks (alocholic and non) and appetizers. The staff was enthusiastic, friendly, and helpful throughout the boat ride. Plus, we saw a bunch of whales! One even swam right under our boat! It was amazing.
8. Eat dinner at Ferraro’s beachfront restaurant
Even if you’re not staying at the Four Seasons, go eat at Ferraro’s! Make a reservation 15-30 minutes before sunset (make this days or weeks in advance if you can and note that you’d like to sit beachfront), and watch the sun go down while eating pasta and drinking red wine. It’s magical.
9. Eat lunch at Tommy Bahama’s
Isn’t that a store, you ask? Yes, but it’s also a restaurant! It’s located in The Shops at Wailea so is only a short walk away. I ordered the Lump Blue Crab & Avocado Salad. In addition to the delicious food, they gave us a postcard and pen at the end of our meal, so we could write to our family and then mailed it for us. How nice is that?
I feel like most of the activities I recommended involve food and drinks, but hey, isn’t that what a vacation is? A few things we didn’t get to this time around that are on my list: The Road to Hana, Mama’s Fish House, paddle boarding, helicopter tour, and a hike (we had planned one, but the weather was unusually bad that day). Have you been to Hawaii? Which island? What were your favorite spots? What else should I add to my list?
Giovanni Ristorante
A true hidden gem in Midtown, Giovanni's is one of my favorite places to escape the crowd for a fantastic cocktail and delicious pasta dish.
A true hidden gem in Midtown, Giovanni Ristorante is one of my favorite places to escape the crowd for a fantastic cocktail and delicious pasta dish. The place has been here for over fifteen years, so they must be doing something right! If you look online, you’ll find mixed reviews. My experiences there have always been fabulous; it’s one of my favorite spots. I like forgoing formal reservations and finding a spot at the bar instead. Check it out, and let me know what you think! Pro tip: have a drink at The Patterson House down the street before or after dinner to make this the perfect date night or girls’ night out.
Gnocchi di patate ai quattro formaggi: Home-made potato gnocchi in a 4 cheese sauce – $35
Website
Hours & Location
Open Daily: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
909 20th Ave S Nashville, TN 37212
Make a Reservation
Great Big Game Show
Act as a contestant with your friends; you’ll play games, answer questions, spin a wheel, and more. It’s just like a televised game show, just without the television part!
Great Big Game Show has just opened in the Opry Mills Mall, and it’s worth checking out! You get to act as a contestant with your friends; you’ll play games, answer questions, spin a wheel, and more. It’s just like a televised game show, just without the television part. You even have a host who guides you through the entire experience! This is a great place to bring your game-loving friends, kids, or co-workers. Head to Scoreboard or Orpyland Hotel for food and drinks after!
What to expect:
You can play with 4+ people. Once inside, you’ll split up into two teams, the red team and the blue team.
The host will guide you throughout the experience, and you’ll also have mini video lessons of each game before you play
The host keeps the score of each team. Winners get bragging rights!
Ages 6+ recommended
Read all the facts and sign up for a game time here
Crescent 9 THC Seltzer
I have discovered a refreshing, relaxing, and delicious new beverage: Crescent 9 THC Seltzer.
I have discovered a refreshing, relaxing, and delicious new beverage: Crescent 9 THC Seltzer. Each can contains 6mg of federally legal hemp-derived Delta-9 THC and a “splash of CBD”. At only thirty-five calories, it leaves me feeling light-weight, unlike a beer or a seltzer. It’s fruity, made with a mix of fruit juices and purees, and is the perfect amount of sweet. Unlike alcohol, there’s no hangover the next morning.
I personally like to pop one open towards the end of the day while watching my favorite reality TV or while sitting on my balcony overlooking the Nashville lights below. It’s so calming and a perfect way to relax. I’ve replaced it with my usual glass of wine and am feeling more energized the next morning when I wake up. Y’all have to try this! They ship to every state in the USA. And the best part? Crescent 9 is available at bars in Nashville!
From Music to Scenery: 13 Beautiful Places in Nashville, TN
To help you get to know the city, Redfin reached out to experts, including us, to share our most beautiful places in Nashville, including parks, landmarks, and cultural institutions.
Nashville, TN, is a vibrant and eclectic city filled with an iconic music scene, green spaces, and urban parks. Known as “Music City,” Nashville is home to around 700,000 people. Whether you’re looking to purchase a home in Nashville or rent an apartment in the area, Nashville’s many attractions are sure to delight and inspire you. To help you get to know the city, Redfin reached out to experts, including us, to share our most beautiful places in Nashville, including parks, landmarks, and cultural institutions. Be sure to check out From Music to Scenery: 13 Beautiful Places in Nashville, TN.
Image from redfin.com
Buttermilk Ranch
One of the newest additions to the 12 South neighborhood is Buttermilk Ranch, an all-day eatery serving breakfast, lunch, pastries, coffee, and cocktails in a bright and lively setting.
One of the newest additions to the 12 South neighborhood is Buttermilk Ranch, an all-day eatery serving breakfast, lunch, pastries, coffee, and cocktails in a bright and lively setting. Order at the counter for take-out or put your name in with the host stand for full service. On the weekend, join the waitlist online and do some shopping nearby while you wait for your table to be ready. Their full-service menu is extensive and includes things like pancakes, biscuits and gravy, flaky croissants, salads, grit bowls, and gluten free options too! The only downside? They’re closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
The “Soft Scramble & Croissant” | $16
Website
Hours
Bakery & Counter Service
Wednesday–Sunday | 8am–4pm
Full Service Dining Room
Wednesday–Sunday | 8am–2pm
Location
Downtown/Broadway
Legendary Honky Tonks, tons of tourists, and a must-do if you’re visiting Nashville!
Legendary Honky Tonks, tons of tourists, and a must-do if you’re visiting Nashville! Downtown is most famous for “Lower Broadway”, where you can find the Honky Tonks - a strip of historic bars with free live music.
Distance from Downtown: You’re here! Walk to dozens of shops and restaurants. If you’d like to go to other neighborhoods you will have to scooter, drive or Uber/Lyft.
The Vibe: Tourist-y. You will not find many locals downtown. This is the place to go if it’s your first time visiting Nashville.
Midtown
Midtown is similar to Broadway… Honky Tonks with live music & fine dining options, too! Get wild or escape to a relaxing cocktail bar.
Midtown is similar to Broadway… Honky Tonks with live music & fine dining options, too! Get wild or escape to a relaxing cocktail bar.
Distance from Downtown: 2 miles/9-min drive
The Vibe: Fun, party, wild. Affordable but nice hotels (this is where the Dolly-Parton-themed hotel is) and chain/local restaurants bring a mix of tourists and locals here.
The Gulch
The twenty-something crowd gathers here to get a cocktail on a rooftop bar, take pictures next to the murals, and eat at the trendy restaurants.
The twenty-something crowd gathers here to get a cocktail on a rooftop bar, take pictures next to the murals, and eat at the trendy restaurants.
Distance from Downtown: 1 mile/6-min drive or scooter
The Vibe: A mix of locals and tourists gather here for great restaurants and shopping; it’s really close to downtown, so an awesome spot to visit if you've done the downtown scene before.
Hotels & Places to Stay
With so many different neighborhoods and vibes, it can be difficult to choose where to stay when you visit Nashville. Do not fear! I’ve helped you narrow your search
With so many different neighborhoods and vibes, it can be difficult to choose where to stay when you visit Nashville. Do not fear! I’ve helped you narrow your search below. I highly recommend staying in one of the neighborhoods below.
downtown
The obvious option is downtown! Downtown is a wonderful location to stay if you’ve never been to Nashville and want to do the tourist activities like see the Honky Tonks (bars with live music, pictured above) on Broadway. Lots of hotel, food, and shopping options. Keep in mind, hotels downtown are going to be more expensive than other neighborhoods.
View from Acme Feed & Seed Rooftop on Broadway.
midtown
Central to all the neighborhoods (about a 5-minute Uber to anywhere you want to go) and it has its own mini Honky-Tonk strip with bars, music, and restaurants that you can walk to. It’s also a little cheaper than getting a hotel downtown and there are a ton of hotels to choose from.
My favorite cocktail bar of all time, The Patterson House, is located in Midtown.
the gulch
A fancy, modern neighborhood with trendy rooftop bars, hip restaurants, and picture-perfect opportunities. It’s only a mile from downtown so you could walk, scooter (there are scooters to purchase all over the place), or Uber to the Honky Tonks.
L.A. Jackson: The popular rooftop bar atop the Thompson Hotel in The Gulch.
the opryland resort
If you don’t mind staying a bit farther from downtown (20-minute drive), or maybe you’ve already seen the Honky Tonks (been there, done that) then try The Opryland Resort. It’s humongous, and there’s so much to do, you don’t even have to leave the hotel if you don’t want to.
Walking around the enormous Opryland Hotel.
The Opryland Resort is pretty expensive, so it’s ideal for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. Click here for the hotel’s website. And click here for my weekend itinerary at the Opryland Resort.
east nashville
East Nashville is its own separate, local neighborhood. It’s about a ten minute drive from downtown, so AirBnb’s are more reasonably priced here. There are some amazing hidden gems in this neighborhood; there are many fun bars and restaurants where you’ll find locals spending their time. If you want to stay in a real Nashville neighborhood while being a short drive away from all of the downtown action, East Nashville is a wonderful option. My husband and I recently stayed in an AirBnb in East Nashville and did a “staycation” and it was so fun! I’m linking the AirBnb we stayed in below. Tons of room and walking distance to popular spots in East!
*Note: some areas in East Nashville are safer than others. I recommend staying near the Five Points neighborhood, and reading Airbnb reviews before you commit.
One of the most popular restaurants in East Nashville, “Lockeland Table”.
East Nashville Air Bnb (the one we stayed in). P.S. I talked to the owner of the property and told him I loved his place. He said there’s no way to put in a promo code for y’all on the AirBnB website, but if you message him directly on Instagram with the code WINEDINE before OR after purchase, he will personally take 10% off for you.
Another Air Bnb Option in East (walkable to a lot of cool spots in East!)
Germantown
This historic neighborhood close to downtown has mimosas as big as your head and award-winning restaurants at every turn.
This historic neighborhood close to downtown has mimosas as big as your head and award-winning restaurants at every turn.
Distance from Downtown: 1.2 miles/8-min drive or scooter
The Vibe: Historic meets new. Germantown dates back to 1786 when mostly German immigrants moved to this part of town; however, you’ll also find new apartment buildings, the massive Nashville Sounds baseball stadium, and award-winning restaurants. There are a number of Black-owned businesses to support in this neighborhood, too: Germantown Pub, Slim & Husky’s, and EG & MC Cocktail Bar.
East Nashville
East Nashville is its own residential neighborhood across the river with lots of eclectic bars and restaurants.
East Nashville is its own residential neighborhood across the river with lots of eclectic bars and restaurants. Because it’s farther from downtown, you’ll find good deals on AirBnbs here.
Distance from Downtown: 4 miles/13-min drive
The Vibe: Hipster! East Nashville is the Brooklyn of Nashville. You’ll find lots of tattooed bartenders, locals, dive bars, as well as some of the best restaurants in the city.
Hillsboro Village
The locals’ favorite coffee shop, boutique clothing stores, and all kinds of food can be found in this college neighborhood.
The locals’ favorite coffee shop, boutique clothing stores, and all kinds of food can be found in this college neighborhood located right next to Vanderbilt University.
Distance from Downtown: 2.5 miles/13-min drive
The Vibe: Local, college-y, cute. You’ll find inexpensive eats, the famous Pancake Pantry restaurant, a couple of pretty murals, and cute clothing stores on this street.
12 South
A bustling neighborhood with shops, bars, pizza, BBQ, coffee, doughnuts, fine dining, a flower truck, and murals for photos.
A bustling neighborhood with shops, bars, pizza, BBQ, coffee, doughnuts, fine dining, a flower truck, and murals for photos.
Distance from Downtown: 3 miles/13-minute drive
The Vibe: You’ll find locals, families, and beautiful houses in this residential neighborhood. Since there’s a lot to do here, you’ll also find some tourists who have wandered off the beaten path.
Edgehill
A secret bar located in an old factory, an authentic Italian place, tacos, and tapas can all be found in this quaint yet lively neighborhood.
A secret bar located in an old factory, an authentic Italian place, tacos, and tapas can all be found in this quaint yet lively neighborhood.
Distance from Downtown: 2 miles/9-min drive
The Vibe: This tiny corner of town is full of 20-and-30-somethings eating burgers and drinking beer. On its outskirts you’ll find old houses and recording studios.
Belmont
Grab the best coffee and bagel you’ve ever had and watch the college kids walk to class.
Grab the best coffee and bagel you’ve ever had and watch the college kids walk to class. Belmont is next to 12 South and Hillsboro, so you might as well check out one of these neighborhoods too.
Distance from Downtown: 3 miles/13-minute drive
The Vibe: College-y; cheap eats/drinks, lots of students, professors, and of course the lovely Belmont University campus. Surrounding the college are beautiful, historic homes.
Green Hills
You’ll find local spots like the Greenhouse Bar, the mall if you want to shop, a mix of chain and local restaurants, and the famous Bluebird Cafe music venue.
You’ll find local spots like the Greenhouse Bar, the mall if you want to shop, some chain restaurants, and the famous Bluebird Cafe music venue.
Distance from Downtown: 5 miles/22-min drive
The Vibe: Boomers driving BMWs in search of a gin martini. You’ll find mansions, posh restaurants, a movie theater, nail salons, and spas with some cool local joints mixed in too.
Melrose
Nestled between 12 South and Berry Hill you’ll find Melrose, home to several local hot spots.
Nestled between 12 South and Berry Hill you’ll find Melrose, home to several local hot spots.
Distance from Downtown: 3 miles/12-min drive
The Vibe: Delicious locally owned restaurants, gas stations, and convenient stores can be found in Melrose. This is where locals go to run errands and get a bite to eat.
The Nations
This up-and-coming neighborhood continues to grow; amongst old buildings and businesses you’ll find spots that locals love.
This up-and-coming neighborhood continues to grow; amongst old buildings and businesses you’ll find new spots that locals love.
Distance from Downtown: 5 miles/12-min drive
The Vibe: Parents with small children and young singles live here, so you’ll find residential housing, family-friendly local breweries and restaurants, coffee shops where young professionals get work done and bars where they like to hang out when the work day is over.
Sylvan Park
Sylvan Park is a pretty residential neighborhood where you can find a park, a golf course, and a few beloved locally-owned restaurants.
Sylvan Park is a pretty residential neighborhood where you can find a park, a golf course, and a few beloved locally-owned restaurants.
Distance from Downtown: 6 miles/13-min drive
The Vibe: This is a “locals-only” spot; mostly people in their upper 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s live here. Fun happy hours and local eats galore.
Bourbon Steak on the 34th floor of the JW Marriott Hotel makes the best date night ever. Sweeping views of the city, delectable food, and hand-crafted cocktails.