Ka Pā Inu

Ka Pā Inu means "the drinking place" — and at Wailea it is a row of pale stone seats set just below the surface, where the water stays warm all afternoon.

The pool's edge disappears into the channel between Maui and Kaho'olawe, so guests sip with their shoulders in the water and the West Maui mountains floating across the blue.

Hawaiians have always gathered where fresh water meets salt. A swim-up bar is only the newest version of a very old habit: standing waist-deep together, talking story until the light goes gold.