Filming locations in Maui

Maui is where the whole White Lotus saga began, on the manicured shore of Wailea, and the original resort is still very much there to visit. The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea was the first season's White Lotus Hawaii, supplying the lobby, the infinity pool and the oceanfront suites in which the guests slowly came undone. It is a guest-only luxury property, so book well ahead if you want to actually check in for high season.

Even without a room, the location is not off-limits. Hawaii's beaches are public by law, so you can reach Wailea Beach itself via the marked shoreline access path, and the Wailea Beach Path strings together several resorts along the same stretch of sand for an easy stroll past the screen backdrop. It is a pretty, low-effort way to stand where the season opens.

The real reward of Maui is everything beyond the hotel gates. The island delivers the famous volcano road to Hāna, a sunrise above the clouds at the summit of Haleakalā, and some of the easiest, clearest snorkelling in the Pacific. The Haleakalā sunrise in particular needs a reserved slot, so sort that in advance if a dawn above the cloud line is on your list.

Wailea makes the natural base for a screen-and-beach trip, with the resort strip well placed for both the coast and the drive up the volcano. Maui is a year-round warm-water destination, though winter brings bigger surf and the chance of passing whales offshore. Rent a car to make the most of the island's spread-out highlights, and pace the Hāna road as a full unhurried day rather than a dash.