Wooing the likes of Paris, Nicole and Britney, the vogue hotels, boutiques and dining boites of Maui at Wailea provide endless touches of cosseting. Its intimate beaches makes Wailea a beguiling getaway for affluent newlyweds, but it's also emerging as a destination for art collectors. Julie Cline of Julie Cline Fine Art Services grew up on Oahu during "The Golden Age of Hawaii," after her father was transferred from Stanford University to become a swim coach at a private school. Inspired by a strong respect for Hawaiian history, the transplant returned to Hawaii in the 1990s to develop the only historical art collection spanning from Capt. John Cook's discovery in 1778, to statehood in 1959. It resides at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Big Island. Cline then researched Maui's under-the-radar arts scene, and assembled "Artists of Maui: An Assembly of Maui's Finest Artists" at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea ( www.fourseasons.com/maui). She shares what makes Maui's art scene so special:

Fine art, not tourist art

"So many Mainlanders have come to Maui to become artists, many of whom are more commercially minded. I am dedicated to the fine arts and to artists with sophisticated talents and education in the arts. There is a major distinction between the two, especially in Hawaii. In Maui, I am very keen on Claudia Johnson, who is based out toward Hana. She works in dimensional sculpture with strawberry guava branches which she ages and paints and chicken wire which she shapes into seductive forms. I also love what Hui Press ( www.huipress.com) is doing with artists in residence and redefining the printing process. Hui Press is the oldest print-making studio in Hawaii, housed in a beautiful historical building called Hui No'Eau in Makawao. Its master printmaker, Paul Mullowney, studied print making in Japan for nine years and brings in the most gorgeous hand made rice papers."

Hawaiian history through art

"Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is at the forefront of a huge art movement on Maui as the first property anywhere in the islands to create a comprehensive contemporary Hawaiian art collection telling the story of the history of artists of Hawaii in a permanent exhibition interpreting the cultural arts of Hawaii in a modern way. The new art installation encompasses works from Hawaii's statehood in 1959 to present day and includes over 280 unique and original pieces of fine art including paintings, sculptures, photography, master works on paper, ceramics, textiles, artifacts, wood vessels and feather lei from Hawaii artists. The goal was to create a visually captivating experience throughout the property by weaving together the story told by this 'next generation' of artists working, living or born in Hawaii, which reflects Hawaii's rich palette and textures, while evoking the energy of the land and sea in a bold style."

Festival for arts

"Maui's annual four-day paean to the arts, Celebration of the Arts, takes place each April at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua ( www.ritzcarlton.com). The event focuses on native Hawaiian art, storytelling, dance, health, education and politics with a grand finale of lu'au, hula dancing, traditional Hawaiian dishes and after hours entertainment." For more information, call (808) 669-6200.

Meet and mix with the locals

"Several years ago, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea launched its 'Artists of Maui' program as a forum for guests to meet local artists. The weekly event drew such a popular response that it's now held daily in the lower lobby. Find a piece you love, you can charge it to your hotel room and have the artist ship it home to you."

And finally, fish

"You can't visit Maui, or any island of Hawaii, without trying mahi mahi. This mild fish, also known as dolphin-fish (not the mammal) or dorado, is a lunch-plate staple throughout Hawaii. Although it's not based in Wailea, but about a 30-minute drive away in Lahaina, the mahi mahi preparation at David Paul's Lahaina Grill ( www.lahainagrill.com) is especially good."

Charyn Pfeuffer is a Carmel Valley writer. She contributes regularly to Chronicle Magazine, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Relish and Where.

This article appeared on page P - 22 of the San Francisco Chronicle