HomeAmericasSpecial Report: Grand Wailea, Maui

Special Report: Grand Wailea, Maui

Travel + Leisure describes Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, as “one of Maui’s elite hotel addresses.”

It reports “the oceanfront family-friendly resort was originally inspired by six cultural and environmental influences of Maui: water, light, sound, flowers, trees, and art,” calling it a “stunning property” that “sprawls across 40 lush acres, complete with 900 world-class pieces of art, miles of manicured gardens, nine pools, seven dining outlets, and five bars, several upscale retail outlets, and an innovative new wellness destination, Kilolani Spa.”

Grand Wailea, Maui aerial view with pools
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

The resort has been recognized in Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards for the past seven years.

Conde Nast notes, “Although most resorts in Maui have open-air lobbies, none show off quite like the Grand Wailea. Arriving guests are greeted with leis and escorted through an open-air atrium filled with Botero sculptures and water fountains, all set against the backdrop of Pacific Ocean views.”

Guests include families who come annually, honeymooners, and other well-heeled vacationers, according to Conde Nast.

Pool with ocean and palm trees at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

Rated four stars by Forbes Travel Guide, its inspectors write, “If you dream of a vacation where you’d while away the day at the pool, try Grand Wailea Maui. The hotel boasts one of the most elaborate pools in Maui. The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool alone features nine individual pools on six various levels, offering endless activities for the whole family to enjoy.”

In December, Robb Report named its Adam Tihany-designed Olivine restaurant one of the 23 most beautiful eateries in the U.S.

Last year, Grand Wailea garnered the Platinum Choice Award from Smart Meetings.

Forbes says things are even sweeter now after a multi-hundred million investment. 

private pool at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldor Astoria

The resort says past guests will “discover a reimagined retreat shaped by nature and inspired by culture.”

Renovations have produced a “fresh, modern interpretation of Hawaiʻi to the resort, all while retaining the unique character and rich heritage that distinguish Grand Wailea as Maui’s premier luxury beachfront destination.”

Suites

Napua offers a collection of custom-designed guest rooms and suites in an exclusive space on the private upper floors. 

The accommodations have been reimagined and designed to create a tropical retreat, combining natural Hawaiian elements, contemporary interiors, and guest-centric luxury finishings to immerse guests in the laid-back pace of island life. 

From the finely polished Afyon Sugar Marble bathroom tiling to the signature solid teak lanai furniture and from the contemporary artwork selections adorning the walls to the walnut and quartz accents in the furnishings, each guest room and suite offers a sense of place.

You also get access to two private Napua Lounges, including a dedicated concierge and gourmet dining options daily, plus a selection of locally sourced snacks, beverages, coffees, and teas. 

The lounges also include a rotating lineup of memorable experiences, including a chef’s station and live entertainment.

Napua Grand Suite

Napau Grand Suite at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

The largest suite in the resort at 5,500 sq. ft., the ninth-floor, two-bedroom Napua Grand Suite is decorated with museum-quality artwork, lavish furnishings in the living area and bedrooms, and marble bathrooms; this expansive suite perfectly combines residential luxury and resort living.

Credit: Waldorf Astoria

It offers panoramic ocean views plus access to all Napua exclusive services and amenities such as a personal concierge, complimentary gourmet dining options throughout the day, a cocktail hour, and a lineup of unique experiences and entertainment. An optional adjoining room is available to create a three-bedroom suite (for 6,215 sq. ft.). The suite can hold up to 50 guests for small events and gatherings.

Napua Puakea Suite

Napua Puakea Suite at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

This new one-bedroom Napua Puakea Suite offers two bathrooms and a den and spans 2,254 sq. ft. Its kitchen offers a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and large lānai with ocean and sunset views from its 8th-floor location. It is also the perfect venue for family gatherings and events, with room for up to 40 guests.

Napua Malu Suite

Napua Malu Suite at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

Another of the new signature suites, the one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath Napua Malu Site, is 1,735 sq. ft. and offers a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and large lānai with views of the ocean and Maui sunset.

Napua Royal Suite

Napua Royal Suite at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

The expansive 1,950 sq. ft. Napua Royal Suites are spacious and airy, with parquet wood floors and large balconies, featuring one bedroom and one-and-a-half baths.

Napua Nani Suite

Napua Nani Suite at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

The 1,300 sq. ft. Napua Nani Suites feature a separate living room, bedroom, high-end amenities, and breathtaking views.

Restaurants and Bars 

Outdoor restaurant at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

Savor the flavors of Hawai’i by indulging in the resort’s imaginative culinary experiences, including brunch with a view at ʻIkena, special pop-up events at Botero Lounge, gourmet made-to-order and grab-and-go options at Loulu, authentic Italian dishes infused with local Hawaiian ingredients at Olivine, and its latest venue, Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, the award-winning signature seafood restaurant.

Olivine

Dishes at Olivine at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

The best of Italian cuisine from locally sourced ingredients, Maui Now raves about an eclectic menu, including “Molokaʻi sweet potato ravioli with lemon almond pesto, cacio e pepe prepared with tonnarelli, Parmigiano Reggiano, pepper and caviar, Hawaiian Kanpachi crudo plated with aged pancetta, smoky Romanesco, candied kumquats and ogo, and a selection of woodfired pizzas topped with seasonal ingredients.”

Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa

Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa restaurant at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

This comprehensively redesigned space features ocean views and an all-new refreshed menu, including a seafood market atmosphere. Maui Restaurant Blog praises its “menu shifts seasonally (and) new offerings are good ideas executed well.”

Loulu

Loulu at Grand Wailea, Maui, an outdoor bar
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

Loulu is a wellness-focused market café featuring homegrown, handcrafted foods, made-to-order items, and a selection of best-selling products from Erewhon, the iconic LA-based organic grocer and café.

Grand Lūʻau

a grand lua'au at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

Experience Hawaiian culture with an authentic lūʻau featuring traditional ceremonies, music, and dishes such as poi, kālua pig, poke, and haupia.

ʻIkena

'Ikena at Grand Wailea, Maui fresh fruit for breakfast
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

Enjoy picturesque views of the sea and sky and revel in the island’s natural beauty at the resort’s signature indoor-outdoor breakfast buffet.

Aloha Trick Pony

Aloha Trick Pony food truck at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

The food truck Aloha Trick Pony is in the Surf Garden and offers a menu featuring tasty tacos, taco salads, and the famous smoked brisket nachos.

Wailea Surf Haus

Cool off from the sun with your favorite libation or a light lunch at Wailea Surf Haus, the walk-up beach bar steps from the surf.

Grotto Bar

Grotto bar at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

Nestled among the cascading waterfalls, intricate caves, and the activity pool, the Grotto Bar has a selection of light bites and specialty cocktails.

Special Dining Experiences

outdoor private dining at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

For something special, your concierge can arrange kitchen takeovers and secret off-menu specials created just for you. 

Pools and Beach

The 4,850 square feet Hibiscus Pool is named for the giant Hibiscus flower inlaid on the bottom of the pool made from over 630,000 pieces of Mexican glass mosaic tile. The entire pool contains over 2.2 million individual tiles and features two Jacuzzis. This pool is reserved for guests 18 and older.

Cabanas by the pool at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is a 2,000-foot-long, 25,700-square-foot, 770,000-gallon pool area consisting of nine individual pools on six levels. It features a lazy river, five intertwining slides, a whitewater rapids slide, a Tarzan pool with rope swing, a sandy bottom lagoon, six waterfalls, caves, three Jacuzzis, and a swim-up bar.

Main pool at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

The Lava Tube Slide is a three-story drop slide splashing into an updated and refreshed pool.

Just steps away is Wailea Beach, rated one of the best beaches on Maui and one of the top beaches in the world. 

Kilolani Spa

The newly opened Kilolani Spa at Grand Wailea is a wellness destination that merges Hawaiian principles and practices with advanced wellness techniques and technologies.

Kilolani spa at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

The indoor and outdoor spaces provide a range of communal and private settings for signature wellness experiences and rituals for individual guests, couples, and groups.

Also featured is the biostation, a cutting-edge functional medicine center that addresses every aspect of your physical well-being through a comprehensive array of anti-aging and wellness services, preventive healthcare, and personalized treatment plans. 

Fitness

Peloton on pool deck at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

If you want to enjoy the nature of the setting, the resort offers outdoor cycling classes, beach yoga, and complimentary beach cruiser bikes.

The 2,500-square-foot modern fitness center features Peloton bikes and Tonal and Technogym fitness equipment. 

Golf

Golf Course at Grand Wailea, Maui
Credit: Waldorf Astoria

Guests have access to Wailea Golf Course. It features the Gold (recognized as one of the top 100 resort golf courses in the U.S.), Blue and Emerald courses, two full-service pro shops, and the Wailea Golf Academy.

VIP Access

Visit Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, or email JHMGW-vipreservations@waldorfastoria.com.

Doug Gollan
Doug Gollanhttp://douggollandotcom.wordpress.com
I am Editor-in-Chief of Private Jet Card Comparisons and DG Amazing Experiences, and a Contributor to Forbes.com.
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