Wailea may play second cousin to the more well-known Ka'anapali Beach resort area in Maui, but it is equally blessed with sun-swept sandy beaches and world-class resorts. Throw in an amazing collection of championship-caliber golf courses and an assortment of fine restaurants and you have the mix for a memorable vacation. Hotels in Wailea run from the ultra-luxurious to the more moderately priced.
While it is true that when in Wailea you do have the entire Pacific Ocean to splash about in, the Grande Wailea Resort and Spa adds another dimension to the water lover's vacation. Grab a colorful inner tube and float down a serpentine river pool that winds its way through the hotel grounds. Some parts of this man-made river are calm with hidden grottoes to lounge in. Others make you hold on to the edges of that inner tube as you ride frothy rapids. Ride water slides from one level of pools to the next. When you get to the bottom, walk back up to the top or take the water elevator. This elevator, the first of its kind on the island, has you sit on the rubber floor and wait for the water to rise and "elevate" you to the next level. Then just swim out.
The Grand Wailea is built in a petroglyph shape with rooms offering ocean, pool or garden views. The most deluxe section is the Napua Tower, which is a "hotel within the hotel." This tower has two private lounge areas, its own concierge, larger rooms and use of all the other hotel amenities. All hotel guests are charged a daily resort fee, which provides unlimited access to the Spa Grande Fitness Center, aerobics classes and the twice-daily scuba lessons. Dine at any of the five on-site restaurants, including upscale Humu, which overlooks the Pacific.
Grand Wailea Resort and Spa
3850 Wailea Alanui Drive
Wailea, HI 96753
800-888-6100
grandwailea.com
The sweeping curved roof of the Fairmont Kea Lani gives the impression of an elegant Mediterranean palace rather than a deluxe resort on the island of Maui. The architect, Jose Luis Ezquierra, managed to blend architectural features from the Middle East and Mexico with those of Hawaii to create an elegant, airy and romantic atmosphere. Couples seeking privacy can find it in one of the elegantly appointed suites complete with marble cave shower and free-standing soaking tub big enough for two. All rooms in the main building at the Fairmont Kea Lani are one- or two-bedroom suites with mini-kitchens and fully furnished balconies. Views vary from garden, pool and, on the upper floors, ocean. A separate section, the Kea Lani Villas, fronts the ocean and offers two- and three-bedroom apartment-style units, each with its own private swimming pool. The wings of the hotel surround tropically landscaped grounds complete with a free-form swimming pool that winds its way from one hidden alcove to another. Arched bridges create semi-private corners with lounge chairs and hot tubs. One part of the pool is reserved for adults only.
The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui Hotel
4100 Wailea Alanui Drive
Wailea, HI 96753
808-875-4100
fairmont.com
The focal point of the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa is its oceanfront Serenity Pool. The infinity-edge design gives the illusion that you could swim forever. Reserve an over-the-water cabana and take in the panoramic view of the Pacific and the neighbor islands of Lanai and Kahoolawe. The pool is for adults only. Children have their own pool and water slide area called Wailele.
Try a game of golf at one of the three courses at the Wailea Golf Club and then come back to the resort for a massage or a sauna at the Mandara Spa. Walk next door to the Shops at Wailea or grab a towel and hit Ulua and Wailea beaches, which front the property. At the end of the day, visit the Mala Wailea restaurant for some Mediterranean fare. This 497-room property also caters to groups and has an on-site coordinator for weddings and business functions.
Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa
3700 Wailea Alanui
Wailea, HI 96753
808-879-1922
marriott.com
