Why the Grand Wailea in Maui is so Popular
Set on 40 acres of tropical paradise in Wailea, Maui, the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is one of Hawaii’s most iconic luxury properties. With slides interconnecting nine pools, the recently renovated spa, numerous restaurants, and a calm beach, it’s a destination that delivers both five-star indulgence and endless opportunities for fun and relaxation.
Over the years, I have stayed at the Grand Wailea three times, and family members have stayed there even more. Our most recent stay was a multigenerational trip spanning an age range of 75+ years young to 5 years old. It was amazing to see my parents having as much fun at the resort as my nieces.
Whether we were playing together on the slides, meeting for happy hour at the Napua Tower, taking a walk along the beach at sunset, or Gary and I having dinner at Nobu, it was evident from the smiles that everyone was having a good time.
In this Grand Wailea Maui review, I’ll share the best things to do at the resort (like the slides), where to stay within the resort, how to make the resort feel more like a boutique hotel and less like a mega resort, a review of the restaurants and spa, and I will give you insider tips (such as bringing your own innertube).
Location & Getting There
The Grand Wailea sits on Wailea Beach, one of Maui’s most beautiful and calm stretches of sand. The resort is just 35 minutes from Kahului Airport (OGG), and the flat, easy drive showcases the island’s changing landscapes, from the dry area of the island due to inadequate rainfall to lush valleys and ocean views.
The hotel is in the heart of the luxury corridor, where the best luxury resorts in Maui are located. A short distance from the Grand Wailea is the Four Seasons Maui, the Fairmont Kea Lani, and the Andaz. These Maui luxury hotels are close enough to visit for an afternoon at the spa and provide another option for dinner.
The Grand Wailea is also conveniently located near The Shops at Wailea (a 5-minute direct walk or a 20-minute stroll along the ocean), where there are several restaurants such as Lineage (fried chicken and garlic noodles are a must), Ruth’s Chris, Wolfgang, and Tommy Bahama.
Nearby, you can also find the Wailea Golf Club and Makena State Park.
Pro Tip: The resort offers a complimentary Wailea shuttle for guests traveling within a mile of the hotel, making it easy to explore without a car. We took advantage of this perk!
We opted not to rent a car, and the hotel arranged transportation (minivans) to and from the hotel for us. However, we also used Uber to/from our Maverick helicopter tour, and we didn’t have to wait long for a car. Given the high cost of parking, I’d skip renting a car unless you need one daily. We didn’t need it.
Best Time to Visit Maui
Maui is stunning year-round, but for the best mix of sunshine and calmer crowds:
- April–June and September–November offer perfect weather and fewer tourists.
- December–March brings whale-watching.
- Summer is family season, full of energy and long beach days.
Tip: Book at least three to six months ahead for the best rates and room selection. You can also sign up for the newsletter to find out about special rates and events.
Ocean View Rooms and Garden Retreats
Grand Wailea offers several room options. I have been lucky enough to experience many different types. My favorite room is the building near Molokini Wing because it is close to the pools, but not too close, it is a stone’s throw from the main hotel building, and the ocean views are terrific. The location of this tower feels more like staying at a boutique hotel than at a mega-resort.
Pro Tip: During one visit, we had an end room on the second floor of the Molokini Wing, with ocean views from two sides of the room!
This time around, my parents and my sister’s family enjoyed a deluxe ocean-view suite with an adjoining ocean-view room in the Napua Tower, perfect for a multi-generational family staying together. The views were incredible, and the sitting room in the suite separating the bedroom from the adjoining room gave my family a place to hang out and play games before bed. The sitting room also included a couch, a TV, an ocean-view balcony with a table and chairs, and a wet bar. Both guest rooms had Juliet balconies with unobstructed ocean views.
Our room was larger than the adjoining room, giving us plenty of space to move around. We had a partial ocean view from the balcony. Gary and I were also supposed to have an ocean-view room, but due to a corporate retreat, we experienced a few issues at check-in. The Grand Wailea was gracious and upgraded the family to the Napua Tower. This meant we didn’t have an unobstructed ocean view, but since we were not in our room much, we were happy to have a room in the upgraded tower.
By the way, my mom would be appalled if you thought she booked an ocean-view room for one daughter but not the other. So rest assured, we were supposed to have an ocean-view room as well.
Bathrooms
The marble bathrooms in all three rooms are oversized with separate showers and tubs, double vanity sinks, and a separate toilet area.
Napua Tower Perks
The Napua Tower at the Grand Wailea is a concierge-level experience, with exclusive perks like:
- Private check-in
- Complimentary daily breakfast, mid-day light snacks, and early evening hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails.
- A separate area of the lobby tower requiring keycard access
- A dedicated Napua concierge team
It’s an excellent option for families seeking a central meeting place and an extra sense of tranquility amid the resort’s high level of energy.
My nieces loved the opportunity to grab snacks every evening, and it was a fun way for the family to start to wind down the day. However, if you price out the extra cost of a stay in the Napua Tower, especially for a multi-generational group of eight travelers, it is pricey.
If you are traveling as a couple, I’d rather spend the money either on the resort grounds or splurging on an adventure like our Maverick helicopter tour. But as a family traveling together, it became a highlight that everyone looked forward to at the end of the day.
Ho‘olei Villas
In addition to the main hotel, guests can also rent villas with fully equipped kitchens. I have not stayed in the villas, but I have friends who have. For their multi-generational Maui adventure, they loved walking to the pools but appreciated a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the main Grand Wailea hotel.
Pools & Slides: Maui’s Most Epic Water Playground
What separates the Grand Wailea in Maui from other hotels in the area is the pool experience. The Grand Wailea’s nine-pool complex is a destination in itself. From a lazy river with gentle currents to a maze of interconnecting slides and caves, it beckons to all ages. Whether you are a little kid or just a kid at heart, you would be hard-pressed not to have fun at the pool.
My dad is obsessed with the slides in the best way possible. Watching him on the slides with my nieces is a memory I will have forever. You could see pure joy in their faces as they moved from one slide to the next.
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Numerous pools, some small, including Little Beach (for kids with sand on the bottom), and a large pool with a volleyball net
- Grotto swim-up bar (popular with the adults)
- Numerous slides, which range from the enclosed Lave Tube Slide to the open-air tube slide, and little ones in between.
- Tarzana swing
- Numerous hot tubs
- A quieter adult pool in a separate area from the rest of the pools and slides
Pool Pro Tips
- You can bring your pool floaties, and the hotel will blow them up for you by the pool. It is much cheaper than buying them at the hotel.
- When taking the slide from the grotto into the lazy river, there is an intense pull. Keep your arms and legs straight. I hurt my ankle, and over a month later, it was still sore.
- Sometimes finding a hot tub that isn’t full of people can be hard. I preferred the hot tub near the Tarzan swing and Grotto. It is a little hard to find, which is why it is often less crowded at night. From the Grotto, look toward the beach, and you will see a short path that leads up a few stairs to the hot tub. You won’t be able to see the hot tub from the pool.
Grand Wailea versus the Four Seasons Maui Resort
When deciding between the best luxury resorts in Maui, you have several options to explore. If you are looking for a quiet, serene escape, the Four Seasons Maui is probably suited for you. It is a slow-paced, calm environment, unlike the Grand Wailea, which is lively and buzzes with energy from young kids to older generations.
As much fun as we had, there are a few minor downsides to the pool area at the Grand Wailea:
- You have to wear a bracelet at the pool to show you are a hotel guest. I find this requirement super annoying. I cut the bracelet off when I left the hotel grounds. However, you have to provide the cut-off bracelet at the pool to get a replacement. The bracelets changed every few days, so we were constantly getting new ones. Not a fan.
- The hotel is huge, so it can take a while to walk from your room to the pool, unless you stay in the Molokini Wing.
- It’s odd, but there aren’t many bathrooms by the pool.
Pro Tip: When we were heading out for beach yoga, we saw people lining up at 7 am to get their first pick of a lounge chair. That is not my speed, and it wasn’t necessary. The hotel was completely sold out, and we never had trouble finding a lounge chair.
Wailea Beach: Calm Waters, Turtles & Pure Bliss
Right outside the resort is Wailea Beach, a soft-sand, swimmable bay with calm waves — perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkeling.
Guests can rent non-motorized equipment directly from the beach hut, including:
- Stand-up paddleboards
- Kayaks
- Snorkel gear
The water is as smooth as glass in the morning. Even in the afternoon when the wind swell picked up, the waves were still teeny tiny.
Guests can also take a snorkeling tour on kayaks or an outrigger to a few nearby snorkel spots. We also saw people swimming to the snorkel spots.
Pro Tip: I brought my own snorkel gear (mostly because I have a hard time finding a mask that fits), and it came in handy. You can buy or rent snorkel gear at the resort, but it was easier to bring my own.
You’ll often spot Hawaiian green sea turtles gliding just offshore. Every time I have stayed at the Grand Wailea, I have been lucky enough to see these large sea turtles. The majestic creatures disappear as quickly as they appear, never stopping to hang out for very long.
Kilolani Spa: Maui’s Legendary Sanctuary
The Grand Wailea Spa (Kilolani Spa) is one of the largest spas in Hawaii, featuring 50 treatment rooms and its famous Terme Hydrotherapy Circuit — complete with saunas, Roman baths, and healing mineral pools. Treatments fuse Hawaiian traditions with modern wellness, using ingredients like volcanic clay, sea salt, and kukui nut oil.
The newly renovated spa also offers numerous hot and cold outdoor shower options. I tried them all, except for the one where you can offload a bucket of freezing water on yourself. I was cold enough from the cold showers that I didn’t need to torture myself.
The mineral baths and hydrotherapy pools seemed more like a gimmick to me than a way to relax. It just wasn’t for me. But maybe if I were with Gary or a friend, I would have enjoyed the pools more.
Plus, the attendant who checked me in failed to give me a run-down of the amenities available. At first, I thought there was only a small pool near the ladies’ locker room available before I stumbled onto the coed pool.
My honest take on Kilolani Spa is that it is overpriced. I had sticker shock when I saw the price list. If you are an avid reader of The Trav Nav, you know I have had the privilege of staying at some of the world’s best hotels and experiencing their spas. So, when I tell you the Grand Wailea Kilolani Spa is expensive, I base my opinion not just on my gut reaction but on experience. I was shocked by the number of people (including me, for research purposes) who were paying the high spa prices.
I did enjoy the outdoor balcony overlooking the resort and the ocean after my massage.
Grand Wailea Spa versus the Four Seasons Spa
While in Maui, I also had a massage at the Four Seasons. What I don’t do to provide you with the best information!
The quality of the massages was on par with the Grand Wailea. Both were fantastic. But the Four Seasons, while still expensive, was significantly less than Grand Wailea. The pricing may change once the Four Seasons Maui completes its spa renovations.
Personally, if I stay at the Grand Wailea again, I would opt for the Four Seasons spa for four reasons: 1) the massage was just as good as the massage at the Kilolani Spa (again both were excellent); 2)it’s good to get off the resort grounds and have a different experience, 3) it is a short walk between the two hotels along the paved beach path (or about a min drive between the two, (don’t ask), and 4) I’d rather spend the money I saved on another experience.
You should, however, note that I rarely use the hydrotherapy baths before a treatment. It’s just not my thing. So you may enjoy the baths at the Grand Wailea more than I did.
Pro Tip: If you are staying elsewhere, you can still access the hydrotherapy baths by booking a massage or other treatment.
Timing: I booked my appointment while at the resort and had limited time/date options. I recommend booking an appointment at least a week in advance to reserve your desired time and treatment.
Grand Wailea Restaurants
From fine dining to casual eats, the Grand Wailea has a little of everything:
- NOBU Maui – Exquisite Japanese-Peruvian fusion with an oceanfront view. The food is delicious and a splurge. We had a drink at the bar while I tried a little bit of everything. The tuna tacos were amazing! Gary, who doesn’t eat raw fish, found enough on the menu to fill him up.
- Olivine – Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a Hawaiian twist. My favorite dish on the menu was the pizza.
- Aloha Trick Pony (Taco Truck) – Perfect for casual, flavorful lunches steps from the surf. We didn’t get a chance to try the taco truck. We didn’t even know it was there until the last day. It is right off the beach, but hidden by a bamboo walkway.
- Breakfast Buffet at Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (try pronouncing it) – the buffet offers your traditional more than you can eat options, plus freshly-made omelets, and sunrise ocean views. Dinner is also available at the restaurant.
- Wailea Surf Haus – Poolside dining with views of the ocean.
Pro Tip: I highly recommend you book a room that includes the breakfast buffet. I don’t know about you, but I only want to eat so much if I am going to be spending the day running around in a bathing suit. The breakfast buffet is expensive, so you would have to eat a lot to get your money’s worth if you paid for breakfast each day.
- Haleakalā Shave Ice –My family enjoyed Hawaiian shaved ice almost daily.
- Botero Lounge – On your walk over, take a look at the Botero statues. The Botero Lounge offers live music, drinks, and food. We met for a quick dinner one night. I had a poke bowl, but unfortunately was underwhelmed.
- Poolside Dining – Similar to the Botero Loung menu, it includes poke bowls, salads, and smoothies. The poolside dining menu was okay, but not great. I preferred the sides like the chips, salsa, and fries.
- Grand Wailea Shops: There is a market in the Grand Wailea shops that is good for grab-and-go food.
Insider Tip: NOBU reservations open 30 days out — set a reminder; it’s one of the hottest spots on the island.
The Shops at Wailea is less than a 10-minute walk and offers numerous dining options, from the Island Gourmet Markets, which has poke bowls, sushi, sandwiches, etc., to high-end steak restaurants like Ruth’s Chris and more local favorites like Lineage, which I highly suggest. It’s a short walk up the stairs and down the road to the Shops at Wailea.
Fitness, Fun & Wellness
Active travelers will love the state-of-the-art gym with Peloton bikes, free weights, and daily fitness classes, including sunrise yoga and challenging core classes. We did beachside yoga most mornings and loved it. The classes were a terrific way to start the day.
The quality of the yoga and gym teachers was superior to that of many other beach resorts we have stayed at. Beyond the gym, the resort’s activities concierge can arrange snorkeling tours, surf lessons, sunset sails, and hiking excursions.
Pro Tip: Try paddleboarding at sunrise for calm seas and unbeatable views.
Inside Tips & Things to Know Before You Go
- Book early: Rooms, cabanas, and spa appointments fill fast.
- Use the Wailea shuttle: Free and convenient for shopping or dining nearby.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen: Protects the local marine life.
- Stay a minimum of four nights: There’s too much to enjoy in a weekend.
- Budget for resort pricing: Meals and drinks are at a premium, especially at Nobu, but the quality there matches the setting.
Is the Grand Wailea Worth It? Absolutely.
The Grand Wailea blends old-school Hawaiian hospitality with modern luxury and a sense of play that appeals to people of all ages. It’s rare to find a resort that caters equally to kids, parents, and grandparents, but this one does it effortlessly.
We saw numerous other multi-generational families staying at the Grand Wailea during our visit. But we also met young families and couples of all ages who visit without their kids.
From lava tube slides to sunset sushi and sea turtles just steps away, this is one unique Hawaiian experience you’ll never forget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Grand Wailea a family resort?
Yes! The Grand Wailea is one of Maui’s best family resorts, offering multiple pools, slides, kids’ programs, and a beach with calm waters.
Is the Grand Wailea all-inclusive?
No, the Grand Wailea is not all-inclusive. The resort offers extensive on-site dining and activity options so you can enjoy a full resort experience without leaving the property. But depending on the type of room you book, breakfast may be included in the price of your room.
What airport do you fly into for the Grand Wailea?
Fly into Kahului Airport (OGG), which is about a 35-minute drive from the resort.
What is the best room at the Grand Wailea?
The Napua Tower rooms and suites offer the best luxury experience, including lounge access, daily meals, happy hours, and personalized concierge service. However, the Molokini Wing is closer to the pools and more convenient to the restaurants.
Can you see turtles at the Grand Wailea?
Yes! Sea turtles are often seen swimming near Wailea Beach.
Is the Grand Wailea worth the price?
Absolutely — for luxury travelers, families, and multigenerational groups, the resort’s amenities, beach access, and service justify the splurge.
How long should I stay at the Grand Wailea Maui?
I would suggest six nights and seven days, but no less than four nights and five days.
What are the best things to do at the Grand Wailea?
Hands down, the best thing to do at the Grand Wailea in Maui is to spend time on the pool slides. Everyone loves them. You may also enjoy the beach, walking on the beach path, beachfront yoga, or the spa.
What are the best things to do in Wailea?
The best things to do in Maui include the helicopter tour (which we did!), the bike the volcano at sunrise (need a permit and best to do on your way in, unless on a tour), surf, walk along the beach, Lual, take the road to Hana via a luxury ride or helicopter, snorkel, spa, and visit the South Maui Fish Co. for poke – it’s a must!
Do I need to rent a car while staying at the Grand Wailea in Maui?
The short answer is no. We arranged transportation through the hotel to/from the airport and used Uber to get to our excursion destinations. It was easy to get around without a car.
Final Thoughts
The Grand Wailea is a family-friendly resort and the best option for Maui multigenerational travel. We had a lot of fun with our family. Even before we left, one of my nieces asked if we could come back next year.
The Grand Wailea isn’t just a resort — it’s a destination within a destination. Whether you’re chasing thrills on the slides, relaxing at the spa, or sharing sunset moments with your family, it’s a luxury experience designed to make every generation feel at home in paradise.
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