Where luxury and wellness converge: A review of Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort

Maui, an island known for its luxury resorts, offers a combination of family-friendly accommodations, stunning ocean views, and wellness-focused amenities. Nestled on Wailea Beach in southern Maui, Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, provides sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Following a massive renovation, the resort blends its signature luxury experience with a family-friendly atmosphere, now featuring Hawaii's largest spa.

My first visit to Grand Wailea Maui was in 2008, but the resort's impressive $350 million renovation brought me back this year to experience the fresh upgrades.

While the residents of Lahaina in West Maui continue to rebuild after last year's devastating fires, tourism to other parts of the island is crucial. For those looking to relax in style, Grand Wailea Maui is an ideal destination—and here’s why it remains a top choice for travelers.

What is Grand Wailea Maui?

Grand Wailea Maui, affectionately known as "the Grand" by locals, spans 40 acres of lush landscape, extending from Wailea Beach up toward the slopes of Haleakala. With nine unique pools, nine dining options, and more than 800 rooms, suites, and villas, the resort caters to a diverse range of travelers.

Part of Hilton’s prestigious Waldorf Astoria collection since 2007, Grand Wailea Maui was originally developed by Japanese entrepreneur Takeshi Sekiguchi. The resort opened its doors in 1991 as the Grand Hyatt Wailea, featuring one of the largest art collections in Hawaii, now boasting 80 works by local artists like Herb Kawainui Kane, as well as internationally renowned artists such as Fernando Botero and Fernand Leger. Over the years, the resort has expanded with additions like the Hoolei Villas in 2008 and its recent major renovation.

How to book a stay at Grand Wailea Maui

There are several options for booking a stay at Grand Wailea Maui, starting directly on the Hilton website. Room rates begin around $900 per night, inclusive of taxes and fees. Hilton Honors members may find special rates through the website. For those wishing to redeem Hilton Honors points, standard redemptions start at 110,000 points per night.

You can also book the resort through American Express Travel, where cardholders can earn 5 points per dollar when using The Platinum Card® from American Express. As a Fine Hotels + Resorts property, guests enjoy perks like complimentary breakfast, 4 p.m. late checkout, and other exclusive FHR benefits. Additionally, booking through Amex Travel can earn up to a $200 statement credit for FHR or Hotel Collection properties. A quick search for September dates shows an Amex FHR promotion offering a fourth night free, with the average nightly rate coming to $729 or 72,925 Amex Membership Rewards points per night.

Capital One cardholders can also book through the Capital One Travel portal to earn miles, although the resort is not part of the Premier or Lifestyle collections.

When booking Grand Wailea Maui, consider using a credit card that maximizes points for Hilton stays, or one that offers automatic Hilton Honors elite status for extra perks. These include:

• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn 12 points for every dollar spent at Hilton hotels, enjoy automatic Gold elite status, and get the chance to elevate to Diamond status by spending $40,000 on eligible purchases within a calendar year, valid until the end of the following year.
• Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Earn 12 points per dollar on qualifying Hilton hotel purchases, automatic Gold elite status, and an upgrade to Diamond status when you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.
• Hilton Honors American Express Card: Earn 7 points per dollar spent on Hilton hotel purchases and enjoy automatic Silver elite status, with the opportunity to upgrade to Gold if you spend $20,000 on qualifying purchases in a calendar year.
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Earn 14 points per dollar on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels and automatically enjoy Diamond elite status.

The details for the Hilton Aspire Card have been gathered independently by Dinogo. This page’s card information has not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

The location of Grand Wailea Maui

Grand Wailea Maui is located about 20 minutes south of Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG). On my return visit since 2017, I was pleased to find a newly built rental car center connected to the terminal via tram. Renting a car is highly recommended if you plan to explore beyond the resort, such as Maui’s Upcountry or its many beautiful beaches and local dining spots. According to the resort, valet parking is available for $65 per day, per vehicle, but this charge is separate from the daily resort fee. Self-parking is not offered. Alternatively, guests can rent a car for the day at the resort’s on-site Enterprise Rent-A-Car desk, conveniently located in the lobby.

The Wailea region is truly stunning, offering a wealth of championship golf courses and luxury resorts. A scenic beach path connects several of the area’s top hotels, including Fairmont Kea Lani, Four Seasons Resort Maui, Grand Wailea Maui, Marriott's Wailea Beach Resort, and Andaz Maui. It’s common to see people strolling along the path in the mornings for a workout or in the evenings heading to nearby resorts for dinner. The Shops at Wailea, an upscale shopping center, is just a quarter-mile from Grand Wailea Maui and is easily accessible by a sidewalk.

If you'd prefer not to drive but still want to explore Maui, the resort concierge can assist in arranging excursions with local tour operators.

A warm greeting awaits you

Upon arriving at the resort, guests shouldn’t be daunted by the vastness of the property or the impressive bronze statue of King Kamehameha I, the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii. From the friendly valet greeting to the welcoming smiles at the front desk, the Hawaiian spirit of aloha is immediately felt the moment you step onto the grounds.

As my family strolled through the open-air lobby, we paused to admire the striking sculptures on display. Statues of male and female hula dancers flanked both sides of the entrance, guiding us toward the 'lucky mermaid' statue and its accompanying water feature, located just in front of the Botero lobby bar — a popular spot for photos upon arrival and departure.

During check-in, we were greeted with welcome leis made from kukui nuts, and my daughter was presented with a shark's tooth necklace along with a kids' passport book filled with stickers that could later be exchanged for a surprise gift.

The newly renovated rooms and suites are airy, bright, and designed to provide a relaxing atmosphere.

As part of the hotel’s recent renovations, the rooms and suites received a fresh, airy update, moving away from the previous coral-heavy color scheme. The new design features soft, modern neutral tones, complemented by contemporary artwork that highlights island-inspired themes throughout the spaces.

Most of the rooms at the resort open onto expansive exterior walkways that overlook the lush grounds, giving guests easy access to the pleasant outdoor weather as they walk to and from their rooms. Many rooms and suites also have water-facing balconies, or lanais, which bring the natural beauty of the outdoors right into the comfort of the rooms.

Along with standard updates to existing accommodations, the hotel introduced 11 new luxurious wellness-oriented guest rooms in June, now available for reservations.

Each wellness-focused room is equipped with a variety of amenities designed to enhance guests' health and relaxation. These include Therabody compression boots, a massage gun, meditation goggles, an air purifier, premium eucalyptus bedding, and a white-noise sound machine. Guests will also enjoy a lanai that opens up to a green space, providing easy access to the garden and the ability to move outdoors. Additionally, they have access to the Kilolani Spa’s Hydrothermal Gardens. Wellness room rates begin at $1,262 per night.

The suite experience

Suites at Grand Wailea Maui start at approximately $2,770 per night (with nonrefundable rates beginning at $2,085 per night). The suites vary in size, ranging from a spacious 1,280 square feet (Honuaula Suite) to the expansive 5,500 square feet of the Napua Grand Suite, the largest suite on the property, each featuring multiple lanais.

For those seeking villa-style accommodations with more space and fully equipped kitchens, the Hoolei Villas are available. These villas, which accommodate six to eight guests, range in size from 3,400 to 4,000 square feet.

We stayed in a Molokini Suite, which spans 1,950 square feet and includes a king bed and a sleeper sofa — perfect for a family of three, offering ample space for everyone. The suite’s abundance of windows allowed natural light to flood the room from all directions, giving the space a bright and airy atmosphere.

The suite was elegantly designed with modern neutral-toned wooden and glass furniture accented by pops of royal blue. It featured an entryway with a half bath, a living room furnished with a plush couch and a 65-inch TV, a dining room with a large wooden table and six blue-upholstered chairs, a bedroom, and a fully equipped kitchen. The kitchen included a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and plenty of counter space for entertaining, plus a separate entrance for service staff when hosting events.

The king-sized bed was adorned with signature Waldorf Astoria linens by Frette — a luxurious 400-thread-count cotton sateen, complemented by plush feather and down pillows, ensuring a deeply restful night’s sleep.

The master bathroom was a marble-clad oasis, featuring a whirlpool tub and a separate glass-enclosed shower. It offered ample storage space and a roomy closet for hanging clothes.

In line with the suite’s bright and natural atmosphere, the bathroom featured large windows above the tub, framing views of both the beach and the ocean. The hotel-branded bath products came in eco-friendly refillable pump bottles and had a tropical honey-mango fragrance, which has become a signature scent of Maui since my first visit in 2008.

One of the standout features of this suite was its three balconies, each offering breathtaking ocean views. Whether sipping morning coffee while listening to the sound of the waves or unwinding in the evening to watch the sunset, the balconies provided the perfect setting for both relaxation and enjoyment.

Valuable resort fee inclusions

While resort fees often draw mixed reactions, I must highlight that the $55 daily charge at Grand Wailea Maui includes some of the most practical amenities, especially for families, that I’ve experienced at a luxury resort.

Expect to find a variety of included activities such as beach cruiser rentals, daily scuba clinics, and beach umbrellas. The resort also offers a diverse selection of classes and experiences, like yoga, photography workshops, and lessons in hula and ukulele. Additionally, guests receive two water bottles per stay with refill stations available throughout the property.

Keep in mind, if you redeem Hilton Honors points for your stay, the daily resort fee is waived.

Oceanfront dining options

The resort boasts an impressive selection of nine restaurants, with room service also available. Nearly every dining spot offers stunning ocean views, elevating the experience. Whether you're enjoying a laid-back poolside meal or indulging in a sophisticated dinner at Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, the resort ensures there’s something to satisfy every taste, even the pickiest of eaters.

Wailea Surf Haus

Located at the pool level, Wailea Surf Haus offers both shaded seating under umbrellas and takeout options for a relaxed dining experience.

I opted for the lobster BLT ($34), served on lightly toasted Hawaiian bread with a generous serving of sweet lobster salad and fresh tomatoes. The combination of crispy bacon and crunchy lettuce made it a standout sandwich — definitely one of the best I've tasted, surpassing even classic New England lobster rolls! For kids, there are plenty of options including chicken tenders with fries, burgers, hot dogs, and wraps.

Loulu

Loulu, the resort's convenient wellness cafe, is located on the walkway between the boutiques. It features Erewhon products — a first for the popular L.A. brand to partner with a hotel — and offers a selection of salads, sandwiches, poke bowls, wraps, and flatbreads. Guests can enjoy their meal on the walkway, which provides scenic views of the gardens and ocean. It’s a perfect spot for a quick meal or an after-dinner gelato for both kids and adults.

Ikena

Located just off the lower lobby with a view of the ocean, Ikena offers an indoor-outdoor breakfast buffet. Guests can enjoy a variety of classic American breakfast options along with international dishes, all while seated under large umbrellas that provide shade and allow the cool ocean breezes to enhance the experience.

The breakfast buffet offers a wide range of options, from fresh seasonal fruits and yogurt to a variety of cereals and salads. Hot dishes include pancakes, waffles, crepes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and an omelet station where you can even request a lobster omelet. Additionally, you’ll find miso soup, congee, fresh meats, cheeses, and an assortment of homemade baked goods. The buffet is priced at $45 for children (keiki) and $57 for adults.

Humuhumunukunukuapuaa

Named after the Hawaiian fish, Humuhumu (its popular nickname) is the resort's signature restaurant, offering a selection of fresh seafood alongside steak, pork chops, and chicken dishes. The restaurant is set within a series of thatched huts overlooking a lagoon, creating a dreamy ambiance, especially as the sun sets over the ocean.

A stunning aquarium is integrated into the bar, offering guests the chance to watch fish glide beneath their drinks — a unique and captivating feature that adds to the charm of cocktail hour.

The service throughout the evening was attentive yet relaxed, striking the perfect balance for a family-friendly dinner. To kick off the meal, we began with fresh ube brioche rolls served with a sweet passion fruit butter ($16).

For a twist on a classic cocktail, I tried the gin mule, which was delightful. The Wailea Beach Mule ($23) is made with local Fid Street gin, lychee syrup, fresh lemon, and Q hibiscus ginger beer.

For our dinner, we savored a variety of dishes including abalone and clam chowder, topped with crispy bacon and fresh chives ($30); a Kona crab cake served with a heart of palm salad and lime remoulade ($32); and a tender 10-ounce filet mignon ($75). The kids' menu features meals starting at $24, and includes a sweet gelato treat to finish.

I highly recommend this restaurant during your stay at the resort. It offers an elevated yet relaxed atmosphere, top-notch cuisine, and attentive service.

Botero

Nestled in the heart of the resort's open-air lobby is Botero, a bar named after the renowned Colombian artist. Surrounded by sculptures of his work, Botero offers a menu of sushi, light snacks, and cocktails, with seating available at both tables and the bar. It's the perfect spot if you're craving a lighter bite without trekking to Olivine or Humuhumu, and you can enjoy live music most evenings.

Pools and beaches

Grand Wailea boasts an impressive nine pools, making it feel more like a water park. Despite the variety of options, the pools never seemed overcrowded, and we always found lounge chairs close to the pool of our choice.

The expansive pool area is located between the resort's buildings and the ocean. It features a variety of options, including the adults-only Hibiscus Pool, a sandy kiddie pool with a beach-like edge, a Tarzan swing, and several smaller interconnected pools with mini slides that lead into a thrilling whitewater rapids slide and a lazy river.

The resort features two enclosed water slides, adding even more excitement to the experience. Guests can also explore the waterfalls, caves, and enjoy the sandy stretch of Wailea Beach. I may have made a few stops at the Grotto bar by the pool, where I indulged in a refreshing lava flow (a mix of strawberry and pina colada for $20) on my way to the lazy river.

Each day, guests are required to check in at the pool concierge desk to receive their daily wristband and pick up towels. Adjacent to the concierge, there’s a pool shop that stocks essentials like swimsuits, sunscreen, and pool toys. We had forgotten to bring toys, but luckily, we were able to purchase a round inner tube for $8 and a set of cloth water balls for $6.

Kilolani Spa

The newly renovated Kilolani Spa, formerly known as Spa Grande, is absolutely breathtaking. This expansive 50,000-square-foot space spans two levels, making it the largest spa in Hawaii. Built from the ground up, the spa’s design is inspired by Hawaiian culture and the phases of the moon. The name Kilolani is a tribute to ancient Hawaiian stargazers and serves as a reminder to guests to stay in harmony with nature’s rhythms.

The spa and its full-service salon are decorated in soothing colors, with calming blues and neutral shades throughout. Each of the 40 treatment rooms is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems for a truly immersive experience.

As I entered the fully accessible spa, I was immediately enveloped in a serene, healing atmosphere. The spa guide gently encouraged me to pause and set my intentions, letting go of any negative thoughts before starting my journey toward relaxation.

I was provided with a luxurious silk-blend kimono, slippers, and a spa bracelet to securely lock and unlock my locker.

Booking a spa treatment grants all-day access to the spa facilities, including the open-air hydrotherapy gardens. These tranquil gardens are beautifully landscaped, with cozy seating areas for relaxation. Guests can enjoy a variety of features such as steam and sauna rooms with eucalyptus aromatherapy, a hot and cold shower circuit, a cold plunge, a heated Jacuzzi, and warming stone benches.

The hydrotherapy gardens are located on both the men's and women's sides of the spa, with a shared co-ed saltwater vitality pool and hammam in the center. Guests with a scheduled spa treatment enjoy complimentary access to these soothing areas, and it's suggested to arrive at least an hour before your treatment to unwind. If you're not booked for a treatment, you can purchase a two-hour pass for $150 to experience the open-air hydrotherapy gardens.

Private 45-minute sessions are available for booking in the Himalayan salt rooms and for infrared halotherapy, each priced at $89.

While awaiting my treatment, I was invited to unwind in the open-air co-ed lounge located on the second floor, offering views of the Hibiscus adult pool and the ocean.

The lounge had comfortable seating, and on the entry table were healthy homemade snack bars, fresh fruit, and infused waters.

During my visit, I opted for the 120-minute Helu Po Ritual ($489 plus tax and gratuity). This treatment, recommended by the staff, featured a 60-minute body scrub followed by a 60-minute hot stone massage, inspired by the Hawaiian lunar calendar to honor the deep connection between the celestial and spiritual realms.

The scrub left my skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated. After a quick rinse in the private treatment room, the therapist returned to begin the hot stone massage. It was so calming, I’m fairly sure I drifted off for a few minutes... twice.

Overall, the spa experience was wonderfully relaxing, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind and treat myself to a few hours of pure tranquility.

Boutiques and local vendors

Shopping at the resort offers a range of options, from high-end jewelry and artwork to brands like Tommy Bahama, Makana Gifts with Aloha, a boutique for both men and women, and Quiksilver. You can also visit the Kilolani Spa retail shop or the pool activity shop.

Family-friendly activities, including the Grand Luau

This resort goes above and beyond to offer family-friendly experiences. From pools and beaches to cultural activities, there’s no shortage of fun for kids. Most activities are held at the Kilohana Resource and Cultural Center, right by the resort shops. The lineup includes ukulele lessons, lei-making workshops, weaving, and so much more.

In addition to the variety of activities, a Hawaiian cultural ambassador leads weekly tours around the resort, giving families a chance to explore Hawaiian history and traditions through storytelling and artifacts found on the property.

Parents should accompany their children to the activities, and while there isn’t currently a kids’ club, the resort is planning to establish one. For now, parents who wish to enjoy a spa retreat can take advantage of childcare services recommended by the resort.

One very special activity to note is the Grand Luau, which is available on select dates — I recommend calling the resort ahead of time to book it — and takes place on one of two oceanfront lawns at the resort. It's an entertaining and enriching experience from start to finish. Local vendors set up before the show and display everything from wood carvings to handmade jewelry, woven grass purses and other handmade gifts and souvenirs.

When we arrived at the luau, we were greeted with traditional leis for the adults and a special necklace for our daughter, along with a variety of drink options, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. We were then escorted to our private table, which was a nice touch, especially after having experienced luaus with shared seating and buffet-style meals.

The Grand Luau featured a family-style meal served at our own private table, offering several delicious courses throughout the evening.

The food was abundant and delicious, but the highlight of the evening was the captivating performances. The emcee brought to life Polynesian myths and the rich history of Hawaii, offering guests a chance to engage with Hawaiian culture through dance and storytelling. Luau prices start at $275 for adults and $170 for children.

Accessibility

Grand Wailea Maui's website makes it easy to find accessible room options. You can view a complete list of features designed for accessibility.

The resort’s public areas are designed for accessibility, with spacious hallways, ramps, and elevators. The paved pathways throughout the resort provide easy access to the beach, pools, and pool chair lifts.

Kilolani Spa has been thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps, elevators, and wide doorways that allow easy access to all treatment rooms and common areas.

Checking out

As our time came to an end, no one was quite ready to leave this tropical paradise. During checkout, my daughter handed in her completed kids’ passport book, having discovered all the hidden spots around the resort. As a reward, she received a beautiful hand-carved wooden sea turtle necklace, which left her overjoyed.

It was another unforgettable family vacation, made even more special by the exceptional staff. We didn’t realize until we got home that the resort has a webcam you can watch for a daily dose of paradise. I’ll definitely be tuning in until we can return.