Review: Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Give us your first impressions.
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. This is no small resort, with 780 guest rooms, a 50,000-square-foot spa, a massive pool area with waterslides, several shops, and a chapel.

What's the backstory?
Grand Wailea is a Waldorf Astoria Resort and, much like the neighboring Four Seasons, it’s been a popular getaway for families since it opened in the early 1990s. The developer even created the world’s first water elevator within one of the pools for his disabled son; today it remains a cool feature that everyone can enjoy.

How are the rooms?
Rooms here start at a generous 640 square feet, and all feature little lanais. Views are dependent on room rate and might overlook the gardens, mountains, or ocean. If price isn't a huge concern, book one in the Napua tower, which will come with a dedicated lounge for snacks and drinks, plus a personal concierge.

Is Wi-Fi free?
Wi-Fi is included in your $50 daily resort fee, which also covers beach umbrellas, scuba clinics, snorkel lessons, a 45-minute photography session, yoga classes, and a few other activities and services.

What's the food scene like?
There are several food and drink options, including a casual poolside café, a breakfast buffet with great ocean views, and a lobby lounge that serves seriously fresh sushi. But the one restaurant to not miss is Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, named for the state fish, a sprawling overwater bungalow that serves elegant dinner dishes with Hawaiian and Polynesian touches and local ingredients.

How was the service?
Although there are 1,500 employees who work here, the resort can, at times, feel understaffed, especially by the pool and beach, where long waits for service are common. One key person to meet is Kainoa Horcajo, the on-staff Hawaiian Cultural Ambassador. Born and raised on Maui, he knows everything, every place, and seemingly, everyone on the island.

Who else is here?
Well-heeled families, some of whom have been coming for decades. There are a handful of honeymooners and retirees, along with large groups, as well.

What about the neighborhood? What else is here?
The resort is in ritzy Wailea, an upscale resort area on Maui’s southwestern coast. There are several high-end hotels, along with residences, golf courses, tennis courts, a shopping center, and a scenic coastal path.

Anything you'd change?
There’s a wristband policy at the pools. For kids, the brightly colored shimmery bands are fun to collect—the longer the stay, the taller the arm stack. But for adults, it’s a little annoying to have to get a wristband just to sunbathe.

What other features stand out?
Grand Wailea has the largest spa in Hawaii, undergoing a renovation and recently renamed Kilolani, with a whopping 40 treatment rooms and indulgent hydrotherapy circuit.

Anything else we should know?
If you’re bringing the kids, they'll love this resort—and they'll probably beg for a return visit.