Maui is back on track to woo vacationers this year, following devastating fires that made global headlines and decimated tourism. As part of the island’s booming tourism, Wailea Beach Resort is one of the most popular Marriott Bonvoy redemptions in the state (and beyond). Whether you choose to stay in a beachfront villa or a garden-facing guest room, this hotel has so much to explore for visitors. Here are the top five reasons to stay at Wailea Beach Resort.
The location
Without a doubt, the prime waterfront real estate of this resort plays a starring role. It was the first property built in Wailea, and it was purpose built to hug the curvaceous coastline and provide the closest distance to the sand. Regulations over the years have prohibited other hotels from matching this design, which means that guests here are in for a (grandfathered-in) treat.
During the winter months, this is prime whale watching territory, and telescopes along the jogging path make it easy to do so. There is a lot of traffic along the main path, as it is a public stretch that passes numerous resorts like Grand Wailea and Four Seasons (yes, that Four Seasons where The White Lotus was filmed). Only resort guests are allowed to use the facilities here though.
The open-air lobby gives immediate attention to the ocean from this high perch. Head down the steps, and you can be in the water in no time. Not far from the check-in area, you will find a new pizza food truck and the resort’s famous ALOHA sign where guests are always snapping photos. You will also find lounge chairs, swings and lawn games beneath the trees to lure guests out of the sun for awhile.
Numerous accommodation buildings are scattered around the property, most with a swimming pool no less than a minute away. A wide array of flora and fauna surround the building, and the gardening team does an efficient job of manicuring everything to perfection.
The rooms
Eight buildings house the different accommodation options, and pay attention to where you are going. It is easy to get lost here, but not really a frustration given just how beautiful the views are. Every time I got turned around and went the wrong way, I ended up discovering something new.
Many rooms are in the high-rise building with exceptional vantage points of the ocean from their balconies. Several of these rooms on the ground floor have private terraces with fire pits and plunge pools, yet another of the newly added amenities here.
All of the other buildings are dubbed “hales” or homes in Hawaiian. The oceanfront rooms on the ground floor have spacious lanais with day beds and dining tables. While they do not get any privacy from the main boardwalk, it is one of the most entertaining places to sit and relax at the resort.
Instead of physical keys, the digital armbands unlock the recently renovated guest rooms that show several Hawaiian touches. I loved the lei hooks on the wall where you can hang your floral welcome.
Abstract maps of the state hang on the wall, but most attention goes directly to the windows. Depending upon your room, you could be eyeing the boardwalk in front of the hotel and ocean, one of numerous pools or lush gardens. Furnished terraces are great for lounging in privacy or enjoying a morning coffee. If you are in one of the building’s facing the main luau stage, you might be able to take in the resort’s famous Hawaiian heritage show, the Te Au Moana luau, for free each night (although you will miss out on the delicious food and open bar).
Bathrooms have open-plan vanity areas with Hawaiian-made toiletries here and in the glass shower stalls. There was plenty of storage space in the bathroom as well as the rest of the room.
The pools
There are two wide pools that frame the ocean views, complete with ample lounge chairs. Additional whirlpools bubble nearby, and families are encouraged to use one of these main pools to keep the other a bit more tame.
There is no shortage of towel or water stations, and bar staff remain busy from morning to night. I really liked how there were day beds and sun loungers on various grassy lawn areas as well as the beach should you wish to try different locations for catching a few rays. Another thing that impressed me was that the resort provides complimentary, reef-safe sunscreen for all guests.
The real test of patience for parents comes from the Nalu Pool. Try to get your kids out of there when it is time for dinner! It features several waterslides (including one for young kids) and waterfalls as well as splash pads and play areas. If you want to book one of the resort’s cabanas, these are available for a fee and come with extra refreshments, snacks and personalized service.
The cuisine
Following generations-old recipes from his family, the food at Roy Yamaguchi’s Humble Market Kitchin is spectacular. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner with an eclectic mix of island and international dishes. You can also take advantage of some epic views from this elevated vantage point.
Aside from Yamaguchi’s pizza food truck and a sports bar restaurant that served one of the best chicken Caesar salads I have had using Maui gem lettuce, there is also a Starbucks and grocery-style market on property. Don’t miss the acai bowls or evening cocktails at Whale’s Tale.
The special activities
This resort is a convention favorite, popular with family vacations and honeymooners alike. Not only does it have a varied guest list, but it also hosts regular activities and events throughout the year. Some of these draw people for the particular event, and others are a nice surprise and delight moment.
Take, for example, earlier this fall when the resort welcomed the U.S. Artistic Swimming Team, who performed in one of the main pools for mesmerized guests. With the Pacific Ocean in the background and popular songs matching with their synchronized moves, the Silver-winning team made a lasting impression on resort goers.
Of course, there is a decadent spa, truly impressive fitness center and easy access to a neighboring golf course. But, there are some clever extras, too, like the arcade with old-fashioned video games that teenagers and adults will love. The best part: it’s free! Families can also roast s’mores over a fire pit each afternoon or snap photos by the dedicated sand sculpture station where local artists create mesmerizing animals, structures and other creations from sand. The concierge and activities desk can help book sightseeing tours, photo sessions or watersport activities.
There is also a cinema with family-friendly movies screened daily according to an activities schedule. The same itinerary explains what cultural activities are taking place around the property. These include local activities like lei making and hula or ukulele lessons. A short walk or drive from the front entrance is The Shops at Wailea. It is a popular luxury shopping mall with a truly international food court that I highly recommend.
New to the resort, the Olakino wellness pool experience has become a huge hit. It is an adults-only wellness space that pampers guests from the moment they arrive. Expect plushly covered lounge chairs facing an infinity-edge pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There is also a doting staff that offers healthy shots, chilled towels amenity kits and other light snacks.
While the Olakino experience has an upcharge (food and beverage are not included), it has quickly become popular. Honeymooners and those that want the ultimate in pampering and quiet book at least one day here. The resort does have an adults-only pool. But, this space is truly a step above and something unique on this shoreline of Maui.
