Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Located directly on Wailea Beach along Maui's sunny southwestern coast, Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is one of Hawaii's most iconic luxury beachfront resorts. Set amid expansive tropical gardens, cascading waterfalls, striking architecture, and an impressive collection of original artwork, the property delivers a grand-scale resort experience with something for nearly every generation.
Grand Wailea is particularly famous for its Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, an elaborate network of swimming pools, waterslides, waterfalls, caves, and a lazy river. Families can spend entire days exploring the water features, while adults seeking a quieter experience can retreat to the Hibiscus Serenity Pool or enjoy the resort's spectacular beachfront setting.
The resort has undergone an extensive transformation, refreshing its guest rooms, suites, dining venues, and wellness facilities. Accommodations range from spacious rooms with private lanais to exclusive Napua club-level suites and three-bedroom Hoʻolei Villas. The result is a property that can accommodate couples celebrating a special occasion, families with young children, and multigenerational groups traveling together.
Dining is another highlight, with restaurants including Nobu Grand Wailea, the lagoon-side Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, and the coastal Italian restaurant Olivine. The beautifully reimagined Kilolani Spa provides a sophisticated wellness retreat inspired by Hawaiian traditions.
Grand Wailea is best suited to travelers who appreciate a lively, amenity-rich luxury resort with outstanding pools, beautiful grounds, and a prime Wailea Beach location. Its combination of family entertainment and upscale experiences makes it especially appealing for milestone vacations and memorable family celebrations.
The Resort Experience
Accomodations
Grand Wailea offers a wide selection of recently refreshed guest rooms, luxury suites, exclusive Napua accommodations, and spacious three-bedroom Hoʻolei Villas. Standard guest rooms begin at approximately 640 square feet, making them generously sized compared with many luxury hotel accommodations. Rooms feature contemporary Hawaiian-inspired interiors, marble bathrooms, comfortable sitting areas, and private furnished lanais.
Guest room categories include Terrace View, Garden View, Ocean View, and Deluxe Ocean View. Terrace View rooms may overlook the resort grounds and Mount Haleakalā, while Ocean View categories provide varying perspectives of the Pacific. Deluxe Ocean View rooms are generally positioned on upper floors for more expansive views. Families who prioritize easy access to the pools may appreciate Lagoon Ground Floor accommodations, which are located close to the activity pool complex.
The resort also offers an impressive collection of suites, ranging from approximately 1,280 square feet to nearly 2,000 square feet in several categories. Suites such as the Honuaʻula, Aliʻi, Wailea, and Molokini provide additional living space, with select accommodations featuring separate bedrooms, dining areas, and extra bathrooms.
Napua is Grand Wailea's exclusive club-level experience, occupying private upper floors of the resort. Napua rooms begin at approximately 715 square feet, while its suites offer considerably more space. Guests booking eligible Napua accommodations receive access to private lounges with continental breakfast, midday refreshments, evening cocktails, and substantial hors d'oeuvres. The Napua experience is particularly appealing to travelers who value additional privacy, convenient dining inclusions, and a more personalized hotel experience within a large resort.
For families and multigenerational groups, the Hoʻolei Villas offer a completely different style of accommodation. Located in a gated hillside community across the street from the main resort, these three-bedroom villas range from approximately 3,400 to 4,000 square feet and accommodate six to eight guests. Each features a gourmet kitchen, separate living and dining spaces, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and a private lanai. Villa guests also enjoy access to a dedicated community pool and the amenities of Grand Wailea.
Travelers should consider both their preferred view and their desired proximity to the main resort amenities. Hoʻolei provides exceptional residential space and privacy, while rooms and suites within the main hotel offer more immediate access to the pools, restaurants, and beach.
Dining
Grand Wailea offers an impressive collection of dining experiences, ranging from internationally recognized fine dining to relaxed poolside meals and beautiful oceanfront restaurants.
Nobu Grand Wailea brings the celebrated Japanese cuisine of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa to Maui. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor dining spaces with Pacific Ocean views, offering signature dishes such as Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, sushi, and an elaborate omakase tasting experience. Its sophisticated atmosphere makes it particularly appealing for couples, culinary enthusiasts, and special occasions.
Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, named after Hawaii's state fish, is one of the resort's most recognizable restaurants. Set above a beachfront lagoon, the open-air venue features thatched-roof architecture, a dramatic aquarium bar, and sweeping sunset views. The menu emphasizes seafood, premium steaks, and island-inspired dishes. Guests can also arrange select private dining experiences overlooking the water.
Olivine offers coastal Italian cuisine in a beautiful oceanfront setting. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients, and Mediterranean flavors are paired with Maui's natural bounty. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, making it a versatile choice for both a leisurely afternoon meal and a romantic evening.
For breakfast, guests can enjoy the resort's buffet offerings, while Loulu provides specialty coffee, pastries, salads, sandwiches, and convenient grab-and-go selections throughout the day.
Poolside dining is available at Wailea Surf Haus near the Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, while Grotto Bar provides tropical cocktails and casual fare in a swim-up setting. Botero Lounge offers evening drinks and light dining surrounded by sculptures from the resort's notable art collection.
The Lūʻau at Grand Wailea is another memorable experience, combining Hawaiian cultural traditions, music, dance, storytelling, and island cuisine in an oceanfront setting.
With so many choices, guests can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences without leaving the resort. Reservations are especially important for Nobu, Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, and the luau during busy travel periods.
Amenities and Experiences
Grand Wailea is renowned for its elaborate swimming pools and water attractions, making it one of Maui's most exciting luxury resorts for families. The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is an interconnected aquatic playground featuring nine pools across the resort's water complex, seven waterslides, six waterfalls, a lazy river, caves, a rope swing, and a sandy shallow area for younger children.
One of the most thrilling attractions is the Lava Tube Slide, a 262-foot waterslide featuring a three-story drop and a full turn. Height restrictions apply, and children must be at least 48 inches tall to ride. Families can also enjoy the gentler slides and water features throughout the complex.
For adults seeking a quieter atmosphere, the Hibiscus Serenity Pool offers a more peaceful setting away from the busiest family activity areas. Private cabanas and shaded lounging options are available for an additional charge, with advance reservations recommended during peak travel periods.
The resort sits directly on Wailea Beach, one of South Maui's most beautiful stretches of golden sand. Guests can enjoy beach walks, swimming, and ocean activities when conditions are favorable. The Wailea Beach Path provides a scenic route connecting nearby resorts and offers beautiful views of the Pacific.
Wellness is a major focus at Grand Wailea. Kilolani Spa, the resort's extensively reimagined wellness sanctuary, draws inspiration from Hawaiian lunar traditions and offers massages, facials, body treatments, a hammam, and expansive hydrotherapy gardens. The spa also features wellness programming and relaxation experiences designed to complement the resort's active atmosphere.
Grand Wailea is home to an extensive collection of original artwork and sculpture, including works by Fernando Botero. Guests can explore art throughout the resort's gardens, public spaces, and lounges, adding a cultural dimension to the property.
Additional experiences may include Hawaiian cultural activities, hula and ukulele lessons, fitness classes, beach cruiser bicycles, and introductory scuba sessions. Nearby Wailea golf courses, tennis facilities, and upscale shopping provide further opportunities to explore beyond the resort.
Between its water attractions, beachfront location, spa, art collection, and cultural programming, Grand Wailea offers one of Maui's most comprehensive luxury resort experiences.
Who It's Best For
Grand Wailea is especially well suited to families with children, multigenerational groups, and travelers who want a luxury resort with an extraordinary range of activities and amenities.
Families with school-age children will find the Wailea Canyon Activity Pool particularly appealing. With its waterslides, lazy river, waterfalls, and shallow play areas, the resort offers entertainment that can easily fill several days of a vacation. Families with younger children can enjoy gentler pool areas, while older children and teenagers may be drawn to the larger slides and more adventurous water features.
Multigenerational families have several accommodation options. Spacious guest rooms and suites work well for smaller groups, while the three-bedroom Hoʻolei Villas provide full kitchens, separate living spaces, and privacy for families traveling with grandparents or multiple generations. The variety of dining and recreational options means different family members can enjoy their preferred activities throughout the day.
Couples and honeymooners can also have a wonderful stay, particularly if they enjoy luxury dining, spa treatments, beautiful ocean views, and a lively resort atmosphere. The Hibiscus Serenity Pool, Kilolani Spa, and restaurants such as Nobu and Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa provide opportunities for quieter, more romantic experiences.
Travelers celebrating milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or family reunions may especially appreciate the resort's dramatic setting and extensive amenities. Grand Wailea is designed for memorable vacations, with beautiful grounds and a wide variety of experiences available in one location.
Guests seeking an intimate boutique hotel, a secluded adults-only retreat, or a consistently quiet pool environment may prefer another Maui property. Grand Wailea is a substantial resort, and the activity pool areas can be particularly energetic during school holidays.
For families and groups who appreciate the combination of sophisticated accommodations, extensive recreation, and a spectacular beachfront setting, Grand Wailea is one of Maui's most distinctive resort choices.
Things to Know
Location and Airport Transfers: Grand Wailea is located at 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive in Wailea, on Maui's southwestern coast. The drive from Kahului Airport (OGG) generally takes approximately 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic. The resort is directly on Wailea Beach and near The Shops at Wailea, championship golf courses, and the Wailea Beach Path.
Resort Size and Layout: Grand Wailea is a large property with extensive gardens, multiple accommodation wings, pools, restaurants, and recreation areas. Guests should expect some walking between their rooms and the resort's amenities. Room location can be particularly important for families with young children or guests with mobility considerations.
Resort Fee: The hotel currently lists a daily resort fee of $55 per room. The fee covers selected activities and amenities, including certain cultural programs, recreational equipment, and resort experiences. Inclusions and pricing may change, and some experiences require advance reservations or carry additional charges.
Pool Access and Waterslides: The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is a major attraction for families, featuring multiple pools, waterslides, waterfalls, and a lazy river. The Lava Tube Slide has a minimum height requirement of 48 inches. Pool hours, slide operations, and access policies may vary, so guests should confirm current arrangements.
Adults-Only Pool: The Hibiscus Serenity Pool provides a quieter alternative to the activity pool complex. Guests seeking a peaceful atmosphere may prefer spending time here, particularly during busy family travel periods.
Beach Amenities: The resort offers direct access to Wailea Beach. A limited number of folding beach chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while upgraded beach loungers, umbrellas, and cabanas may be available for an additional charge.
Napua Club-Level Accommodations: Napua rooms and suites provide access to private lounges with daily food and beverage presentations, including breakfast and evening refreshments. These inclusions are associated with eligible Napua reservations and should not be assumed for standard guest rooms.
Hoʻolei Villa Location: The three-bedroom Hoʻolei Villas are located in a separate gated community across the street from the main resort. They offer substantial space and privacy but are not directly on the beach. Guests have access to Grand Wailea's amenities as well as a dedicated villa pool.
Dining Reservations: Nobu Grand Wailea, Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, and the resort's luau are popular experiences. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during holidays and peak vacation periods.
Resort Atmosphere: Grand Wailea is one of Maui's more activity-focused luxury resorts. Families often choose it specifically for the water attractions, and the property can feel busy during school breaks. Travelers seeking a quieter stay should consider room location, Napua accommodations, and the adults-only pool.
Spa Experiences: Kilolani Spa offers a variety of treatments and hydrotherapy experiences, which may require separate reservations and additional fees. Spa access is not necessarily included with every room reservation.
Frequently asked questions
Does Grand Wailea have waterslides and a lazy river, and are the pools good for children?
Yes. Grand Wailea is famous for its Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, one of the most elaborate resort pool complexes in Hawaii. The interconnected water features include seven waterslides, six waterfalls, a lazy river, caves, a rope swing, and shallow areas designed for younger children.
One of the resort's signature attractions is the 262-foot Lava Tube Slide, which includes a three-story drop and a full turn. Children must be at least 48 inches tall to ride this slide, and other water attractions may have their own safety requirements.
The pool complex is especially popular with families and can be lively during school holidays. Adults looking for a quieter experience can enjoy the separate Hibiscus Serenity Pool.
The resort also offers direct access to Wailea Beach, giving families the option to alternate between the pools and ocean activities when conditions are safe.
What are the Hoʻolei Villas at Grand Wailea, and can villa guests use the resort's amenities?
The Hoʻolei Villas are Grand Wailea's luxurious three-bedroom residential accommodations, located in a private gated community on the hillside across the street from the main resort.
Each villa offers approximately 3,400 to 4,000 square feet of living space, with three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, separate living and dining areas, and a spacious private lanai. Depending on the configuration, villas accommodate approximately six to eight guests.
Hoʻolei guests enjoy access to a dedicated villa swimming pool and the amenities of Grand Wailea, including the resort's famous water attractions, restaurants, spa, and beachfront facilities.
The villas are particularly appealing for multigenerational families and groups who want to spend time together while enjoying separate bedrooms and residential conveniences.
One important distinction is that Hoʻolei is not located directly on Wailea Beach. Guests must travel from the hillside villa community to the main resort to access the beachfront amenities.
Can I book Grand Wailea through Travel With Character® and receive preferred hotel benefits?
Yes. Travel With Character® can assist with hotel-only reservations at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. Depending on the rate, reservation eligibility, and available preferred hotel programs, qualifying stays may include complimentary daily breakfast, hotel credits, room upgrade opportunities, or other special amenities.
There is no concierge planning fee for qualifying hotel-only reservations. Our team works behind the scenes to confirm your booking, communicate important reservation details with the hotel, and help ensure everything is in place for your arrival.
Specific benefits vary by reservation and will be confirmed during the booking process. Room upgrades and certain amenities may be subject to availability.
To inquire about booking Grand Wailea through Travel With Character®, complete the hotel inquiry form on this page.
Exclusive Benefits
For Exceptional Stays
Preferred Hotel Benefits
Eligible reservations may include complimentary daily breakfast, resort credits, room upgrades, and other exclusive amenities.
No Concierge Planning Fee
Enjoy access to luxury hotel benefits without paying a concierge planning fee for qualifying hotel-only reservations.
Behind-the-Scenes Advisor Support
We coordinate directly with the hotel to confirm your reservation, communicate important stay details, and help ensure everything is in place for your arrival.
Benefits vary by property and reservation. Room upgrades and certain amenities are subject to availability.
