Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is a 40-acre beachfront luxury resort at 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI 96753, in South Maui’s Wailea resort district. Opened in 1991, the property combines landscaped gardens, monumental sculpture, interconnected swimming pools, and direct access to Wailea Beach. Travelers come for a full-service Hawaiian resort stay, with family water activities, quieter adults-only swimming, destination dining, and the extensive Kilolani Spa.
What to Expect at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
The grounds unfold through open-air corridors, tropical planting, waterfalls, and a seaside wedding chapel. Fernando Botero’s rounded bronze figures are a distinctive part of the resort’s art collection. Accommodations range from garden-view and ocean-view rooms to larger suites; the Napua tower adds a more private, club-level experience with dedicated lounge services. Families needing separate bedrooms and cooking facilities should compare the three-bedroom Ho‘olei villas, located uphill across Wailea Alanui Drive rather than directly beside the beach.
The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool complex is the energetic center, while the adults-only Hibiscus Pool offers a different pace. Kilolani Spa, opened in 2024, spans approximately 50,000 square feet, with hydrothermal experiences and treatments informed by Hawaiian wellness traditions. Dining includes seafood-focused Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, Italian-influenced Olivine, Nobu Grand Wailea, and casual provisions at Loulu. Botero Lounge provides cocktails amid the artwork. Reserve destination restaurants ahead, and discuss allergies or vegetarian requirements directly with the dining team.
- Wailea Beach: A sandy swimming beach reached directly from the resort gardens, with conditions that change with wind and swell.
- Wailea Canyon Activity Pool: Interconnected pools, slides, waterfalls, and river-style sections make this the main family recreation area.
- Hibiscus Pool: An adults-only pool for guests aged 18 and older, distinguished by its large floral mosaic.
- Kilolani Spa: Hydrothermal facilities complement massage, body treatments, and a broader wellness program.
- Grand Lūʻau: An evening experience pairing Hawaiian food with music, hula, and Polynesian performance; book separately from your room.
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI 96753, United States |
| Neighborhood / Area | Wailea, South Maui; beachfront on Wailea Beach |
| Operating Hours | Hotel reception daily, 24 hours; check-in from 4 p.m., checkout by noon. Restaurant, pool, and spa schedules vary. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$$; paid overnight accommodation with date-dependent rates. Dining, spa treatments, parking, and applicable resort charges add to the total. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 3 to 5 nights |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Maui Bus Route 10, Wailea Ike Drive stop near The Shops at Wailea; paid resort valet parking. |
| Official Website & Phone | Grand Wailea official website; +1 808-875-1234 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book rooms, spa appointments, and dinner reservations early for school holidays and the December festive season. Compare the full stay total, including taxes, resort charges, and valet parking, rather than the headline nightly rate. Kahului Airport is roughly a 30-minute drive in light traffic. For local travel, Maui Bus Route 10 connects Wailea with Kīhei; the Wailea Ike Drive stop is roughly a 10–15-minute walk from the lobby. Use the County of Maui transit information for current schedules.
Accessible room categories, elevators, and pool lifts support guests with mobility needs, but this is a large, sloping property: request a room near your preferred facilities. Paved routes connect much of the grounds; reaching the ocean still involves sand. The Shops at Wailea are approximately 10 minutes away on foot for shopping and additional restaurants. Follow the Wailea Beach Path south toward Polo Beach, about 15 minutes away, or north toward Ulua Beach, roughly 10–15 minutes depending on your starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when is the best time to visit?
The hotel operates year-round with a 24-hour front desk; check-in begins at 4 p.m. and checkout is noon. Morning is generally best for beach time before afternoon trade winds strengthen, while individual pool and restaurant hours vary.
How much does a stay cost, and are reservations necessary?
This is a $$$$ resort, with room prices changing by dates, view, and accommodation category. Reserve through the official website and check package inclusions carefully; a restaurant reservation does not include guest-only pool access.
How long should I stay?
Allow three to five nights to balance pools, beach time, dining, and a spa visit without rushing. A longer stay makes it easier to include Maui excursions while retaining full days at the resort.
Is the resort suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families have extensive pool options, while adults can retreat to the Hibiscus Pool. Wheelchair users should reserve an appropriate accessible room and discuss routes, transfer requirements, and pool-lift access with the hotel before arrival.
When planning your Hawaii travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Hawaii, pair this stop with standout local spots including ʻĪao Valley State Monument, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki, Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park, and Ho'olei at Grand Wailea (0.2 km away).
