The Grand Wailea Welcomes Guests After It’s Property Refresh

After a three year multi-million dollar renovation, this uber-luxe resort kicks it up a notch

Set across an impressive 40 acres, the Grand Wailea is a gorgeous resort that’s near completion of their property refresh, which began in September 2020. The $300 million dollar renovation includes room upgrades, revamp of restaurants, and a 50,000 square-foot spa.

While intimidating upon arrival, once I received a map and acquainted myself with the layout of the property, it was nice and relaxing. Because the resort is so spacious and spread out, you won’t ever feel crowded among other guests. Plus, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy.

Lobby and Grounds

Upon entering, one immediately gets a sense of serenity and balance. Thoughtfulness went into the visual aesthetics of harmony, integrating feng shui, an ancient Chinese tradition using symmetry to create stability and enhance the environment. A stately water fountain with a bronze mermaid statue greets you upon arrival, with lush, native flowers and plants. The center of the hotel opens up to the heavens, without ceilings, so there’s a sense you’re elevated among the clouds. 

The Scene –  Travelers of all types visit the Grand Wailea. During my four-night stay, there were families, couples, and solo travelers. Because of the diversity of activities and amenities the hotel offers, it seems to accommodate a wide range of visitors. The resort has nine individual pools, with an adults-only Hibiscus pool with cabanas and casabellas for rental. The grandiose hotel is reminiscent of an art museum with stately sculptures and paintings peppered throughout.

Rooms – The hotel is home to 774 spacious rooms, which includes 57 luxurious suites. All accommodations have been recently refreshed, offering guests elegantly appointed rooms, with neutral, earth tone palettes, teak furnishings, palatial bathrooms, and private lanais. 

The resort’s exclusive collection of Napua rooms and suites offer an enhanced experience, with a private lounge, concierge, and gourmet dining throughout the day. Napua rooms are spectacular with luxury furniture, Afyon Sugar Marble bathroom tiles, and amazing vistas, all highlighting the very best of laid-back island life. For the ultimate luxury experience, book the Napua Royal Suite, which features 1,950 square feet of living space, with one and a half bathrooms, and breathtaking views on the private lanai. 

Dining – The restaurants were also part of the hotel’s big renewal and refresh. With four restaurants, an artisan market that’s recently partnered with the uber-chic Erewhon, several beach bars, a food truck, and room service, there are no shortage of dining options here. Under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Ryan Urig, the resort’s offerings rise above standard hotel fare. 

View from Botero Lounge at Grand Wailea. credit Jean Chen Smith

Ikena, an alfresco restaurant, is open daily for a sumptuous breakfast buffet. Don’t miss the Rose brunch on Sundays, which is so popular it’s also a local favorite. Botero, named after renowned artist Fernando Botero, is an outdoor lounge that sits at the center of the hotel, offering sushi, sashimi, and small plates meant for sharing, along with a good selection of cocktails. Olivine is an oceanfront restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine, featuring fresh and local ingredients. HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUĀPUA’A, one of the last restaurants to be renovated and was still being worked on during my visit, but upon completion it will highlight the best of Hawaiian-inspired food, with a focus on seafood. Don’t miss the Lūʻau at Grand Wailea – it’s an evening of lively entertainment as a feast is served to your private table. Be sure to make reservations for dinner. Because of the size of the resort, you want to make sure to plan ahead. 

Spa – During my stay, I experienced the Hydrafacial™ at the Mōhalu Healing Garden and Beauty Lab. Perfect for most skin types, this non-invasive treatment helps to reduce wrinkles and hydrate, resulting in a healthy glow. The new and reimagined Kilolani Spa will launch at the end of February 2024, welcoming guests with over 50,000 square feet of wellness space.

The largest in the region, the luxury spa will offer holistic treatments inspired by the island’s healing rituals. Services will be centered around the Hawaiian Moon Calendar, highlighting renewal, relaxation, and nourishment of mind and body.

The hotel is currently offering a special Kilolani Discovery package to experience the grand opening, for travel dates between March 1, 2024 – May 31, 2024. Please check their website for more details. 

Pools and Activities – There are nine individual pools, including the adults-only 4,850 square foot Hibiscus pool and the Wailea Canyon Activity pool, which is geared towards kids. It features waterslides, a lazy river, four jungle gyms, caves, and a “baby beach.” Kids can be entertained for hours with the many water activities on-property. Rent a poolside cabana, which gives you a space to lounge and relax on the daybed, getting a break from the sun. Poolside service swings by to serve up cocktails, mocktails, and food. 

The resort also offers outdoor yoga on their lawn, overlooking the beautiful ocean, hula lessons, and lei making classes. For off-property adventures, concierge can help you book at Hele Wai Eco Reserve Tour, go on a horseback riding journey through mountains and waterfalls, or go snorkeling. There’s plenty to do!

Grand Wailea Napua room. Credit Grand Wailea

Fitness center – I loved the fitness center at this property because it’s open 24-hours and is spread across three floors, with state-of-the-art cardio machines, yoga and Pilates mats, free weights, and weight machines. There are ten treadmills, multiple Peloton bikes, and rowing machines. 

Last words – The Grand Wailea is one of the most beautiful properties on Maui, with a vast assortment of activities, dining options, and health and wellness opportunities for families, couples, and solo travelers. Beyond the impressive landscaped gardens, pool options, and elevated rooms, are the people who make sure the resort runs smoothly. During my time there, no matter how busy it was at the front desk or at the pool, the staff were always smiling and helpful. The property also has an app for requesting free shuttle service, ordering room service, and booking fitness classes, which I found super convenient and efficient.