Mother-Daughter Birthday Getaway to Grand Wailea Maui

Grand Wailea Maui Experience

During our stay at the Grand Wailea Maui, we witnessed the graceful transformation of the resort through a comprehensive revitalization effort. The ongoing enhancements include redesigned luxurious guest rooms and suites, as well as the re-imagination of four dining experiences. Perched on the southern shores of Maui, the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, caters to the active vacationer, offers beauty for romantic getaways and ensures fun for the whole family. The magic of the Grand Wailea unfolds from the moment of arrival, marked by a warm lei greeting and continues as guests bask in sunshine amidst the soothing whispers of palm trees. This ongoing transformation promises an elevated experience for all, blending modern luxury with the timeless enchantment of Maui's southern shores.

A Tropical Oasis at Grand Wailea

Nestled on one of America's premier beaches, the Grand Wailea stands as an epitome of luxury and leisure. Boasting lavish accommodations, the resort features the exhilarating 2,000-foot Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, the unrivaled Spa Grande and the charming Seaside Chapel for idyllic weddings and vow renewals. Beyond these, guests can indulge in a variety of recreational pursuits, from championship golf to tennis.

Spread across 40 meticulously landscaped acres along the shores of Wailea Beach, the Grand Wailea is a testament to the aloha spirit. Basking in the sun amidst the gentle rustle of palm trees, guests can explore the beach and pools by day, culminating in torchlit dinners against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset. The resort's allure extends to sparkling fountains, serene koi ponds and a priceless collection of art that captivates at every turn, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable experience.

Elegant Retreats at Grand Wailea

Upon entering your guest room, suite or villa at the Grand Wailea, you're welcomed into a refined oasis. Experience instant relaxation amidst the familiar comforts of home, complemented by marble bathrooms and expansive lanais. These thoughtfully designed spaces offer breathtaking Maui views, seamlessly capturing the essence of island living. The entirety of Grand Wailea's rooms and suites has undergone a comprehensive refresh, showcasing luxurious new designs and finishes. This extends to exclusive accommodations, such as the private Napua tower rooms and suites, strategically positioned just steps away from resort activities, restaurants and shops. Ranging from 640 sq. ft. and featuring private lanais, accommodations present lush tropical or ocean views. During our stay, we were fortunate to enjoy an upgrade to the Honua’ula Suite, exemplifying opulence with a separate living area, sumptuous bedroom and an additional half bath. This elevated experience epitomizes the pinnacle of luxury at Grand Wailea.

Dining Adventures at Grand Wailea

At Grand Wailea, they turn eating into a true celebration of the good stuff – local flavors, passion and mad culinary skills. The kitchen wizards blend homegrown organic produce with creative twists on classic Hawaiian dishes, making every meal an unforgettable experience. Our stay was like a whirlwind romance with food – wish it could have been longer! Mornings kicked off with a chill balcony breakfast at the revamped Ikena. After a day of sun and fun at the beach and pool, we dug into a sushi feast at the cool open-air Botero Lounge. Quick bites at Loulu kept us fueled on arrival and departure days. My teen daughter was all about Erewhon, the LA-based organic grocery and café brand. And for my birthday bash, we hit up Olivine, the new kid on the culinary block. Picture this: coastal Italian vibes, Maui's natural bounty and a killer view of the property and Waimea beach. Every meal at Grand Wailea was a flavor-packed journey, making our taste buds seriously happy!

Water Adventures Extravaganza at Grand Wailea

Our days at Grand Wailea were a splash-filled affair, with my daughter and I seizing every free moment to dive into the incredible pools and soak up the sun on one of Hawaii's finest beaches, just steps away from the resort. Nestled on the pristine Wailea Beach, the resort is a water wonderland that includes the thrilling 2,000-foot-long Wailea Canyon Activity Pool. The Wailea Canyon water park is like a dream for water enthusiasts, offering nine outdoor swimming pools linked by a lazy river. It's packed with exciting features, including a water elevator, slides, waterfalls, caves, a children’s pool, sandy beach and even a swim-up bar. For those seeking a more serene setting, a separate adults-only pool and sun terrace provide a tranquil retreat. To add a splash of adventure, my daughter and I took the plunge at the on-site scuba clinic, where she experienced the thrill of breathing underwater for the first time. Notably, Grand Wailea boasts the only resort-designated SCUBA training pool in Hawai’i. The daily resort charge sweetens the deal with beach yoga, beach cruiser bikes and complimentary sunscreens and after-sun lotions – ensuring our water-filled days were as relaxing as they were thrilling.

I highly recommend Grand Wailea Maui for those seeking a family adventure, a romantic couples getaway, or a memorable girls' escape. Perched on one of America's finest beaches, the resort captures the essence of aloha with its warm lei greetings, lush landscapes, and captivating amenities—creating an ideal setting for active adventures, intimate retreats, and meaningful family moments. Moreover, its breathtaking allure makes it an exquisite choice for weddings. Allow me to curate your perfect Maui vacation—reach out, and let the planning begin!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Maui. In need of further inspiration? Check out Katie Anderson’s guide, Things to do during a blissful week in Maui.