We stayed at the Grand Wailea for two days during our trip to Maui. This impressive resort sits on forty landscaped acres, has nine pools and is just steps from the gorgeous Wailea Beach. Part of the beauty of this resort is a result of the unique design, featuring one of the largest and most valuable art collections in all of the Hawaiian islands.
Two days wasn’t nearly enough time to spend at the Grand Wailea and here’s why:
Waterslides for Kids AND Adults
As soon as we heard this resort had multiple water slides, a rope swing, the world’s first water elevator, AND a swim-up bar, we instantly fell in love. It’s not a stuffy resort where you can’t have any fun.
Snorkeling, Canoe Rides & SUP Boarding with Turtles Galore
After missing several turtle spottings at Black Rock on Kaanapali Beach, I was determined to see a turtle before I left Maui. We rented two SUP boards and paddled around the rocks near the Grand Wailea and literally saw at least fifteen turtles in just under an hour. If we were smart, we would have rented snorkel masks so we could swim under water with these creatures, but seeing them pop their heads up for air and watching them swim below was enough to make me squeal like a little kid.
The complimentary outrigger canoe excursions came highly recommended, but unfortunately we didn’t have time to book one of these tours. It’s on the list for next time.
Comfortable Beds in a Room With a View
I loved all the care the staff put into each little detail of our room, like fresh flowers tucked into bath towels and the display of bath essentials on the bathroom counter. We felt right at home in our comfy (and huge) bed and relaxing on the balcony overlooking the glistening ocean.
Spa Grande – East Meets West on the Shores of Hawaii
Spa Grande is known as one of the most luxurious spas on the island and is one of the first spas to balance the traditions of the East, West and Ancient Hawaii.
With cascading waterfall showers, tropical rainstorm showers and five speciality baths which contain different healing sea salt mixtures, it’s one of the most unique spas we have ever experienced. Scott left his men’s tune up massage feeling more relaxed than ever and my moisturizing raw honey treatment made my skin baby soft for weeks.
Complimentary Scuba Lessons
Even though we have tried Snuba a few times, neither of us are Scuba certified and it’s something both of us are interested in. We just never seem to have time when we are on vacation since we are too busy playing above the water. If we stayed here again, we would love to take advantage of the daily complimentary Scuba lessons (in a pool with familiar surroundings) to get used to the feeling of breathing under water.
Humuhumu Restaurant & Bar
We dined at this floating restaurant during our first evening at Grand Wailea. Neither of us had ever tasted Hawaiian (spiny) lobster, so we picked one from the salt water lagoon near our table. Our server, Angela, informed us that Hawaiian lobsters are sweeter and firmer than the Maine lobsters we are used to on the mainland.
The price of the lobster is not bad if you arrive during the first hour of dinner. They offer a half off (normally $58/pound) special for early birds. This fresh spiny lobster was literally THE best lobster we have ever had.
The view from Humuhumu is not too bad either!
Disclaimer: We were guests of the Maui Visitors Bureau and Grand Wailea. As always, all views expressed here are our own.
