Hawaii Currents | A Guide for Modern-Day Honolulu

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MAUI - GRAND WAILEA

A Vacation Destination Wrapped in a Lei of Luxury

[3850 Wailea Alanui Dr]

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The Grand Wailea Maui is an ocean-side haven, the epitome of opulence served with a side of laid-back island charm, a place that offers all the luxuries you can dream of but still manages to make you feel right at home.

The Grand Wailea is celebrated for delivering relaxed elegance.

The Grand Wailea has been an it-destination in Maui since 1991.

Picture this: You walk in through a jaw-droppingly beautiful lobby and immediately feel like you have entered a magical spot. From the moment you step inside the Grand Wailea, you'll be struck by its beauty.

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The hotel lobby is like something out of a fairy tale, full of grandeur, and art.

The Grand Wailea features Hawaiʻi’s largest private art collection, with many gorgeous paintings, sculptures, and art decorating the property.


You’ll spot a 7-foot-tall bronze statue of King Kamehameha I, the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, at the entrance; a dripping mermaid statue in the lobby; an archway crafted by Edward Brownlee, the first recipient of a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Hawaiʻi; it’s understandable why Hawaii Magazine called this hotel an “art lover’s paradise.”

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Staying at this resort comes with an eye-popping price tag and so expectations for the experience come high. I am happy to report that the room I was fortunate to book delivered and more: a giant bed, a beautiful balcony overlooking the beautiful Wailea beach, and a magnificent washroom - a perfect set-up for living like the rich and famous.

A large shower and an oversized bathtub - what dreams are made of!

A modern, relaxing hotel room with a private balcony

The resort has everything you need and gives you no reason to leave between the gorgeous restaurants, manicured walking path, incredible beach, hot tubs, waterslides, and all the other activities.

Grand Wailea’s Canyon Activity Pool has four jungle pools, five intertwining slides, a whitewater rapids slide, a Tarzan pool with rope swing, a sand "baby" beach, six waterfalls, caves, three Jacuzzis, and a swim-up bar!

The Hibiscus Pool is reserved for guests 18 and older. The bottom of the pool features a giant hibiscus flower made from over 630,000 pieces of Mexican glass mosaic tile.

The Activity Pool features nine pools spread over six levels connected by a river that carries swimmers along whitewater rapids and gentle currents.

The Lava Tube Slide offers a 14-second ride where you drop 30 feet at up to 22 miles per hour speeds!

When visiting the Lava Tube Slide, prepare to be exhilarated with a three-story drop and a 360 degree turn!

Experience one of the most revered Hawaiian traditions aboard a traditional outrigger canoe.

Dive into the water whether your are certified or not!

Journey across the Wailea on a stand-up paddleboard.

Other activities include beach yoga, guided outrigger canoeing, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, turtle watching, and more! The Grand Wailea even has the only resort-designated SCUBA training pool in Hawaii, offering complimentary pool lessons to first-time divers and can escort novice or certified divers on one of four ocean dives available.

Check out high-end luxury stores like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

The Shops also feature Hawaii-favorites like OluKai, Na Hoku, Mahina, and Soha Living.

For those looking for a walking destination, The Shops at Wailea is an outdoor mall conveniently located near the resort.

The 'Ikena is an iconic buffet with picturesque views of the sea and sky from every table.

And let’s not forget the food! The hotel features a number of dining options, including a lūʻau featuring traditional ceremonies, music, and dishes. There is also an indoor-outdoor breakfast buffet called 'Ikena, a food truck called Aloha Trick Pony, a sushi bar called the Botero Lounge, and a new Italian-inspired eatery, Olivine.

The Grand Wailea even hosts a a mini-Erewhon store inside Loulu, an artisanal café-market serving homegrown, handcrafted foods.

At the lū'au, enjoy delicious foods like poi, kālua pig, poke, and haupia

The Loulu offers Hawaiʻi’s only selection of products from Erewhon, the iconic LA-based organic grocer and café.

The Aloha Trick Pony is a hidden gem!

The Grand Wailea is an unforgettable island experience that will make your visit to Maui extra special!