Welcome to South Maui’s crown jewel, the upscale Wailea district, where opulent luxury meets Maui’s sunny shores. In this posh neighborhood, visitors enjoy the pinnacle of Hawaiian hospitality. But prepare to pay for the pleasure. Room rates start in the range of $500 and climb to more than $1,000 per night.
Choosing the ideal sanctuary for your stay becomes an art in itself, for in Wailea, hospitality and comfort is paramount. Each resort stands as a testament to indulgence, with an array of amenities and breathtaking vistas that are certain to captivate.
We explored every major resort in this exclusive enclave, and in this article, we reveal what makes each Wailea property worth your stay.
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Why stay in Wailea?
Wailea was built as a meticulously planned community, a blend of privately owned golf course homes and condominiums in close proximity to a lineup of world-renowned luxury resorts, restaurants, and shops.
The area serves as a main tourist hub on South Maui, providing easy access to a network of pristine sandy beaches by way of the scenic Wailea Beach Path. Here, guests can effortlessly explore various resort restaurants, relishing the flavors of top-notch cuisine backed by celebrated chefs.
Additionally, Wailea is conveniently situated just half an hour away from Maui’s main airport, Kahului Airport, streamlining your travel experience. For those who appreciate high-end shopping, the Shops at Wailea present an array of renowned brands, including Gucci and Louis Vuitton. And if you seek a day of adventure, nearby Makena State Park, also known as Big Beach, promises captivating natural beauty of the island.
In summary, Wailea’s allure lies in its seamless blend of luxury, convenience, and natural beauty, making it a superior choice for your Maui stay.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Best for: Discerning luxury travelers
If you’re a fan of HBO’s The White Lotus, the Four Seasons Resort at Wailea is a must-stay hotel. The ritzy spot served as the filming location for the show’s first season.
Hollywood association aside, we’ve been coming here for years. Not just as hotel guests, but for the breakfast buffet at DUO and dinner at Spago. If you’re looking for top notch service, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea doesn’t disappoint. From the valet drivers to the pool attendants, every interaction we’ve had with the staff at this resort has been consistently friendly and welcoming.
What we love:
- We’ve always received friendly and top notch service at The Four Seasons
- This Four Seasons features our favorite resort breakfast buffet at the DUO restaurant.
Good to know:
- Smaller, quieter pool areas. No slides, but there’s a kiddie pool and adult pool
- The grounds of the Four Seasons at Wailea are on the smaller side compared to the other Wailea resorts. While the resort feels bright and breezy, it still retains an intimate feel.
Pool amenities: Three saltwater pools, including one adults-only pool and a smaller keiki waterfall pool intended for children
Beach access: Yes, direct beach access in front of the resort
Click here to read guest reviews and book your stay at The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.
Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Best for: Families and active adults
If you’re looking for the “wow” factor, Grand Wailea Maui’s jaw-dropping grounds are your best bet. The 40-acre resort houses the largest art collection in Hawai‘i, a bevy of onsite shops, a renowned spa, and the most enchanting landscaping you’ll find on the island.
What we love:
- Most impressive grounds of all the Wailea resort hotels
- An almost over-the-top pool selection
- Rooms have recently been refreshed as of 2023
Good to know:
- The spa is under renovation and doesn’t reopen until the first part of 2024
- As of October 2023, parts of the resort are still under construction. Contact the resort prior to booking if you are sensitive to noise
- Recent guest reviews mention a decline in food quality
Onsite entertainment: Onsite luau show and dinner
Pool amenities: A total of nine pools, a rope swing, lazy river, waterslides, cabanas, a swim-up grotto bar, and an adults-only pool
Beach access: Yes, direct Wailea Beach access in front of the resort
Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui
Best for: Families and Marriott Bonvoy members with points to burn
On our first stay at Wailea, we chose the Wailea Beach Resort (why not earn Marriott points while we splurged?). The white entrance lights on the trees and grounds were enchanting, but our guest room felt overwhelmingly average. And while we wanted to love Humble Market Kitchin, the onsite restaurant, our breakfast and dinner experiences there were fairly average when compared to the neighboring resorts.
One redeeming factor? The waterslides. Wailea Beach Resort features four waterslides, including the island’s longest waterslide (325 feet).
What we love:
- Photo opportunities at the Aloha marquee sign and seat swings
- The infinity pools with stunning ocean views and the NALU Adventure Pool with splash zones and waterslides
- Nightly room rates are typically the least expensive of the Wailea luxury resorts
Good to know:
- Recent guests found the rooms tired-looking and in need of a refresh
- As of 2023, sections of the resort have been under construction
- In our opinion, food quality is average compared to nearby resort options
Onsite entertainment: Te Au Moana luau show and dinner
Pool amenities: Four pools total: an adults–only pool, two oceanfront pools with spas
Beach access: No beach directly fronting the resort, but access available via the Wailea Beach Path. Wailea Beach lies to the south and Ulua Beach to the north.
Click here to read guest reviews and book your stay at the Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
Best for: Honeymooners and families needing spacious accommodations
Fairmont Kea Lani’s palatial architecture and all-white aesthetic makes the resort a unique standout among the Wailea properties.
What we love:
- Suites and villas that start at 860 square feet
- The nightly torch lighting ceremony at the lower pool area, which begins with the blowing sound of a pū (conch shell)
- Onsite restaurant Kō, which sources 90% of its fish, beef, and produce locally
Good to know:
- Location-wise, Fairmont Kea Lani sits apart from the other resorts on this list. While it’s still connected to the Wailea Beach Path, walking to the next nearest resort requires a 10-minute (slightly hilly) walk past Wailea Point Village, a private condominium community.
- Lobby under renovation as of Oct 2023
Pool amenities: Three pools, including an adults-only pool
Beach access: Yes, direct access to Polo Beach in front of the resort
Click here to read guest reviews and book a stay at Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Best for: Couples
The filming site for the reality TV show Temptation Island, Andaz Maui at Wailea’s contemporary design style and luxurious feel makes the resort perfect for couples seeking a getaway.
What we loved:
- The breakfast buffet at farm-to-table restaurant Ka’ana Kitchen is always outstanding
- Complimentary shuttle service around the Wailea area
Good to know:
- Recent guest reviews report that the pools are unheated
- No waterslides and limited amenities geared toward children
- Some guests may feel that rooms (and bathrooms) are on the small side
Onsite entertainment: The Feast at Mōkapu Lu’au
Pool amenities: Five pools onsite, including three terraced infinity pools with outstanding ocean views
Beach access: Yes, the resort fronts Mōkapu Beach
Click here to read guest reviews and book a stay at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux
Best for: Couples on a romantic getaway seeking utmost luxury
If given one choice for where I would choose to stay on Maui, Hotel Wailea would be the hands-down winner. And I’m not alone in my opinion. The 5-star resort was voted the #1 hotel in Hawaii by Travel & Leisure readers in 2023.
The sole adults-only resort on Maui, Hotel Wailea sits perched above what I call resort row along the Wailea Beach Path. Tucked away from the bustle of the Wailea waterfront, Hotel Wailea is the ultimate retreat. If luxury and relaxation are your priorities, there’s no better spot than Hotel Wailea.
What we love:
- The feeling of exclusivity and seclusion with only 72 suites on the entire 15-acre property
- The resort’s stunning unobstructed 180-degree ocean views
- Complimentary valet parking or self park — a rarity in Wailea!
Good to know:
- The resort sits on a hill, away from the beach. However, the resort provides a shuttle service for guests. It’s a five-minute drive to Wailea Beach
- While those staying at the resort must be at least 18 years of age, we noticed that children were not prohibited in the restaurant spaces
Pool amenities: The resort pool offers four complimentary first come, first served cabanas that can also be reserved for a fee
Beach access: Complimentary shuttle service to the beach
Click here to read guest reviews and book a stay at the Hotel Wailea Maui, Relais & Châteaux
