Maui’s Biggest Spa, the Aquarium Bar, 7 Waterslides & a New Nobu Restaurant are all at this Resort

I was first drawn to Grand Wailea by the spa. MauiYears ago, I visited a Waldorf Astoria Resort. As a beauty and fashion editor, I could not ignore the many “Top 10” lists that praised the spa for its elegant serenity and elegance (or even the 2011 film “Just go with it” starring Adam Sandler & Jennifer Aniston which was filmed there). Spa Grande was a great experience that brought me back for over 20 years. 

When I learned in 2019 that a major renovation was taking place at the spa, I was worried. I loved this spa. My favorite elements were going to be lost, whatever the intentions of the renovation. Since I was in a position to judge for myself what the renovation would look like, I returned recently. What’s the short answer? It’s all good. All is good.

After a $55-million renovation, the Kilolani Spa reopened in early 2024 at 50,000 square feet—the largest in Hawaii, senior director of spa and wellness David Erlich told Travel + Leisure. The spa’s hydrotherapy garden welcomes guests to hot and cold plunges as well as a hammam. In keeping with Hawaiian culture, treatments at the spa are based on the phases of the moon. For example, a massage given during a full or new moon will use different products. Erlich told T+L that “the programming is constantly evolving.” So does the hotel. 

JP Oliver, the managing director, revealed that all of the property had undergone a complete renovation. This included everything from redesigning guest rooms and public spaces to creating several new restaurants. The bad news is that I missed the Nobu’s opening by a few days, but I found out from a tour of the construction site above the lobby that I will be returning next year.

Construction began in late 2020 after plans for renovations started in 2019. However, not much progress was made during the eight-month period that the pandemic shut down the hotel. Oliver said, “We stripped the rooms to bare studs.” Work was carried out gradually over several years, and finished in October 2024. Oliver told T+L: “The hotel was packed” after the pandemic. Maui’s destructive wildfires in 2023 caused a slowdown, as people cancelled vacations. Oliver reports that with the focus on wellness activities and the whole family, the hotel has returned to almost being full all the time.

Thankfully, I could see that the special features of Grand Wailea remain. The grounds are welcoming and lush, with gardens at every turn. Jim Heid is the landscaper who gives guided tours of the 40 acre property. He shows guests his favorite native plants, including orchids. Waterfalls are heard throughout the 40-acre property.

The hotel also boasts a collection of museum-quality art. This includes a collection of Fernando Botero sculptures that are larger than life, which can be found in the lobby bar and surrounding areas. Everywhere you turn, there’s artwork to admire: A series of Fernand Léger paintings can be found near the shops, and an imposing statue of King Kamehameha guards the entrance.

There’s so much to say about my recent visit to Grand Wailea—most notably that it was too short! My full review is below.

The Rooms

All 877 of the hotel’s guest rooms, including 57 suites, have a private balcony. Lanai The balcony can be oriented towards the garden or the ocean. Interiors with beige and ivory tones, along with tropical accents, are relaxing. The smallest room has a Nespresso coffee machine, a walk-in tub and shower, cosy bathrobes and slippers, and deluxe amenities. Each wing features a different painting. (I loved the giant print of swimmers submerged in an infinite ocean in my bathroom.

The suites feature a large screen TV in the sitting area, a half-bathroom and a bathroom with an oversized bathtub with a view of the ocean. The suites are the ultimate in luxury. Ho‘olei complex On a hilltop overlooking the hotel, there are three-bedroom villas with a maximum of six people. They have lanais and full kitchens. There’s also a laundry facility. Napua rooms and suites The resort offers “VIP comforts”, located on its private upper floors.

Food and Drink

It’s difficult to pronounce Grand Wailea’s signature restaurant, Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, but you can call it Humuhumu for short. Named for the native reef triggerfish, the restaurant is nestled under several thatched-roof structures with a dramatic circular aquarium bar housing some 400 salt-water fish gliding under your cocktail—try the Sunburnt Vacationer. The Wagyu steak is a favorite, but other dishes such as Macadamia Nut Prawns and Ahi Coconut Ceviche are more authentic to the island. The Nobu resort hosted its extravagant breakfast here, while the construction was ongoing.

Nobu has redesigned its space and is now open. It offers all of their famous dishes for dinner, including black cod with miso or yellowtail with jalapeno. Olivine serves an Italian-inspired lunch and dinner menu, Botero Lounge has live music, and the Wailea Beach Haus is a great option if you’re not up for going in for lunch. The 24-hour Loulu is also noteworthy, named after the only native palm tree in Hawaii. The café/market offers a light breakfast, snacks, a variety of sandwiches, pizza, and curated offerings from the Los Angeles-based organic grocer Erewhon, including the cult-favorite Cosmic Bliss, a plant-based soft serve. You can also dine with entertainment at the Grand Lūʻau on select dates.

Activities and Experiences

While it may be tempting to spend all your time at the Grand Wailea lazing on the beach and by the pool with a book or mudslide, you’d be making a mistake. It would be a big mistake to spend your days at the Grand Wailea only relaxing on the beach or by the pool, mudslide and novel in hand. From yoga classes in the early morning on the beach to stand-up paddleboard and scuba lesson and morning outrigger tour, there are activities for everyone. Every Wednesday, cultural tours focus on Hawaii’s culture and history. Garden tours, which highlight native plants and art tours, showcase the hotel’s impressive collection of artworks and sculptures.

Or embrace the culture and learn how to play the ukulele or a Kukui Nuts bracelet, or dance the hula. Or just relax and enjoy Keola (Hawaiian bingo). There are many different types of events that take place throughout the year. E Ala E, a morning chant on the beach that is said to make participants “feel the mana (energy) of Maui flow through your body,” and the ‘Awa Ceremony in celebration of the full moon led by a Hawaiian cultural practitioner.

The hotel offers a fully equipped gym and daily fitness classes, including yoga, cycling and stretching. On Sundays, the hotel hosts a soundbath experience, which uses crystal bowls, water drums, and chimes to promote deep relaxing. The hotel’s lobby is home to several galleries and a Tommy Bahama boutique, as well as the Cabana vue designer boutique, featuring luxury brands like Tom Ford, Chanel, and Tom Ford.

Beach and pool are not to be forgotten. The hotel will provide chairs and umbrellas for Wailea beach, while the swimming pool is just steps away. It has nine different areas: a “baby-beach” area for the youngest children, seven water slides and the Hibiscus Pool, which is only open to adults. It’s time to hit the mudslide.

The Spa

After check-in guests are invited to participate in a welcome ritual that involves dipping their fingertips in salt water and flicking it back over their shoulders while focusing on their intentions. Before heading up to the treatment area, guests are encouraged to arrive early and spend some time in the hydrotherapy gardens (complimentary for any service; or purchase a two-hour ticket for $125).

It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. spa menu It’s incredible. Lomilomi is a Hawaiian healing technique, and facials are available in many different options. Signature rituals include herbal wraps and bodywork that are based on local herbs or moon cycles. They also incorporate mindfulness and meditation practices. Book astrology readings, or an exploration of your chakras and auras. You can also book astrology readings or a session to explore your auras and chakras. The BiostationA med-spa and hormone therapy are available at the facility. The full-service salon provides nail and hair services.

The Biostation is offering new three-day and five day retreats that include spa treatments and private fitness sessions. The 11 wellness rooms are equipped with white noise machines, massage guns and meditation goggles.

Offers for Families

Sitting on my eighth-floor lanai around sunset, I had fun watching the parade of multi-generational family groups—often decked out in matching Hawaiian prints—heading toward the evening’s luau. It’s a Hawaii must to see the festive display with food and traditional dances. At the Grand Wailea there are plenty of activities for kids, including a pool that will keep them occupied for hours. Keiki Club was recently remodeled by the hotel for children aged between 5 and 12. Wendle Lesher, the general manager of the hotel, called it “an immersive experience” and stressed that kids are not confined in a single room. He told T+L that they will be exploring the gardens and cooking with a chef. Teenagers will be drawn to the Cave which is a new area marketed as an “immersion in the Megaverse”. Virtual reality pods with high-tech games like 4D virtual reality and ping pong will share space with traditional game rooms. On arrival, children are given a Grand Passport that serves as an educational map of all the activities available on the property. The hotel offers babysitting services for parents who need to get out of the house.

Accessibility and sustainability

Grand Wailea was built with accessibility in mind from the beginning, because one of its planners had a child with disabilities. All over the property, there are ramps that are gentle enough to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. There are also accessible rooms for every category. Water elevators are a unique feature that was created for the planner’s son to get from the upper to lower levels of pool.

In virtually all aspects of the resort’s operations, sustainability is emphasized. You won’t see plastic bottles in the take-out containers, nor will you find them on any of the water bottles. More than 80 percent the produce is produced locally. Food scraps are used as animal feed by local farmers. Many of the plants are indigenous to the island and drought-resistant. A rooftop aviary provides honey and pollen for restaurants and spa treatments.

Location

Grand Wailea, located on Maui’s southern side is only 17 miles away from the airport. Even though the Grand Wailea is close to the airport, a rental car is necessary to enjoy all that Maui has. wonders of Maui. The road to Hana is a sometimes harrowing journey that takes you past black-sand beaches, waterfalls and the awe inspiring sunrise of Haleakala. I love driving along the Haleakala Highway. Stopping for a visit to waterfalls and black sand beach is a must. O’o Farm The following are some examples of how to use Surfing Goat Dairy. Makawao is another fun place to visit. It’s a small town in the upcountry known for its charming galleries, and for a bakery famous for malasadas, which are often sold out by noon. Maui has some of my favourite restaurants, including The Maui Grill and the Malasadas Bakery. Mama’s Fish HouseReservations are required months in advance. Maui is not short on attractions. beaches you might want to visit.

Hilton Honors is affiliated with the Grand Wailea Hotel (I paid just under 300,000 Hilton Honors points for my three-night booking). The fifth night would have been free if I had stayed an extra night. The American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts offers include a free fifth night, as well as a daily breakfast for two people and a $100 credit.

Rates for nightly stays at Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort Prices start at $70 but prices can vary depending on the season and the day of week.

Each T+L Hotel Review is written by a reporter or editor who has visited the hotel. The hotel chosen must also align with our standards. core values.