Maui's Most Famous Beachfront Resort Offers A World-Class Spa, Stunning Ocean Views, And Gorgeous Suites
There's luxury, and then there's Grand Wailea. Perched on the pristine coastline of southern Maui, this legendary resort is a symphony of luxury, sunset views, and next-level pampering. While Wailea Beach gets plenty of recognition — especially thanks to its cameo alongside the Four Seasons in "The White Lotus" — Grand Wailea, A Waldof Astoria Resort is quickly rising to legendary status. Spread over 40 acres of tropical landscape, Grand Wailea is the gold standard for beachfront bliss, and not just because of the location. From mountain greens to ocean blues, the views are breathtaking from every angle.
The accommodations alone are worth the trip, with 737 guest rooms, 57 dreamy suites, and 50 prestigious villas on the property. Think marble bathrooms, breezy lanais, and panoramic views that pair perfectly with your morning coffee. Entry-level rooms are already sublime, but the upgrade options like the Napua suites come with serious VIP perks. We're talking exclusive lounge access with complimentary chef-curated cuisine, evening cocktails, and a slice of quiet luxury above the resort bustle. The Ho'olei Villas offer a three-bedroom hillside escape with room to relax, a gourmet-ready kitchen, and quick access to everything Grand Wailea is known for, delivering effortless island living with a serious side of style.
Then comes the spa, where wellness is the word softly whispered at Kilolani Spa. Reopened in early 2024 after a $55-million renovation, Kilolani Spa now reigns as the largest in Hawaii at 50,000 square feet. Grounded in Hawaiian healing and celestial rhythms, its treatments align with the Hawaiian moon phases and local botanicals. Float through open-air hydrotherapy gardens, detox in the salt room, lounge in the hammam, or melt into a traditional lomi lomi massage with herbal infusions. It's luxurious, but also deeply intentional.
Balance, beauty, and bliss at Grand Wailea
Wellness at Grand Wailea is not reserved to just the spa. The hotel has 11 wellness-themed guest rooms packed with dreamy perks like massage guns, meditation goggles, and spa garden access to recharge your soul. Daily rituals bring movement and balance, whether you're breathing deeply during guided morning yoga or pedaling alongside others in a group cycling class. You can find stillness with an open air sound bath or invite clarity through the ritual of astrology-guided reflection.
Kilolani Spa's offerings also evolve with the seasons, presenting a dynamic lineup of events year-round. Guests can dive into cacao ceremonies, Aloha Fridays, or spend a day at the hydrotherapy gardens. Access to the hydrotherapy circuit is complimentary with any spa treatment.
When you've had enough resting and recharging, trying to figure out the best things to do on your Maui vacation can feel overwhelming. But this visual paradise of a hotel has it all on-property, from the Wailea Canyon Activity Pool with four jungle pools, intertwining slides, waterfalls, and a swim-up bar, to the serene adults-only Hibiscus Pool. For those looking to catch a sunset or put their toes in the sand, a quick 10-minute stroll takes you to Wailea Beach. The resort boasts several dining experiences; we recommend Olivine restaurant, which offers oceanside views at lunch and dinner. Plus, two poolside bars keep the tropical vibes flowing all day long.
What to know before arriving at Grand Wailea in Maui
For travelers heading to Grand Wailea, Maui's main airport, Kahului Airport (OGG), is located less than 30 miles away from the resort. The 30-minute drive takes you through some of the island's most scenic landscapes. Renting a car is ideal if you want the freedom to explore beyond Wailea and can be done on-site at the hotel. Peak tourist months on Maui include December, March, June, July, and August — to avoid the crowds, it's best to plan your visit outside these times, when the island is quieter.
If you prefer not to drive, an airport shuttle is a welcomed alternative, offering seamless transfers for guests. The hotel does not offer an official airport shuttle service, but there are countless third-party companies that can whisk you away from the arrivals terminal. Ride-share apps and taxis are also widely used, though costs can add up if you plan frequent trips. Either way, your trip from Kahului to Grand Wailea sets the tone for a stress-free, stunning getaway. So whether you're looking to spend the days exploring Maui's most magical waterfalls, or taking the kids to interact with Hawaiian wildlife at Maui's must-visit aquarium, this resort offers an idyllic home base. Adventure out, or unwind in — Grand Wailea grounds it all beautifully.