My husband and I just got back from a 12-day stay at the Grand Wailea... It was everything we imagined and more.... Being "DINKS" (Dual income no kids), we were a little worried that there would be tons of kids running around the whole time, but found traveling in the month of Sept (after most had gone back to school) was in fact a great choice for us. The resort itself is absolutely gorgeous.....just when we thought we had seen everything, we would stumble upon yet another sight, a winding path, or a piece of art that we hadn't seen before. While the resort is VAST in size, we appreciated the fact that getting from one place to another within the resort was a beautiful experience. On our nightly walks, it seemed as if we were the only ones there....it was truly wonderful!!
The food is just fine as far as flavor and VERY pricey........(Think $30 for breakfast for one......, $6 for a bottled water, $15 for a hamburger, etc etc...) we found ourselves leaving each night and going out to dinner at the local places... If you like Sushi, be sure to visit "Sansei"....best sushi I have ever had! The drinks at the Wailea are pricey as well ($9 for frozen, $6 for a beer). All that to say remember your at a 5 star "resort" and not a convienence store, so be prepared to pay what they want to charge you for these items.
On our 6th night there, three rowdy teenage girls moved in next door and were making tons of noise....think ........"Like I'm sooooo trashed"..(giggle, giggle, scream scream)....."Look a MINI BAR" Whoooo Hoooo....let's get wasted man".....
we were not going to spend the rest of our vacation listening to underage girls trying to handle their alchohol intake, while there parents were not around.........so, I went downstairs and asked to be moved...The Wailea outdid themselves on this one!!! Clarissa was absolutely WONDERFUL, completely understood our complaint and promptly found us another room. The 1st room we had was great, but the second room was absolutely gorgeous!! The lanai overlooked the pool and you could see the beach, sunsets.... everything!! It was the highlight of our trip. My husband and I will definitely be going back to the Wailea as our overall experience was truly wonderful..... Here are some tips for those of you who will be visiting in the near future:
1) Rent the refridgerator ($25 for the duration of your stay)...go to the grocery store and stock up on bottled water, beer, snacks, etc. It will more than pay for itself!!
2) Visit Cafe Kula in the resort for breakfast and save the room service charges or visit "The Big Wave" in Kihei for great banana pancakes.
3) Some more local restaurants to visit (More affordable and taste wonderful): Maui Tacos, Sansei, Longhi's
4) Buy a beach unbrella at one on the local shops...shade is very limited at the pool and beach area...a cabana costs $140 a day, and an umbrella costs $40 a day....it will more than pay for itself.
5) Be sure to take a morning stroll along the 3 mile Wailea walk path along the shore...truly gorgeous.
6) If you want to attend a luau, make it the "Old Lahaina Luau". It's the best, just make reservations early.

See you next time Grand Wailea!!

More water park than resort. Probably one of the nicest hotel rooms I've ever stayed in - but the pool area overwhelms the otherwise beautiful resort.
Researching on the web we thought this was a golf resort on the ocean that was somewhat exclusive. The reality is that allot of experienced HI travelers book this place for one night during their stay so that "the kids can use the pool".
Be aware that there is construction next door to the resort as of 8/04 and if your on the wrong end of the hotel there will be some noise.

Visiting the Grand Wailea was an absolute joy! I visited on my honeymoon in May 2004 for a week. The staff was very friendly. We were upgraded to the beautiful Napua tower where the views were breathtaking. The concierge was very helpful in planning our days, so don't be afraid to ask. There are several restaurants on site, pricey, but worth it! The beach is beautiful. During the evening, just as the sun sets, we watched turtles on the beach front near the Marriot side of the hotel. Nature truly abounds. It is true that there is some construction going on next door, but it's only in swing during normal hours so it's not a big distraction. The grounds are beautiful. Flowers everywhere, koi ponds, torches at night! The pools are gorgeous and fun. Don't be afraid to ride the water slides and act like a kid. If you have kids, they'll never want to leave.

THe Grand Wailea definately lived up to it's name. It was truly a grand vacation. We spent from May 28th through June 1st and had a wonderful experience. The staff was warm and friendly and very accomodating. We were given a beachfront upgrade after booking an inside room. THe rooms were very spacious and roomy, the beds extremely comfortable and the bathroom fantastic. We walked to the shops of Wailea several times during our visit. Very upscale shops. THe beach at the Wailea was very nice. Several times we walked down to the end (not very far) to the four seasons beach (in hopes of catching a glimpse of the California governor or someone equally important) but never did see him. THe pool is fantastic. We took our 11 and 13 year olds and they had a blast with the rope swing, the current slide and the lazy river however the water elevator is overrated. All in all I would definately reccomend this resort to anyone. I am ready to go back!!!