A Maui Dream Vacation: Our Stay at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria resort

Over the Labor Day weekend holiday, my family with some friends stayed at the beautiful Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui.  It was honestly one of the best vacations I have had with my kids.  When we returned home, I was still smiling from all the fun we had.    

When my friend first suggested staying at the Grand Wailea, I was totally in, but a little concerned about the cost.  After all, the Grand Wailea to me is synonymous with luxury and when I think about the resort, an overview of the sprawling 40-acre resort with the iconic Hibiscus pool instantly comes to mind.  But super lucky for us Hawaii residents, the Grand Wailea offers some very reasonable kama’aina rates.  

Check in at the Grand Wailea was a breeze and we absolutely loved our lei greeter.  She was so warm and friendly and totally read my mind when she offered to take a family picture for us. 

We were upgraded to the Alii Suite, which sleeps up to a family of 5 with sofa bed.  It is a generous 1,300 square feet with a separate bedroom and living area and private lanai.  Best of all it has a half bathroom in addition to the master bathroom with shower and tub!  I think all families can appreciate this feature.  

We LOVED the space.  After spending hours at the pool, the suite gave us all enough space to enjoy some down time on our own before dinner (read: I was able to close the bedroom door to take a much needed nap while the kids watched TV in the living room).  It was also a great meeting place after dinner to spend some time with the other families.  

 

The living area had a pull out sofa, dining table, and wet bar area.

Over the three nights that we spent at the Grand Wailea, we only left twice.  Once to visit Haleakala and the second to have dinner at the Mill House Maui.  That’s it.  The resort has everything you need and gives you no reason to leave.  We spent most of our time at the amazing Grand Wailea’s Canyon Activity Pool, which features 9 pools spread over 6 levels with 7 waterslides, waterfalls, hot tubs, rushing rapids, a lazy river, a rope Tarzan swing, a lagoon area, water elevator, swim-up grotto bar, and their famous Hibiscus pool reserved for 18 and older.  Beautiful Wailea beach is just steps away and you have your option of dining at one of the 7 eateries at the resort.

A portion of the lazy river.

Rope bridge 

Slides!

Tarzan Swing

We got lost a couple of times on the vast property, but in hindsight, I wish I could have stayed lost in paradise a little longer!  The fun we had during our stay at the Grand Wailea was truly priceless.  We returned home reconnected, rejuvenated, and in high spirits from all the great memories we made together.

Sad to go!

Thank you Grand Wailea for the suite upgrade!  The room rate was paid on my own.  All opinions are honest and entirely my own.