The Grand Wailea hotel and resort in Maui of Waldorf Astoria fame is a luxury-class hotel situated on Wailea Beach. Its picture-perfect chapel of ideal destination wedding size positions it well for marrying couples and their loved ones and so is often chosen by brides and grooms. It is the pool, however, that sets this hotel apart as a good choice for families.
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FANTASTIC HOTEL POOL
The Grand Wailea’s pool area is so large, it has its own name, the Wailea Canyon Activity Pool. Don’t let its singular name fool you, though, the Activity Pool is actually nine pools, seven waterslides (two of them are both long and fast for the thrill-seekers in your family), a white-water rapids slide (a short, wide, fast ride), a spectacular array of man-made caves and grottos (one nearly hiding a large hot tub and one housing a swim-up bar), tropical landscaping and a water elevator.
Before my visit, I read about the Grand Wailea’s water elevator and was very interested to see it in action. It seems it is the world’s first and, in my opinion, a brilliant way to turn the process of collecting water to supply the waterslides into an attraction. At the lowest water level, a water-proof door allows guests access to a circular water silo cleverly disguised in rock. Riders can climb up onto a giant inflatable tube and be lifted up as the water level rises. Onlookers can watch their progress through windows placed every so often up the rock. At the top, guests can hop out and ride down the waterslides.
Other fun water attractions here are the adults-only pool, the Tarzan rope swing, the lazy river and the baby beach. The layout and variation of water rides enables families with children (and young-at-heart parents) to all have an equally good time. The rope swing is extremely popular with the 8- to 13-year-old crowd, but I saw a few dads try it out as well. The lazy river is less lazy than any I’ve personally tried; the current is delightfully strong and will carry an adult around the pools easily, even with a child in tow. The baby beach is another exceptional idea. This man-made mini beach has sand without the pesky waves – perfect for babies to sit and splash in while their parents look on. During both days I played at Grand Wailea, I saw both kids and adults (even grandmas and grandpas) thoroughly enjoy the waterslides, elevator, lazy river and all that this wonderful pool has to offer. The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is a fantastic family vacation find.
THE HOTEL
Beyond the pool, the hotel and spa are beautifully designed. Tiles and stucco finishes are just beginning to show their age, but the overall tropical ambiance is still intact. Rooms at the Grand Wailea are decorated in a Hawaiian plantation style using pale greens, yellows and blues. Shutters are used instead of drapes at the large front sliding door to the lanai. From my comforts of home checklist, the robes are cozy, rooms have clothes hampers (amazing), and the bathroom has double sinks. Coffee is available in the bathroom (unusual), but much better coffee can be had in the hotel’s coffee shop. Several shops here do a great job of providing for last-minute retail needs and wants.
MY RECOMMENDATION
Although the Grand Wailea is a good choice for couples, because the beach can be a little crowded and this hotel boasts the best water park-style pool EVER, this hotel is best for families.
For more information on the Grand Wailea or to book a stay, please visit their website.
Examiner’s Note: My appreciation goes out to Christina Yumul and Taylor Jerome of the Grand Wailea. Thank you both.
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