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Grand Wailea Maui Review: Is This Waldorf Astoria Resort Worth It?
- Alyssa
- May 16, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: 1d
Although Elijah and I usually travel together, this Maui trip was a girls-only getaway! A close friend of mine had time off work and has always been fascinated by whales, so I convinced her to join me on a spontaneous trip to Maui for whale watching. For our stay, we chose the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea, one of the island’s most iconic beachfront resorts. Our standard room was upgraded to a double ocean-view room, giving us a glimpse of the beautiful Pacific right from our balcony. While nightly rates can easily exceed $1,000 during peak season, we were fortunate to find a great deal when booking, but even at full price, this is one of those hotels travelers often wonder if it’s truly worth the splurge. In this review, I’ll break down everything from cost and amenities to dining, location, and overall experience to help you decide if the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea Maui is Worth Your Wallet.
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Getting to the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea Maui
The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, is located about 30 minutes (16 miles) from Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui’s south shore. The hotel does not provide a complimentary shuttle, but there are several easy ways to get there depending on your plans and budget.
Most travelers will find ride-share services or taxis readily available at the airport, but prices can add up quickly if you plan to explore the island. Since we had multiple activities booked around Maui, we chose to rent a car, which gave us the flexibility to drive anywhere we needed.
The rental car process at Kahului Airport was one of the smoothest we’ve experienced, after exiting security, we simply crossed the street to a clearly marked bus stop, took a quick shuttle to the rental facility, and were on our way within minutes.
If you prefer not to deal with airport rentals, the Grand Wailea also has an on-site Enterprise desk, allowing guests to pick up or drop off vehicles directly at the resort. This is a convenient option for those who want a car only for part of their stay or want to avoid airport crowds altogether.
Location & Nearby Attractions
The Grand Wailea sits in the heart of Wailea, one of Maui’s most luxurious resort communities. The property overlooks Wailea Beach, a calm stretch of golden sand known for its gentle waves and sunset views. Wailea is also home to high-end shopping, fine dining, and world-class golf courses, all within a few minutes’ drive. The Shops at Wailea (a five-minute walk from the resort) offer boutique stores and restaurants, while nearby beaches like Makena Beach State Park (Big Beach) and Ulua Beach are great options for swimming and snorkeling.
For day trips, Haleakalā National Park, Iao Valley, and the Road to Hana are all within driving distance, making Wailea an ideal home base for exploring both sides of the island. The area has a more relaxed, upscale feel compared to busier destinations like Lahaina or Kihei, which makes it perfect for honeymooners and travelers looking for a quieter Maui experience.
Cost & Value at the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea Maui
Room Rates & Seasonal Pricing
The Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea is one of Maui’s most luxurious resorts, and pricing reflects that. Depending on the season, standard rooms typically range from $900 to $1,400 per night before taxes and fees. During peak travel months like December through April, rates climb quickly, while summer and early fall can be slightly more affordable.
If you’re flexible with dates, you can sometimes find weekday stays closer to $800 per night, especially outside of holidays. Booking through platforms like Expedia or Hilton Honors may also include free breakfast or resort credit offers that help offset costs.
Resort Fee
The property charges a $50 daily resort fee, which includes:
Access to the fitness center and yoga classes
Pool and beach services
Wi-Fi throughout the property
Complimentary reusable water bottles and refill stations
Access to daily cultural activities
While some amenities are genuinely valuable, guests should be aware that the resort fee is mandatory even if you don’t plan to use all of the included services.
Parking Fees
Parking at the Grand Wailea is on the higher side compared to other Maui hotels.
Valet Parking: $65 per night (the only overnight option)
Day Parking: $10 per hour up to a $65 maximum Self-parking is not available for overnight guests, which adds a noticeable cost for those staying multiple nights.
Check-in at the Grand Wailea:
There is so much to process as you walk to the front desk to check in; huge artworks and sculptures, ocean views, and so many plants and flowers! We were able to see whales within minutes of arriving at the hotel. While talking with the front desk staff we saw whales spouting water in the distance. It was one of the craziest views I have seen behind a check-in desk! The staff at check-in were friendly and kind, making the experience even better.
The standard check-in time for the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea Maui is 4:00 PM. However, we were able to check in a little earlier around 3:30 PM which was great after a long day of travel! We were both given beautiful pink flower leis at check-in which made for a perfect start to our luxury girls' getaway!
Room Details at the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea Maui
We originally booked a standard king room, which was the only option available when redeeming points, but during check-in, we were upgraded to a double ocean-view room, a pleasant surprise! Our room was located on the chapel side of the resort, which meant a bit of a walk to the pools and main lobby, but it came with one of the most peaceful settings on the property. From our lanai, we could see the iconic white chapel, the lush tropical landscaping, and the Pacific Ocean just beyond. While this side of the resort is quieter, it’s also one of the prettiest, especially during sunset when the sky reflects over the koi ponds below.
Balcony & View
Our large private lanai (balcony) ended up being our favorite feature of the room. It overlooked the property’s koi pond, complete with colorful fish and resident turtles that we spent way too long watching. We even saw two turtles “slap-boxing” in the water one afternoon, it became an unexpected highlight of our stay! The balcony furniture was comfortable and well-maintained, making it easy to relax with coffee in the morning or wind down after a long day at the pool. The overall view captured everything that makes Maui so special, vibrant greenery, ocean blues, and that signature resort calm.
Temperature & Noise Notes
Despite the warm Maui weather, the room did get a little cool at night, even with the heater working properly. We found it helped to close the bathroom door and windows to maintain a comfortable temperature. The area was otherwise quiet and relaxing, especially compared to more central rooms near the main pool.
Layout & Comfort
Inside, the room was spacious, featuring two full-size beds, a small seating area, and a large bathroom with both a shower and soaking tub. The interior leaned toward traditional island-luxury styling rather than modern minimalism, but everything was well-kept and clean.
The provided toiletries were excellent, especially after spending hours in the sun and saltwater. We also appreciated the complimentary robes, slippers, and Nespresso machine, small details that added to the sense of comfort and convenience.
Property & Amenities at the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea Maui
The Grand Wailea is massive, practically a destination of its own. Between the pools, restaurants, shops, and endless pathways, it’s easy to get turned around your first day (we definitely did). Even after spending a full day exploring, we didn’t come close to doing everything. It was easy for us to get lost trying to find our way back from the pools to our room the first few times! They had many different things to do, and we spent all day trying to do everything but could not!
Pools, Water Slides & Lazy River
The resort’s pool complex is the centerpiece of the property and one of the most impressive in Hawaii. Guests can enjoy:
Two large water slides and one smaller kids’ slide
A lazy river connecting multiple pools
Waterfalls, caves, and a rope swing
Several hot tubs tucked among the greenery
An adult-only pool and a swim-up bar
Most water attractions close in the late afternoon (around 4 PM – 5 PM), but the pools themselves remain open until 10 PM.
Fitness Center & Activities
The Grand Wailea’s fitness center is open 24 hours and offers a mix of yoga, cycling, and wellness classes. Guests can register online for free, though you do need to reserve a spot in advance. We didn’t have time to attend a class during our stay, but it’s a great option if you want to keep up a routine while traveling.
Beyond the gym, the resort provides:
Complimentary beach cruisers for exploring Wailea
Scuba and snorkeling clinics
Free ukulele and hula lessons
A 45-minute professional photo session for guests (you only pay if you purchase the photos)
A full-service spa and concierge team for booking on- and off-property activities
Dining at the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea Maui
Dining at the Grand Wailea offers a little bit of everything, from elegant oceanfront dinners to casual poolside fare. The resort features several restaurants and bars spread across the property, each emphasizing local ingredients, Hawaiian flavors, and fresh seafood.
The signature restaurant, Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, provides a refined dining experience beside the lagoon, while other venues like Bistro Molokini, Botero Lounge, and the swim-up Grotto Bar serve guests throughout the day with more relaxed menus and tropical drinks. Prices are what you’d expect at a luxury resort, on the higher side, but balanced by the convenience and views.
Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially around sunset, as tables with ocean views fill quickly. For those who prefer to explore beyond the property, Wailea and Kihei have plenty of local restaurants and cafés just a short drive away, many offering comparable quality at a lower price point.
Check-Out Experience:
Check-out at the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea was simple and stress-free. One of the best parts about this property is its standard 12:00 PM check-out time, which gives guests extra breathing room before heading to the airport. Since many flights from Maui depart later in the day, the later checkout made our morning much more relaxed. We left our room keys inside and called the valet team before leaving. By the time we walked to the front entrance, our car was already waiting, a smooth, coordinated process that made departure easy. The hotel later emailed our final receipt, and everything was processed correctly without any issues or delays.
Final Verdict: Is the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea Maui Worth Your Wallet?
The Grand Wailea offers one of the most luxurious resort experiences in Maui, and it truly feels like a destination within itself. From the expansive pools and tropical landscaping to the private beachfront and polished service, it’s clear why this property remains a top choice for travelers seeking a high-end Maui getaway. That said, it’s undeniably one of the most expensive hotels on the island, and the nightly rates plus resort and valet fees add up quickly. For the right traveler, though, the experience delivers.
We’d recommend the Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea for couples, honeymooners, and families who plan to spend most of their trip relaxing on the property and taking advantage of the amenities, especially the pool complex and ocean access. If you’re celebrating something special or want a truly resort-focused vacation, it’s worth the splurge.
However, if your goal is to explore Maui on a tighter budget or you’ll be spending most of your time off-property, you’ll likely find better value at smaller resorts or vacation rentals nearby. Overall, the Grand Wailea lives up to its reputation for luxury, but it’s best suited for those who want the full resort experience and are willing to pay for it.
If you are looking for more details to plan your trip to Hawaii, checkout out Full Maui Travel Guide