Grand Wailea

A one-stop destination in a gorgeous setting for families and groups.

• The Napua Tower, with 100 guestrooms, a private club area and dedicated concierge services. The Napua Tower is currently being renovated, and Indagare is thrilled to have been granted a sneak peak of the new rooms which are stunning and modern
• Spa Grande, the largest spa in Hawaii, with copious treatments, fitness facilities and class, and hydrotherapy pools, which is also under renovation and expected to come back sleek and fresher than before
• Camp Grande, like a summer camp for kids 3 to 12, with its own children’s restaurant and dozens of indoor and outdoor activities

Families have favored this monster resort, with over 700 guest rooms, since it was built in 1991. For the first-timer, the expansive resort is so big that it can feel a bit unwieldy, but for active travelers or those with kids, this is a minor impediment considering all there is to do.

In 2012, the property was taken over by Waldorf Astoria, which means you can expect great service and full resort amenities. It is currently undergoing extensive renovations, but even so, six restaurants (including Humuhumunukunukuapua’a – named for the state fish of Hawaii…say that five times fast), plus the swim-up Grotto Bar in the main pool offer everything from the catch of the day to peanut butter for the kids. The tennis club has eleven courts, and the hotel is now offering on-property outdoor spin and yoga classes in the mornings, which can be reserved through the spa (outside guests permitted). There are three eighteen-hole golf courses; nine pools (including one for adults only and a system of waterslides and rapid slides for the kids); a full business center for those who working from home; a 50,000-square-foot spa, among the most renowned in the state; and Camp Grande, a 20,000-square-foot facility for kids five through twelve.

Teens have their own activities, including coed spa night, which features chocolate body scrubs and a movie theater showing recent releases. Couples feeling particularly romantic can even get married in the little, slightly kitschy seaside chapel. The resort’s impressive art collection is the largest in Maui County and includes works by Fernand Leger and Fernando Botero hanging next to work by top regional artists. Just across the street from the Grand Wailea are 50 three-bedroom luxury townhomes the resort manages that offer full hotel privileges.

This is a great option for families who want everything at their fingertips for their holiday. This place is big, so anyone who is weary of large resorts should stay elsewhere.