Maui-Wowie

May 12, 2008 7:23 AM

Looking for a awesome Maui Hotel / Resort. I will be in Maui with my wife from June 15 - June 20th. None of the Maui threads make specific recommendations. Looking for a great resort with good food, good spa, and a awesome pool. I don't mind paying a lot for this. Has anyone been to Maui and had a great hotel / resort experience. I would prefer to be in the NW corner of the island, but am not to concerned.
posted by jasondigitized to travel & transportation (10 comments total)

I went to a conference a couple years ago at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, which has all the features you describe. My wife and I enjoyed ourselves very much.
posted by fantabulous timewaster at 7:50 AM on May 12, 2008

Grand Wailea Resort Hotel is awesome, and regularly makes top 10 resort lists. I worked there for a two week period doing a conference, and is without a doubt, the nicest place I've ever been.
posted by Roger Dodger at 8:20 AM on May 12, 2008

Having been to three other Hawaiian islands, I can say that the blue books in the XXXX Revealed series are top notch. The Maui book with list all of the really high end resorts in that area and give you enough detail to make a choice. Plus the book is chock full of ideas for things to do. Their books never steered us wrong with the other islands.
posted by mmascolino at 8:53 AM on May 12, 2008

Hotel Hana-Maui, if you don't mind being far away from the more commercial side of Maui. It would be my choice, but that's becasue I've spent my share of time in commercial Maui.

The Ritz in Kapalua or the Four Seasons in Wailea are genreally considered the best by price is no object travellers.

Grand Wailea has the best pool, IMO.
posted by dzot at 9:13 AM on May 12, 2008

Seconding everything dzot said. He's on the money.
posted by rooftop secrets at 9:52 AM on May 12, 2008

Third Hotel Hana Maui...even if only for two nights or something. My wife woke up one morning to the sound of children singing in Hawaiian in the distance, while the breeze blew through the room...its amazing.

If you stay there go on the horseback ride along the coast they offer with a stable down the street. Also there is a guy farther into Hana (if you are coming down the road to Hana)...maybe a mile or so past Hotel Hana Maui that sells grilled stuff on the side of the road...he makes awesome Salmon.

If you are looking for great Snorkeling and such Hana may not be the best option and there is not a lot around other than the hotel, but like I said even if you make a special trip to stay there for a couple nights it absolutely worth it.

The spa is also really very good (they make their own soap, which after using in the hotel room we went and bought about 10 bars for home and for gifts)...their are two pools...one of which looks amazing under torchlight at night. The restaurant is really tasty as well...the other ones in the are are more burgers/sandwhiches type but HHM has its own good place to eat.

They also stock the mini bar for free with sodas, juice and a bottle of champaign plus Kona coffee and a welcome basket with fruit and other snacks.
posted by UMDirector at 10:03 AM on May 12, 2008

The pools at the Grand Wailea are fantastic, and the rest of the hotel property is just as great.
posted by melorama at 11:01 AM on May 12, 2008

Another vote for Grand Wailea. It was wonderful.
posted by candyland at 4:41 PM on May 12, 2008

Just got back from Maui. We stayed a few days at the Grand Wailea. Fantastic resort. Right on a beautiful beach. Several pools connected by small water slides. Two big water slides. Swim up bar in a grotto type area. Short lazy river area. There is also an adult pool if you want to get away from children. Beautiful gardens.

Had the breakfast buffet, was just ok. Ate at Humu Humu in the resort. Great food, open air atmosphere, great for sunset dining.
posted by studentbaker at 10:01 AM on May 14, 2008

Just in case someone reads this in the future, we ended up staying at the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Villas and we loved it. It was nice to have a kitchen. The resort it pretty nice and at a reasonable price.
posted by jasondigitized at 10:32 AM on June 26, 2008