Best Beaches in Maui for Kids, Toddlers & Families

Airport Beach is a great beach in Maui for toddlers

Best Beaches in Maui for Kids

Finding the perfect beach in Maui with little ones can make all the difference. While Maui is full of beautiful beaches, not all of them are ideal for babies, toddlers, or younger kids.

When we’re looking for a family-friendly beach, we usually look for a few key things:

✔️ Calm water
✔️ A shallow entry into the ocean
✔️ Easy parking
✔️ Nearby bathrooms

We’ve been visiting Maui almost every year since 2013 and have explored beaches all over the island through different stages of life—from trips as a couple to vacations with two energetic little boys. We even spent an entire month living on Maui in 2021, giving us plenty of time to experience these beaches beyond a typical one-week vacation. These are the beaches our family keeps coming back to.

Beach	Best For	Waves	Parking	Bathrooms
Honokōwai Beach Park	Babies & toddlers	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Calm	⭐⭐⭐⭐	✅
Kapalua Bay	Toddlers & snorkeling	⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gentle	⭐⭐⭐	✅
Airport Beach	Young kids	⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gentle	⭐⭐	✅
Kaʻanapali Beach	Older kids & boogie boarding	⭐⭐ More waves	⭐⭐	✅

Kaʻanapali Beach is great for big kids who can swim really well

Kaʻanapali Beach

Kaʻanapali Beach is one of Maui’s most famous beaches, and for good reason. The water is crystal clear, the sand is soft, and there is plenty to do nearby. While it isn’t the calmest beach on the island, it’s perfect for older kids who love swimming, body boarding, or playing in the waves.

📍 Location: Fronting the Kaʻanapali Resort area near Whalers Village.

👶 Kid Friendly: Great for confident swimmers and older kids. The waves can be a lot of fun for boogie boarding, and there is plenty of room to spread out on the sand.

🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: Better for toddlers who enjoy playing in the sand rather than spending lots of time in the water. Depending on ocean conditions, the waves can become fairly strong.

🚗 Parking: There are a few free public parking lots, but they fill up quickly. If they’re full, parking at Whalers Village or one of the nearby resorts is usually the easiest option.

🚻 Amenities: Restrooms, restaurants, shopping, shaded walkways, and easy access to food and ice cream make this one of the most convenient beaches for families.

Airport Beach (Kahekili Beach Park) is good for little kids or toddlers with a shallow entry

Airport Beach (Kahekili Beach Park)

Airport Beach quickly became one of our favorite spots for little kids. Compared to Kaʻanapali Beach, the waves tend to be a little gentler with a shallower entry, making it a great place for toddlers to splash around.

Our boys loved running toward the waves as they rolled onto the shore and then racing away before the water could catch them. We probably spent an hour doing nothing but that!

📍 Location: Just north of Kaʻanapali near the Westin Nanea and Sheraton resorts.

👶 Kid Friendly: A wonderful beach for younger kids who want to play near the shoreline.

🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: One of our favorite beaches for toddlers thanks to the calmer water and gradual entry into the ocean.

🚗 Parking: There is a free public parking lot, but it’s fairly small and fills early. If you park near the Sheraton, be prepared for a longer walk to the beach.

🚻 Amenities: Public restrooms and showers are available nearby.

Kapalua Bay is the best beach for toddlers and babies.

Kapalua Bay

If you’re traveling with younger kids, Kapalua Bay is hard to beat. The crescent-shaped bay naturally protects the beach from larger waves, creating calmer water that’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

One of our favorite discoveries was walking over the grassy hill on the side of the bay where we spotted sea turtles resting on the rocks. It became one of the highlights of our trip.

📍 Location: North of Napili Bay in Kapalua.

👶 Kid Friendly: Excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and floating in calmer water.

🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: One of the best beaches on Maui for toddlers thanks to the protected bay and softer waves.

🚗 Parking: There is a public parking lot across the street, but it fills up quickly. Arriving early in the morning makes parking much easier.

🚻 Amenities: Public bathrooms, showers, nearby restaurants, and grassy areas for picnics.

Honokōwai Beach Park

Honokōwai Beach Park

Honokōwai Beach Park is one of Maui’s hidden gems for families with babies and toddlers.

A rock reef protects much of the shoreline, creating a calm, shallow pool where even little ones can safely splash and play. It almost feels more like a natural kiddie pool than the ocean.

The best part? There’s also a playground just steps from the sand, making it easy to switch between beach time and playtime.

📍 Location: Between Kaʻanapali and Napili along Lower Honoapiʻilani Road.

👶 Kid Friendly: Great for kids of all ages thanks to the combination of a calm beach and playground.

🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: Probably our favorite beach for babies and toddlers. The protected water is incredibly calm, and the playground is an added bonus for little ones who need a break from the sand.

🚗 Parking: Free parking lot adjacent to the park, with additional street parking nearby.

🚻 Amenities: Public restrooms, picnic tables, grassy areas, playground, outdoor showers, and easy beach access.

D.T. Fleming Beach Park next to The Burger Shack - great for big waves

D.T. Fleming Beach Park

D.T. Fleming Beach is one of our favorite beaches to relax while the kids play in the sand. It’s located just below the Ritz-Carlton, and one of our favorite Maui lunch spots, The Burger Shack, is only a short walk away. We often grab burgers and then spend the afternoon letting the boys run around on the beach.

The waves here are usually much bigger than some of the other beaches on this list, so we don’t recommend it for little ones who want to swim. Instead, it’s a great place to build sandcastles, chase waves along the shoreline, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

📍 Location: North Kapalua, below the Ritz-Carlton Maui.

👶 Kid Friendly: Great for playing in the sand, flying kites, and running along the beach.

🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: Better for sand play than swimming because the shore break can be fairly strong.

🚗 Parking: Large public parking lot with easy beach access.

🚻 Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas, lifeguards, and The Burger Shack just steps away.

Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach) - best beach on the Road to Hana

Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach)

One of our favorite stops on the Road to Hana is the stunning black sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Even if you don’t spend much time in the water, it’s absolutely worth visiting.

Our boys love exploring the black sand, watching the waves crash against the shoreline, and running back before the water reaches them. We usually pack a lunch and enjoy one of the picnic tables before exploring the trails around the park. The paved paths also make it fairly stroller-friendly for much of the area.

Be sure to reserve your entry time in advance, as reservations are required for both parking and admission. (Tripadvisor)

📍 Location: Waiʻānapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana.

👶 Kid Friendly: Perfect for exploring, hiking, tide pools (when conditions allow), and enjoying one of Maui’s most unique beaches.

🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: Great for sightseeing and short walks. The waves and rocky shoreline make it less ideal for swimming with little ones.

🚗 Parking: Large parking lot available with advance reservations.

🚻 Amenities: Public restrooms, picnic tables, walking trails, and scenic overlooks.

Palauea Beach (White Rock Beach)

If you’re looking for a quieter beach away from the larger resorts, Palauea Beach is a wonderful hidden gem. The small coves along the shoreline make it feel like you have your own little section of beach.

After spending some time at the beach, continue driving south toward La Perouse Bay and the Hoapili Trail. This area is covered in ancient lava fields, and we’ve almost always spotted wild black goats wandering through the rocks. It became one of our boys’ favorite unexpected Maui adventures!

📍 Location: Just south of Wailea along Mākena Road.

👶 Kid Friendly: Great for exploring quieter coves and enjoying a less crowded beach.

🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: Nice for sand play, though parents should keep an eye on changing surf conditions.

🚗 Parking: Small public parking lot with a short walk to the beach.

🚻 Amenities: Limited amenities, so plan ahead before arriving.

Baby beach near Mala Ramp is a great beach in Maui for babies and toddlers

Baby Beach

Baby Beach is one of the most recommended beaches on Maui for families with babies and toddlers, and it’s definitely on our list for our next trip. A reef protects the shoreline, creating calm, shallow water that’s ideal for little ones to splash and play.

While we haven’t spent time at Baby Beach itself, we have visited the area several times for scuba diving out of Mala Ramp. There’s a dirt parking lot near the boat ramp, and from what we’ve read, that’s now the recommended access point to Baby Beach as Lahaina continues to rebuild following the 2023 wildfires. If you decide to visit, be respectful of the community, follow posted signs, and use the north entrance near Mala Ramp.

📍 Location: North Lahaina, near Mala Ramp.

👶 Kid Friendly: Calm, protected water makes this one of the most popular beaches for young families.

🍼 Toddler/Baby Friendly: One of the best beaches on Maui for babies and toddlers thanks to the shallow, reef-protected lagoon.

🚗 Parking: Dirt parking lot near Mala Ramp. Arrive early, especially during busy travel seasons.

🚻 Amenities: Limited amenities, so come prepared with water, snacks, and beach gear.

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Our Favorite Maui Beach for Toddlers

If you’re visiting Maui with babies or toddlers, our top picks would be:

🥇 Honokōwai Beach Park – Best overall for babies and toddlers thanks to the calm, shallow water and playground.

🥈 Kapalua Bay – Beautiful protected bay with gentle waves and a chance to spot sea turtles.

🥉 Airport Beach – A quieter alternative to Kaʻanapali with a more gradual entry into the water.

For older kids who love jumping in the waves (or an adventurous dive off Black Rock) or trying a boogie board, Kaʻanapali Beach is still one of the most fun beaches on the island.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best beach in Maui for toddlers?

Our favorite beach for toddlers is Honokōwai Beach Park. The reef creates a calm, shallow area that's almost like a natural swimming pool, and the playground is just steps from the sand. It's the perfect combination for little ones who need a break from the beach.

Which Maui beach has the calmest water for kids?

For calm water, we recommend Honokōwai Beach Park, Kapalua Bay, and Baby Beach. These beaches are protected from large waves, making them excellent choices for younger children.

What beach in Maui has a playground?

Honokōwai Beach Park is one of our favorite family beaches because it has both a playground and a protected beach. It's a great place to spend an entire morning with babies, toddlers, or preschoolers.

Are Maui beaches safe for babies?

Many Maui beaches are great for babies, but ocean conditions can change daily. We always recommend checking the surf before getting in the water and choosing beaches with calmer, protected coves such as Honokōwai Beach Park, Kapalua Bay, or Baby Beach.

Which Maui beach is best for boogie boarding?

For older kids, Kāʻanapali Beach is our favorite. Depending on the day's conditions, the waves are often perfect for body boarding and splashing around.

Which Maui beach is best for snorkeling with kids?

Kapalua Bay is one of the best places to snorkel with kids because the bay is naturally protected, making the water calmer and easier to explore. Keep an eye out for sea turtles around the rocks!

Which Maui beaches have bathrooms?

Most of the beaches on this list have nearby public restrooms, including:

• Honokōwai Beach Park

• Kapalua Bay

• Airport Beach (Kahekili Beach Park)

• D.T. Fleming Beach Park

• Waiʻānapanapa State Park

Do I need reservations for the Black Sand Beach?

Yes. Waiʻānapanapa State Park requires advance reservations for both entry and parking. We highly recommend booking your reservation before your trip, especially during busy travel seasons.

What is the best beach in Maui for families?

If we had to choose just one, we'd recommend Honokōwai Beach Park. Between the calm water, playground, bathrooms, picnic tables, and easy parking, it's the beach our family returns to again and again.

How many days do you need in Maui with kids?

We recommend spending at least 5–7 days in Maui if you're traveling with kids. That gives you enough time to enjoy several beach days, explore the Road to Hana, relax by the pool, and avoid feeling rushed. If you're lucky enough to stay longer, even better—we've been visiting Maui since 2013 and even spent an entire month on the island in 2021, and we still find new places to explore!

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See all MAUI POSTS or read our most recent:

Paradise Found: The Best Hotels in Maui, Hawaii (with map)

Kaanapali Beach Views

Paradise Found: The Best Hotels in Maui, Hawaii

Happy 2025, have you booked your Hawaiian vacation yet? You bet we did!

Maui, the "Valley Isle," is a captivating destination that effortlessly blends natural beauty with vibrant culture. From the dramatic peaks of Haleakala volcano to the pristine beaches of Ka'anapali, Maui offers a diverse landscape of breathtaking scenery. Explore lush rainforests, witness the mesmerizing Road to Hana, and indulge in delicious Hawaiian cuisine. With its warm hospitality, vibrant arts scene, and endless opportunities for adventure, Maui is a truly unforgettable vacation spot.

Choosing where to stay can be overwhelming, so we've compiled a list of our top 6 hotels in Maui to help you find your perfect slice of paradise.

Here is a map made with the Wanderlog Travel Planner, so you can follow along, add to your Google maps account, or create your own personal map! Wanderlog allows you to create great maps and guides for any vacation! Check out the Kaanapali Beach hotels and how they compare to others. We’ve been to most, here are our top 6 places to stay in Maui!

Map courtesy of Wanderlog, the best trip planner app on iOS and Android

See the best hotels to stay at in Maui with a map of all Ka’aanapali Beach hotels.

See our full Guide to Kaanapali Beach including where to stay, things to do and best restaurants!

Find the best rate to visit these hotels by booking your room through Booking.com Not only will you find the best rate out there but by clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks! 

If you’re still deciding where to stay, our Ultimate Maui Travel Guide breaks down the best areas and resorts across the island.

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Charming Gardens with Ocean views at the Hyatt Regency

1. The Maui Hyatt Regency:

• Where to Stay: This iconic resort boasts a prime location on Ka'anapali Beach with breathtaking ocean views.

• Why it's Great:

  • Stunning Pools: Multiple pools, including a lazy river and a waterslide, offer endless fun for all ages.

  • Delicious Dining: From casual beachfront cafes to elegant fine dining, the Hyatt offers a variety of culinary experiences.

  • Live Entertainment: Enjoy nightly luaus and live music performances for a taste of authentic Hawaiian culture.

  • Pampering Spa: Relax and rejuvenate at the award-winning Napili Point Spa.

  • Shave Ice Heaven: Indulge in a refreshing shave ice treat at Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice, located just steps from the resort.

  • Animal Menagerie: Find parrots that say “Aloha”, swans, flamingoes, and penguins. Yes, I said penguins.

Budget hotel option: You can use Hyatt points here but free night rewards don’t typically work. I always check!

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Sheraton Maui Resort with Black Rock!

2. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa:

• Where to Stay: Nestled on the shores of Black Rock, this resort offers stunning ocean views along the Maui coast and easy access to snorkeling and diving.

• Why it's Great:

  • Legendary Cliffs of Kapalua: Witness the iconic cliff divers leaping into the ocean during the nightly cliff diving ceremony.

  • World-Class Golf: Play a round of golf at the renowned Kapalua Golf Courses.

  • Spacious Accommodations: Choose from a variety of rooms and suites, many with private lanais and ocean views.

  • Multiple Pools: Enjoy several pools, including a lagoon pool and a children's pool.

  • Delicious Dining: Savor fresh seafood and local flavors at the resort's diverse dining options.

See our full review here: SHERATON MAUI RESORT HOTEL REVIEW

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View from Room in Westin Maui Resort and Spa

3. The Westin Maui Resort & Spa:

• Where to Stay: Located on Ka'anapali Beach, this luxurious resort offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

• Why it's Great:

  • Heavenly Beds: Experience the signature Westin Heavenly Bed for ultimate comfort.

  • Award-Winning Spa: Indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at the Heavenly Spa.

  • Breathtaking Views: Enjoy panoramic ocean views from your private lanai or while lounging by the pool.

  • Exciting Activities: Participate in a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

  • Family Fun: The resort offers a variety of activities for children, including a kids' club and a playground.

Budget Travel Tip: Book with Marriott points! Get the credit card and save those points!

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Grand Wailea Room views at Sunset

4. The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel:

• Where to Stay: This iconic resort boasts an unparalleled level of luxury and sophistication on Wailea Beach.

• Why it's Great:

  • Epic Pools: Explore the resort's nine interconnected pools, including a lazy river, waterfalls, and water slides. There’s even an elevator in the pool!

  • World-Class Dining: Indulge in a culinary journey with award-winning dining experiences.

  • Luxury Spa: Experience ultimate relaxation at the award-winning Spa Grande.

  • Impeccable Service: Enjoy personalized service from the dedicated staff.

  • Ice Cream Bliss: Cool down with a delicious scoop of ice cream from the resort's own ice cream parlor.

Luxury travel resort, if you want to be fancy.

See our full blog post review here: GRAND WAILEA HOTEL REVIEW

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Pool views at the Andaz Maui

5. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort:

• Where to Stay: This stylish and contemporary resort offers a unique blend of modern luxury and Hawaiian charm.

• Why it's Great:

  • Stunning Oceanfront Location: Enjoy breathtaking ocean views and easy access to Wailea Beach.

  • Stylish Design: Experience contemporary design with a touch of Hawaiian flair.

  • Exceptional Dining: Savor innovative cuisine at the resort's acclaimed restaurants.

  • Relaxing Atmosphere: Unwind by the infinity pool or on the private beach.

  • Unique Experiences: Participate in cultural activities such as lei making and ukulele lessons.

There’s a good snorkel spot close by! See the Best Snorkel Beaches in Maui

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Honua Kai Resort

6. Honua Kai Resort & Spa (Airbnb-Style):

• Where to Stay: This luxurious resort offers spacious condominium-style accommodations with fully equipped kitchens and stunning ocean views. Great if you want to work from the hotel or if you have kids and need more space than a hotel.

• Why it's Great:

  • Home Away From Home: Enjoy the comforts of home with spacious living areas and private lanais.

  • Access to Resort Amenities: Guests have access to resort amenities such as pools, spas, and restaurants.

  • Prime Location: Located on the pristine beaches of North Ka'anapali, offering easy access to nearby attractions.

  • Self-Catering Options: Enjoy the flexibility of cooking your own meals in your fully equipped kitchen.

  • Relaxing Atmosphere: Enjoy a more laid-back and independent vacation experience.

My favorite so that you can sprawl out! There isn’t maid service but there is a Duke’s Beach House Maui that also has waiters stop by the pool lounge chairs! Mai tai, please!

See how to budget your next trip: Maui Budget, Itinerary, and Checklist

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Choosing the best hotel in Maui depends on your individual preferences and budget. Whether you're seeking luxury, adventure, or relaxation, you're sure to find the perfect paradise on this magical island.

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Looking for more about Maui?! We have all you need:

10 FUN things you must do in Wailea - Maui, Hawaii

Top Ten Things to do and See in Wailea, Hawaii

First or sixth trip to Hawaii? Doesn’t matter, check out these fun things to do in Wailea! It’s a pretty coastal drive if you’re staying in Lahaina or a great place to stay for a few nights! We stayed at the Grand Wailea and fell in love with Wailea!

Not sure which area is right for you? Our Ultimate Maui Travel Guide compares Kaanapali, Wailea, and other regions.

Here’s a list of what to do in Wailea, Maui:

1. Go for a Hike in Wailea

   Wailea hikes are the best way to start the day! At the end of Makena Road just past Wailea, there is a trail to hike around old lava fields. We were lucky enough to find a Hawaiian Monk Seal that had just given birth days prior and was on the shore with her pup. We took the Haopili Trail to Hanomanioa Light where at the end of the trail is one of those natural pools that you often see influencers float in on Instagram. If you’re lucky, you’ll come across some black mountain goats along the way!

Hike to the natural pools in Wailea

2. Find a Secret Beach in Wailea

Maybe it’s not such a secret if I’m telling you. Again, At the end of Makena Road just past Wailea, if you’re not in the mood to hike (see #1), there are little beach coves that only fit a few people so you can jump in the water, do yoga, read a book, have a picnic lunch, or take a nap! It’s a private beach all to yourself! Pro Tip: Claim your spot early.

Secret Beaches in Wailea

3. Enjoy a day by the beach!

Beach chairs are provided by most hotels, you just have to get there early to nab one. We stayed at the Grand Wailea and would grab a few chairs around 8am to be in the front row.

4. Snorkel around Turtle Town

Wailea has some great spots for snorkeling, but you have to check out Turtle Town. Turtle Town is where the turtles come to have the cleaner fish pick off the algae and other parasites living on their backs! We also saw quite a few turtles right near our hotel (Grand Wailea).

Related posts: Best Snorkel Spots in Maui and Best Scuba Spots in Maui

Snorkel around Turtle Town in Wailea

5. Visit the Turtles in Wailea

Right off the back of a Makena Landing parking lot (5083 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753), you’ll often find turtles resting in the sand/rocks. Don’t disturb them, but admire them from the trees! Also, there were tons of chickens chasing each other in the parking lot.

Resting Turtles in Wailea

6. Go Shopping in Wailea!

I always love shopping! The Shops at Wailea have everything you need from high-end stores like Louis Vuitton to the ABC Store! Lappert’s ice cream can be found here and you’ll smell the fresh waffle cones wafting in the air when you get close! Soha Living has the cutest coastal decor, which makes great souvenirs! The Island Gourmet Markets is the best Wailea grocery store and their coffee shop brews a delicious coconut macadamia nut latte!

7. Pineapple Wine Tasting

There is a vineyard on Maui and it’s not far from Wailea! Have a taste of Maui Wine’s famous pineapple wines, exclusive small production estate wines, and sparkling wines.

FUN FACT: The King’s Cottage was originally built in the 1870s to welcome King Kalākaua himself, the last reigning king of Hawai’i. He would come to ‘Ulupalakua to enjoy a little royal vacation time with lavish dinners, dancing, champagne, and celebration. Maui wine continues that celebration today, this time inviting all of you! Complimentary guided tours of the historic estate, production area, and wine cellar.

8. Golf in Wailea

Josh loves to golf and there is a fantastic course (Wailea Golf Club) with gorgeous views in Wailea. The Wailea Gold Course is not only gorgeous but one of the top 100 courses in America!

Wailea Golf Club

9. Restaurants in Wailea

Do some fine dining - you’re on vacation! Monkeypod Kitchen is a MUST, their mai tais are my favorite on the island (food is fantastic too)! We also really liked Lineage (Top Chef, Sheldon Simeon’s restaurant), conveniently located in The Shops at Wailea shopping center.

10. Spa Day in Wailea

You’re at the beach in Hawaii, RELAX! Go for a nice massage and then grab a drink by the pool. Many of the resorts have spas, don’t be afraid to try them. This is the ultimate vacation life!

Grand Wailea Luau - Best in Wailea

BONUS TIP: Don’t miss the Grand Wailea Luau!

If you walk along the pathway at night, you’ll hear the drums and luau music play. You can kinda see what’s happening on the luau stage as you stroll by, but you should experience the show along with a traditional Hawaiian dinner! The Marriott Wailea luau puts on a good show too. Get a great price on luau tickets with Activity Authority!

Maui is part of ListForAll.com’s TOP 25 TROPICAL VACATIONS and I think these are some good reasons for Maui to make that list!

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Things to do in Wailea - Maui, Hawaii

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Hotel Review: Grand Wailea, A Luxury Waldorf Astoria Resort - Maui, Hawaii

The Lucky Mermaid Fountain - Grand Wailea

The Grand Wailea is the best hotel on Wailea beach!

Where to Stay in Maui

We typically stay at the Sheraton Maui in Kaanapali because it holds a special place in our heart, it’s where we got married! We stayed at the Andaz Wailea once, but we loved our most recent stay at the Grand Wailea a Waldorf Astoria Resort! Sitting atop 40 acres in Wailea, It was the perfect location to walk to other hotels and shops, but also had amazing views with large rooms!

Related Post: Packing Essentials for Hawaii

Getting to Wailea

Wailea is located on the southwest shore of the island of Maui in the state of Hawaii (United States). The Grand Wailea is a quick 35-minute drive from the Kahului Airport and only a 20-minute flight if you’re coming from Honolulu. We took a direct flight from Los Angeles to Maui. We rented a car and had to valet every night, there isn’t any self-parking.

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Grand Wailea Ocean View King Rooms

These rooms are 640 sq. ft. with gorgeous pacific ocean and garden views. The private balcony is large, and a wonderful place to have a cup of coffee in the morning or drinks in the afternoon on. You can also see what looks like a little island straight ahead, which is the Molokini crater. It is an excellent place for snorkeling and scuba diving! Also, if you look closely, you can catch a whale swimming by!

Note: Whale watching season is between November and May in Maui.

Ocean View Room - Private Balcony

The room had a nice plush, comfortable, king-sized bed, a private balcony, and a spacious bathroom with oversized bathtub and separate glass-enclosed shower! It’s large enough that you could do cartwheels in the bathroom (although I wouldn’t recommend it).

Grand Wailea Ocean View Room Bathrooms

In the room, there was also a Kurig with better than average coffee and tea options. There was also an empty mini-fridge, which was perfect to put our water bottles, leis, and Maui Brew Co beers! ;-)

Pro tip: Upgrade to the exclusive Napua Tower, so you can enjoy the best panoramic ocean views available! Napua has a private club lounge and other luxurious benefits.

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The Grand Wailea Resort

Just walking around the resort was lovely. There were ocean views everywhere you looked and for being open-air, the resort was spotless.

Other amenities with the Daily Resort Charge: guest internet access; beach umbrellas; admission twice-daily scuba clinics and daily snorkel lessons; 45-minute photography session; beach cruiser bikes; yoga classes; scheduled cultural, garden, and art tours; local/toll-free calls

Pro-tip: Get to Wailea beach around 7a to get a front-row covered beach chair to spend the day by the water. It’s free of charge for guests! We would jump in the water, go for a walk, snorkel, play cards, or even take a nap. It’s a nice way to spend the day! Just make sure you head back to the chairs every hour.

RELATED POST What to do in Maui?: 10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN WAILEA

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The Grand Wailea Pool

The Grand Wailea is like a waterpark and is known as Wailea Canyon including four jungle pools, five intertwining slides, a whitewater rapids slide, a Tarzan rope swing, a sand beach, six waterfalls, caves, three Jacuzzis, a water elevator, and a swim-up bar! Good enough for me and great for kids! The pool has the world’s first water elevator that takes you up to the waterslides! It’s technically the only one in the world, built for the owner’s son, who was disabled, this million-dollar elevator keeps you in the water the whole time!

Grand Wailea Maui Pool

There are quite a few water slides that connected smaller pools creating a lazy river feel! There were a few longer slides that went really fast, feeling like you were at a water park. The Tarzan rope swing is great for the kids to swing and jump into the water - big kids can do it too (I did!). The adult-only pool is the best way to keep splashing to a minimum and wade in the pool or spa with a tropical drink.

Grand Wailea Pool

Our favorite part of the pool was the swim-up bar! You can sit at the bar or there were a few booths where you can sit waist-high in the water! The boys liked the Grotto Bar to have a drink and watch sports without getting out of the pool. I liked it for the lava flows and cool pool booths!

Grand Wailea Grotto Swim-up Pool Bar

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Grand Wailea Luau - 'Aha'aina Wailea

No trip to Hawaii is complete until you have checked a luau off your list! Enjoy a Hawaiian feast while watching traditional Hawaiian dances and there is an amazing fire dance performance you cannot miss! Get a great deal on the best luau in Wailea with tickets from Activity Authority.

Grand Wailea Luau

Restaurants and Shops

Just off the lobby, there were beautiful shops for resort wear, home goods, art, a market, and more! You wouldn’t need to leave the resort. However, if you like shopping there is a shopping center next door (the Shops at Wailea) with an ABC Store, restaurants, and some of your favorite retail shops.

Breakfast at the Grand Wailea

Since we were Gold Hilton Honors members, we were able to get a free continental breakfast or upgrade to the buffet breakfast for $19 which was totally worth it! The Grand Dining Room offers an omelet bar, fresh fruit, waffles, vegetables, potatoes, parfaits, rotating breakfast dishes including favorites like eggs benedict, pretty much EVERYTHING! Breakfast is my favorite meal, and this spread did not disappoint.

HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA'A

Easy for you to say! This was our favorite place to get a drink a fancy cocktail in the bar and watch the sunset. Humuhumnukunukuapua’a means triggerfish with a snout like a pig (it’s a reef triggerfish). Make reservations ahead of time for dinner here, the menu is fantastic!

HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA'A Sunset Drinks Views

VOLCANO BAR & GRILL

Located in the middle of the pool area, we had lunch at their poolside tables one day with sandwiches, quesadillas, and burgers on the menu! They also have a full bar menu.

Bistro Molokini

We had drinks and dinner at Bistro Molokini. Located near the adult pool and above the other pools, there are great ocean views, drinks, and food. We liked their pizzas and sandwiches but I wouldn’t get anything beyond that. Their Mai Tai was good, but see our Favorite Maui Mai Tai list if you’re looking for the best Mai Tai on the island!

Bistro Molokini at Grand Wailea

Botero Lounge

The most beautiful lobby bar surrounded by fountains and garden sculptures, it’s nice to relax and have a drink here.

Spa Grande

Don’t forget to relax! There are 40 treatment rooms in this 50,000 square-foot award-winning spa, which is the largest spa in Hawaii (that’s including all of the islands)! Enjoy services such as the Exclusive Healing Waters of Maui, a Hydrotherapy Circuit, and a unique haven of water therapies featuring a Roman tub, saunas, cascading waterfalls, Swiss jet showers, a Japanese furo, and five specialty baths. AHHHHHH…

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New Years in Maui, Hawaii

Directly in front of the hotel on Wailea Beach, fireworks shot off for about 20 minutes from a barge in the ocean at midnight! It was a perfect celebration to ring in the New Year!

New Years in Maui - Wailea

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Bring the kids? GREAT!

There is a 20,000-square-foot “Recreation Outlet Center for Kids” for children ages five to twelve. The qualified staff (also offer nighttime supervision so you can have that one on one time), Camp Grande is equipped with a children’s restaurant, craft room, theater, game room, and outside play area. The kids won’t miss you when they are distracted by activities such as hikes, nature walks, special workshops, such as lei making, ukulele lessons, and t-shirt dyeing.

Final Thoughts

Overall, we enjoyed our stay at the Grand Wailea Maui and would recommend you to stay here! We loved the rooms and the staff was very accommodating. This is a Hilton property so keep that in mind for your points!

We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!

Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.

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