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Hotel Review: Grand Wailea, A Luxury Waldorf Astoria Resort - Maui, Hawaii
Looking for where to stay in Wailea, Maui?! One of the best hotels we recommend is the Grand Wailea for couples, honeymoons, and families! It is a luxury resort with great amenities including an amazing pool and beach! See everything they have to offer and why you must stay here when planning your next trip to Hawaii!
#maui #hawaii #grandwailea #wailea
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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…
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
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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Guide to the Best Ice Cream and Dessert in Maui, Hawaii - Ranked with Map
Guide to Best Desserts in Maui, Hawaii, ranked including ice cream, gelato, shave ice, brownies, and pies! There’s even a handy map included! See the best restaurants and scoop shops for that sweet tooth!
I love Maui and I love dessert, especially ice cream. I have ranked my favorite desserts below after much extensive research! 😋Don’t miss these great dessert options around the island see our handy map! You can even save it to your Google map app!
Although I’m not vegan, I’ve also included some options for my vegan friends!
Related Post: How to Spend 4 Days in Maui - Complete Itinerary
Coconut Glen’s - Road to Hana
#1 Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream
Address: Mile Marker 27 1/2 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708
Website: http://coconutglens.com/
Pricing/Value: Good size scoop for the value
Vegan Options?: All vegan options!
While on the Road to Hana, make sure you stop for some ice cream! Coconut Glen makes all his ice cream from the coconuts from the Maui jungles!
See our full Ice Cream Review here: Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream
Maui Hula Grill Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich
#2 Ice Cream Sandwich at Hula Grill
Location: Hula Grill/Barefoot Bar in Whaler’s Village - 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Menu: Hula Grill Menu
Pricing: $11 for a giant dessert!
A monster ice cream sandwich taller than a salt shaker! Try this on for size - Hawaiian vanilla ice cream, macadamia nut brownies, whipped cream, fudge, and raspberry sauce.
See more restaurants in our 10 Best Restaurants in Maui Post
Island Cream Co - Maui, Hawaii
#3 Island Cream Co
Location: 305 Keawe St #511, Lahaina, HI 96761
Website Menu/Flavors: Island Cream Co
Value: Large scoops for under $10
Special Options?: Non-dairy sorbets available
I'm not sure Island Cream Company just tastes better because it's in Hawaii (everything is better in Hawaii) or if it's their original recipe with the perfect mix of gelato and ice cream.
See more in our full ice cream review: ISLAND CREAM CO
Maui Gelato Ice Cream
#4 Maui Gelato
Location: 2395 S Kihei Rd #120, Kihei, HI 96753
Website: Maui Gelato Facebook
Menu: Hard to find an updated menu online. See our full post here: Maui Gelato
Pricing: Big helpings for a great price
Non-Dairy options available
Located along the water just above Wailea in Kihei, Maui Gelato has everything ice cream you can imagine! Gelato, ice cream, affogatos (espresso poured over ice cream), floats, shakes, mochi ice cream, shave ice, waffles.
See our full review and the life lesson I learned here: Maui Gelato
#5 Hula Pie
Multiple Locations all over Hawaii: Hula Grill/ Barefoot Bar/ Dukes/ Leilani’s/ Kimo’s
Pricing: Around $11 for a huge slice!
You MUST try the Hula pie! It’s vanilla or macadamia nut ice cream with an Oreo crumble pie crust, with whipped cream and fudge on top!
Hula Pie
Shave Ice
#6 Shave Ice
A Hawaii classic! There are plenty of places to get shave ice and even food trucks on the side of the road have them! Make sure you get ice cream in the bottom, I love a good macadamia nut ice cream at the bottom of shaved ice with pineapple and coconut on top!
Favorite:
Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice (multiple locations) - 790 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
CHocolate Cream Pie at Monkeypod Kitchen
#7 Pie at Monkeypod Kitchen
Locations/Menu: Kaanapali and Wailea
Pricing: Around $11 per slice
I normally go for ice cream any chance I can get, but the Chocolate Cream Pie at Monkeypod is pretty phenomenal. Want something other than chocolate? Try their Strawberry, Banana, or Coconut Cream pies!
You can also try their Tropical Dreams Gelato & Sorbet for $7.95 with options of Tahitian vanilla, chocolate, island-hop Kona coffee, or featured flavor sorbet.
See our full Restaurant Review here: Monkeypod Kitchen
#8 Tin Roof Chocolate Birthday Bibingka Cake
Location: 360 PAPA PLACE STE Y, KAHULUI, HI, 96732
Open: Monday - Saturday for lunch only
Pricing: Cheap eats!
Chocolate Birthday Bibingka Cake 🌈💗🎂 is filled with chocolate, peanut butter, sprinkles and pop rocks! AND it’s fun to say!
TIN ROOF is a new generation mom & pop shop, owned by Internationally recognized Chef Sheldon Simeon & his wife, Janice. Raised in Hilo, Hawaii rain is a part of everyday life. Farmers markets keep buzzing, errands roll along, and garage kani ka pila never ends.
Don’t forget these dresses!
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Ice Cream Review: Maui Gelato - Maui, Hawaii
Maui Gelato is a great place to stop! With options of gelato, Roselani ice cream, affogato, floats, shakes, mochi ice cream, shave ice, and waffles, you won’t be disappointed. Also, read about the important life lesson I learned.
Maui Gelato
Location: 2395 S Kihei Rd #120, Kihei, HI 96753
Website: Maui Gelato Facebook
Menu: Hard to find an updated menu online. See pictures below for menu options and flavors.
Pricing: Big helpings for a great price
Non-Dairy options available
Located along the water just above Wailea in Kihei, they have everything ice cream you can imagine! Gelato, ice cream, affogato, floats, shakes, mochi ice cream, shave ice, waffles.
See our full guide to the BEST ICE CREAM ON MAUI
Toasted coconut gelato and Kona Pie ice cream with sprinkles of course
Although they don’t have an official website, be sure to check out their Facebook Page for menu updates. Here was the menu Fall of 2018:
Maui Gelato Shave Ice Menu
Pretty good prices for the amount you get! I’d definitely go for the LAVA FLOW combo! Maybe add a shot of rum?
Maui Gelato Menu
I was sold when I learned they serve ice cream for breakfast: Belgian waffles with so many ice cream topping combos! I’d like an affogato (espresso shots poured over ice cream) with my waffles please!
Maui Gelato Menu
Maui Gelato Flavors
All gelato and ice cream are made on Maui with love!
Roselani Ice cream served at Maui Gelato
Based on names like Haupia, Kona coffee, Kona Mud Pie, I had to look up Roselani Ice Cream to make sure this was legit Maui ice cream. Here’s what I found on the Roselani website:
In 1932 at the Maui Soda & Ice Works plant in Wailuku, Maui, Manuel Nobriga began making ice cream from scratch for local ice cream parlors. Everyone loved the velvety smooth texture and the richness of his flavors and the business grew to eventually include 1/2-gallon cartons that folks could enjoy at home.
The name Roselani is always of interest, especially to folks outside of Maui. It is the “Americanization” of the Hawaiian word Lokelani, which means “heavenly rose” and is Maui’s official flower. The red blossom is proudly displayed on Roselani® Ice Cream cartons. “It honors my grandfather’s and my father’s identity. A rose is the queen of perfection,” says Cathy (third generation)… just like the ice cream which bears its name.
Check out where to find Roselani ice cream on Maui here: Roselani Locations (available on other islands as well, but only sold in Hawaii).
With that, I was confident the ice cream is also a solid choice.
Maui Gelato Menu options
They were nice enough to let me try try so many flavors since no one else was there! After 10 minutes of looking at all my options, literally, everything sounded so good (gelato, ice cream, cup, cone, waffle bowl…), I ended up ordering Toasted Coconut gelato and Kona Pie ice cream in a cone dipped with sprinkles, of course!
My ice cream melted in the sun so quickly!
I had big dreams of taking a picture of ice cream with Maui waves in the background… As soon as we stepped outside, that sucker started melting like a snowman in summer. I ran across the street to get this picture before I wasted too much of my delicious ice cream. Lesson learned here: Life is like ice cream, enjoy it before it melts! Also, always grab extra napkins! 😆
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Ice Cream Review: Island Cream Company - Maui, Hawaii
Island Cream Co has some of the best ice cream flavors in Maui, Hawaii! All flavors are created using local ingredients. Best Ice Cream in Maui | Places to go/eat in Maui, Hawaii #icecream #maui #food
ISLAND CREAM COMPANY
Location: 305 Keawe St #511, Lahaina, HI 96761
Website Menu/Flavors: Island Cream Co
Value: Large scoops for under $10
Special Options?: Non-dairy sorbets available
I'm not sure Island Cream Company just tastes better because it's in Hawaii (everything is better in Hawaii) or if it's their original recipe with the perfect mix of gelato and ice cream.
Located in the corner of a strip mall, this place exceeded my expectations.
All ice creams are hand made as well as their cones, fudge and other fun toppings. Most ice creams are natural and products are bought locally.
Bikini conscious? That's ok, try Island Cream Co's fat free sorbet! No fat and no dairy!
Also, Hawaii is known for their shaved ice, Island Cream Co has their own Glacier Ice Station where you can make the perfect shave ice treat.
So many fun flavors such as Maui French Toast, Hilo-Hot Chocolate, Hana Caramel Popcorn, and Chocolate Orange. I LOVE any chocolate and orange combo, I need to try and make this at home!
My favorite was the Maui-Loco filled with Macadamia nuts, chocolate chips and caramel in a creamery coconut ice cream base. So refreshing and delicious!
Maui-Loco and Chocolate Orange
Josh had to try the peanut butter of course! The Peanut Butter Pie is to die for!
Last, try their new Sposhy treat! “Soft Glaicer Ice filled with a scoop of Island Cream--normally our famous Macadamia Nut--but you can have any flavor you want! Topped with hand blended strawberry & mango puree---with real chunks of fresh Strawberries & Mango! Then we give you a couple scoops of Boba Balls--cover it all with a Snow-Cap----all served on our special bamboo type plate!”
If you're in Maui, be sure to stay cool and visit Island Cream Co!
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RESTAURANT REVIEW: Monkeypod Kitchen in Kaanapali - Maui, Hawaii
See our restaurant review on the best restaurant in Maui: Monkeypod Kitchen! Caution: this post is filled with Mai Tai's, Mashed Potatoes (recipes included too) and the best items on the menu! 2 locations - Kaanapali and Wailea!
Updated January 2026
Monkeypod Kitchen
Location: Whaler’s VIllage - L/1, 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Website: Monkeypodkitchen.com
Menu: Monkeypod Kaanapali Menu
Whether you’ve been to Maui or if it’s your first visit, this is a restaurant you cannot miss! On our mini moon after getting married in Maui, we stayed a few nights in Wailea and discovered this amazing restaurant called Monkeypod Kitchen. With a variety of GREAT choices, we really enjoy the Mai Tai’s, Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes (they’re GREEN - see below) and the Rosemary Roasted chicken wings with garlic and chili flakes! I know it sounds so simple, but they are so good. Some recipes for these below as well!
Monkeypod Wailea
Quick Verdict: Monkeypod Kitchen in Kaanapali is famous for its Mai Tais and laid-back open-air vibe, but reviews are mixed on food quality, service, and price. It’s great for drinks and atmosphere — decent for a casual dinner.
Monkeypod History
Owned by Merriman’s, another favorite of ours, we hoped for the best and were not disappointed. Everything from the drinks to the main course were well above average, the only downside was the location. We normally stay in Kaanapali and Wailea is pretty far for dinner, but all that changed this year. Whalers village in Kaanapali opened their own Monkeypod location as of October 2017.
Check out their menu here: Monkeypodkitchen.com It changes often!
MONKEYPOD KITCHEN DINING ROOM - Kaanapali Location
DRINKS AT MONKEYPOD
We were glad they finally received their liquor license 2 days before we arrived so we could try their cocktails! They have the perfect Monkeypod Mai Tai topped with honey foam, giving a more natural sweetness.
Mai Tai Recipe found online:
Add lime juice, orgeat, orange curaçao, Old Lahaina Light Rum to mixing glass.
Shake with 1 cup cubed ice about 30 seconds and pour into highball glass.
Float dark rum.
Top with honey-liliko'i foam and garnish with pineapple half moon
They also have a nice wine list. ;-)
Appetizers at Monkeypod Kitchen
The Rosemary Roasted Chicken Wings are a must, dusted with chili flakes and garlic, these were definitely a favorite. To top it off, they came with an amazing dipping sauce.
We also ordered the Pumpkin Patch Ravioli, roasted squash, chèvre, spinach, toasted walnut sage pesto, a perfect fall treat.
Kauai Shrimp & Hamakua Mushroom Potstickers were really good, didn't taste too fishy!
The Garlic Truffle Oil Fries were phenomenal.
APPETIZERS AT MONKEYPOD KITCHEN IN MAUI - Chicken Wings and Fries
MAIN COURSE AT MONKEYPOD
For the main course we tried the New York Strip Steak topped with house-made chimichurri sauce along with greens and jalapeño mashed potatoes. The savory steak melts in your mouth and the mashed potatoes are green from the jalapeño but not spicy (no seeds)!
Monkeypod steak and jalapeno mashed potatoes
Other sides included:
Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with peppers, onions, parmesan cheese
Griddle Top Upcountry Cornbread paired perfectly with the steak!
and MORE Jalepeno Mashed Potatoes, because YUM!
BY THE WAY, if you want to make those delicious green Jalepeno Mashed Potatoes, here is the Monkeypod Recipe as found by Chef Chan Blog:
Ingredients (Serving Size: 3-4 People):
1 Jalapeno, seeded and cut into small pieces
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
3 Cloves of Garlic, peeled
8 Small to Medium Idaho Potatoes, peeled and quartered into even sizes
4 Tablespoons of Butter
1 Cup of Milk (Almond Milk works just as good!)
A pinch of Salt (Optional)
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the potatoes and boil until potatoes are soft but not falling apart in the water. This takes about 8-15 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.
In a blender, combine the jalapeno, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Blend until it becomes pasty. Place mixture to the side.
Once the potatoes are done, place them into a large bowl. Add the butter and milk to the potatoes. Using a fork or mixer, mash the potatoes until the butter melts and no chucks of potatoes are left. [If you like your mashed potatoes extra creamy, add more milk until desired creaminess is reached.]
Lastly, combine the jalapeno mixture to the mashed potatoes. Adding salt is optional.
Pair with a delicious piece of steak, pork chop, or fish and enjoy!
See full recipe here green Monkeypod Jalepeno Mashed Potatoes: Chef Chan Blog
Dessert at Monkeypod Kitchen
They have the best PIE! Try the chocolate cream pie, it is so good! Want something other than chocolate? Try their Strawberry, Banana, or Coconut Cream pies! You can also try their Tropical Dreams Gelato & Sorbet for 7.95 with options of: Tahitian vanilla, chocolate, island hop Kona coffee, or featured flavor sorbet.
Chocolate Pie at Monkeypod Restaurant
I can't wait to go back next year!
Love Monkeypod? Let us know what you ate in the comments below!
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ICE CREAM REVIEW: Coconut Glen's Ice Cream - Maui, Hawaii
If you’re in Maui, you must visit Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream on the Road to Hana! Organic, vegan, delicious ice cream! Don’t let those words scare you, it’s the best ice cream in Maui, Hawaii! #icecream #Maui #hawaii
Coconut Glen's Ice Cream
Maui, Hawaii
Address: Mile Marker 27 1/2 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708
Website: http://coconutglens.com/
Pricing/Value: Good size scoop for the value
Vegan Options?: All vegan options - Ice cream is made of coconuts from the Maui jungles!
Along the Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii, there is an amazing little ice cream stop, called Coconut Glen's. Check out our full post on the Road to Hana: Click Here. They serve organic, vegan, dairy free ice cream, using coconuts from the jungles of Maui. At first, I was skeptical... Vegan? That's not real ice CREAM.
Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii
FLAVORS OF THE DAY - Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream
Since I like coconut, I figured, why not let's see what it's all about. The flavors were all written on a chalkboard and changed regularly. I tried most of them before I made my selection, and all of them tasted like real ice cream. The consistency was nice and not like a sorbet, which I thought it was could to taste like.
I went with the coffee toffee and banana rum raisin, they were delicious! Josh had the vanilla bean and chocolate chocolate. Classics.
“And it is tradition, that the great gong is rung, to announce his ice cream, is the best under the sun.” We hit the gong and it was time to drive back to Lahaina.
Great place! Don't miss out! Make sure you check the operating hours before heading over!
Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream - Look at the cute dog!
Don’t forget to pack these for your trip:
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Check out other things to do in Maui:
HOTEL REVIEW: Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa - Best hotel in Maui, Hawaii
The Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa is the best-kept secret of hotels in Maui! Not only do they have newly renovated rooms, you’ll be blown away by the best ocean front view rooms on the island! See our travel guide to the best hotel and Ka'anapali beach resort in Maui, Hawaii! #Maui #hotel #hawaii
Our Best Kept Secret, Stay at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa in Hawaii!
The Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa is located on the Ka’anapali Beach stretch of hotels and is the last hotel buried into Black Rock. This place has EVERYTHING: gorgeous ocean front views, the best snorkeling on the island, a great pool, a relaxing spa, delicious restaurants, what more could you need?! It’s about 45 mins to an hour from the airport with a gorgeous coastal drive and just 5 minutes away from Lahaina.
Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii
I might be a little biased on the review because two of the biggest events of my life have happened at the Sheraton Maui, first I was proposed to then we came back with our family and friends and were married on the property making this place unforgettable.
Don’t forget to wave to Oprah on your way (her pad is up on the mountain on your drive in).
Relative Post: See How to Spend 4 Days in Maui
Where to stay in Maui: The Sheraton Resort
The resort first opened in 1963, and is massive! Depending on where your room is, you’ll definitely be hitting your daily step goal. There are some pictures of what it looked like when it first opened in the hallways.
Everything you could possibly need is on the property: restaurants, spa, bars, gift shop, snorkel, and other water activity rentals. Nearby, there is access to zip-lining, snorkeling, golfing, shopping, hiking, star gazing spots, anything you can think of!
Check out what to do: The 10 Best Things to do in Maui
Parking is always available and conveniently located next to Whaler's Village, a shopping center with clothing stores, an ABC Store (good for snacks and booze for the room), and restaurants.
Resort fee and Parking
A resort fee of $26.04 is charged per night, per room that is in addition to our rates and that will be automatically added to your bill by the hotel. The Resort Fee provides the following:
Complimentary valet parking on the day of arrival
Shuttle service to the area Westin hotels and town of Lahaina
Adult pool floats
A resort photo session and digital keepsake
A signature tote bag
Access to PressReader
Local telephone calls on Maui
Wi-Fi access in guest rooms and public areas
Access to the fitness center and coin-operated laundry room
Access to the Maui Ocean Center educational Hawaiian marine life hale near the pool
Trolley service in Kaanapali
25% off greens fees at the Kaanapali golf courses
Cultural activities like lei-making and hula demos
In-room coffee and tea
Parking fees:
Electric car charging stations: 4, For a fee
On-site parking, fee: $24 USD daily
Valet parking, fee: $32 USD daily
How to get to the Sheraton Maui
Airport shuttle service, fee: $60 USD (one way)
Alternate transportation: Hawaiian Executive Private Car Service; on request
Estimated taxi fare: $100 USD (one way)
Uber and Lyft are available but prices can range from $50-100 depending on availability.
Guest Rooms
All the rooms were newly renovated this year giving the rooms a fresh new modern look. We like to stay in Building 6, where all rooms are deluxe ocean view rooms. Although it is located on the opposite side of the hotel, the building is on a bluff above a drop-off, leaving the area quiet and private.
The bed is a perfect balance of firm and soft, allowing for a good nights sleep.
These rooms are fairly large for 2 people, and also have an empty mini fridge and a microwave, perfect for things like wine and popcorn (my faves). There are not mini bars in these rooms, so stop at an ABC Store and stock up on your way in!
The bathroom has a shower tub combo, with a shower head that you can use as a hose, which is great for washing sandy feet! Their amenities are pretty standard with shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and shower cap. The best part of the renovation of the bathrooms is they added a bidet!
Honestly, it’s the view here that keeps us coming back. I mean, can you blame us?
Sheraton Maui Views
POOL VIEWS AT THE SHERATON MAUI
Swim time!
The lagoon-like pool consists of two big pools that funnel like a river to connect and even has a small slide. There are usually bean bag floaties available in the pool which are perfect for towing your Mai Tai around. They just added some lounges around in the pool cabanas!
You’re also a few steps away from swimming in ocean! Although it is the Pacific and thought to be cooler waters, sometimes the ocean is warmer than the pool! The Sheraton is located against black rock, which is the perfect place to snorkel! You can typically see turtles in Maui almost anywhere, but I always have the best luck when snorkeling around Black Rock. If you go in the little shallow cove, they are usually eating in there!
Although the black rock is dark and jagged above water, a beautiful reef lies below the surface where you will often see huge green sea turtles swimming around along with tons of aquatic life including butterfly fish, beautiful colored wrasse, rays and you might even find an octopus (if you look very closely). Watch where you swim, many vacationers like to jump off Black Rock into the water! If you’re adventurous, plunge away, but be careful climbing up the rocks!
Please protect the reef and get some reef-safe sunscreen:
Restaurants at the Sheraton Maui Resort
There are 5 restaurants on the property and beach access to more hotels and Whalers Village. You won’t go hungry, that’s for sure.
Before you go, check out everything you need to pack for Hawaii here: Packing Checklist for Hawaii
Breakfast views from ROCKsalt
Coral Reef Breakfast (fka ROCKsalt)
I’m not typically a buffet person but everything here is amazing! There is something for everyone bacon, eggs, frittatas, pancakes, waffles, fruit, French toast, and there is also an omelet station where the chef makes it right in front of you! Definitely try the guava juice!
Drinks at the Cliff Dive Grill
WATCH THE CLIFF DIVERS FROM THE CLIFF DIVE GRILL
Cliff Dive Grill
Located by the pool, great for lunch or an afternoon snack. Can’t go wrong with their burger or chicken sandwich. At sunset, the cliff diver lights all the torches around the pool and along the top of black rock, then jumps into the water.
Mai Tai Bar
Similar to the Cliff Dive Bar, located next to the pool and a short walk from the beach, Mai tai’s are a must here! Food is also served here, sandwiches, burgers, fries, but this bar is only open from 10a-3p. Head over to the Cliff Dive bar for Happy Hour!
Shave Ice!
A Shave Ice spot replaced the hot-dog joint and I couldn’t be happier! It’s open earlier in the day and great for taking down to enjoy on the beach, by the pool, or even on your room balcony!
See more of our favorite restaurants in our post, 10 Best Restaurants in Maui.
Maui Nui Lu’au
Discover the remarkable stories, history, and culture of the Valley Isle and Kaanapali through the songs and dances of Maui and the Pacific at the Maui Nui Luau! Pro Tip: You can get discount tickets for the Maui Nui Lu’au HERE!
ENTRANCE TO THE SPA AT BLACK ROCK
The Spa at Black Rock
We love getting our annual couples massage at the resort, especially after a few scuba dives or doing a trip to Hana (see our favorite things to do in Maui and Road to Hana posts for more on that).
We usually get a basic full body massage for 50 mins ($130), but this last time we went for the 80 mins ($180) and it was worth every penny. The spa rooms are patio like with natural sunlight peaking from the top, complete with soothing Hawaiian tunes. The spa offers a variety of massages and invites travelers to relax on the massage tables around the resort! There are a couple closer to the ocean for that soothing sound of waves crashing.
Ahhh.. it’s relaxing just thinking about it.
Perfect for a Destination Wedding
Josh proposed to me up on Haleakala at sunrise while we stayed at the Sheraton in 2013. As we started wedding planning on our balcony, we decided we wanted to get married on the lawn directly below us. A year later, we were married on that exact lawn (Moana Lounge) and hosted our reception on the ocean lawn with 70 of our closest friends and family. It was literally the best day of our lives in our favorite place.
If we weren’t already sold on the location, the ice cream bar option sealed the deal! ;-) We had a lovely coordinator for the day from the hotel and they worked with the best vendors!
Would you stay here?! Have you stayed somewhere you loved? Let us know in the comments below!
We always find the best rates on Booking.com - always check there prior to booking anywhere else!
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See which island suits your vacation by relaxation, crowds, outdoor activities, beaches, restaurants, and hotels! See our comparison post to help choose which island for your next Hawaiian beach vacation - Oahu, Maui, The Big Island, or Kauai?