It wasn’t what I expected. Having spent many nights in AC Hotels across the country, I had a vision of what AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea, the brand’s first property in Hawaii, would look like. I knew it would be sleek and contemporary — what I didn’t predict was that the Hawaiian flair infused into its design would dazzle me from the moment I first stepped into the lobby.
After months of anticipation, the property welcomed its first guests just a couple of weeks ago, at the end of May. Set on three acres, the five-story hotel’s design takes inspiration from its home and surroundings, not simply the brand that gives it its name.
The open-air lobby is inviting, offering guests a bright and modern, yet distinctly Hawaiian, space in which to relax, work and eat. Along with the expected front desk, concierge, business center and 24-hour market, the space boasts art and design elements that showcase Asian and Pacific-Islander culture. Local artist Lauren Shearer spent a year creating a lei-inspired hanging tapestry for the space named Konene anuenue, or “dried rainbow.” With more than 100 strands varying in length from three to 12 feet, the work features the dried seeds, berries and flowers of local plants.
AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea is the brand’s first property in Hawaii.
Credit: 2021 AC Hotels
AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea features 110 guestrooms, (including a dozen suites) all with a private lanai. Abundant natural light and modern amenities like hardwood floors and easy-to-access USB ports blend beautifully with Hawaii--inspired decor including colorful throw pillows and curated artwork that reflects the islands. Paying tribute to the bounty of its backyard, the property has replaced the Italian coffee typically found in AC hotel rooms with a Hawaiian brand. But it’s the ocean views that drive home the property’s sense of place.
“I would say 75% or more of our inventory has a view [of the ocean],” says Kaleo Kenui, general manager of AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea. “Our property is not ocean front, but some of these views beat any hotel on the ocean.”
Depending on the weather, guestrooms can boast panoramic views that include the islands of Kahoolawe, Lanai and Molokai, as well as the head of Maui. Kenui says room classifications are generous, and that some rooms with an ocean view are actually sold as standard rooms.
All of the property’s guestrooms feature a private lanai.
Credit: 2021 AC HotelsThough not an adults-only property, the hotel’s inventory of 90 king rooms and 20 queen rooms mean the accommodations are geared mostly toward couples, particularly those not interested in Wailea’s well-known larger resorts.
The 24-hour fitness center is loaded with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, including a Peloton indoor exercise bike — but clients could find it hard to keep up with their exercise goals once they lay eyes on the ocean-view, infinity-edge pool. Complete with poolside cabanas, hot tub, tiki bar and lava-stone firepit, the pool also provides a guaranteed humpback whale sighting thanks to the decorative tile mosaic set at the bottom.
The casual AC Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving Hawaii--inspired cuisine such as ahi poke tacos and sliders with guava mustard aioli. Longtime fans of the AC brand need not worry — the iconic fire-engine-red Berkel prosciutto slicer stands at the ready.
AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea is within a five- to 10-minute walk of retail centers Wailea Village, Wailea Gateway Center and The Shops at Wailea. Clients should plan on a 15-minute stroll to get to Wailea Beach. Ulua and Mokapu beaches are a bit further and take about 20 minutes to reach on foot. And although it’s a breeze going down to nearby beaches, it’s an uphill walk when coming back to the hotel. Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, the hotel plans to have shuttle service available.
The infinity-edge pool offers ocean views.
Credit: 2021 AC HotelsIn an effort to be more sustainable, refillable glass water bottles are standard in every room, with hydration stations located on every floor. Clients who prefer to pack and travel light will appreciate the guest laundry room, equipped with washers and dryers easily operated with the swipe of a credit card.
As at all other properties in Maui County, guests are currently required to wear masks in all of the hotel’s public spaces, except when eating, drinking or swimming. Housekeeping is servicing guestrooms every three days, unless otherwise requested.
The Details
AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea
