Staring out toward Maui’s Mokapu Beach and the vivid blue sea, I was more than a little distracted as I took my first bite of a fish taco at Lehua Lounge, the laid-back, beachfront watering hole at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. Smoked chili crema was dribbling along my hand, headed for my arm, when a humpback whale breached in the distance. Without thinking, I jumped out of my seat, dropping the corn tortilla and scattering a mess of creamy lime-cilantro slaw and pico de gallo on my plate. Lunch would have to wait. Two more whales welcomed me to Wailea with their acrobatics before I relented and returned to my table.
As I unpacked in my Deluxe Ocean View Suite a short while later, it was hard to take my eyes off the horizon for any lengthy stretch of time. Even when the whales weren’t showing off, swaying palm trees, ginger plants, red anthuriums and the sound of rolling surf had a way of making me smile.
Renovated Guestrooms
After quietly marking its 10th anniversary last September, Andaz Maui recently unveiled a thoughtful redesign of its 320 guestrooms, including 35 suites and 30 villas. Now lighter and brighter, the refreshed accommodations feature new furniture — including new mattresses, headboards and televisions — in addition to updated lighting and Nespresso Vertuo coffee machines. Revamped bathrooms boast new vanities with drawers that provide additional storage space. Crisp white bedding, woven lampshades, whitewashed wood and colorful area rugs and throw pillows — combined with windows and lanais providing stellar views — create an inviting, modern Hawaiian vibe.
The resort recently renovated its guestrooms.
Credit: 2024 Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort“The renovation was very thoughtful to ensure guests’ needs and preferences were at the forefront of the room enhancements,” said Dena Roady, general manager for the beachfront resort. “We drew inspiration from the property’s unique location to create spaces that reflect and resonate with our guests, further elevating their experience.”
In addition to guestrooms and suites, Andaz Maui features 30 two- to four-bedroom villas with amenities such as full kitchens, barbecue grills and laundry machines — ideal for travel advisors working with large groups or multigenerational families. Debuted in 2021, the three-bedroom Ilikai Villas are the resort’s newest accommodation offering; first-floor villas feature a private plunge pool, while the penthouse villa boasts a glass-bottom, cantilevered pool perfectly positioned to watch sunset.
The renovation was very thoughtful to ensure guests’ needs and preferences were at the forefront of the room enhancements.
Ways to Play on Property
Set on 15 beachfront acres within Wailea Resort, Andaz Maui is on the smaller size when compared to its neighboring resorts, but there’s a long list of activities included in the $50 daily resort fee that gives guests reason to linger. From morning yoga and outrigger canoe excursions to stand-up paddleboard lessons, guided kayaking tours and (surprisingly easy to follow) ukulele lessons, it’s easy to fill a vacation day with soft adventure and cultural activities.
The property’s striking lobby
Credit: 2024 Andaz Maui at Wailea ResortThe whimsical work of Welzie, Andaz Mauiʻs Artist in Residence, is scattered throughout the resort, and the on-site art gallery offers daily, interactive classes for guests to create their own piece of vibrant resin art (an additional fee applies). No previous art experience is required; the classes are open to kids ages 7 and up, and are a great family or group activity that comes with memorable souvenirs.
Those seeking wellness in Hawaii can choose from pampering options at Awili Spa & Salon that include body treatments, massages and facials.
Cooking Classes, Luau, Restaurants and More
Fresh, Hawaiian ingredients are highlighted throughout the menus of the five on-site restaurants. Whether it’s buttermilk fried chicken with black sesame mochi waffles from Kaana Kitchen, a grab-and-go acai bowl from Mokapu Market or local fish from the sushi bar at Morimoto Maui, there’s no excuse for clients to go hungry.
Kaana Kitchen is one of five on-site dining options.
Credit: 2024 Andaz Maui at Wailea ResortHighlights of a stay at Andaz Maui could also include a poke-making class, a craft cocktail session with a mixologist or a seat at the resort’s oceanfront luau. Offering table service as opposed to the typical buffet and limited to 200 people, the Feast at Mokapu Luau feels more intimate than other competing experiences. Focusing less on ties to the South Pacific and more on Hawaii-centric stories about chiefs of Maui, fisherman and even paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys), the luau’s storyline was shaped in part by Kalikolehua Storer, a Hawaiian culture/training specialist for Hyatt’s Maui resorts.
“It is important to educate all guests, whether kamaaina (Hawaii resident) or malihini (newcomer) of wahi pana (places) that are site-specific,” Storer said. “History of wahi pana helps us to better understand the people of the place.”
