Wailea, Maui
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
A Hawaiian beach resort for the hip young urban professional
What it is
A Hawaiian resort that fulfills modern mainlander expectations without losing sense of place.
What it isn't
An intimate island retreat. This place hosts a rather lively scene.
What we think
Consciously aware of its location, this Andaz property has found a balance between the elements that attract its young, hip crowd and the elements that feel authentic in its location. On 15 acres, the resort has almost 300 rooms and suites which span through the main building’s abstractly branching wings; all rooms organically weave elements of Hawaiian aesthetic through their construction and design. In lieu of the default grey or beige color schemes that dominate the resort market, Andaz has a tastefully executed a 70s beach vibe: walls of floor to ceiling glass, walnut furniture that’s all long and low, basket chairs, pendant lights ringed in rope, walls textured by whitewashed oak paneling, and huge open-sided lanais that jut out from the suites to offer guests teak lounge chairs and arresting views of the Pacific. Downstairs in the vast, uncluttered lobby (a wall of sliding glass appropriately gives all the attention to the cerulean Pacific crashing outside,) a massive bent-oak staircase spirals up to the hotel’s main restaurants: Ka’ana Kitchen where guests and their dining companions learn the fine art of sharing from family-style farm-to-table plates or they can peruse the handrolls and noodle selections at the laid-back yet refined Japanese Morimoto Maui, helmed by none other than Iron Chef star Masaharu Morimoto. Outside, five pools are scattered over the resort’s property. Three of them make up the center stage of the resort: terraced infinity pools, edges made of lava rock waterfalls; feed into one another, eventually emptying into a lagoon pool down at the entrance to the golden beach. For those seeking relaxation beyond the luxe beach cabanas and pools, the resort’s 13,000-sq. ft spa will help. ‘Āwili has a tome of services to flip through, extensive relaxation lounges, a pool exclusively for adult guests to frolic in, and in addition to employing masseuses, apothecary consultants and fitness trainers, the spa has it’s own herbalist who personally forages the local ingredients for the treatments.
You're here because
Hawai’i is the Pacific Rim destination that’s a manageable flight from L.A. You want the golden sands, the crashing waves and the humpback whale sightings, but you also want guests that are looking for the same things you are: designer aesthetics, rain showers, world-class food and stylish digs.
The Moment
Once your toes hit the golden sand, you turn back to face the Pacific. Waves crash over the reef you’d just been snorkeling at; perhaps it’s just the sparkling water, but you swear that you can still see the shimmering tropical fish just below the surface. Your guide comes up to take your goggles and with a wide grin, offers a coconut (adorned with a straw and umbrella.)
Restaurants & Bars
Ka'ana Kitchen - Is an award winning restaurant serving Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. What we serve at Ka‘ana, we serve from the heart. We source from local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. We only put on your plate what we feel is proper to serve. Our pairings speak to the ability to connect the elements of taste, smell, and touch with everything around us. Our dishes are prepared using techniques from around the culinary world, but thought-out in accordance with our micro-climate. The way we prepare our fish, season our salads, and grill our meat depends not only on its origin, but what the weather tells us, how the swells on the ocean shape our mood, and how the land influences our feelings. Here we hope to blur the lines between your kitchen and our restaurant, between what is external and what is internal. We invite you in, share our hopes, and create a unique dining experience that connects you to this place and its essence.
Morimoto - Their contemporary Japanese menu infuses traditional dishes with Western ingredients and preparation techniques. His seasonal and ever-changing selection of raw fish preparations will feature the freshest seafood available as well as locally grown fruits and vegetables from supporting farmers. Morimoto's signature offerings include Toro Tartare, presented in a shallow wooden tray with condiments including crème fraîche, wasabi, avocado, nori paste, chives, crispy rice, and dashi-soy. Tuna Pizza made with raw tuna, anchovy aioli, and jalapeno; Morimoto Sashimi, a terrine of seared Toro, smoked salmon, barbequed eel, tuna and Hamachi served with five different sauces in pipettes
Lehua Lounge - Named after Hawaii’s brilliant red Lehua blossom, is an elegant island lounge is nestled among crystal clear waterfalls and features handcrafted cocktails, gorgeous views of Mokapu Beach and delectable small bites. Choose from an inspiring farm-to-table restaurant menu including artisan cocktails, hand-infused with fresh fruit juices. With vibrant scenery and a sophisticated Maui setting, Lehua Lounge provides the perfect place to watch the sunset, relax with friends and enjoy the laid-back island lifestyle
Bumbye Beach Bar - set on the edge of our lagoon pool near Mokapu Beach, is a place where morning slowly drifts into day. Set your pace to “island time,” and take a moment to relax. Later, as lunch arrives, enjoy island inspired bites and cool cocktails. Then try restaurant dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients and influenced by the diverse ethnicities that shape Hawaiian culture in Wailea
Location
On Wailea’s exclusive 1.2 miles of oceanfront, the resort is adjacent to Mokapu Beach and Ulua Beach - two of the more secluded beaches that are privy to the flourishing coral reef just offshore. If guests are looking for something that doesn’t include sand, a mix of high-end boutiques and galleries at The Shops at Wailea are just under a ten minute walk. The resort is a half hour’s car ride away from the regional Kahului airport.