E komo means to welcome
This concept of feeling welcome is the essence of Wailea. The unique and luxurious master-planned luxury residential resort community was built around the notion that there is a place for everyone. From five-star resort properties to luxury condominiums, residential neighborhoods, golf courses and high-end shopping, you feel at home as soon as you pass the threshold into Wailea.
The moment I entered Wailea, it was as if I had been transported to a tropical oasis. Native Hawaiian flora and fauna surrounded me as I drove deeper into the community to get to my hotel. Monkeypod trees lined the pathway, shading us from the sun and creating a jungle-like scene with glimpses of the lapis blue coastline peeking through the plants.
The community of Wailea is unique in that it consists of people coming together to create a harmonious community that shares a love and appreciation for the beauty of Wailea and its five crescent beaches.
Upon arrival at my first destination, The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, I was greeted by Wendle Lesher, the general manager and Lacey Santos, the marketing coordinator, with a kukui nut lei, a Hawaiian tradition to symbolize friendship and greeting. Kukui nut is Hawaii’s state tree, symbolizing enlightenment, protection and peace.
The lobby was an open-concept breezeway with lush green flora and fauna throughout, integrating the tropical paradise with the building’s interior.
As I was escorted to my room by Lesher and Santos, I was told about the hotel’s heritage. The property was originally owned by Takeshi Sekiguchi, a wealthy Japanese developer. The Grand Wailea was Sekiguchi’s passion project, and according to Lesher, he was a man who always got what he wanted.
Sekiguchi incorporated gems throughout the property, such as the chapel in the gardens. The chapel was built in the 1990s and now serves as a stunning venue for events and weddings. The stainedglass windows were commissioned by the artist Yvonne Cheng, who Sekiguchi sent to Italy for two years to learn the craft. Cheng is also responsible for creating the stunning mosaic Hibiscus Pool, which comprises more than one million tiles.
Another notable sight to see on the property is a replica of a Sekiguchi’s favorite Japanese Tea House. All the materials were imported to keep the buildings authenticity.
What is even more shocking however, is the landscape surrounding the building. Rocks from Mt. Fuji were imported and reassembled to the exact formation they were before they were taken. A detail that cost Sekiguchi a pretty penny.
Once I was settled, I stopped at the sushi restaurant and bar, Botero Lounge, named after the famous artist Fernando Botero, who Sekiguchi was fond of, so much so that there are nine sculptures of Botero’s showcased throughout the property, with values ranging from $20 to $50 million.
Situated in the heart of the property, Botero Lounge is the hub for people to sit back and relax while indulging in delicious sushi and live music. Botero’s aesthetic is boho chic. Large plush turquoise chairs line the bar and a grand lantern chandelier hangs above the ceiling.
I was greeted by our bartender, Keoni. I ordered the Meandering Roba, a fresh cocktail made with Ocean Organic Vodka—distilled locally in Hawaii—fresh lime juice, Lilikoʻi purée and Ever-Tree ginger beer. It was just the refreshment I needed after my long flight.
I spent the evening taking in my surroundings; I ordered two sushi rolls. The Ocean Roll, which is tuna, king salmon, hamachi, avocado, crab meat, Tamai spicy sauce and soy paper, was flavorful, fresh, and a new favorite of mine. I loved watching the chef make my food in front of me.
After dinner, I took a walk down to the ocean. The feeling of the warm sand under my feet, followed by the soft, rhythmic swell of the water crashing onto the shore, was euphoric.
I woke up the following day and had a complimentary breakfast buffet at the Napua Lounge, which is like a hotel within the hotel. The Napua Club Lounge offers free cocktail services and light bites from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Staying in a Napua room comes with a premium, but the upgrade is worth it, trust me. I sat on the back patio, enjoying my chocolate croissant and coffee and listened to the birds singing in the palms.
I strolled with Lesher and Santos around the property before my much-needed spa appointment. The path was lined with fresh trees growing various fruits and foods, from cacao trees to mango trees and everything in between. It was said that the fruit tends to be picked by guests staying on the property when ripe, something they encourage. I was lucky to try a ripe cherry directly off the tree; it was the juiciest and sweetest cherry I have ever had.
I was escorted upstairs to take a peek at the crème de la crème of their accommodation options, their Napua Grand Suite. This 5,500-square-foot two-bedroom, three-bathroom room boasts incredible 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean. It features upgraded interiors such as marble bathrooms and lavish furnishings and is decorated with museum-quality artwork. This impressive room was the creative product of Nina Chiappa Interiors and perfectly combines residential luxury with resort living. The Napua Grand Suite also includes full access to the Napua Lounge.
I checked into the Grand Wailea’s ICONIC Kilolani Spa, which recently opened its doors early 2024. The 50,000-square-foot luxury wellness spa underwent a $44 million renovation to become one of the best destination spas in the world, a goal I think they achieved.
The Kilolani Spa has more than 40 treatment rooms and a menu of more than 37 wellness and beauty treatments, all based on the Hawaiian moon calendar, a tradition ancient Hawaiians used to navigate through the night.
Guests are encouraged to arrive an hour before their appointment to unwind and indulge in the amenities of the hydrotherapy gardens, an al fresco bathhouse experience with cooling and hydrotherapy features.
The features include a saltwater vitality pool, a wet lounge, a cold plunge tub, a massive eucalyptus-infused steam room with a beautiful sculpture grounded in the center, a sauna, waterfall showers and scrub stations.
Important note: Guests who book the wellness rooms have full access to the hydro therapy garden throughout their stay.
I was taken to a dark and tranquil room with a massive black rock tub filled with sea salt to set my intentions for the day. I then pinched salt water from the bowl and tossed droplets over each shoulder, a tradition the cultural director set as the proper way to enter the spa.
Before my treatment, I enjoyed all the spa’s hydrotherapy amenities. My massage therapist escorted me to my room, where she gave me the Lomi Pōhaku Massage, which uses heated lava and salt stones with traditional Lomilomi massage techniques. I left my treatment with no tension in my body.
That night, I had a reservation at the famous Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa restaurant, an elevated bungalow-style steak and seafood restaurant. I sat at their newly renovated aquarium bar top, which is exactly what it sounds like. You could look down and see fish swimming underneath your dinner and cocktails.
The Chef de Cuisine, Ryan Urig, came to greet me. When asked what I wanted that night, I put the power in his hands, a decision I don’t regret.
Shortly after, a beautiful seafood tower and tuna carpaccio were presented, followed by fresh swordfish and the day’s catch on a bed of sea rice. I ended my incredible dinner with a trio of desserts. It’s safe to say I left that dinner with a full stomach and a happy heart.
I had an early start to my morning; I went snorkeling with Kai Kanani, a family-owned sailing excursion company that offers snorkeling, sunset sails, whale watching and private charters.
The friendly staff explained the expectations to the group before we did a beach load from the shore of Makena Beach. The ride to Molokini, an old volcanic crater now a prime snorkeling spot, was a peaceful and wonderful experience. The crew gave us orange juice and cinnamon rolls before our first dive, setting a relaxed and comfortable tone for the day.
Once in the water, I was surrounded by a rainbow of fish and live coral. The fish were as curious about us as we were with them, some swimming close enough to touch. We spent 45 minutes exploring the crater before we loaded back onto the boat for our second stop; the crew offered us coffee and hot chocolate.
The second stop was a cove with exposed lava rock. When I swam out to our guide and looked into the water, I was amazed by what I saw. Two massive sea turtles were swimming below me. One came up to the surface and flashed a smile before swimming to the coral below. I had never felt so connected to the ocean until that moment, observing some of the planet’s most beautiful creatures unbothered and right in front of me.
When we were all back on the boat, the crew offered us a full breakfast with an open bar, a luxurious catering service I had not expected to receive on this excursion. I ordered a mimosa and relaxed as the boat made its way back to shore.
The five-star crew and service that came with the snorkeling experience is unparalleled. If you are looking for something fun to do while in Maui while still receiving luxury treatment, book with Kai Kanani.
I checked out of the Grand Wailea and into the Fairmont Kea Lani, another Wailea resort that underwent a complete renovation, upgrading their lobby, restaurants, suites and villas.
The all-white resort looked angelic in the distance, a key factor in the design plan. The phrase Kea Lani translates to heavenly white, and it is a testament to traditional Hawaiian architectural influences.
The concept of the Kea Lani began in 1986 with architect Jose Luis de la Colina Ezquerra. Ezquerra and his team were eager to imbue Hawaiian eccentricity into their work, so he worked to emulate and combine the best properties of two historic Hawaiian properties, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Iolani Palace.
By drawing inspiration from the shape of The Royal Hawaiian Palace and the white coloring of Iolani Palace, Kea Lani is now its own architectural masterpiece.
The large open lobby featured stunning fluid circular arches and mesh waterfalls in the center under a massive monkey pod wood atrium. The designer utilized a neutral palette, so the natural greenery of the plants and scenery acted as the accent color. The lobby emanates tranquil energy and a clean, refreshing aesthetic, seamlessly incorporating the materials of the landscape into the beautiful design of the hotel.
Scattered throughout the property is the work of the famous wood carver Dale Zarrella. Intricate sculptures depicting sea turtles and mermaids emphasize the importance of the ocean and Hawaiian mythology and folklore.
Eager to explore the pulchritudinous property, I walked through the open archway, which led me to the outdoor pools and gardens. Eventually, I reached the Fairmont Kea Lani’s poolside restaurant, Ama.
The Ama Bar and Grill offers stunning ocean views from every table. I enjoyed a delicious orange Ama’s Passion cocktail while taking in the view of the beach below. For my lunch, I snacked on the Ahi wonton chips and the poke bowl, which consisted of shoyu ahi, Llmu, Maui onions, red chili flakes, bubu arare, wasabi aioli and avocado on a bed of white rice.
It was the perfect meal to hold me over until my dinner at Pilina.
My suite had a beautiful coastal chic aesthetic. A living area with a sandy couch, ocean blue accent rug and dining table greeted me at the door. A wood dividing wall led me to my bedroom, which had décor that emulated the materials and properties of the Hawaiian mountains and beaches.
The tile bathroom featured his-and-her sinks and was stocked with Le Labo products. Motion sensor linear lighting was also incorporated, which I greatly appreciated as a nod to sustainability.
Larger beachside two-and-three-bedroom villas are also available for booking; elevated coastal interiors, a full kitchen, a loft and a private plunge pool accompany each villa. This accommodation is perfect for families!
With some downtime, I took a Hawaiian language class at Hale Kukuna, their new cultural center. I learned the Hawaiian alphabet, common phrases and the enriching history of the Hawaiian language, which was illegal to speak until the 1990s.
Hale Kukuna boasts a collection of Hawaiian artifacts, weapons, clothing, leas, instruments and tools in a beautiful display designed to enhance people’s understanding of and appreciation of the land’s native people.
Multiple culturally enriching classes and activities happen throughout the day.
At golden hour, I checked in for my dinner reservation at Pilina, the Fairmont Kea Lani’s magnificent lobby cocktail bar and restaurant.
A beautifully carved Monkeypod wood archway leads to a sizable spiraling wood centerpiece welcoming you into the restaurant. At the bar, unobstructed views of the sunset reflected by the ocean await you.
Warm woods and earthy accent colors fill the space, creating an open lounge and relaxing atmosphere. The melody of an acoustic guitar adds grace and movement to the atmosphere. The restaurant was absolutely breathtaking.
I ordered an array of their signature cocktails, my favorite being the Tropics in Bloom, a fiery red drink with Grey Goose, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, St. Germain elderflower, lemon, Maui hibiscus, lemongrass, rosehips, Arabian jasmine and champagne served in a classic martini glass.
My server, Zach, recommended a few signature sushi rolls and hot rocks, so I ordered those. Cooking my fish on the hot stones added another entertainment element to my experience.
While I did not order this myself, I couldn’t help but gaze at the couple’s sushi boat beside me. A colorful platter of fresh fish and greens adorned a small wood sailboat. The presentation was everything.
The following day, I had my spa appointment. My massage thera – pist, April, took me on the soothing Hawaiian Journey, a full-body, two-hour spa service of sheer relaxation. I started off with a full-body Molokai lemongrass salt scrub to exfoliate the dead skin and impu – rities off my body. The scrub was then followed by a Kava aloe body mask to hydrate the skin from the inside out.
Hawaiian ti leaves were then wrapped around my body, a familiar ritual in Hawaiian culture. While my body was absorbing the products, I had an Awapuhi honey and lemon hair mask massaged into my scalp. It smelled incredible.
I hopped in the shower to rinse off the clay mask and salt scrub; my skin felt smooth and revived. I nestled back onto the massage bed for a one-hour massage with Maui vanilla cocoa and coconut butter. As someone with dry skin, my body was in heaven.
After an energizing massage, I did what most would do: I b-lined it to the bar, where I enjoyed a playful cocktail in a pineapple.
Dinner at Kō, the Fairmont Kea Lani’s signature restau – rant, was fabulous. I put the chef in charge of my meal once more. He started me off with the Lau Lau dish: fresh seafood wrapped in ti leaves and soaked in a shoyu-coconut milk sauce. The sweet and savory combination was fantas – tic. He then served the fresh catch on a bed of taro risotto and garnished it with various vegetables. The symphony of flavors danced on my palate.
On my last day, I woke early to experience the Fairmont Kea Lani’s canoe excursion. With our resort navigator, we paddled into Maui’s turquoise waters in a Hawaiian outrigger canoe. We pushed the 450-pound canoe into the water and paddled out. The waves were big that morning, but it only added to the fun!
This culturally enriching experience is complimentary for registered hotel guests; you only have to book a spot before your stay.
Before my flight home, I treated myself to a quick round of golf at the Wailea Golf Club, a luxurious golf course and training academy.
Whether you want to play a few rounds of golf on one of their three resort courses with the crystal blue Pacific as your backdrop or refine your game through their Golf Academy taught by PGA Pro Golfer Claude Brousseau, The Wailea Golf Club has everything to accommodate your golfing desires.
They also have spaces available to rent for weddings or private events, all with the breathtaking panoramic ocean view.
I played nine holes, laughing and enjoying the beautiful sunshine and breathtaking views. When I returned back to the club house, I was given a fresh wet towel to cool down, I did some shopping in their golf pro shop and went back to my hotel to prepare for my departure from Hawaii.
Wailea is genuinely a place that has something ICONIC for everybody. Mahalo Wailea.