Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort: Complete Guide to the Resort & Wailea Stay

Stepping off the shuttle at Andaz Maui at Wailea feels like a small celebration. The lobby greets you with a splash of ocean‑blue tiles and a scent of plumeria that immediately tells you you’re not in a generic chain. I spent three nights there in late April, just after the whale‑watching season, and the mix of luxury and laid‑back island vibe made the stay feel both special and comfortably familiar.

Getting There and First Impressions

The resort is about a 30‑minute drive from Kahului Airport (OGG). I booked a shared shuttle through the hotel for $28 each way; it left the terminal at 9:45 am and arrived at the property just before noon. The driver handed me a chilled water bottle and a map of the resort, which helped me navigate the sprawling grounds without feeling lost.

Parking is free for guests, but the lot fills up fast on weekends. I arrived to find a spot right by the pool, which saved me a short walk in the midday heat. The check‑in desk was open until 11 pm, and the staff took a few minutes to explain the “Andaz vibe”, a focus on local art, open spaces, and a flexible schedule for meals and activities.

• Shuttle cost: $28 each way, reservation required 48 hours ahead.
• Free self‑parking, but arrive before 10 am on weekends for a spot near the pool.
• Check‑in window: 3 pm-11 pm; front desk staff can store luggage after checkout.
• Wi‑Fi is complimentary throughout the property, no password needed.
• Bring a reusable water bottle; refill stations are everywhere.

Rooms, Suites, and What You Actually Get

I stayed in a Deluxe Ocean View room for $425 per night, tax included. The room measured about 340 sq ft, with a king‑size bed, a separate sitting area, and a balcony that opened onto a view of Makena Bay. The air‑conditioning unit was a bit noisy at night, but the ceiling fan helped keep the space comfortable without blasting the AC.

The bathroom featured a rain‑shower head and a separate tub, a rare find in a resort of this size. The toiletries were locally sourced, and the bathrobes felt softer than most hotel versions I’ve tried. For a small extra ($70 per night) I upgraded to a suite with a private plunge pool; it was worth it for the extra space and the late‑night dip.

• Deluxe Ocean View: $425/night, includes balcony, king bed, and minibar.
• Suite with plunge pool: +$70/night, private pool, larger sitting area.
• In‑room coffee maker uses Keurig pods; you can request a free refill.
• Mini‑fridge is stocked with a bottle of local pineapple juice on arrival.
• Room service menu is limited after 10 pm; consider ordering from the resort’s 24‑hour pantry.

Food, Drink, and Where to Satisfy Your Appetite

The resort’s main restaurant, Kai, serves a rotating menu of Hawaiian‑inspired dishes. I dined there for dinner on my first night; the poke bowl with fresh ahi, mango, and a drizzle of soy‑ginger sauce cost $22. The portion was generous enough for a second helping, and the staff offered a complimentary tasting of a local honey mead.

Breakfast is a buffet at the poolside lounge, open from 7 am to 10 am, and it’s included in the room rate. I appreciated the fresh fruit station, they had ripe papaya, starfruit, and a small bowl of passionfruit that tasted like it was picked that morning. For a quick bite, the “Andaz Market” sells pre‑packed salads and sushi rolls for $12-$15, perfect for a beach day.

• Breakfast buffet: included, 7 am-10 am, $0 extra.
• Lunch at Kai: $18-$30 per entree, seasonal menu changes weekly.
• Andaz Market: grab‑and‑go salads, sushi, and fresh fruit for $12-$15.
• Happy hour at the pool bar: 4 pm-6 pm, $5 house‑made tropical cocktails.
• Room service: $5 delivery fee after 10 pm, limited menu.

Wellness, Pools, and Activities on Site

The property has three pools: a main infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a family pool with a shallow splash zone, and the adults‑only pool near the spa. I spent most mornings at the infinity pool; the water temperature stayed around 78°F, which is perfect for a quick dip before breakfast. Towels are swapped daily, but I always brought an extra dry towel for after the plunge pool.

Fitness enthusiasts will love the 24‑hour gym, which includes free weights, a few cardio machines, and a view of the coastline through floor‑to‑ceiling windows. I booked a 45‑minute yoga class on the beach for $30; the instructor used a portable speaker, and the sound of waves made the session feel like a meditation. The spa offers a signature “Maui Mai Tai” massage for $165, a 60‑minute treatment that uses local rum and sugarcane oil.

• Infinity pool: open 6 am-10 pm, no reservation needed.
• Adults‑only pool: quieter, near the spa, heated to 80°F.
• Gym: 24/7 access, complimentary towels.
• Beach yoga class: $30 per session, book 24 hours ahead.
• Spa “Maui Mai Tai” massage: $165 for 60 minutes, includes post‑massage tea.

Exploring Wailea and the Surrounding Area

Wailea’s shoreline is a series of well‑maintained beaches, each with its own character. I spent a sunny afternoon at Makena Beach, which is a short 10‑minute walk from the resort. The sand is soft, the water is clear, and there are lifeguards on duty during peak hours (9 am-4 pm).

If you want a change of scenery, the nearby Shops at Wailea offer boutique stores and a small art gallery. I bought a hand‑woven basket for $45, a perfect souvenir that reminded me of the resort’s emphasis on local craftsmanship. For a cultural bite, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center hosts a free hula show on Friday evenings; the shuttle runs from the hotel at 6 pm and costs $5 per person.

• Makena Beach: 10‑minute walk, lifeguards 9 am-4 pm, free parking.
• Shops at Wailea: boutique shopping, art gallery, coffee shop.
• Maui Arts & Cultural Center: free hula show Fridays, shuttle $5.
• Snorkel rentals: $25 per day at the resort’s beachfront kiosk.
• Sunset sail: $95 per person, departs 5 pm, includes drinks.

Practical Tips, Costs, and What to Pack

Booking directly through the Andaz website saved me $30 per night compared to third‑party sites, thanks to a “stay longer, save more” promotion. The resort requires a credit card on file for incidentals, and they place a $200 hold on the card at check‑in; it’s released within 48 hours after checkout if there are no extra charges.

Because the resort is on the windward side of the island, afternoon breezes can be strong. I always kept a light windbreaker in my bag, even though the mornings felt tropical. Sunscreen is a must, the resort provides a complimentary bottle of SPF 30, but I repurchased a reef‑safe SPF 50 at the market for $12.

• Direct booking discount: $30/night off standard rate.
• Credit card hold: $200, released within 48 hours.
• Pack: reef‑safe sunscreen, reusable water bottle, light windbreaker.
• Currency: US dollars, most places accept credit cards, small cash handy for tips.
• Transportation: rent a compact car ($45/day) if you plan to explore beyond Wailea.

Overall, Andaz Maui at Wailea delivers on its promise of a relaxed yet refined island experience. The combination of thoughtful service, well‑designed spaces, and easy access to both beach and town makes it a solid base for a Maui vacation. If you’re looking for a place that feels both upscale and genuinely Hawaiian, this resort is worth the extra dollars.