Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria By Hilton Resort in Wailea, HI

As a 5 star my expectations are high for a $1100+ rate. On first arrival the drop area is nice, a bellman takes the luggage, no direction to the checking desk. Front desk is friendly, no welcome drink, cold towel or lei. Find your own room, beautiful view of the ocean, room is spotless but not impressive. We have the deluxe room…. Room has convenient plugs etc. We are excited to go to the buffet breakfast. No prices are listed and we got the bill for $70 per person for breakfast. The buffet was totally unimpressive. Basic food that you would find in a three star motel. Don’t expect anything like smoothies or? Wouldn’t take much to make this spectacular. Again, the staff are so friendly. The pools are very delightful however they’ve taken up most of the prime spots with little cabanas on most days when we visited. The cabanas are about a quarter full, which you must rent. The chair space feels like you are stacked in like cord wood. Again a three star motel place experience. They have underutilized the property many spaces that do not create opportunity for the guest. Over abundance of towels though. The adult pool is very crowded again multiple layers of lounge chairs. The swimming area for families and children seems to be spectacular fun slides yet we’re very outdated. Beware of some hazards there’s a sprinkler head on the entrance to the beach in the slide area. There are raw electrical wires. Many of the lights do not work on the paths so be careful at night. There is a beautiful chapel in the middle of the property that is very spectacular. However, you cannot get in it to do prayers, etc. it was not use the entire seven days that we are there seems like a waste of space. This could easily be another swimming pool area. This area is very beautiful to look at, but not functional for the bulk of the guests. It’s hard not to be jealous of the Marriott next-door, which has amazing spaces and infinity pools. Plenty of lounge chairs on multiple levels This hotel is not been updated in over 37 years since we visited. There is a big Lawn that has lounge chairs, however, no umbrellas.. to rent two chairs and an umbrella on the beach cost $150. The spa has a set up on or near the beach. This is an “up sale” spot. They get you in there and then charge you for extras -which they don’t inform you about. $410 for one 30 minute massage and a foot massage! Everything at this hotel is about getting more money out of you. Hilton is capitalizing on you for a ton of upgrades. It’s very obvious that Hilton corporate has provided excellent benefits for the staff and they do a marvelous job maintaining. They have opened a new restaurant this week while we’re here, unfortunately we made reservations 7 weeks out but were told that it would not be ready in time that our reservation was canceled. Thankfully, there is a market up at the Square, which has delightful food at a quarter of the cost of the hotel. Don’t count on any shuttles to or from local spots. I overheard a guest from another property call and asked for a shuttle from the market back to their hotel. Here, no options as far as shuttles go from the airport to this hotel you have to book a taxi, Uber or Lyft. Those five star hotels have a concierge service that books that for you, not here. I recommend that you eat outside of the hotel. There are some really great places around. Use OpenTable to make reservations. I gave this property a four star overall, compared to other 5 star properties. 2 star for affordability for cost of services. At one time this hotel was the gem in Wailea, unfortunately it has dropped down with the new hotels that are now spotlighting the shoreline.

Amazing property, comfy furnishings, great amenities. Rooms are clean, toiletries are high quality, etc. Slides are fun, pool temp was great. Food was decent. Pool chairs are competitive. Bring your own float for the lazy river. Food/restaurants are all a bit formal/expensive. Easy walk next door to find other options. Valet parking and resort fees are a bit high.... not great value from that perspective. Overall, expensive property but worth trying for a short stay.

Great location with awesome views around the area, take a big wallet as the prices are in line with the venue. All in all a truly top hotel and Maui is a venue that you must visit at some point in your life. Weather also very good for the time of year.

The location of the resort is great. There is a shopping center next to it. Rooms and facilities are dated. Good to have water systems in hotel. Pools, lazy river, water slides are fun. The hotel's service needs improvement. I asked 3 towels by the pool, and I was told only 2 per person. We are a family of 4. I have never been told everyone needs to be in person to get pool towels at other hotels. With the price to stay, I would expect a better service.

Tommy Turley was amazing in Napua. He was very attentive and so kind! He made our stay a truly amazing experience. I felt that I could count on him to take care of my family, and he did it with such genuine attitude. I would highly recommend this property. It is beautifully maintained.