Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a ...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
15 comments
billysilly
May 16, 2022
The fact that there wasn’t any warning about the construction is a big fat no for me. I’ll just have to sell a couple of kidneys for the 4S Wailea. It’s my favorite place but the prices are now outrageous. I also thought that the menu as Humu Humu was a bit limited. Nevertheless, excellent review.
Robert Frank
May 17, 2022
Love the in-depth review. Excellent writing.
Chris Hassan
May 17, 2022
Thanks, Robert!
Paul Davis
May 20, 2022
We had a trip scheduled June 4 and got a notice last week warning us about construction and things being relocated. Their spa is incredible, but won’t be open until next year sometime. I booked at the 95000 points a night and book 5 get 1 free. Rates have gone ballistic for next year. I’m trying to see if I can get them to rebook me next year at the same point level. We’re going to bail and go to Hyatt in Kauai this year.
Chris Hassan
May 23, 2022
Hey Paul,
That’s a bummer…If you are able to get them to honor the 95k rate, please let us know! I think the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is a good call this year, hopefully the Grand Wailea will be worth it after all of this work.
Safe travels and thanks for reading!
Chris
Kate V
June 12, 2022
We are Grant Wailea members, so have been there often. I agree with everything you say – excellent review. I add my biggest gripe with the hotel – which is the lack of umbrellas to shade the pool chairs. They intentionally don’t have enough umbrellas to try and force you to buy the obscenely expensive cabanas. By not offering enough umbrellas by the pool – it’s a mad dash in the morning to get a seat. People are out waiting at 7am for them to lower ropes so they can rush to put towels/magazines on chairs that have umbrellas. This is horrible and so annoying. At these prices, a person should be able to get a chair with an umbrella by the pool without spending $1200 for a cabana.
Chris Hassan
June 13, 2022
Hey Kate,
Thanks for reading and I appreciate the feedback! Yes, there are quite a few things that the hotel does to try and steer revenue, which often makes for a less than ideal experience for guests. Your comments about the umbrellas are spot on.
Chris
Fuji
January 09, 2023
Thank you for the in-depth review. The redemption rates are 500K+ in Feb 2023 and therefore out of reach. Will continue to look for under 100K rates but not hopeful .
Jen Smith
April 13, 2023
How bad was the noise from the pool and beach area? If we are staying in the renovated Napu tower will we be affected by the construction noise? Thanks! Great post!
Chris Hassan
April 14, 2023
Hey Jen,
I didn’t hear any construction noise while at the pool or beach, only when in the lobby. That said, it looks like most of the construction has been completed, so I think you should be fine. Enjoy your trip!
Chris
Samantha
April 23, 2023
Great post! Really entertaining read.
I’m struggling to choose between the Grand Wailea and the Hyatt for our elopement next year. Which resort is best for couples in your opinion??
Chris Hassan
April 24, 2023
Hey Samantha,
I would probably lean towards the Grand Wailea due to the very nice adults-only pool.
Emily
April 28, 2023
Great reviews on Grand Wailea & Hyatt Regency. Looking at these 2 hotels for a trip to Maui this July and price is pretty much the same for ocean view double queens (with club access at Hyatt). Considering current conditions of no construction at Grand Wailea, which would you choose for a family of 4? Kids will be 12 & 14 yrs old. The GW seems more luxurious but the Hyatt club seems like a $ saver with bfast and snacks; walkable to local shops and restaurants is appealing too.
Chris Hassan
April 28, 2023
I would choose the Hyatt in a heartbeat. In fact, we just got back from there again. The club access will save you so much money and the area is great for walking around, you really can’t go wrong. The Grand Wailea is great, and I’m sure your kids would love all the water slides, but feeding a family of 4 there could get quite expensive.
Kathy
August 22, 2023
We were there in May of 2023. Spent $1200 a night so expecting a luxurious stay. My son removed his wristband for pool use and they would not allow him to use the pools again. Even though I spoke to 3 people including GM they say there policy is no back up. Imagine we spent all that money and could not use the facilities. This hotel has lost their aloha. I would not recommend. It does not care anymore.
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