Maui’s south shore has long drawn visitors looking for sunshine, a picture postcard coastline and a resort-style setting that still feels authentically Hawaiian. Wailea Beach Resort Marriott Maui sits on one of the most idyllic stretches of the island’s south shore in the region between two of its most coveted beaches. Spread across 22 acres, the property has a family-friendly energy and resort-scale amenities without feeling overwhelming. Multiple pools, including an infinity pool, a signature restaurant by Roy Yamaguchi, an adults-only wellness experience, Olakino, and a mini water park complete with two waterslides, mean there is plenty to keep all age groups entertained. Accommodation options range from ocean-view rooms, suites and private villas housed in low-rise hale-style buildings, generously spread out through tropical manicured gardens. The Luxury Editor checked in to experience its full offering, so read on to discover more.
Hawaii, Maui, Wailea
Wailea Beach Resort Marriott Maui
(5 stars)First opened in the early 1970s as one of Wailea’s first major resort properties and reimagined by Marriott, this hotel has long held prime status on Maui’s resort coastline. On arrival, the sense of scale is immediate; there’s no traditional hotel entrance. Instead, its driveway sweeps you into a vast, open-air lobby, complete with check-in desks, concierge services, bar, shops and coffee outlets all set to a view that can only be described as cinematic.
Check-in is fast and efficient, and in true Hawaiian style, you are welcomed with a fresh flower lei or traditional kukui nut beads along with a welcome drink.
Across from check-in is a playful kids area complete with a glowing giant ALOHA sign primed for a holiday photo opportunity, oversized games and swinging chairs.
Location
Straddling two beaches, Ulua and Wailea, you are moments from the sand, with direct oceanfront access and views as far as the eye can see across the Pacific, while a scenic coastal path links each neighbouring resort together. A short stroll away are ‘The Shops at Wailea’, where designer boutiques, local art galleries and further dining options await. Kahului Airport is a zippy 30-minute drive by car, with valet and self-parking options both available at the hotel. It’s also ideally positioned for day trips to Haleakalā National Park and the famed Road to Hāna, while Wailea’s three golf courses are also close by.
Rooms, Suites & Villas
Home to 547 rooms, suites and villas located in a series of low-rise buildings that curve around the resort’s coastline. Each room category comes with a private lanai, while 62 ground-floor rooms offer extended outdoor patio space. All room categories have generous space with either one king or two queen beds. For those looking to be closer to the shoreline, Ocean View and Oceanfront categories provide uninterrupted views, with the most popular being those overlooking the adults-only Maluhia Pool infinity pool. Suites range from Junior Suites to expansive one- and two-bedroom configurations, many of which come with large separate living areas.
My Room During My Stay
During my stay, I was hosted in a Premium Ocean View Room, one of the resort’s most popular room categories and for good reason. Wake up to your own private views from your balcony with the sea so close, I left the balcony door ajar each night to drift off to sleep with the white noise of waves lapping gently onto the shoreline.
Generous in floor space covering 39 sqm, a king bed sits alongside a lounge area complete with sofa, coffee table and armchair. Opposite the bed, a large bureau doubles as a desk and is home to the room’s flat-screen TV. Room styling is very much contemporary island living, with clean lines and ocean-inspired tones and nods without feeling themy.
A built-in amenity nook integrates into the wardrobe alcove. Topped with polished stone and open shelving, it includes a Nespresso machine, a selection of pods, takeaway cups, sugar amd milk sachets. she wardrobe itself is spacious, with a mix of hanging and shelf storage, robes, an iron and board, and subtle island-inspired wallpaper lining the back wall for an added touch of personality.
The resort uses a wearable wristband room key system, which doubles as your access to experiences across the resort property. As part of the resort’s sustainability efforts (and included in the daily resort fee), each room comes with two aluminum refillable water bottles, which can be refilled at filtered stations throughout the resort for free and taken home with you once you leave the hotel.
In the bathroom, a wide marble-topped vanity and large walk-in shower with a rainfall head create a mini spa-like experience in the comfort of your guest room.
Sundeck Garden Oasis Rooms
We also looked around one of the Sundeck Garden Oasis Rooms, which are a relatively new addition to the resort’s accommodation offering. Positioned on the ground floor, this room category offers both enhanced privacy and outdoor floor space. Inside, the layout follows the format of the Premium Ocean View rooms, with a king-size bed, sofa and integrated amenity station. Outside opens onto a 14 sqm completely private walled garden lanai and in the centre sits a deep soaking tub along with a daybed, firepit, seating area and rainfall shower.
This room category also comes with complimentary daily access to Olakino, the resort’s new adults-only wellness pool, along with a reserved pair of loungers. You can even turn the spa into your private open-air spa suite by booking in-room spa treatments from the Mandara Spa via the resort’s Bath Butler menu.
Oceanfront VIllas
Another new offering (at the time of writing) are the Oceanfront Villas, the hotel’s most exclusive accommodations. Ranging from one to four bedrooms, these expansive villa-format rooms are designed to feel like a private residence whilst still being very much connected to the hotel complex. Offering a large open-plan living and dining area, full gourmet kitchens and large lanais for outdoor lounging and dining.
Food & Drink
Dining at Wailea Beach caters to both casual bites and more refined evenings. The resort’s signature restaurant, Humble Market Kitchin, is helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Roy Yamaguchi, who draws deeply from his family’s Hawaiian roots. The restaurant’s concept is a tribute to his grandfather, Rokuro Yamaguchi, a Japanese immigrant who opened the original “Humble Market” store and local taverns in nearby Kihei and Wailuku. Dishes draw on Hawaii’s natural larder think line-caught fish, locally raised pork and Asian-inspired flavours
Other Dining Options
KAPA Bar & Grill sits beside the ‘Ohi Pools area serving a relaxed daytime menu, while Whale’s Tale overlooking the beach provides coffees, juices and cocktails. There is also an outdoor pizza van next to the lobby family area – Andiamo serving pizza by the slice, Starbucks and a pool bar for sunlounger imbibles.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served in Humble Market Kitchen, buffet style on a grand scale. There are plenty of options, along with additional hot egg dishes cooked to order, and the breakfast menu also includes a complimentary mimosa to start the day off with, too.
Resort Pools
One of the resort’s major highlights is its impressive array of pools. There are four pool experiences throughout the resort.
‘Ohi Pools
Set beside Kapa Bar & Grill, this pair of oceanfront pools is geared towards families and mixed-age groups. Hot tubs, panoramic views and spacious cabanas make it an easy all-day destination.
Maluhia Pool
This adults-only infinity-edge pool is tranquil and designed for complete relaxation. Overwater cabanas float just above the surface, offering a luxurious space to lounge, with poolside food and drink service available throughout the day.
NALU Adventure Pool
Home to the longest resort slide in Hawaii at 99 m, with splash zones and two waterslides, and yes, we did manage to brave both waterslides with the Wailea Wipeout, not for the faint-hearted….
Wellness
Taking things back to complete relaxation, another new product for the resort, Olakino offers an adults-only wellness experience. With limited spaces per day (meaning it’s not crowded), you can book full-day passes or half-day passes to enjoy in-pool spa treatments, mindful programming and food served by your lounger.
Final Thoughts
Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui, offers resort-scale services without feeling crowded. Its generously sized setting, wide-ranging facilities and scenic views deliver something for every guest, which is why visitors return year after year.
