Reopened just in time for the 2016 “festive season,” the former Wailea Beach Marriott now sports a more cumbersome name: Wailea Beach Resort — Marriott, Maui. But its multiyear, $100 million renovation has also brought luxurious comforts, contemporary decor and culinary attractions worthy of the “resort” appellation.
Setting: Perched closer to the ocean than other Wailea Resorts — albeit along a craggy lava shoreline — with dazzling views of Kahoolawe and West Maui. The paved Wailea Beach Path makes for an easy stroll to Ulua and Mokapu beaches to the north and Wailea Beach to the south.
The appeal: While the public is welcome to dine at Roy Yamaguchi’s inaugural Humble Market Kitchin, the new poolside Kapa Bar & Grill and the updated, oceanfront Te Au Moana Luau, only guests can plunge into the new adventure pool with a 320-foot water slide or adults-only infinity-edge pool, or take advantage of the modern arrival/departure lounge, which provides showers and lockers in a spalike setting. Multigeneration parties will appreciate the new kids’ club, teen/family center and movie house.
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Insider’s tips: Walk five minutes to the Shops at Wailea for surprisingly high-quality entertainment Tuesday through Friday and surprisingly affordable happy hour specials at the Pint and Cork from 2 to 5 p.m. daily.
Good to know: Parking costs $25 daily, $35 for valet. The $30 daily resort fee and local taxes add $77 to the starting room rate, more for pricier rooms.
Details: 3700 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, Hawaii. (808) 879-1922, www.waileabeachresort.com. From $329 for resort rooms, $389 garden view with oversize lanai and $399 ocean view.
