My Heart Smiled

The Beach, The Pools, The Restaurants at The Grand Wailea

(Third of a series)

Day 2 - December 16, 2013

The day after our arrival, I got up at sunrise to explore the grounds of Grand Wailea.  Several early birds were already roaming the property like I was. Most were doing their morning run. I walked past an entire group of mostly ladies, with towels under their arms, preparing for 7:00 a.m. beach yoga.

First stop, Wailea Beach. [Watch 12-second video.]

How I love the soothing sound of ocean waves and the rippling water on my bare feet! This beach is so clean that it seems untouched.  The fine red sand here is incredibly smooth and soft. You don't have to worry about hurting your feet with pebbles, rocks, or broken shells because there are none.

Sunrise at Wailea Beach

A meandering pathway weaved together the high end resorts in this area. Following the walkway, I found even more striking views from different vantage points.  And I chanced upon a small shack that served Starbucks coffee. Bingo!

The path also led me to a lookout point popular for whale sightings. It had an informational sign about humpback whales and the surrounding islands. From that very spot, you could easily see the Molokini crater and the island of Kaho'olawe behind it. In the distance, the island of Lanai is also visible.

It doesn't take a professional photographer to capture great photos here.

As the sun rose higher, I discovered more about this 40-acre sprawling property.

The Hibiscus Pool at Grand Wailea.

A closer look at Grand Wailea's Hibiscus Pool.
The bottom of this pool is inlaid with a giant hibiscus made of Mexican mosaic tile.

While the Hibiscus Pool is reserved for adults, there's the Wailea Canyon Activity Pool perfect for the entire family's enjoyment.  I found water slides, waterfalls, a kiddie pool, a river, a rope swing( a la Tarzan), and even a swim up bar.  I guess they all connected to form the large Canyon Activity pool which is about 2,000 feet in length.  That's about five times the length of a football field...with end zones! You can find out more about the Pools at Grand Wailea here.

Ok so I had to insert this photo.  Sorry couldn't resist.
This was taken in front of the Grand Wailea's Reflecting Pool.

Ah yes, the restaurants.  I wanted to dine at the famous Humuhumunukunukuapua'a.  (You can just call it Humu for short.  They'll know what you mean.)  Sadly, I was out-voted by the two picky eaters in the family. I thought I'd have better chances of going to Amasia, the best new restaurant by renowned Chef Alan Wong. But no such luck.  I must return and bring along my foodie friends with me.  More about the Grand Wailea restaurants here.

Can you say it with me? Humuhumunukunukuapua'a is an award-winning restaurant.  

The view from inside Humuhumunukunukuapua'a restaurant.
Look at that! I wish I had taken a photo also at sunset.

It's no wonder this restaurant garnered "Best Table for Two" by Islands Magazine. 

The ambience is both romantic and relaxing.

We spent the rest of the day at the famous beach.  Alan found a perfect spot where the staff set up some lounge chairs and a beach umbrella for us.  But after only a few minutes of relaxation, I craved some fun water activity.

Guests flocked to the beach to lounge, sunbathe, swim, snorkel, paddle-board, or kayak.

I couldn't have asked for a more gorgeous day!

I called Trevor to jump in the back of my tandem kayak rental.  We paddled into the ocean in sync: left, right, left, right. Having paddled far enough, we turned the kayak around to look at where we started.  That's when the majestic mountain behind our resort revealed itself in full glory.

"Wow!" we both gasped, stopping to marvel at the unbelievable sight in front of us.

"I wish I had my camera right now," I sighed.

"You know, a recent study revealed that people who take more pictures remember less about their experiences," Trevor said matter-of-factly.

"OK, let's just stay here a bit longer to take it all in. Then let's paddle back to shore so your Dad can go next. He has to see this!"

"I love Hawaii," Trevor said for the nth time.

My heart smiled and echoed his sentiment.  I'm so, so grateful!


Continued from blogpost "Three Wishes" and "Amazeballs." More on this adventure coming up. See It's A Hula-day.

Amazeballs!

The Grand Wailea in Maui
(First of a series)
December 15, 2013

We'll be staying at a Waldorf Astoria resort?! Whaaat?!!!

Good ol' hubby Alan got us a great deal at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui. It was his idea to gift ourselves with a family vacation in Hawaii for Christmas this year.

Our jaws dropped when we drove up to the hotel's impressive main entrance. A petite yet spunky Asian lady, dressed in traditional Hawaiian garb, welcomed us as we entered the ritzy lobby.

"Aloha!" she warmly greeted the three of us and gave us fresh Dendrobium orchid leis. “My name is Rose. Your first time here?”

“No,” Trevor, my stepson, politely replied.

“Well then, welcome home!” she quipped with outstretched arms.

I think she meant "Is this your first time in Grand Wailea?"  It's true that Alan, Trevor, and I have been to Maui before but this is our first time ever in this luxurious resort.

Hawaiian welcome at the elaborate lobby of the Grand Wailea in Maui.

The tremendous Grand Wailea lobby decorated for the holidays

The iconic Reflecting Pool at the Grand Wailea.
It overlooks the Hibiscus Pool and the world famous Wailea Beach.

After checking in, we hurried to our room located in the chapel wing. Our balcony overlooked the Wailea Seaside Chapel (more on that here), the beautifully landscaped garden, palm trees, and the beachfront.

I grabbed my camera.  This place is amazeballs!

The view from our balcony: the Wailea Seaside Chapel and the setting sun at Wailea Beach.

The charming Wailea Seaside Chapel and the surrounding lush garden.

We knew we'd be traveling all day but hoped to catch the spectacular Maui sunset when we arrived. So we quickly headed out to the beach. A line of people were already there holding up their camera phones to capture the sunset-hued horizon.

A quick stroll on the famous beach of Wailea, rated one of the best beaches in Maui and the world.

The Wailea Beach looks glorious at sunset.

A picture perfect Maui sunset.

When we returned to our well-appointed Deluxe Garden Room, Trevor noticed something peculiar. "I think someone's been in here."

"Yup, Housekeeping turndown service," I assured him and pointed to the single orchid and notecard meticulously placed on each turned down bed. Expect nothing less from this Four Diamond rated hotel. This is going to be a fantastic stay!


More on this adventure. Continued on Three Wishes and My Heart Smiled.