Three Wishes

Wailea Seaside Chapel at the Grand Wailea
(Second of a series)
December 15, 2013

I was drawn to the lovely Wailea Seaside Chapel. Aside from my curiosity, I had to go inside because I practice the Catholic tradition of saying a prayer and making three wishes when visiting a church for the first time.

The charming Seaside Chapel at the Grand Wailea in Maui.

The New England style chapel with clock tower 

This classic yet elegant chapel boasts of stained glass window panels on each wall. Specially designed by local artist Yvonne Cheng, every floor-to-ceiling glass panel provides a glimpse of traditional Hawaiian life, each symbolizing new beginnings.  I can see why brides and grooms from all over the world, including celebrities, would want to exchange their I do's here.

 I stood in awe while gazing at the colorful stained glass murals and the stunning 17th century style chandeliers. Later, I learned that the exquisite chandeliers were handcrafted at Murano Glass in Venice, Italy.  

Inside, the chapel is lustrous with its cherry wood altar and pews complemented by sapele mahogany walls.

I made my way to the last pew and knelt down to pray. I gave thanks for the wonderful opportunity to celebrate Christmas with my family in Maui.

Then I wished for good health -- that none of us would catch the flu while we're here.  That wouldn't be fun.

Second, I wished for good weather during our visit.  Before getting here, I heard it had been rainy in Hawaii.  It would be disappointing if we had wet weather since we booked a lot of outdoor activities for this trip.

And finally, and most importantly, I wished that I would be granted another return trip to this paradise.

The enchanting Seaside Chapel seems afloat on the koi-filled pond that surrounds it.  

Large koi fish, known for good fortune, abound in the tranquil pond surrounding the chapel. 

Though charming in size, it overflows with splendor. It looks serene, romantic, and reverent. 

Learn more about the Wailea Seaside Chapel and its stained glass panels here:


This story was continued from blogpost entitled "Amazeballs."  Continued on My Heart Smiled. More to come.

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.