Review: Wailea Beach Marriott Resort Maui

I might be the contrarian here, but I think that a stay at the Wailea Beach Resort is paradise. Yes, the elite breakfast is a joke. Oh well. Most of the time we were eating breakfast at 6am on our Lanai so that we could get out the door to our activity for 7am.

My wife and I stayed in late 2018, when we could nab a room at category 5 (it’s now 7). We stayed on points, and were upgraded to an oceanfront walk-out room in Hale 2. It was amazing. The closest room to the ocean at the resort, which means the closest room to the ocean in Wailea. The room itself is no St. Regis, but damn the proximity to the water was incredible.

The pools were great, and the waterslides were epic, LOL. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back, but will pay for an upgrade to secure an oceanfront room again. I agree that, given the opportunity, one wouldn’t want to be in the tower when one could be so close to the ocean.

I should also say that the activities that were available as part of the resort fee were pretty good (yes, the fee is bullshit). We enjoyed lei making, ukelele lessons, guided garden walks, etc. And the market vendors that set up on the lawn were also fun to chat with — and we came home with some lovely art! My wife also enjoyed yoga on the lawn overlooking the ocean.

All in all, I think this is a great resort, and even at category 7 offers a lot of value. I’ll be heading back next year and am eagerly looking forward to it.

Hey Ricky, if you DO decide to do Marriott… the Residence Inn is just hands down the better property, particularly with family in tow.

It’s newer, cheaper, more convenient, and just overall better value now that they’re separated by a category.

It went up to a cat 6 last year, but we got a 5 night stay in January for a total 170k points with 3 nights @40k and one @50k ( and one free ).

It’s not ON the beach, but has a shuttle that takes you right to Ulua beach or any other beach within a 5 mile radius. We had a car and I’d often just take the shuttle for sunrise swims with the fishes and the rest of the family would drive down later.

Also, despite being pretty full, it never felt that full. You’re a short walk from a great coffee shop.

Also, Haleakula needs reservations ahead of time, but they open up 50 spots every morning. You have to book it within seconds though. That being said, I’d say sunset is a more worthy time to go if you’re into stargazing at all.

Twin falls on the way to Hana isn’t really worth the time IMHO, but there are plenty of other stops that are. Also… not sure if you did the back side of the road to Hana… but it was by FAR our favorite part of the island. It’s amazing… and there’s almost no one on that road.

That and the back side of Lahaina are amazing parts of Maui.

Great review. Although I don’t agree with your Bonvoy Platinum Elite value of $2700, especially as the benefits of many of my stays reminds me of what you received at this Bonvoy property. I also appreciate this review as I plan the destinations and expectations appropriately as I choose which hotel to stay at and what I might likely receive.

To me at 50K – 70K per night, this hotel doesn’t seem like one I will be booking. If I value Bonvoy points at .7 USD cents (1 CAD), this certainly doesn’t look like a $700CAD property with the room size, bathroom, furnishings and facility. As well add on the extra $75 (100+CAD) for parking and resort fee charge, I don’t think this is the best value even as a Platinum or Titanium member. I might choose a non-Marriott property next time I am in Hawaii.

Just got home from Maui our first time there. We enjoyed every minute there.Stayed at nice resort..Pools great ,rooms clean with great King bead .Kitchenette well stacked. We didn’t spend much time in room we travelled a lot.Rent a car and explore most of the island. Road to Hana is must. Seen a sunrise from Haleakala national park. We got up at 2.am. And boy it was cold. Up there was – 8 C and snowing..It was spectacular. Also visited Lahaina ,lots of souvenirs shops,restaurants and galleries. And ABC stores. Then we went on dinner cruse for our 53rd Wedding Anniversary. We spend 2 weeks in paradise. Be prepared to pay more for everything,but hey you are on Vacation!!!!