Grand Wailea A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Disappointing Experience at Grand Wailea Waldorf Astoria Resort My family and I travel 3-4 times a year for relaxing vacations, as I work 50-60 hours a week and look forward to unwinding. We chose Grand Wailea, expecting exceptional service from a 5-star hotel, but our stay was anything but relaxing. The core issue lies in their BUSINESS MODEL, which feels manipulative and guest-unfriendly. The pool area, a key feature for relaxation, has a severe shortage of chairs and even fewer umbrellas. To secure a spot, guests are forced to wake up early and line up at 7 AM to race for limited seating. This is not the vacation experience I signed up for. Here’s where it gets frustrating: the hotel has created this artificial scarcity to push guests toward renting exorbitantly priced cabanas or pergolas for $750 a day. These cabanas dominate the pool area, taking up space that could easily accommodate more chairs for all guests. This BUSINESS MODEL prioritizes profit over guest comfort, and I felt exploited rather than valued. Why charge a resort fee if basic amenities like pool seating are so limited? If cabanas were an optional luxury with special services, we would have gladly rented one to relax, but instead, they’re positioned as a solution to a problem the hotel itself creates. This was, by far, the worst holiday experience we’ve had, and I’m deeply disappointed by the lack of genuine hospitality.

The area is nice as well as very clean and safe. However, the staff at the resort are very rude. My mother and I only encountered three people out of our whole 5 day stay that was kind. If you have any questions or concerns, they act irritable and are not eager to help. The food is overly priced for its quality. I have been once before, and it was a nice experience, but this second time around was terrible. I will not be attending this resort again in the future.

This place was AMAZING!!!

Many things that are included at other Wailea properties are extra and many of the “complimentary” things are so limited in number so as to be extra charges too. Free transportation in Wailea? They have it but we were never able to find a time when the ride was available. Snorkels, bikes, beach chairs? These are free at other resorts but not GW. The food is universally terrible at all the restaurants as well. One can’t help but feel cheated by Hilton staying here. The only good thing I will say is they do occasionally enforce the 1 hour pool chair rule which many places do not. We saw several people lose their chairs because they put a towel on them at 7am and didn’t come back for hours.

I paid $1,700 for one night in a Deluxe King Ocean View room and brought my two young children and elderly mother. The room didn’t meet expectations, and service throughout the stay was poor. I was locked out near checkout with my toddler and waited for 30 minutes due to a miscommunication between staff. When housekeeping arrived, the staff member rushed me (she told me I needed to hurry up because she wanted to go home) and then let the door slam on my arm. When I tried to share this information with the front desk the staff was dismissive, however they did escalate it to housekeeping and I was asked to file a report with hotel security. My 9-year-old enjoyed the pool, but I would not recommend this hotel. For the price, you’re better off at the Four Seasons, Fairmont, or anywhere else nearby where service matches the rate.

Not a 5 star

We had the best time! The property is absolutely gorgeous and the weather was perfect.

10/10 definitely recommend!! We loved it!!

Absolutely outstanding services! Worth every penny and excellent customer service!

Property was great for families with kids who want to enjoy an amazing pool and slide. The beach is across a walking path. Located in Waliea where the neighborhood is quiet and safe. The food choices and 24 hour store are nice. One criticism is there is no no self park so you have to wait for your car and at certain times the valet is backed up.

It’s not worth the money. Staff are not helpful, food is bad.

This hotel has gone downhill. Have stayed here many times and sad but we won’t be returning. Property condition and the prices for things far better at more luxurious resorts. Not even a lei greeting anymore. Greedy hotel.

Absolutely gorgeous resort. Their garden is out of this world and stunning. Their waterfall pool is beautiful along with their restaurants and beach. Best resort in Maui for sure. A+++++

We stayed here years ago and loved it. The good news is nothing has changed, but at the same time the bad news is nothing has been touched. We had a nice time and things are as we remembered but felt worn by the years and yet the pricing suggests they are keeping it up, which they haven’t. Staff is generally helpful, but there is an undertone that they feel the lack of investment in the property, too.

Need to clean every day room floor I think towels so big it’s waste water should be medium size mix with big one

Not a fan. Rude staff from check in to bartenders. Wish I didn’t waste the money here and stayed at the four seasons. We stayed there next and had a truly incredible experience.

Amazing resort for families, pools and slides were outstanding

Loved it absolutely

We had an amazing stay at the Grand Wailea! Our family absolutely loved the incredible water park—all seven slides kept our 8-year-old entertained for hours. The beach is gorgeous, perfect for both relaxing and playing in the waves. One of our favorite parts was the delicious food by the pool—fresh, flavorful, and conveniently served so we could enjoy every moment without leaving our loungers. Everything from the lush grounds to the friendly service made this a truly unforgettable vacation. Can’t wait to come back! I highly recommend Nobu it is very expensive but worth every penny.

My favorite Maui resort. One thing I was disappointed to see, Nobu took over the spot where the daily buffet breakfast was held. This is the best view at the resort and one of the main attractions people look forward to. The breakfast is held now at the lower Humuhumu restaurant. Same $60 price with no view. Grand Wailea, that was a huge mistake. Nobu should open the space for the morning breakfast. The prime view is closed all day. 😟