Last updated on November 20th, 2017 at 03:35 am
We weren’t at Ali’i Kula Lavender long before I received a call from the Andaz Maui. Our room had become available, so after looking around for a few more minutes, we headed back to Wailea. It took us nearly an hour to get back to the Andaz Maui, which seemed like an eternity. Having been teased with the promise of a “special room,” I was eager to see what exactly that meant. The Andaz is valet only, so after a short queue, are car taken and we were off!
From the porte cochere you’ll need to take a set of steps up to the above walkway. This walkway is really a signature of the property. And while impressive during the day, the walkway looks best at night.
From there, you’ll step down into the expansive open air lobby.
Another unique feature of this property is the sandpit in the center of the lobby. There’s actually chairs in it and kids are welcome to play in it. The lobby also boasts some fantastic views of the pools and ocean, with ample seating to take it all in.
Like a traditional resort, the Andaz Maui does have a formal front desk.
However, when entering with bags, guests are often greeted by a receptionist and invited to sit. Once seated, guests are offered beverages (lavender lemonade this time around) and cool towels.
And while you enjoy your drink, the receptionist takes your ID and credit card to handle check-in. Once completed, you’re then presented your information and you’re all set. This process, of course, is common now days, but in Hawaii it’s still rare. I should note that my mid-tier Platinum status was recognized sincerely and all benefits were explained to me. It’s also worth noting that Gold Passport Elites of any tier don’t normally receive suite upgrades. From what I understand this is due to the extreme popularity of the resort. And, in fact, the suite upgrade certificates only get you into the Andaz Pool Suite, which are all on the ground floor. For whatever reason (and I’m super grateful), for this stay, we were upgraded to a 800 sq/ft Andaz Partial Ocean suite. As a Gold Passport Platinum.
We were assigned room 240 in the resort’s makai (meaning ocean) wing. As you may imagine, our room was on the 2nd floor of this wing. Our room was also one of the furthest from the elevators, but for a good reason.
Upon entering the room you find yourself in a nice little foyer. Immediately next to the door was a set of light controls and a coat rack.
As you can see, besides controlling the room lights, the control also had options to turn on the exterior privacy or room servicing (cleaning) indicators. Right next to this control is a half/guest bath.
From the foyer, the room opens up into the nicely sized living area.
The living area has more than ample seating for the two of us. There’s a bench-like sofa, a chair, a love seat, a desk + chair, and a dining table. The love seat was super comfortable and is where we spent the majority of our time when in the room. The desk is where you’ll find controls for the lighting, a/c, and the shades.
The desk also has a Bluetooth Bose speaker, power ports, a/v ports for the TV, a notepad, phone, and resort dining guide/room service menu.
Near the dining table is a large armor. Open it up and you’ll find a wet bar, Keurig, fridge, the ice bucket, and some snacks.
This being an Andaz, all the goodies including non-alcoholic drinks are included with your room.
While the assortment was small, it was nice and good in quality. Aside from the K-Cups there were some Starbuck VIA packs, some Tazo Tea, and even some local treats including Anahola granola bars (Kauai), Maui Chips, and Maui Brewing Co. Root Beer.
The living area also has a balcony with a couple of chairs, a table, and a suspended chair. That suspended chair wasn’t particularly comfortable, but was fun to sit in! And the views of the ocean with the West Maui Mountains off in the distance is nice. Heck, the balcony is a soothing place to hang out thanks to the sounds of the waves, birds, and dripping water (infinity pool).
Through a single door is the bedroom.
The bedroom contained yet another love seat with an ottoman, a TV, a king bed, room controls, and another phone.
The entrance to the bathroom is located to the right of the bed. Those sliding doors behind the bed? Peekaboo shower! Seriously. The bedroom has a lot of power outlets along the floor, but none by the bed. That is, until you look behind it.
On the headboard was a single outlet and two USB ports. I think these should be mandatory in all rooms now because who doesn’t sleep with their phone by the bed? This was also the perfect place to leave the phones.
The bedroom has its own, smaller balcony with a lounging chair. The view is slightly worst than from the living room, but was still nice.
Another great place to spend time in the room? The fantastic master bathroom!
The very spacious shower has both a rain head and a handheld sprayer. The controls, unfortunately, aren’t that intuitive. Maybe I’m just stupid, but it took me literally 10 minutes to figure out the temperature control. After that initial struggle, though, it was relatively simple. I doubt I’ll remember how to do it for next time.
Around the wall from the shower is a deep soaking tub and a large dual vanity. To the right of the vanity is the closet and the toilet. Both are concealed by doors that blend into the wall.
The room containing the toilet is laughably large.
Aside from the bidet (Japanese style) toilet, this room contains a digital scale and this sculpture.
The closet contains shoe storage, the safe, iron, extra bedding, and a shoe shining kit.
Toiletries at the Andaz Maui are from Malie, a Kauai-brand. Malie’s fragrances are really clean and refreshing, meant to evoke different environments around Hawaii. Beyond the toiletries in the shower, however, you also receive a kits on the vanity.
The kit contains a vanity kit, shower cap, mouthwash, makeup removing wipes, and toothbrushes with toothpaste.
Under the vanity is a stool, some extra towels, a non-slip matt, blowdryer, and extra roll of toilet paper.
The rooms at the Andaz Maui really are top notch. If it weren’t for our goal of hiking the Pipiwai Trail, the wife and I probably would have stayed on property the entire 3 days. We really could have just sat around in the room and/or on the balconies and just relaxed. But beyond the rooms, the property does have a decent amount of things to do. There are, of course, the pools shown earlier from the lobby. There’s also an adult-only serenity pool, which could be seen from our room.
The serenity pools have cabanas and ample deck chairs. But, if you want to spend most of your time at the serenity pool, then consider booking one of the above pool suites. You get easy access to the pool after all.
The property does have a dedicated keiki pool, too.
At the Andaz maui, the Keiki Pool is a zero entry beach-like pool surrounded by grass and cabanas. Unfortunately the keiki pool doesn’t have slides like other properties on the island. But really, if you want a kid-centric stay, you should probably consider the waterpark Grand Wailea with its extensive pool system.
If you’re a fitness nut, the Andaz Maui has a great workout room with a large variety of modern equipment. There’s also some pretty great amenities there like free earbud earphones.
The Andaz Maui also has it’s own spa with apothecary, and a 24/7 sundries called Mokapu Market. Mokapu has a variety of sundries, clothing, grab-n-go foods, foods for order, and even a gelato bar.
Fronting the Andaz Maui is Mokapu Beach, a gorgeous stretch of golden sand with superb views.
The Wailea Boardwalk, which connects all of the Wailea properties also snakes its way past the beach.
Sunset walks are particularly great to do along either Mokapu Beach or the boardwalk.
If you want to get off property and can’t figure out what to do, you can always visit the concierge too. I almost forgot to mention this earlier, but the concierge desk is so beautiful that I had to include it! It’s located right behind the front desk.
While I always advocate getting out and exploring wherever you’re visiting, the Andaz Maui is one of those places that you should dedicate time to hanging out at. Like I said earlier, we didn’t spend much time on property, and I regret that. I love to go out and explore around Maui, but you really should spend a little time here just relaxing.
If you are planning on staying at the Andaz Maui, there are a couple of things that you should know. As I mentioned earlier, upgrades for any tier of Gold Passport Elites are not common here. Heck, getting an award room is difficult enough. I was only able to book my room a few months prior to our travel date, and only in an accessible no-view room. And to show how crazy demand is, just a few days after availability opened, up, it was gone. Thankfully we did secure an epic rare suite upgrade. Further, if you don’t stay on an award, you will have to pay the resort fee. That’s $40 a day and doesn’t include valet parking. That’s an additional $30/night.
Gold Passport Elites do receive space available late checkout, though. 2p.m. for Platinum and 4p.m. for Diamonds confirmed the night before. Diamonds receive complimentary breakfast in Ka’ana Kitchen and a check-in amenity of your choice. Wifi included with the resort fee, and the resort does provide complimentary reusable water bottles with refill stations throughout the resort. If you’re hoping to stay on cash + points, good luck. Those are even harder to come by than award nights.
But even with all the pitfalls, the Andaz Maui is a resort I look forward to returning to in the future. I will not receive the same outstanding room once again, but the wife and I love this property.
Valley Isle Love
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I stayed there also. It is a nice property but as you mention upgrades are rare. It is awesome you got the upgrade to the ocean view room! Most of the hotels in Hawaii are older and a bit tired so the modern Andaz was a nice change.
Did you feel isolated from everything else staying there? The hotel is located in a mostly residential area and we had to drive a ways to get anywhere.
John the Wanderer, very true. I feel like that’s part of the reason why the Andaz appeals to me. So many of the other properties in the state feel worn and tired, but the Andaz has a uniquely island inspired modern design. Fortunately, this is changing with the Pacific Beach Hotel and Waikiki Beach Marriott undergoing renovations. The new Hyatt Centric Waikiki and Hyatt Unbound Collection Coco Palms (Kauai) also look to be heading in the right direction. It’s too bad that upgrades are rare, but that comes with the popularity I guess.
The Wailea Resort in general is a bit isolated taking a good 20-ish minutes to drive to Kahului. But, the Kihei-Wailea area does have some good restaurants, beaches, etc. I guess it depends on what you want to do and see. The Kaanapali Resort is a good 30 mins to an hour away from Central Maui, while Kapalua is even farther. If I know I’m going to be out and about a lot, like going to Haleakala and/or Hana, I’ll usually stay in the Courtyard Kahului Airport for the time since it’s so centrally located, and then I’ll move over to Kaanapali or Wailea.
Way better properties in Maui then this overrated one. Four Seasons, Montage and Ritz would come first in my list.
Santastico & ghostrider5408, I haven’t had the opportunity to stay at the Four Seasons, Montage, or Ritz. Or even the Fairmont for that matter. I have been to the Four Seasons, though, and while I understand the service is fantastic, the property feels a bit dated and claustrophobic. The Montage is way outside of my price range, though I’d like to stay some day. You’d think as a Marriott loyalist I’d want to stay at the Ritz, but it’s so isolated, the beach is so far away, etc. The Andaz provides a nice balance. Yes, there is an “attitude” and I too had to deal with it just trying to secure an award stay. My fight went all the way to Chicago too, because honestly, their award night availability is really, uh, lame. And the excuses are half-hearted at best. But when I step back and look at my overall experience was still a positive one, upgrade or not.
I never looked at the Andaz Maui as an award option. I looked at it as a paid stay. I’ve been to Maui several times and paid for all my stays. Since I travel with kids I prefer to stay in Wailea than in Kapalua so the Ritz and Montage are not the best options for us either. In Wailea I stayed at the Fairmont and Four Seasons and both were fantastic. Yes, a little dated but I spend very little time inside my room when I am in Hawaii. When I looked at paid stays on the Fairmont, Four Seasons and Andaz they were all similar and I could get benefits from Amex FHR on the first two but not on the Andaz. I also read a lot about their “attitude” so I never wanted to stay there. I also stayed at the Fairmont on Big Island and it was a fantastic property. The Hyatt I recommend in Hawaii is the Grand Hyatt Kauai which is a fantastic property if you have kids.
Santastico, have you considered the Grand Wailea? I haven’t stayed since it was taken over by Hilton, but I used to enjoy the property a lot (as a kid). The pools are phenomenal with literally dozens of water slides. The place also has the largest spa in the state, a swim-up bar, and (from what I’ve heard) great dining options. I haven’t checked to see if they participate in AMEX FHR, but it is another property I’d return to. I’d like to give the Fairmont a shot one day too. Not really sure why, but I’m just not into the Four Seasons at all.
I’ve heard great things about the Grand Hyatt Kauai too, but man is it HUGE and dated. I’d still give it a shot, though every time I consider Kauai, I usually look at Marriott. I’m really looking forward to the Hyatt Unbound Collection Coco Palms opening in a year or two, though. Looks like it’ll be a fantastic property mixing old and new.
Your comment about upgrades is entirely correct in fact this property is well known not to really go out of their way for Hyatt elites even Diamonds get poor treatment. They have an “attitude ” at this property I know from first hand experience an event that went all the way to Chicago ! And yes Santastico there are much better properties in that part of Maui which you mentioned the Four Seasons is my favorite
As a Hyatt Diamond, I agree with most of the comments above. The location is great, the remodel of the property is fine, but the staff and service was much better when it was a Renaissance and Stouffer before ANDAZ took it over. The two other negatives I encountered on my recent stay were large, loud corporate groups everywhere and the “thump-thump” W style music in the lobby (as a opposed to Hawaiian music), not exactly relaxing, resort style and definitely not Aloha style.
That’s very odd, DA. The property was pretty serene during our stay, save for the live entertainment during Happy Hour at the Lehua Lounge. I did get the impression that they cater to large corporate groups when I spoke with the property, however, as they stated that award space wouldn’t be open until they finalized the large conferences they usually have around the time we wanted to stay. I guess your mileage may vary with a stay there; very disappointing for sure. Thanks for sharing!
congrats on your upgrade…personally we stay at VRBO in Kihei. You can get a nice condo without being clobbered with $70+ in daily fees. Pictures of room made it look Spartan, with almost Ikea style, not very impressed. I do like the location, Ulua beach is one of our favorites, but I would be tempted with the Marriott for a better value in that area….I know all the hotels profit on parking like it’s Waikiki, but it should be included in the resort fee or room price….the only hotel on Maui (besides the Marriott) that I want to stay at is a starwoods, Black rock Sheraton, it is a older, cheaper hotel with a great snorkeling spot. Either way it would be for just a couple of nights to complement a week of condo or house stay. Maui No Ka Oi (Maui is the best !!!)
Mahalo wise2u! That sounds like the Mr. & Mrs. Jeffsetter strategy for Maui ?.
I’ve actually stayed at the Marriott (2 years ago before they began renovations) and hated it. The parking was a joke, and unless you get put into specific buildings, there’s not elevators. Our room was awful, too. The bathroom was moldy, the furniture broken, and our (paid) ocean view room had a view of a tree… and a noisy luau. I’d give them another chance, but only after the renovations are done. The Sheraton at Black Rock, however, I love. My family was a regular there when I was smaller, and when they were undergoing renovations, we’d stay at the Hyatt in Kaanapali, which is another great property in my opinion. Doesn’t have great snorkeling like the Sheraton (used to LOVE snorkeling there), but it has a waterslide and swinging bridge! Food is pretty darn good too.
My parents recently stayed at the Westin in Kaanapali and loved it, so I’d consider there. The Grand Wailea is another place I used to enjoy with the family years ago. Haven’t stayed since they became a Hilton, and admittedly it seems kind of like a circus now, but it certainly is a grand property with a ton of things to do for the little ones and adults! A bit pricey, yes, but might be worth it. A new Residence Inn just opened in Wailea and looks great, but man… The rates are kind of high. Exclusion resort fees, etc. the nightly rate is often higher than the Wailea Beach Marriott.
Btw, I love Maui, but I still like Oahu better. If you know how to approach an Oahu vacation, it can be just as fun… Maybe even more! Of course, it’s my home, so I may not be impartial lol
Just came back last week from a stay at the Ritz Carlton and I am happy we picked the Ritz. Service was excellent. A smaller, quiet beach is nearby. If you want to do snorkeling, the bay is a 5 minute drive.
I purchased an air,hotel and car package from Costco which included a $500 resort credit and the $35/day resort fee. Self parking is available at $22/day and it’s an easy walk to the lots. And if you have kids, the excellent $40 buffet is free for under 5’s and $20 for 5 to 12’s.
I was worried about getting a less preferred room by booking through Costco, but without any action or prompting they had already upgraded the room when I checked in.
This meant we were upgraded from a 900 ft2 partial ocean view to a 1200 ft2 ocean front residential suite WITHOUT any status from Ritz/Marriott Rewards. So I’ll be the first to tell you that your elite status may not even be needed. Maybe you can access Club level for free as a Ritz Platinum elite, but I’d rather have the Residential Suites over a Club room any day.
AAA and Amex FHR rooms were not even offered for the days we wanted, but with Amex, you would have to pay retail rates to get your benefits.
I don’t want to think about the nearly half million in points I would have had to use on top of airfare to get an Ocean front residential suite. Trust me, it was much better to buy the package outright than attempting points redemption or a la carte purchasing.
Beautiful facility and I won’t post pictures that you can find on the RC site. Having a fully stocked kitchen including a OXO pineapple spiral slicer (this is an important utensil in Hawaii!), a 6 seat breakfast island with a fully stocked Nespresso, full size Sub Zero refrigerator/freezer, Wolf induction stove and oven, full size convection microwave and Bosch dishwasher gave us the comforts of a luxury home. And it makes that Andaz armoire with mini fridge look like a college dorm.
Napili supermarket is a 5 minute drive and we stocked our refrigerator with poke from their deli. An ABC store with onsite restaurant and coffee shop is a 2 minute walk from the hotel. Free laundry machines with soap and softener are available (but popular so you may have to wait a bit).
This location is nearly an hour away from OGG which is what we wanted, so this location may not work for many who want to be closer to shopping and activities like the Haleakala crater.
Sounds like a great trip, askmrlee. Great deal too! Costco does have really great deals that come with great benefits too. Of course, luck of the draw helps too. I’ve been upgraded to ocean view rooms and jr suites at the Waikiki Beach Marriott with status ranging from not even a member to gold elite through booking direct. This was all a 3-5 years ago, though.
Thanks for all the details. The Ritz sounds like someplace I should check out next time. Kapalua is so… FAR, though, for our fairly active Maui trips. We’ll see!