Name: Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Address: 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, Hawaii, 96753, US
Rating: 8.3

Live guest feedback

Guest reviews

Mixed experiences

39% of 18 recent stays rated 8+

8.3426 reviews

Riesiger Hotelkomplex in zentraler Lage mit viel Trubel ..
6/10
Michael · family with children · 2026-09-06
“zentrale Lage sehr gut, schöner Strand , Schöner Blick , gute Tauschschule”
Guest review
9/10
Danielle · family with children · 2026-08-30
“The room was very clean. Beautiful grounds.”
Guest review
9/10
Jana Katharina · couple · 2026-08-26
“Das schönste Hotel in dem wir jemals waren! Es war echt traumhaft”
Tres bel endroit !
10/10
Delphine · couple · 2026-08-22
“Établissement de toute beauté ,un jardin merveilleux ,de jolies piscines ,une très belle salle de sport ,le fameux restau Nobu , Et un service irréprochable dans l’hôtel !”
Beautiful stay and memories, but felt extortionate
7/10
Obinna · couple · 2026-08-22
“Access to the beach, the yoga and lessons available, learning about culture and beautiful grounds”
$4,000-a-night Royal Suite -- Far Below Luxury Expectations
2/10
Paddock_Rat · Couples · 2026-08-08
“My wife and I were attracted to the Grand Wailea for a four-day relaxing getaway from Honolulu. We knew that the hotel featured a Nobu restaurant on the property, the location and facility looked fabulous, a standard room started at just under $800 per night, and the Royal Suite was offered at about $4,000 per day plus the usual extra fees. Looking for the best experience we could possibly have, we reserved the Royal Suite. Our expectations were formed in that context. What could possibly go wrong? With the exception of a truly wonderful meal at Nobu that exceeded our expectations, we quickly discovered lots could go wrong. Indeed, we found it necessary to check out after one night, as detailed below. • Upon arrival, no bellman was offered to assist with our luggage. We can still manage our luggage, but at the ages of 81 and 76 years, it is a nice touch to have bell service. • The arrival experience was entirely routine. There was no acknowledgment that we were guests of the very expensive Royal Suite, no welcome from management, no escort to the suite, and none of the personal touches typically associated with a hotel's premier accommodations. • The Royal Suite lacked any of the amenities commonly associated with a flagship luxury suite, such as a welcome note, flowers, fruit, a bottle of champagne or wine, or other thoughtful touches. • The following morning, we ordered breakfast from room service. When I ordered and requested a “pot of coffee for two,” the response was, “We only serve room-service coffee in to-go cups.” Yes, and the meal was delivered in paper sacks with paper plates, plastic utensils, and coffee served only in takeaway cups, as promised. When we inquired about this presentation, a member of the staff explained that these service practices had been adopted during COVID and had remained in place. • The issue that ultimately made continuing the stay unacceptable was the malfunctioning bedroom air conditioning. Despite being set to 68 degrees, the bedroom remained at approximately 74 degrees throughout the night, creating a warm, humid environment that prevented comfortable sleep. Our adjoining sitting room maintained the selected temperature, suggesting that the problem was isolated to the bedroom. Before making the decision to check out early, I requested the opportunity to meet with the General Manager. I was informed that the resort was under the direction of a temporary General Manager who was not on the property and that no one could tell me when she would be available. I therefore met with the Front Office Manager. He advised that the hotel would waive the room charges associated with our early departure and indicated that he would discuss the matter further with his "management team.” I appreciated that the hotel waived the room charges associated with our early departure, allowing my wife and me to depart two days earlier than scheduled without penalty. That said, I sent a summary of our experience to the General Manager and asked for reconsideration of the approximately $4,000 in charges for the night due to the numerous service deficiencies, especially the malfunctioning air conditioning that resulted in an uncomfortable night, but I have received no response in the two weeks since.”
Pacific Dream Photography at Grand Wailea
10/10
744jimp · Business · 2026-08-01
“Pacific Dream Photography at the Grand Wailea Hotel Working with Cacoa and Jim from Pacific Dream Photography was an absolute delight! 🌴📸 Their energy and creativity made every moment of our beach photo session feel effortless and fun. They captured the beauty of Maui and the joy of our vacation perfectly — from the beautiful beach and hotel to the spontaneous laughter. Jim’s showing of the pictures was professional yet relaxed, and Cacoa’s eye for detail turned simple moments into stunning memories. We couldn’t have asked for a better team to document our trip. Highly recommend them for anyone wanting vibrant, heartfelt photos that truly reflect the spirit of paradise!”
Bad customer service and management and not worth going.
4/10
Grumpelstiltskin · Family · 2026-08-01
“Severely disappointing experience. We paid for the room in full upon arrival and wanted to use a different credit card for incidentals, but their "old system" apparently couldn't handle that. As a result, they charged our card duplicate tax charges for a room that was already paid off — and couldn't reverse it. Now, over a week after checkout, we're still dealing with duplicate charges on our card and a manager who won't return our calls. They also put a hold on our credit card for incidentals, then charged us separately for every meal and extra — which is not standard practice. On top of that, front desk staff gave us inaccurate information multiple times, which suggests a lack of proper training. As for the pool, the loungers are crammed so tightly together that you're essentially on top of other guests. It's clear they're prioritizing cramming in as many chairs as possible over guest comfort. Overall, a frustrating stay with ongoing billing issues that still haven't been resolved. We won't be returning.”
Dear Grand Wailea Management, Hilton/Waldorf Astoria Corporate Team
2/10
hamudyn2026 · Friends getaway · 2026-07-31
“I am writing to formally submit a serious complaint regarding my experience as a J-1 employee at Grand Wailea Resort. After everything that has happened during my time here, I feel it is important that this situation is reviewed because my experience was completely different from what was presented to us before arriving in Hawaii. From the very beginning, there were signs that something was not right. We were originally told that we would be working at Andaz, but after arriving, we were placed at Grand Wailea instead. We were also expecting to be assigned to a different position than the one we were given. The reality of the job was very different from what was explained to us before coming. Instead of having the opportunity to gain the experience that was promised, we were placed in situations that felt unfair and disrespectful. We were required to spend long periods of time working outside around the pool area, exposed to extreme sun and uncomfortable conditions, while dealing with dirty environments, even though our understanding was that we would be working in guest rooms and performing the responsibilities related to that position. The housing situation was one of the biggest problems. The company housing conditions were unacceptable. The house was overcrowded, and there was a serious cockroach infestation. The problem was so bad that we could not even prepare food normally because cockroaches would appear around our meals. We reported these issues, but the situation was not properly resolved. Despite these conditions, we were not treated fairly regarding our housing deposit. We were told that the deposit would not be returned, even though there were no damages caused by us. According to the housing agreement, damages should be deducted from the deposit if they exist, but there were no damages. The deposit should not be withheld without a valid reason, especially considering the poor living conditions we had to tolerate. Regarding employment, I feel that J-1 employees were treated differently compared to regular employees. At my first mistake, I was suspended, while other employees appeared to receive multiple warnings for similar or worse situations. The discipline process did not feel consistent or fair. Before arriving, we were also told there would be opportunities for financial growth and advancement, including the possibility of increasing our pay from $20 to $25 per hour. However, this opportunity was never actually available for J-1 employees in our department. We came here expecting growth and a valuable work experience, but those promises did not become reality. Although we received the minimum number of hours stated in the contract (32 hours), the schedule made it extremely difficult to have a normal life. After paying for housing, food, and basic expenses, there was almost nothing left to enjoy the cultural exchange experience that the J-1 program is supposed to provide. Our schedules were arranged in a way that often prevented us from having the same free time as our friends or being able to explore Hawaii. When I tried to raise concerns about this situation, I felt disrespected. My department manager, Edwin, told me that I was basically a “backup wheel” for employees — meaning that when their employees did not want to come in, we would be the ones expected to work. This comment was extremely discouraging and made me feel that J-1 employees were viewed as replacements rather than valued team members. I also noticed a significant difference in expectations between J-1 employees and regular employees. We were constantly held accountable for every small mistake, even though we were often working harder and showing more commitment than many regular employees. Meanwhile, some regular employees were able to spend parts of their shifts doing very little without the same level of pressure. I have videos documenting situations where employees were not actively working during their scheduled shifts. Another example of the lack of consideration was my birthday. I requested time off but was told that I needed to provide two weeks’ notice. However, I did not even know my schedule far enough in advance to make that request properly. I was still required to come to work instead of being able to enjoy an important personal day. Overall, my experience from the moment I arrived until the moment I decided to leave this hotel has been extremely disappointing. I feel that the expectations presented before coming to Hawaii did not match reality. Instead of being a cultural exchange opportunity where students could work, travel, and experience Hawaii, the situation became focused only on working, with little opportunity to enjoy the experience we came here for. I believe this situation represents unfair treatment toward J-1 students and does not reflect the purpose of the Work and Travel program. Students should not feel trapped, undervalued, or used only when additional labor is needed. I am requesting a serious review of: * the recruitment and placement process; * the difference between the position promised and the position provided; * the working conditions and treatment of J-1 employees; * housing conditions and deposit handling; * disciplinary practices; * management behavior toward J-1 participants. I have messages, photos, and videos that support the concerns mentioned above and I am willing to provide them as part of an investigation. I hope this complaint is taken seriously. I came to Hawaii expecting a positive cultural and professional experience, but unfortunately my time at Grand Wailea became an experience that I will never forget for the wrong reasons.”
If you’re looking for fast service or a nice hotel room don’t come here to
6/10
Q3685QXleont · Family · 2026-07-31
“If I would go check in at the hotel at night I would think twice before going in line the man at the car rentals charged us to put the car in the parking lot without telling us and there was a 3 hour wait and when I got in the hotel room there were bugs EVERYWHERE and it was so disgusting there were insects spiders and cockroaches and the pool wasn’t properly cleaned I saw a bunch of dead flies and trash and someone even left there beer and sunglasses on a rock with sand everywhere and one of the employees were very rude and ignored us when we said excuse me so and so there was no one for one hour to clean our hotel room even though we were the first ones”
Truly a disappointment. This makes me sad.
6/10
kimlib97 · Couples · 2026-07-29
“I have not written a review in years, so you know I have something to share if I do. This is our 4th stay. We were loyal to this hotel. We absolutely loved it and everything about it especially the rooms. Howver, we checked in today. Don't waste your time. I am so very disappointed in this hotel. It has gone way way downhill. Upon checking in, we immediately had to change rooms. Wow.... Dirt. Smell. Stains on rug. Furniture beat to hell. It's like they stopped caring. We changed rooms and lost our ocean view just to get the hell out of that room. Slightly better. Somewhat cleaner. Still a huge disappointment. They have not renovated or even painted these rooms since we were here 9 years ago. This was a $1000 per night room. I wouldn't pay $200. It's not just the rooms. The grounds, the property have all gone down. I've been here 5hrs and regretting this decision and I have 13 more nights to go. I'm still not happy or comfortable in this room but it was all they could offer. Do better Grand Wailea. Anyone thinking of coming here for the price, Consider another hotel. This hotel has seen better days and they don't care and it shows. P.S. I will say the staff have all been top notch....very professional, kind, and lovely. That is one thing they got right.”
Excellent Resort With A+ Service
10/10
NicaTraveler8888 · Family · 2026-07-27
“Our stay at Grand Wailea was unforgettable, thanks to the incredible service from Ashley and Donna. When a minor issue arose with our room, Ashley, the Hotel Manager, handled it with professionalism, urgency, and genuine care. She quickly found the perfect solution, followed up throughout our stay, and made sure our family felt truly valued. Her commitment to guest satisfaction completely elevated our vacation. Donna, our breakfast server, was equally exceptional. Her warm personality, attentive service, and fantastic local recommendations made every morning something to look forward to. Exceptional service like theirs is what defines true hospitality. Thank you, Ashley and Donna, for making our family vacation so memorable! Resort A+ Service A+”
Grand Wailea: Luxury for a Day, Smart Budgeting for the Rest
10/10
866phoebef · Solo travel · 2026-07-26
“Grand Wailea had been on my Maui wish list for years, but there was no way my travel budget was going to survive an entire week here. After hunting for deals, I managed to book one night for about $700, which somehow qualifies as a bargain at this resort. Even so, once you add the $80/night valet parking (there's no self-parking) and the $55 daily resort fee (plus tax), the costs add up quickly. My solution was simple: splurge on one unforgettable night, then move to a much more budget-friendly hotel in Kihei for the next two nights. It turned out to be the perfect strategy. I took an early morning flight from Kona, landed in Kahului, picked up my rental car, and pulled into Grand Wailea around 10:00 a.m., hoping for an early check-in. My room wasn't ready yet, but the staff immediately stored my luggage and encouraged me to enjoy the resort while I waited. That level of hospitality set the tone for the rest of my stay. Instead of sitting around watching the clock, I changed into my swimsuit and spent the next four hours exploring what is probably the most impressive resort pool complex I've experienced anywhere. The famous Wailea Canyon pools absolutely deserve their reputation. Between the lazy river, waterslides, waterfalls, hidden grottoes, rope swing, multiple pools, and beautifully landscaped tropical grounds, you could easily spend an entire vacation without getting bored. Every turn seems to reveal another pool, another waterfall, or another perfect place to relax. Speaking of the room, I was assigned one of the resort's newly renovated guestrooms, and it felt exactly what I'd expect from a luxury property at this price point. Bright, modern Hawaiian décor, a comfortable bed, a spacious bathroom, and a fresh upscale feel throughout. I'd read older reviews mentioning dated rooms, but those concerns seem largely behind the resort now. I noticed a little maintenance work in a few areas of the property, but nothing disruptive and certainly nothing that detracted from the experience. The next morning I checked out, left my luggage with bell services again, and squeezed in another three hours by the pool before finally driving over to Kihei. If you're paying Grand Wailea prices, you might as well enjoy every minute. A couple of tips for fellow travelers: Parking: Grand Wailea currently charges $80 per night for valet parking, so I parked legally on Kaukahi Street near the Fairmont Kea Lani and enjoyed the roughly 12–15 minute walk to the resort. It saved enough money to make the walk well worth it. Food: Resort restaurants are excellent but expensive. If you're looking to keep costs under control without sacrificing quality, Island Gourmet Markets at The Shops at Wailea is just a short walk away. It's much more than a grocery store, serving freshly prepared hot meals, sandwiches, burgers, and salads at prices that are refreshingly reasonable by Wailea standards. It became my favorite off-property option. As for me... somewhere between floating the lazy river, soaking up the Hawaiian sunshine, and wandering the grounds in a turquoise bikini, I noticed the resort seemed to have almost as many friendly smiles as palm trees. Whether they were directed at me or simply the vacation mood everyone seemed to be in, I'll happily take either. Would I stay here for an entire week? Probably not unless my lottery numbers finally cooperate. Would I absolutely splurge for one night again, arrive early, leave late, and maximize every possible hour? Without hesitation. Five stars. Grand Wailea is every bit the luxury resort it's famous for, and with a little planning, you don't need an unlimited budget to experience the very best it has to offer.”
You couldn't pay me to stay here again.
2/10
M7077PZerinm · Family · 2026-07-25
“AWFUL!!!! Lots of staff apologizing. Sorry for the 50 minute wait for shaved ice. Sorry for the 45 minute wait for the terrible over priced breakfast buffet. Sorry for the 15 minute wait just to get beach towels. Sorry there are NO pool chairs available. Sorry that we served you sesame seeds that you're deathly allergic to. Sorry that you hear people running and making noise during quiet hours but can't switch rooms. Sorry that your room smells like a gym locker/mold. Sorry the low battery for the smoke alarm is going off at 2:30 am. Sorry that the valet take 15-20 minutes even at 6 am. Sorry that the pool toilets are disgusting, covered in feces, and have no toilet paper. Sorry that the elevators, water machines, restrooms, etc. etc. etc. are out of order. I have never hated my stay so much as I have hated it here. This stay was so terrible that even my children were asking if we could leave--and we camp in tents ever summer.”
Eat at Humu for dinner but skip their buffet
8/10
vanessadD498AY · Family · 2026-07-17
“Beautiful property with pools that kids can only dream of . The staff were all so kind and hard-working , from the front desk , to valet , to housekeeping . The grounds themselves, however , couldn’t merit a 5 star review . We were a bit disappointed on a few things. The most important was the pool safety regarding the lounge chairs . They have crammed as many lounge chairs as possible, leading to guest safety . Within one hour of our arrival , I tripped on a chair and fell over a second chair. I have never been so severely bruised in my lifetime . I didn’t report at that the time because I didn’t want the hotel to think I was taking advantage of anything , which is why I choose to wait until checking out to review . I saw several other people tripping on the chairs. I found the most dangerous part of the pool to be between the rope drop and facing the beach . I kid not , there was a section of chairs with maybe 6 inches away from the pool water . Another thing I would have appreciated is more towel service stations, especially along the beach . At the price point , it is definitely an inconvenience to have to walk to the main pool area for towels or drop off . More hydro stations along the back area of the pool would also be appreciated . Overall a beautiful , pleasant stay but a few changes should be considered . PS: for parents of young children, skip the buffet - your kids won’t be able to eat $50 worth of food the buffet charges for them.”
Worst time ever
2/10
E2043EJandrewd · Family · 2026-07-16
“Honestly, we had a great trip up until the very last morning. The resort is beautiful and the staff was friendly. Then we picked up our car. Valet had put deep, thick scratches all the way down the passenger front fender and said absolutely nothing. We found out at the rental return counter. Last day of our trip. Just completely speechless. For this trip, as well, there were long valet waits, crowded pools, and kids running everywhere. Similarly, everything seemed to have a wait. In fact, we didn’t get checked in until two whole hours after we were guaranteed to because of some “delay”. But you can't damage someone's car and just stay quiet about it. That's not a luxury experience. That's not even basic decency. For what this hotel costs per night, we deserved so much better than that. Beautiful property. Won't be back. Show less”
A Beautiful Property Marred by Frustrating Service and Absurd Policies
6/10
pateljay134 · Couples · 2026-07-15
“My wife and I recently stayed at the Grand Wailea to celebrate her birthday. While the property itself is stunning and boasts some genuinely great amenities, the experience was a confusing mix of highs and deeply frustrating lows. The frustration started immediately. The valet was in a massive rush to get me out of the car without listening to my questions about early check-in. I was told temporary parking wasn't allowed without someone staying in the car - an odd policy for guests who might just need a restroom break after a long drive. Prior to arrival, I received an email stating that if my room wasn't ready, the bellman would store our luggage on the 4th floor and we could enjoy an "exclusive private check-in" at the 8th-floor Napua Lounge. None of this happened. The bell desk informed me the 8th-floor staff went on lunch break at 2 PM and never returned. I was forced into a massive, slow-moving line on the 4th floor with only four staff members helping about eight families. When I finally got to the front, I was handed keys without a room number and told to wait in the lobby for a text. I booked a 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Ocean View. I was grateful they upgraded us to the Napua Tower for my wife’s birthday, but the room lacked an actual ocean view from the inside. I could only see the building across from us unless I went out to the balcony and look at the right corner. Worse, the room wasn't properly prepared. The bed and pillows were messy, and there was a white, crusty spill (coffee or food sauce) over the TV. Despite calling to request a cleaning while we went out, housekeeping remade the bed but completely ignored the dirty TV. This was arguably the most nonsensical part of the stay. The beachside shop closes at 3:30 PM - the prime time guests want to be on the beach for sunset! If you don't return your Tommy Bahama beach chair (which retails for about $100 brand new) by 3:30, they charge a $100 penalty to your room. Furthermore, to get two chairs for my wife and me, the staff demanded we both be physically present to check them out. If a family of 10 wants chairs, all 10 people have to stand in line. On top of this, everyone is forced to wear plastic wristbands. For a luxury resort, this feels incredibly cheap, wasteful, and poorly managed. You are forced into an $80/night valet with no self-parking option - which cost me more than four days of gas driving around the island. Add to that a $55 daily resort fee, and it feels like pure greed when you are already paying upwards of $1,200+ a night. To top it off, my checkout invoice was wrong. My property credits were not applied correctly, resulting in overcharges that staff dismissed by saying it would "calculate automatically" (it didn't). While email communication was okay, the chat feature on the hotel’s app and website is completely useless, taking forever to get a response. The pools and jacuzzis are exceptionally clean, well-managed, and expansive. There is more than enough space for everyone, so it never feels uncomfortably crowded. The poolside, lounge, and housekeeping staff were incredibly friendly and always willing to help with directions or questions. The beach right in front of the resort is fantastic. It’s a truly wonderful place to relax and watch the sunset. Although email responses were slow in the days leading up to the trip, the concierge staff was very supportive once connected and personally helped me re-coordinate a dinner reservation. The room itself (aside from the view and TV) featured a great sofa, nice decor, and a spotless bathroom. Ultimately, the Grand Wailea is a classic case of "all sizzle and no steak". The natural beauty and physical property are fantastic, but the exorbitant and hidden fees, lack of basic communication between departments, and insulting, restrictive guest policies severely detract from what should be a world-class luxury experience.”
Avoid at all costs
2/10
glennskow · Family · 2026-07-14
“Sadly I was very much looking forward to our first time in Maui. Unfortunately, not at all what we would expect from a Waldorf. Service was very much lacking while property was dated and very overcrowded. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to our expectations in the slightest. So much so that we have been looking to move hotels to salvage what’s left of our 10 day trip.”

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Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

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Guest reviews

Riesiger Hotelkomplex in zentraler Lage mit viel Trubel ..

Guest review

Guest review

Tres bel endroit !

Beautiful stay and memories, but felt extortionate

$4,000-a-night Royal Suite -- Far Below Luxury Expectations

Pacific Dream Photography at Grand Wailea

Bad customer service and management and not worth going.

Dear Grand Wailea Management, Hilton/Waldorf Astoria Corporate Team

If you’re looking for fast service or a nice hotel room don’t come here to

Truly a disappointment. This makes me sad.

Excellent Resort With A+ Service

Grand Wailea: Luxury for a Day, Smart Budgeting for the Rest

You couldn't pay me to stay here again.

Eat at Humu for dinner but skip their buffet

Worst time ever

A Beautiful Property Marred by Frustrating Service and Absurd Policies

Avoid at all costs

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