The Dame Traveler Guide to Maui

Maui offers a calm, glamorous and adventurous side of things with so many beaches to fit every type of vibe. Read on for the ultimate guide to this stunning island.

Where to Stay

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

This hotel is a classic icon on the island of Maui. It’s located in the gorgeous Wailea area and it is incredibly beautiful, lush, inviting and all around a relaxing and beautiful experience. The resort offers many pool options from adult only pools with hot tubs and a swim up bar to family-friendly pools with a lazy river, water slides, and rope swings, and more. The grounds are unlike any other with its lush, tropical manicured gardens, perfect views of the sunset and beach, gorgeous chapel , pastel facade and my favorite, the light and airy lobby.

We can honestly say that during our four night stay, we did not have one bad meal. From the Lū’au experience serving up traditional Hawaiian dishes to their breakfast and dinner restaurant, Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa to their casual, poolside restaurant Bistro Molokini and Cafe Kula, where I got my fresh Hawaiian brew every morning, there’s truly something for every taste. The highlight though? The incredibly fresh and delicious sushi served up at their new lobby bar, Botero. The ambiance is unmatched with the beautiful breeze and their sushi is incredible.

Andaz Maui

If you’re looking for more of a modern resort, Andaz Maui, also located in Wailea, is the place to stay. The design throughout the entire hotel is absolutely stunning with large windows in the lobby and many of the rooms facing the Pacific Ocean and beachfront. The property offers Two on-site restaurants, Ka’ana Kitchen and Morimoto Maui with outdoor seating, as well as a casual poolside bar, Poolside Bumbye Beach Bar,  where you can also grab a bite to eat. The coffee shop and small market also had a nice touch! I appreciated the sustainability throughout the hotel with reusable water bottles, eco friendly cups, plates and utensils by the pool and more.

 

Where to Eat

• Merriman’s Maui: dinner with the most stunning oceanfront location
• Mama’s Fish House: One of the best restaurants in a converted beach house
• Cafe O’Lei at The Mill House: Gorgeous views and delicious dishes
• Morimoto Maui: An  excellent sushi restaurant at the Andaz
• Merriman’s Kapalua: Stunning views and a perfect spot for dinner
• Leilani’s on the Beach in Lahaina

Things to Do

Hana Highway – Road to Hana

This epic 64 mile long road trip is one of the best ways to experience the island of Maui with waterfalls, beaches, bridges, forests and more.

Haleakala National Park Summit Sunrise

This was truly the highlight of my trip to Maui. The concierge at Grand Wailea organized the tour for me through Skyline Hawaii and it was an incredible experience. I was picked up from the hotel at 2am where we were given a warm jacked (def layer up if you’re oging ot do this! it was freezing up there!), ginger chews for nausea since the road up to the top is windy and the elevation is quite high and an awesome tour guide. The bus takes you directly to the summit of Haleakala National Park where you wait to watch the sun come up. It’s a beautiful experience, especially if you’re prepared and dressed warm for it.

Kula Lodge

This rustic lodge boasts incredible views and was once the stomping grounds of Frank Sinatra, Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. Have breakfast here and explore the gardens and shop after watching the sunrise at Haleakala.

Spend the day in the town of Lahaina

This is a fun way to spend the day if you just want to take a break from the resort and need a change of scenery. The beachfront town has some of the best restaurants, shops, art fairs, galleries a large number of great souvenir shops with a really fun small town vibe,

 

This trip was sponsored by Grand Wailea. As always, all opinions are my own.

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