Grand Wailea

Grand Wailea: background

The Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa is a luxury property located on forty acres on the southwest side of Maui, one of Hawaii's most popular islands. Tucked below Mount Haleakala, this area reportedly has the sunniest and driest climate on Maui.

What's special about the Grand Wailea, for families?

• the pool complex at the Grand Wailea gets rave reviews; see details below
• the 20,000 sq. ft. Camp Grande for ages 5 to 12 includes a pottery room, foosball, Lego and board games, movie theatre, game room, video arcade, nine-hole putting green, and wading pool.
• Camp programs include sand sculpting, tide-pooling and nature walks, arts and crafts, Hawaiian music, scavenger hunts. Full day sessions from $75; half-day, $45. (Check web site for updates). Night camps are also available.
• teen programs are offered seasonally: dances, spa nights, X-Box challenges, etc.

Grand Wailea: pool complex

Swimming pools include the Canyon Activity Pools, a 2,000 foot-long series of nine pools connected by a river

This complex includes water slides, waterfalls, caves, white water rapids, a swim-up bar, rope swing, water elevator, "baby beach". Elsewhere, there's also a scuba pool, and the adult Hibiscus pool.

More features at the Grand Wailea:

Other facilities include a 50,000 sq. foot spa, 3 golf courses, tennis. Gardens are a highlight and so is art, with works by Picasso, Warhol, and Leger.

Sports equipment for rent includes snorkels, scuba, boogie boards, surfboards, kayaks, Hobie cats, windsurfers.

kayaking excursions, windsurfing lessons, scuba instruction, is available.

Sample room prices start at $465/night; check the Grand Wailea Deals page at Travel With Kids for packages that suit families. Also check the Grand Wailea site for updates and more packages.

Things to keep in mind about the Grand Wailea:

• food is expensive
• pool areas can get crowded: stake out lounge chairs early. And you may have to pay for shade, renting a beach umbrella ($25) or cabana
• check the Grand Wailea's membership program: a refundable deposit can save money on your room
• if you have three kids, you'll need two rooms