Wailea Maui Vacation

My husband and I have been married almost 9 years and this was our first “real” vacation. Can you believe it? We had of course gone on vacation before but it was to places like St. George, Utah and Las Vegas. Both locations are kind of the go-to, last minute vacation locations if you live in Utah so I had already been to each a thousand times. Needless to say our Wailea Maui Vacation was way overdue! I hadn’t been on a vacation without the boys so I actually got pretty anxious on the plane, but once we got settled into our hotel I was able to calm down. Now I’m really looking forward to our next vacation together.

Learn how to do a Double Braided Ponytail here

Here’s our Wailea Maui Vacation and some tips for your Wailea Maui Vacation:

WAILEA MAUI VACATION: HOTEL

We stayed at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa which is next door to the Grand Wailea Resort and the Andaz. Each hotel is beautiful in its own way! If you’re trying to figure out which hotel to stay at here are some of my ideas:

1. Marriott: This is a really great hotel for both families and couples. There are 4 pools! One is the most beautiful infinity pool that is just for adults. It’s the most beautiful panoramic view of the ocean, and so quiet. One pool has fun slides and a play place for little kids. The other two pools are great for families.


The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.

2. The Grand: When we walked in The Grand I immediately recognized it from Just Go With It which happens to be one of my favorite movies. I die laughing every time I watch it. Anyway if you’re looking for a hotel that is perfect for families this is it! They have the most fun pool area. I’m talking lazy pool, caves, slides. Everything. If we ever take our boys to Maui we are for sure staying there.
The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.

3. Andaz: This was a really pretty hotel. The views were really pretty. Honestly how could they not be? It’s Maui. There were obviously families there, and it’s really close to a beach, but I would say I saw less families there.
The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.

WAILEA MAUI VACATION: ACTIVITIES

  1. Snorkling/Whale Watching
    • We did the Molokini Snorkeling Tours which actually got changed to a different tour because of high wind in Turtle Town, which turned out fine because our snorkeling tour turned into a whale watching tour too! The rule is you cannot go within 100 feet of a whale, and if they start swimming toward you you have to stop your engine and wait for them to swim away. I was blown away by how many whales we saw, and I seriously cannot wait to go again someday. Definitely the highlight of the trip. I was super anxious to get in the water, because um sharks, but we were totally safe the whole time. You must rent an underwater camera. And bonus…ask one of the guides if they’ll swim down and get cool photos of the sea turtles and exotic fish for you.
    • TIP: If you want to go whale watching and snorkeling go snorkeling first! If you don’t see any whales then splurge for the whale watching package too. If you do see them then awesome you just saved a bunch of money!

The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.2. Rentals + Activities: BossFrog

  • We went to the North Kihei location and I was blown away with how helpful they were.
  • We rented boogie boards and an underwater camera from here. Do not rent them from the hotel you’re staying at unless you’re cool with spending 3x more money {at least} on each item.
  • We purchased our Molokini Snorkeling Tours here too

3. Road To Hana

  • I recall doing this when I went to Hawaii with my family but I just don’t remember the long drive. It’s a really long drive, they aren’t kidding. The one way bridges are kind of tripy. I’m just glad I wasn’t driving because I probably would have had an anxiety attack and died. Too dramatic? We weren’t able to do the whole Road To Hana because we started too late in the day {the guys went golfing}, but I do remember the black sand beach being so cool! Someday I hope I can see the Seven Sacred Pools at the end.

The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.

4. Haleakala

  • Beautiful, beautiful at sunrise. My family did this and I remember thinking it was so amazing. I was pretty little, and I thought I could catch the clouds…spoiler alert: you can’t!

WAILEA MAUI VACATION: RESTAURANT

1. Monkeypod Kitchen

  • We loved this restaurant so much we went twice. Their fries are to die for and I really, really wish I could eat them at every restaurant. Oh my word! Each night they have live entertainment and it is extremely loud. It’s fun to listen to, but if you’re hoping to have a relaxing dinner, or have a conversation without yelling you should probably arrive early and request an outdoor seat, or wait for one to open. We at outside and inside. The fries were worth the noise, trust me.
  • What we ordered:
    • Garlic Truffle Oil Fries
    • Organic Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi
    • Chocolate Cream Pie
    • Banana Cream Pie

The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.

2. Rock & Brews

  • What we ordered:
    • Spicy Asian Wings
    • Local Fries
    • Mahi Fish Tacos
    • BBQ Chicken Pizza

The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.

3. Fred’s Mexican Cafe

  • This was our last meal on the island before heading home and I must say I’m so glad we fit it in because it was the most amazing breakfast I have ever had. We ordered the Banana Pancakes with Macadamia Nuts. Their Pina Colada Syrup is to die for and I’ve been on the lookout since we got home! If we ever go to Maui again we are going here again for sure!
  • What we ordered:
    • Banana + Macadamia Nuts Pancakes with a side of eggs and bacon. It was plenty for both of us to eat. Now that I’ve been I’ll probably just get one for myself. Seriously I love good food.

The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.

4. Pita Paradise

  • A local suggested going to Pita Paradise. At first I figured it was just like Pita Pit but I was wrong. The food here was amazing and I loved the Mediterranean decor.
  • What we ordered:
    • Bruchetta
    • Hummus
    • Teriyaki Chicken
    • Greek Burger

5. Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

  • We went to Ululani’s twice. My favorite is adding the ice cream. A must if you ask me.
  • Please do not add the Red Beans. They ruin everything. That’s just my opinion…I was told they were amazing. We all hated them.

The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.

  1. Ruth’s Chris
    • I loves Ruth’s Chris. I don’t like taking leftovers home when we’re staying in a hotel so we’ve learned that we only need one side and two entrees when we eat here.
    • What I got:
      • I always, always get the Filet Minion Oscar Style. It’s worth the extra money.
  2. We ate lunch poolside everyday. Seriously obsessed with the Pork Sandwich at the Marriott. It cost $17 but worth every single penny…you are on vacation live a little, right?

The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals. The ins and outs of planning your Wailea Maui Vacation! Everything from hotels and activity recommendations, to restaurants and suggested meals.

PS: The soda on the island is no good. Seriously don’t even bother ordering a diet coke unless they have it in the can. The one down side with our Wailea Maui Vacation, haha!

PPS: Can you tell that I like to eat? When we go on vacation all I want to do is eat at all of the amazing local restaurants. Sorry, not sorry!

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15 Comments

  1. April 9, 2017 / 9:47 pm

    This post is so helpful! My fiancé and I are getting married in October and have decided to go to Maui. We were actually pretty bummed after finding out just how expensive everything was, but I know it will be worth it! Can’t wait to show some awesome content on my blog, too!

  2. August 4, 2016 / 11:20 am

    Thank you for these awesome tips. We would love to do a Hawaii trip for our tenth anniversary next year if we can find the funds. Thanks for sharing on Family Joy Blog Link-up. Please come back and join us again! I’m pinning this to my own board as well as the group board!

  3. July 10, 2016 / 10:04 am

    Oh my gosh, this trip of yours looks amazing! I have never been to Maui and just looking at this pics really stirs my interest . The scenery is gorgeous and wow, those pools! I would be in them each day too. Sounds and looks like a great time snorkling, it is one of the things I would love to do, my hubby doesnt like th water that much, but it looks amazing. Glad you were able to go on a vacation like this with you and hubby!
    On another note, love the braided hairdo. I need to now put mine up because its hot hot hot!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Thanks for linking up with turning heads tuesday!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com/

  4. July 9, 2016 / 8:48 pm

    The hotels, pools, food–everything look lovely! I’m pinning this post. I’d love to go to Hawaii! Checking out your double braided ponytail post now! Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty hope to see you back!

  5. July 6, 2016 / 12:38 pm

    That looks amazing! What a wonderful getaway from the kids; who wouldn’t love Hawaii right?! Pinned to my dream vacation board. I’m dreaming of getting there someday.

  6. July 6, 2016 / 8:08 am

    Just booked our first trip to Hawaii for our 25th anniversary next March. We haven’t booked our resort on Maui yet and this gives me great ideas. Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday.

  7. July 5, 2016 / 3:05 pm

    It looks as if it were worth the wait! Darn it, I want pie, now! 🙂 Yep, that’s my takeaway, lol!! Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday!

    Mollie

  8. July 5, 2016 / 3:01 pm

    My daughter & I are planning to go next year! Thank you for these great ideas! #HomeMattersParty

  9. July 2, 2016 / 11:47 am

    Wow…I’m so jealous! I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii and this place looks amazing! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Share The Wealth Sunday!

  10. June 30, 2016 / 1:06 pm

    I love Maui! I’ve been there several times and my husband and I are taking our son there in February – these pics just made me super excited 🙂 Great restaurant suggestions I’ll be saving this post for the winter. Found your post at This Is How We Roll

  11. June 30, 2016 / 10:16 am

    what an amazing vacation! it looks so stunning – thanks for sharing these photos 😀

  12. June 27, 2016 / 7:06 pm

    I love traveling with my kids! But, once a year my husband and I go on a weekend getaway without them and it’s such a refresher! What a beautiful place to visit. Thanks for sharing at the Family Joy link party!

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