3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, Hawaii, 96753, United States
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
Contact: +1 (888) 605-1350
honest review
Is Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort? Honest Review (Pros, Cons & Who It's Best For)
Trying to decide whether Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is worth the price? This honest review breaks down the resort’s beachfront Wailea location, rooms and villas, pools, dining, included amenities, service style, added costs, and real trade-offs—so you can judge the value clearly. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, multigenerational trip, honeymoon-style escape, or luxury Maui beach stay, this guide shows who the resort suits best, where it delivers, and where expectations matter most.
Planning your stay guide
Wondering "Is Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort worth it?" This honest review explains the real value of this beachfront all-ages resort in Wailea—what's amazing, what's not, and who it's best for (families, couples, multi-generational trips, and travelers who want modern luxury with authentic Hawaiian touches).
Quick verdict:
Yes—Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is worth it if you want a contemporary beachfront resort with thoughtful design, outstanding pools including an adults-only infinity pool, excellent dining at Morimoto Maui and Ka'ana Kitchen, and a refined yet approachable Hawaiian experience. It's less ideal if you want a massive mega-resort with endless activities, prefer traditional Hawaiian architecture, or need budget-friendly all-inclusive pricing.
Best for: design-conscious travelers + families
Best vibe: modern luxury meets Hawaii
Best length: 5–7 nights
Not ideal for: mega-resort seekers
Tip: This resort's signature appeal is "contemporary design + beachfront elegance"—perfect for travelers who want modern Hawaiian luxury with exceptional pools and dining.
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Explore the resort
Continue planning your stay at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort with these quick guides. Explore room categories including Ocean View suites and multi-bedroom villas, browse dining venues like Morimoto Maui and Ka'ana Kitchen, preview pool experiences and beach activities, and learn about spa services, wedding venues, and family programs—so you can book the best experience for your Wailea vacation.
Is Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort Worth It?
For most travelers looking for a contemporary beachfront resort in Wailea, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is worth it because it delivers on the essentials: beautiful Mokapu Beach access, stunning infinity pools including an adults-only option, exceptional dining including Iron Chef Morimoto's restaurant, thoughtful design throughout, and genuine Hawaiian hospitality—all within a modern setting that appeals to both families and couples.
Worth it if you want…
- Contemporary design with authentic Hawaiian cultural touches
- Outstanding pool complex including adults-only infinity pool
- Excellent dining with Morimoto Maui and locally-sourced Ka'ana Kitchen
- Beautiful Mokapu Beach perfect for swimming and snorkeling
- All-ages resort that welcomes families while maintaining sophisticated atmosphere
- Walkable access to Wailea Beach Walk and Shops at Wailea
Not worth it if you want…
- A massive mega-resort with unlimited entertainment options
- All-inclusive pricing (this is a luxury resort, not all-inclusive)
- Traditional Hawaiian architecture and plantation-style design
- Maximum budget value (Andaz is premium-priced)
- Complete isolation from other resorts and development
- Extensive on-site shopping beyond resort boutiques
Best-trip formula: Book 5–7 nights, plan 2-3 off-site activities (Road to Hana, Haleakalā sunrise, or snorkeling at Molokini Crater), spend mornings at the beach and pools, and rotate through the resort's dining venues for exceptional meals each evening.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort Pros & Cons (Honest Breakdown)
Top pros
- Exceptional pool experience with four pools including adults-only infinity pool overlooking the ocean
- Morimoto Maui brings world-class Japanese-Hawaiian fusion dining to the property
- Mokapu Beach offers excellent swimming, snorkeling, and beautiful white sand
- Contemporary design with local art, open-air spaces, and modern Hawaiian aesthetic
- Ka'ana Kitchen delivers fresh, locally-sourced breakfast and dinner options
- Complimentary beach amenities including chairs, umbrellas, and water sports equipment
- Walkable to Wailea Beach Walk for exploring neighboring beaches and resort areas
- Multi-bedroom villas (3 and 4 bedroom options) perfect for families and groups
Top cons
- Premium pricing means higher room rates and dining costs than some Wailea competitors
- Not all-inclusive, so meals and drinks add to total cost
- Some travelers prefer traditional Hawaiian architecture over modern design
- Smaller resort footprint means fewer on-site activity options than mega-resorts
- Popular restaurants like Morimoto Maui often require advance reservations
- Resort fee applies (common in Hawaii but adds to daily cost)
- Limited on-site shopping compared to larger resort properties
What to Expect at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
This section covers what travelers actually search for: Wailea location advantages, beach quality, dining excellence, pool experiences, and whether the beachfront setting delivers good value for your Maui vacation.
The location advantage
Andaz Maui's Wailea beachfront position is a major strength. You get direct access to beautiful Mokapu Beach, walking distance to the Wailea Beach Walk connecting multiple beaches and resort areas, and proximity to Shops at Wailea for dining and shopping beyond the resort.
- Best for: travelers who want beach access + Wailea convenience
- Walk to: Wailea Beach Walk, Shops at Wailea (15 minutes), neighboring beaches
- Drive to: Kihei town (10 min), Makena State Park (15 min), Kahului Airport (25-30 min)
- Tip: use the beach walk in early morning or sunset for the best experience
Beach & pool experience
Expect beautiful Mokapu Beach with excellent swimming conditions, snorkeling opportunities, and soft white sand. The resort's four pools are a standout feature, including the adults-only rooftop infinity pool with panoramic ocean views.
- Beach quality: protected bay with calm water, excellent for families and snorkeling
- Unique feature: adults-only infinity pool with breathtaking ocean and island views
- Best for: travelers who want variety between beach and multiple pool experiences
- Tip: arrive at adults-only pool early to claim premium lounge chairs
Dining & drinks
Andaz Maui offers exceptional dining experiences anchored by Morimoto Maui, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's signature restaurant featuring Japanese-Hawaiian fusion cuisine. Ka'ana Kitchen provides farm-to-table dining, while Bumbye Beach Bar and Lehua Lounge offer casual options.
- Signature restaurant: Morimoto Maui (reservations essential, premium pricing)
- Daily dining: Ka'ana Kitchen for breakfast and dinner with local ingredients
- Casual options: Bumbye Beach Bar, Lawai'a Lounge, Mokapu Market for grab-and-go
- Bar highlights: Lehua Lounge for sunset cocktails with live music
- Tip: book Morimoto Maui reservations as early as possible, especially for sunset tables
Rooms & accommodations
The resort offers contemporary rooms and suites with modern Hawaiian design, many featuring ocean views and private lanais. Multi-bedroom villas (3 and 4 bedroom options) provide spacious accommodations perfect for families and groups traveling together.
- Room options: Resort View, Room Ocean View (including ADA), Deluxe Ocean View Suite
- Villa options: 3 Bedroom Ilikai Villa (Garden or Ocean View), 4 Bedroom Villa Oceanfront
- Best for families: multi-bedroom villas with full kitchens and separate living spaces
- Ocean View upgrade: worth it for enhanced views and lanai experience
- Tip: villas book quickly for peak seasons—reserve early for holiday periods
How to Decide If It's Worth It (Fast Value Checklist)
| Question | If "yes"… | If "no"… |
|---|---|---|
| Do you value contemporary design over traditional Hawaiian style? | Andaz Maui's modern aesthetic is an excellent fit. | Consider resorts with plantation-style or classic Hawaiian architecture. |
| Is exceptional dining a priority for your vacation? | Morimoto Maui and Ka'ana Kitchen deliver outstanding culinary experiences. | Budget-conscious travelers may prefer all-inclusive or lower-priced dining options. |
| Do you want both family-friendly amenities and adults-only spaces? | The resort balances all-ages activities with adults-only pool retreat. | Travelers wanting exclusively adults-only or exclusively family-focused may prefer specialized resorts. |
| Will you spend significant time at the resort's pools and beach? | You'll maximize value with exceptional pool experiences and beautiful beach access. | Travelers planning mostly off-site activities might prefer lower room rates elsewhere. |
| Do you prefer boutique-sized resorts over mega-resorts? | Andaz Maui offers more intimate scale with high-end amenities. | Mega-resort seekers wanting endless on-site activities may prefer larger properties. |
Tips to Make Your Stay Feel More "Worth It"
Book the optimal length of stay
Most travelers maximize value at 5–7 nights. This gives you time to enjoy the resort's beaches and pools, experience multiple dining venues including Morimoto Maui, explore Wailea's beaches via the Beach Walk, and take 2-3 memorable Maui excursions like Road to Hana, Haleakalā National Park, or snorkeling at Molokini Crater.
- 4-5 nights = solid Maui beach vacation
- 6-7 nights = ideal balance of resort relaxation + island exploration
- 8+ nights = maximum beach time with extensive activity opportunities
Make strategic dining reservations
Book Morimoto Maui immediately upon confirming your resort reservation—this restaurant fills quickly, especially for sunset dining times. Also reserve Ka'ana Kitchen for special breakfasts or dinners, and explore casual options like Bumbye Beach Bar for more relaxed meals throughout your stay.
- Morimoto Maui: book 30+ days in advance for peak seasons
- Ka'ana Kitchen: reserve 1-2 dinners, enjoy walk-in breakfasts
- Balance: plan 1-2 nights dining at Shops at Wailea for variety
- Tip: sunset reservation times at Morimoto (5:30-6:30 PM) book fastest
Andaz Maui vs. Other Wailea Resorts: What Makes It Different
One of the most common questions: "How does Andaz Maui compare to other Wailea luxury resorts?" Here's what sets Andaz Maui apart from neighboring Wailea properties in terms of design philosophy, dining, and guest experience.
Andaz Maui's distinct advantages
- Contemporary design appeals to modern luxury travelers
- Morimoto Maui offers celebrity chef dining unique to this property
- Adults-only infinity pool provides exclusive retreat space
- More intimate boutique feel compared to larger Wailea mega-resorts
- All-ages welcome with sophisticated atmosphere maintained
- Strong focus on local Hawaiian culture and art throughout property
When other Wailea resorts might fit better
- If you prefer traditional Hawaiian plantation architecture
- If you want all-inclusive pricing structure (rare in Wailea)
- If you need extensive on-site golf as primary activity
- If you want larger resort footprint with more dining variety
- If you prefer exclusively adults-only throughout entire property
- If budget value is the primary consideration
Quick recommendation: Choose Andaz Maui if you want contemporary luxury, exceptional dining including Morimoto Maui, beautiful pools with adults-only option, and boutique-sized elegance. Consider other Wailea resorts if you prefer traditional Hawaiian design, need extensive golf amenities on-site, or want larger mega-resort scale with maximum on-property dining and activity variety.
FAQ: Is Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort Worth It?
Is Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort worth it for families?
Yes—Andaz Maui welcomes families and provides excellent amenities including beautiful Mokapu Beach perfect for kids, family-friendly pools, multi-bedroom villa options (3 and 4 bedroom configurations), and activities suitable for all ages. The resort maintains a sophisticated atmosphere while being genuinely family-friendly, making it ideal for families who want upscale Hawaiian vacation experience.
Is Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort worth it for couples?
Absolutely. The adults-only infinity pool, Morimoto Maui dining, romantic beach setting, and contemporary design create an excellent couples' retreat. While the resort is all-ages, the adults-only pool and sophisticated atmosphere provide perfect romantic spaces. Honeymooners and anniversary celebrants especially appreciate the refined yet relaxed Hawaiian luxury.
What's the best length of stay at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort?
5–7 nights is optimal for most travelers. This length allows you to fully enjoy the resort's pools and beach, experience signature dining at Morimoto Maui and Ka'ana Kitchen, explore Wailea via the Beach Walk, and include 2-3 memorable Maui activities like Road to Hana, Haleakalā sunrise, or Molokini snorkeling while still feeling relaxed rather than rushed.
How does Andaz Maui compare to other luxury Wailea resorts?
Andaz Maui stands out for its contemporary design aesthetic, world-class dining at Morimoto Maui, exceptional pool complex including adults-only infinity pool, and boutique-resort intimacy. It appeals to travelers who prefer modern luxury over traditional Hawaiian architecture and want celebrity chef dining experiences. Other Wailea resorts may offer more extensive golf, larger resort scale, or traditional plantation-style design depending on your preferences.
When is Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort NOT worth it?
It may not be worth it if you want all-inclusive pricing structure, traditional Hawaiian plantation architecture, mega-resort scale with extensive on-site activities, adults-only exclusivity throughout the entire property, or maximum budget value. Travelers prioritizing these factors might find better fits at other Maui or Wailea resort options with different positioning.
Is Morimoto Maui restaurant worth the cost?
For most guests, yes—Morimoto Maui is consistently rated as one of Maui's best restaurants and offers exceptional Japanese-Hawaiian fusion cuisine created by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. While premium-priced, it provides a memorable culinary experience that enhances your Andaz Maui stay. Budget-conscious travelers can enjoy excellent meals at Ka'ana Kitchen and other resort venues.
Are multi-bedroom villas worth the upgrade at Andaz Maui?
For families and groups, absolutely. The 3 and 4 bedroom villas offer exceptional space, full kitchens, separate living areas, and privacy that make group travel much more comfortable and often more cost-effective when splitting costs. They're especially valuable for multi-generational trips or extended family vacations in Maui.
How far is Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort from Kahului Airport?
Approximately 25-30 minutes by car depending on traffic. The drive is straightforward via Highway 311 and 31, making arrival and departure relatively convenient. This is typical for Wailea resorts and significantly closer than Kapalua or Hana locations which require 45+ minute drives from the airport.