Learning the True Meaning of Aloha in Wailea
Maui is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago and is known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and outdoor activities.
Maui is often referred to as the "Valley Isle" due to the large isthmus between its two main volcanic regions. The West Maui Mountains and the Haleakalā volcano dominate the landscape. Haleakalā, a dormant volcano, is a popular attraction, especially for its sunrise and sunset views. A series of wildfires, in August 2023, burned parts of the island. The hardest hit area was the historic resort town of Lahaina, on Maui’s western peninsula, reducing most of the town to ash and ruins. The wildfire was one of the world’s deadliest on record. But the people of Maui are resilient, they are determined to rebuild and they want tourists to visit and enjoy their beautiful island!
Maui boasts some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Popular ones include Kaanapali Beach, Wailea Beach, and Kapalua Bay. These beaches offer opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and relaxation.
The Road to Hana is a famous scenic drive along the eastern coast of Maui. The journey features lush rainforests, waterfalls, and breathtaking coastal views. The town of Hana itself is known for its laid-back atmosphere.
Maui has a diverse climate due to its varying elevations. The coastal areas are warm and tropical, while higher elevations, such as Haleakalā, can be cooler. Overall, Maui enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year.
Maui's combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences makes it a sought-after destination for a wide range of travelers.
Coming from the East Coast of the United States, Maui is a long flight for us…over ten hours!
Flying Southwest Airlines was the obvious choice for us.
We divided the trip up into two days; flying first to Los Angeles, where we spent the night, and then proceeding onto Maui the next morning. Southwest Airlines is truly one of the most family-friendly airlines. Southwest operates on an open-seating policy, allowing families to choose their seats upon boarding. This flexibility is advantageous for families who want to sit together or accommodate specific needs. Southwest offers a family boarding option, allowing families with children under the age of six to board the plane early and find seating together. Our kids are older than six and we were still allowed to board early so don’t fret! Southwest is known for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, which means that passengers, including families, can check in their first two pieces of luggage for free. This can be particularly beneficial for families with additional baggage. They are also known for their no-change-fee policy. Families appreciate the flexibility of changing travel plans without incurring additional fees, which can be especially helpful when unexpected situations arise.
Southwest provides complimentary in-flight entertainment, including live TV and movies, which can help keep children entertained during the flight. And, most importantly, Southwest is known for its friendly and approachable staff, which can create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for families traveling with children. We had an amazing experience with them!
Once we arrived in Maui, we headed straight for Wailea.
Wailea is a resort area located on the southwest shore of the island. Wailea is a picturesque and upscale destination that combines natural beauty, luxury accommodations, and a range of activities for families to enjoy.
Wailea boasts stunning beaches with soft white sand and clear blue waters. Families can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and building sandcastles together. There are many family-friendly resorts in Wailea that offer amenities and activities catering to both adults and children. These resorts often have pools, kids' clubs, and special programs for family enjoyment.
Our first stop was The Grand Wailea, a luxury Waldorf Astoria Resort. The Grand Wailea offers a range of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and villas. The rooms are elegantly designed and feature upscale amenities, private lanais (balconies), and views of the ocean, garden, or pool. One of the highlights of the Grand Wailea is its extensive pool complex. It includes multiple pools, water slides, a lazy river, and a water elevator. The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is often considered one of the most impressive pool areas in Hawaii. My kids couldn’t get enough of the pools and my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed relaxing in the lazy river.
The resort is home to Spa Grande, a 50,000-square-foot spa that offers a variety of wellness and beauty treatments. Spa Grande is known for its unique Terme Hydrotherapy Circuit, featuring saunas, waterfalls, and mineral baths.
Grand Wailea features several dining options, ranging from casual to fine dining. The restaurants showcase a variety of cuisines, including Hawaiian, Japanese, and contemporary American. The resort also offers options for private dining and romantic dinners.
The resort provides convenient access to Wailea Beach, one of the beautiful beaches in the area. Guests can enjoy water activities, lounging on the beach, and taking in the scenic views.
The resort is situated near championship golf courses, allowing guests to enjoy golfing in a picturesque setting. Golf enthusiasts can take advantage of the resort's proximity to some of Maui's renowned golf courses.
Amongst one of the many highlights at the Grand Wailea was spending a morning with their cultural ambassador, Kalei. She took us around the property and educated us on Hawaiian culture and people. It was the perfect way to start our magical journey in Wailea and is one of the reasons we fell in love with this area. Cultural activities at the Grand Wailea include lei-making, hula lessons, and traditional Polynesian performances.
One of our most memorable experiences was their luau, which included traditional Hawaiian music, dance, and a feast featuring local cuisine.
The Grand Wailea provides a range of luxury services, including concierge assistance, personalized experiences, and amenities to ensure a high level of comfort for guests.
But Maui isn’t just all beaches! One of the things we like to teach our kids about when we travel is the land they are visiting. We took one afternoon to learn about sustainability and giving back to the land we were visiting. We went to the Skyline Conservation Initiative, in nearby Kahului, whose mission it is to develop programs, partnerships, and leverage resources at the intersection of conservation, agriculture, eco-tourism, and education. One of their main objectives is to reduce invasive species by increasing native habitat so we spent a couple of hours learning about the native KOA tree and even planting a few of them. We walked through their fields and learned about the gorgeous plants and fruits they grow there and even tasted some of their local tea. Always make sure to explore the areas you travel too and connect with the locals!
Speaking of sustainability, our next adventure awaited at the Fairmont Kea Lani luxury resort in Wailea. The resort is committed to environmental sustainability and has implemented initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. This includes energy conservation, waste reduction, and community engagement.
The resort offers spacious suites and villas with separate living areas, private lanais (balconies), and luxurious furnishings. We were fortunate enough to stay in one of their newly constructed beachfront villas with a private plunge pool and grill. One of best nights was grilling steaks and sipping Hawaiian beer while the kids swam in the pool until midnight!
The Fairmont Kea Lani features several dining options, including Ko, an award-winning restaurant serving plantation-inspired cuisine. It is truly magnificent!
The Willow Stream Spa is a full-service spa offering a range of wellness and beauty treatments. Guests can enjoy massages, facials, and other rejuvenating services in a serene and luxurious environment.
The resort has multiple swimming pools, including an adults-only pool (perfect for multigenerational vacations if you have grandparents that can watch the littles for a bit!) and a water slide for children. The expansive pool area provides a relaxing setting for guests to enjoy the Hawaiian sunshine.
Fairmont Kea Lani has direct access to Polo Beach, allowing guests to easily enjoy the sandy shores and engage in water activities. The resort provides complimentary water sports equipment for guests. Sunsets at Polo Beach are the best I’ve even seen!
Wailea is known for its breathtaking views, especially during sunset. Families can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings together. Hawaii has a rich cultural heritage, and Wailea provides opportunities for families to explore and learn about Hawaiian traditions, music, and dance. Hawaii, in general, is considered a safe destination for travelers. The low crime rates and welcoming atmosphere make it a comfortable place for families.
Wailea Coastal Walk is a scenic oceanfront path that stretches along the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and neighboring islands. It's a popular spot for walking and jogging.
During the winter months, Wailea becomes a prime location for whale watching. Humpback whales migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters, and various boat tours offer the chance to witness these majestic creatures.
Overall, Wailea truly was the most magical vacation we’ve had, as a family, in the United States. It’s relaxing, beautiful, fun and it’s history and culture are unparallel. More than anything, the warmth of its people seeps in your bones.
As we learned, Aloha is not just a word, it’s a way of life. Aloha is the Hawaiian word for love, affection, peace, compassion and mercy, that is commonly used as a greeting. It has a deeper cultural and spiritual significance to native Hawaiians, for whom the term is used to define a force that holds together existence. When you visit Wailea, you learn what Aloha really is.
