Summary
Bright airy hotel in fab location with gorgeous sea views from the lobby, pool, and restaurant. Room view depends where you are located. Highly recommended and would definitely return in preference to other hotels if visiting Maui.
Check-in
It is from 4pm and we were early. The Andaz is well set-up for that, giving guests access to the Ohana room with showers and changing facilities so you can relax by the pool or on the beach while you wait for your room.
Room
We were told we were upgraded on arrival from a standard room on the ground floor to one with a view on a higher floor. This was a pleasant surprise, and meant we had a lanai, although the view was resort/overlooked the car park, there were enough trees that this wasn't hugely visible. Reception staff also asked if we were celebrating anything, we weren't, but they said there's always a reason to celebrate, and we found a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine in our room and a welcome chocolate.
You can opt out of housekeeping and receive a $15 credit per day of opt out.
Room amenities
The shower was spacious, hot, and oddly you could slide back panels to view the room and the view beyond, from the shower and vice versa.
Bed mattresses were quite soft which was disappointing.
The mini fridge was so well hidden we didn’t find it on our first day! It was in a small cupboard under the television. It was restocked daily with complimentary long-life creamer and two cans of soda.
Complementary crisps and macadamia nut chocolate chip cookies also restocked daily.
A refillable bottle of water for each guest was also provided to keep, and two Andaz shopping bags. Shower cap, toothbrush kit, and mouthwash provided and replenished.
Room storage
This was a big problem for us. As a family in one room for several days, there was inadequate storage for clothing. There were two medium drawers under the television, two small drawers between the two beds, one drawer in the bathroom, and one in the cupboard under the safe drawer. Whilst we hung everything we could and requested more hangers to do so, we were still short of space and had to stack clothes on surfaces/the desk, which really wasn't ideal and meant the room felt constantly cluttered. Did discuss with Reception who said additional storage wasn't available but offered yet more hangers.
Pools
There are four pools open to all, and one adult-only pool. The main pools were all busy, and observation of the adult-only much less so. This may be because there is no visible bar service there, which is surprising.
At the main pools you can order drinks and food and charge them to your room. Hot drinks have to be purchased in-person from the on-site market.
There are plenty of towels avaliable and staff happy and willing to assist you. Although there are signs asking guests not to leave items on a lounger for more than an hour unattended we often saw this ignored. On our first day there were no loungers available at the top three pools and the member of staff we spoke to was unwilling to put out available stacked chairs, but on other days we saw those utilised.
There is ice water, cups, and 30spf mineral sun cream available for guests at all the pools. However, we found the sun cream stained our swimming gear and did not shift even after machine washing which did not happen with our Banana Boat 50spf.
There is a gorgeous hot tub on one of the pool decks which is very hot and nice to relax in.
Food
Breakfast was included in our room rate. The buffet was varied and plentiful:
Porridge
Overnight oats
Yoghurt
Cheeses
Smoked salmon
Fresh fruit
Cereals/granola
Breads and toasters
Muffins/pastries - different daily
Pancakes/waffles/french toast/bread and butter pudding
Variety of juices
Eggs made-to-order - this took longer the later you had breakfast as the restaurant was busier
"Speciality teas and coffees" - anything made by a barista - was extra so we had regular filter coffee.
One day we had to leave early for diving before breakfast began, and staff agreed on that occasion we could purchase breakfast items in the market instead which was great and hugely helpful.
We ate at the hotel a few times and the food was always delicious and beautifully presented. Particular highlights were the ahi tuna, the houmous with olives, the burrata, and the honeyed goats cheese.
Beach
On the same level as the shallowest pool there is beach access. Staff are available to help set up loungers and towels, and to use water equipment. No food or beverage service there which didn't bother us as we were there for the beach and sea. Especially enjoyed using bodyboards in the gorgeous water.
Went on an outrigger with Levi one morning who gave us amazing historical facts about Maui while we had our trip across the water.
Car/valet
The valets were efficient and worked hard. Thanks especially to Jeremy who was always so friendly and helpful.
There is also a complimentary hotel car that can drop you within Wailea. We had to wait a little for pick-up when we went to another hotel for a drink, but it wasn't too bad. It also made us appreciate how beautiful the Andaz is!
Classes
During our stay we enjoyed Ukulele and coconut weaving with Uncle Ron, who was so friendly and welcoming. Those memories will stay with us!
Location
Great for the beach, restaurants in Wailea, and a base for visiting Haleakalā, Lahania, Kihei and snorkelling and diving.
Had a wonderful stay!
