Magic Maui Maybe

December 12, 2020

Aloha from Kendall on Maui!

My long-awaited trip to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands has finally happened, and pretty seamlessly after some prior preparation. Maui is allowing visitors on the island who have tested negative for Covid within 72 hours before their trans-pacific flight. Like several countries with new travel restrictions, Hawaii requires everyone to create an online travel portal – this is where you upload all your documents. 24 hours before your flight, you fill out a health questionnaire and make sure your test results are uploaded, and then you are emailed the coveted QR code that you need for scanning at the airport, checking into your hotel, and a lot of different activities on the island. I have to say, I have been extremely impressed with how Maui is handling all the restrictions. I have felt very safe and blown away at some of the health and safety precautions the resorts have carefully taken the time to implement. It adds an extra layer of comfort to an already relaxing trip.

Now, for the fun stuff! I have been able to stay at and enjoy site inspections of some of the best resorts in the Wailea Beach resort area. This week, please take a look at the Top Five Maui resorts you should consider for your visit.

Top 5 - Maui Resorts

1. Fairmont Kea Lani
I spent my first two nights here and was reminded why this is one of my favorite resorts in Hawaii. It has such a welcoming feeling from the second you step foot in the open-air lobby, currently adorned with Christmas tree. This is a family-friendly resort as it has two large pools and a lot of water and beach activities. Every room is a suite, making it perfect for travelers who like to have a bit more space or are vacationing with children. The resort also have ocean front villas for larger groups – these include a rental car and offer a few more amenities throughout the stay. Overall, The Fairmont does a great job of embodying the Aloha spirit Hawaii is so often known for.

2. Four Seasons Maui at Wailea (below)
As with all Four Seasons resorts, the level of service and professionalism is top notch here. Although the resort has a luxury ambiance, they also pride themselves on giving back to the island. As a guest, you are able to participate in many volunteer opportunities around the island as well as take part in many cultural experiences. The hotel also prides itself on being the "safest resort on Maui" with HEPA filters in every room and a level of cleanliness that would be difficult to surpass. I took advantage of the view from their adult pool and one of the 80 cabanas complimentary to guests.

3. Andaz Maui (below)
Andaz are clearly doing something right as a brand as John featured their hotel in Dubai just last week. Their Maui property is one of the newer resorts in the Wailea Beach area and has a very sleek and modern feel to it. While it is not adults only, it has a much more adult-centered environment. I enjoyed the Feast at Mokapu Luau that the resort hosts, and it truly was a feast. Each party was seated at their own tables and everyone was very socially distanced. It felt a little bit more like a dinner show than the traditional Hawaiian Luau and the food was plated and served rather than buffet style. There was a beautiful backdrop and the event was very family friendly!

4. Wailea Beach Villas (below)
I am spending the final leg of my trip here and it really is the perfect place to settle. It is another Hyatt property, but many of the villas are privately owned and rented out. There are two pools – one family friendly and one adult-only and the resort has prime beach access. There are no on-site restaurants as it is a villa property, but each unit has a fully stocked kitchen and provides an opportunity to get out and explore the local towns and restaurants. I am a big fan of having a villa or condo as a home base, and this property has both the perfect location and facilities to provide that.

5. Ritz Carlton Kapalua (below)
While I did not make my way over to Kapalua on this particular trip, the Ritz Carlton is a great option for those wanting to stay on the west side of the island of Maui. It's ocean front and has a stunning beach and great golf course. I've found their club level rooms are well worth the extra investment adding extra amenities such as complimentary beverages and concierge services.

Thanks to Kendall for this week's blog on the Magic of Maui. If you're ready for a Maui escape let us know by clicking HERE.

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