A Magical Combination: The Andaz Maui and Hana-Maui Resort
Maui offers no shortage of unforgettable experiences, and the partnership between Andaz Maui and its sister property, Hana-Maui Resort, delivers a thoughtfully curated way to experience two distinct sides of the island in one seamless journey. Guests begin with modern luxury and vibrant energy at the Andaz Maui before trading winding coastal roads for a scenic 20-minute Cessna flight to the tranquil town of Hana. While the iconic Road to Hana remains a rite of passage for first-time visitors, its narrow, winding roads and unpredictable weather can make for a demanding drive. This elevated alternative replaces hours on the road with aerial views of waterfalls, cliffs and coastline. Offering a relaxed transition guided by friendly pilots and crew, it sets the tone for a truly balanced Maui escape.
Aloha is LOVE, and the aloha spirit is vibrant, abundant and ever present at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. Nestled on a stunning stretch of soft sand and cerulean seas where palms sway in the tropical breeze, the warmth of Wailea beckons everyone to slow down and savor the moment. Celebrating love in all of its glorious phases is at the heart of the Andaz, the perfect place to create memories of life’s most meaningful milestones. You’ll find couples nuzzling in the tiered infinity pools, families playing in the lagoon and solo travelers finding peace in the world-class ʻĀwili Spa and Salon.
On a recent girls’ trip, my friend Courtney and I joyously explored all that Andaz has to offer. Upon arrival, our stress began to melt away, and we felt excited for the adventures ahead. Beautiful leis were placed around our necks, bags were whisked away, and we were revived by glasses of freshly squeezed lemonade.
Local artisans displayed their wares in the lobby and native Hawaiian art was present in thoughtful spaces. We went on a guided tour, which included the newly updated Makai Ocean Front and Hema Ocean View Villas. Modern elegance is combined with the cultural spirit of Wailea and authentic Hawaiian storytelling in luxurious two, three, and four-bedroom floor plans, with private plunge pools available at select villas. Hawaiʻian artists created beautiful pieces honoring craft and community for the villas, while hues of land, sea and sky are highlighted in fixtures and furnishings. Top-tier service from a dedicated VIP team provides the ultimate luxury.
After the tour, we made our way to our beautiful ocean-view suite with a dining area, desk, sofa bed, luxurious master suite, two bathrooms and a lanai perfect for relaxing. Outside, we found three infinity pools with ocean views cascading into one another. There is also a tranquility pool for adults only and a lagoon pool, where we enjoyed bites and beverages at Bumbye Beach Bar.
Steps away is Mokapu Beach, a private stretch of sea and sand where we greeted the mornings on a kayak or outrigger canoe. Spotting sea turtles in their element was a magical moment. Afterward, the gracious staff set up seaside lounges and umbrellas for us. Reading, swimming and relaxing came naturally and restored our spirits. Deep-tissue massages with aromatherapy at the ʻĀwili Spa removed residual stress and realigned our bodies. Solo runs along the spectacular shoreline fed my soul.
Dining at the Andaz is varied and offers excellent options. Mokapu Market is well-stocked with essentials for travelers and tasty grab-and-go options. Lehua Lounge offers craft cocktails, bites and sunset views. Award-winning Ka’ ana Kitchen offers seasonal farm-fresh fare made from sustainable ingredients and ocean views from the lanai. The breakfast buffet is one of the best, with daily pancake specials such as banana or chocolate chip, an omelet bar, fresh tropical fruit and juices (POG!), pastries, specialty coffee drinks and mochi waffles!
At night, the mood shifts to focus on individual flavors of the exceptional dishes. Couples can indulge in a six-course customized dinner with wine pairings at Ka'ana Kitchen's exclusive Chef's Table. Our delightful sommelier quickly picked up on our love of bubbles, pairing each of our exquisite courses with champagne or sparkling wine.
Morimoto Maui was perfect for celebrating our last evening. Seated poolside with 180-degree ocean views, we delighted in the taco duo, sticky ribs and black cod. Iron Chef Masharu Morimoto fuses traditional Japanese cuisine with fresh local ingredients, creating memorable flavors and moments.
Grateful for our Andaz getaway, we were excited to experience the other side of the island at the Hana-Maui Resort. We marveled at the lush green fields and endless aquamarine sea below us during our brief flight.
“Explore the road less traveled” was printed on the key card for our spacious bungalow at the Hana-Maui Resort, where a wide porch offered endless vistas. We were astounded at the expansive lawn leading to the majestic waves of the Pacific and rugged cliffs formed over centuries. This was a place unlike any other, where breathing becomes deeper and the mind and heart open to infinite beauty.
As we made our way to the wellness pool, we passed by a fire pit and a tennis court. Swimming was enhanced by the spectacular view and a convenient bar. Everything was effortless, including dining at Hana Ranch Restaurant, the resort’s restaurant located just across the highway. Beautifully capturing the spirit of Hawaii, a wall of the dining room was covered in ukuleles. Their menu is also available for delivery and was an excellent option for the next evening. Relaxed mornings found us enjoying breakfast at The Restaurant at Hana-Maui Resort overlooking gorgeous Hana Bay. I highly recommend the Hawaiian toast, breakfast frittata and mochiko pancakes.
A trip to Hawaii isn’t complete without a hike, so I rented a jeep from Hana-Maui and took an early morning drive to nearby Haleakala National Park for an amazing adventure. Kipahulu Area Hikes offer spectacular scenery, native Hawaiian wildlife, waterfalls and ocean vistas. Hiking the Pipiwai Trail was a 4-mile round-trip adventure through various terrain – easy trails, challenging rocky paths, twisted roots and boardwalks in a century-old bamboo forest. Seeing Waimoku Falls was magical.
We enjoyed the opportunity to experience both resorts in a single vacation, made effortless by the short interisland flight. Andaz Maui delivered a refined, modern retreat with thoughtfully curated amenities, engaging resort activities and a diverse dining scene that kept us perfectly content. In contrast, Hana-Maui Resort offers a true sense of escape, where the surrounding natural beauty takes center stage and time seems to slow down.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Hana-Maui Resort
