Stunning Beaches, World-Class Wellness and Holiday Festivities Await
Whether watching the sunrise from Haleakalā National Park or driving the iconic Road to Hana, Maui is a marvel of natural beauty. The perfect winter holiday escape and a mere six-hour flight from California, Hawaii’s second-largest island boasts plenty of fabulous places to stay, but one stands out above the rest: Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort.
Located on the island’s southern shore, this Maui resort welcomes guests in an opulent and art-filled grand lobby before whisking them away to their suite or private villa. Bordering beautiful Wailea Beach, the vast 794-room property unfolds across 40 lush acres and boasts elaborate swimming pools—including one designed in the shape of a hibiscus flower. There are also dining destinations galore, a 50,000-foot luxury spa and three nearby championship golf courses. It’s all just a 35-minute drive from Kahului Airport, so you can slip straight into vacation mode.
1 | Warmer Weather
Tempered by the Pacific Ocean and pleasant year-round, Maui’s warm tropical climate appeals across the board. Snowbirds love it here, although SoCal locals, in particular, will appreciate that the average afternoon winter temperature usually hovers around a manageable but balmy 75 degrees. Should travel plans include heading to higher elevations, such as the Upcountry region or the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakalā, throw in a sweater or ultra-light down jacket since early morning temperatures on the dormant volcano can drop below freezing, especially during winter.
Back down on Maui’s southwestern side—considered the sunniest and driest part of the island. With its five golden crescent beaches and West Maui mountains rising in the distance, the Wailea coastline is an idyllic vacation backdrop. Wailea Beach, in particular, is perfect for spending an entire day sunbathing and snorkeling before watching the sunset. Lit with tiki torches every evening, a flagstone path bordering the beach in front of Grand Wailea is Instagram-gold.
2 | 12 Days of Wellness
Because the holidays don’t have to equal excess, if a stay at Grand Wailea should fall over Christmas or New Year’s Day, the resort’s chic and serene Kilolani Spa is a must-visit. The name honors the ancient stargazers, and the spa’s wellness programming draws inspiration from the Hawaiian moon calendar. This season, the special 12 Days of Wellness series will help align chakras, balance minds and ground energies.
Running Dec. 21-Jan. 1, 2025, the lineup of daily wellness activities spans a guided Luminous Breathwork and Meditation session on Dec. 22 ($35 per person) and a chance to shop wellness gifts, apparel and jewelry at the Wellness Marketplace on Christmas Eve. Featuring complimentary Tarot readings and wellness mocktails, the After Hours Hydrotherapy ($169) in the alfresco Hydrotherapy Gardens—which features scrub stations, steam rooms, infrared saunas, waterfall showers and a Hawaiian-inspired hammam—is a can’t-miss event on Dec. 30. Finally, try the deeply meditative Acupuncture Sound Bath ($65) on Dec. 31 for new year intention-setting.
3 | Festive Offers
If you need another sign to book a trip to Hawaii in December, then Grand Wailea’s Holiday in Paradise package may sway you. Perks include a complimentary one-category room upgrade based on availability. This will move you from a lovely Ocean View King to an even better Deluxe Ocean View King for superb views of Grand Wailea off your private lānai. Access to festive happenings, including complimentary 12 Days of Wellness events like the Keiki Reindeer Relay, movie nights (e.g. “The Sandlot” on Dec. 26) and special kids activities are included in the deal too.
December also marks the arrival of humpback whales to the waters around Maui, making it a perfect time to book a whale-watching tour. The shops in Wailea are ideal for last-minute holiday gifts, including traditional Hawaiian crafts, but for luxury fashion and accessories by Chanel, Gucci and Tom Ford, the resort’s new luxury boutique, Cabana Vue, won’t disappoint.
4 | Celebrate the Season of Aloha
Lean into an island-style Christmas at Grand Wailea with its roster of festive events. Book a beachside table for the special Grand Lūʻau in the resort’s atmospheric Molokini Garden to learn about South Pacific myths and legends. And mark your calendar for the magical tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 16.
For experiences rooted in Hawaiian culture, try the Ornament Weaving (Wehi Lauhala) class (weekdays at 9 a.m.) and create a keepsake decoration to take home. You can also learn a special Holiday Hula dance (Thursdays at 10 a.m.) or seasonal words and phrases during the Holiday Hawaiian Language Class (Tuesdays at 2 p.m.). Starting Dec. 20 in the Chapel Garden, activities for children (Keiki) include sand art, ornament decorating and making unique spa salt blends. The arrival of Santa by outrigger canoe is kind of a big only-on-Maui deal when he paddles up to Wailea Beach on Christmas Eve morning. And on New Year’s Eve, celebrate with a family movie night and fireworks.
5 | Holiday Dining
Nothing adds cheer to holiday plans like a specialty menu, and the chefs at Grand Wailea have created a decadent Christmas Day breakfast buffet packed with Hawaiian-inspired eats. Served in the signature seafood and steakhouse restaurant Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, dishes span foie gras mousse deviled eggs and a Waldorf salad with macadamia nuts. Plus, there will be a raw bar with all the usual suspects, including made-to-order omelets, and entrees like a kimchi fried rice loco moco, a carving station and sides. To finish, try some ube coconut pie or holiday cookies alongside other sweet treats.
On Dec. 22 and 29, sit down to a Seafood and Rosé Brunch in the same space (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) for fresh ceviche, crab legs and other delicacies, along with live music and a complimentary glass of rosé. But if getting your hands doughy appeals more, stop by coastal Italian Olivine on Dec. 23 or 30 (10 a.m. until noon) for the chef-led pizza-cooking class, where you can learn how to make the perfect pie.
Grand Wailea
3850 Wailea Alanui Dr
Wailea, HI 96753
808.875.1234
Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodor’s Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.
