Explore Wailea | HIghlights from a quick trip to Maui
Aloha Bruce is back in the studio to talk about the Valley Isle and some of the ways you can explore Wailea on Maui, and his waterfall rappelling adventure. Wailea, Bruce notes, is home to “some of the high-end resorts” and is ideal for honeymooners and Hawaii visitors looking for a more quiet, luxury vacation. Bruce offers his takes on the luxury properties in Wailea, including the Grand Wailea, the Fairmont Kealani, the Andaz, the Wailea Beach Resort, and the Four Seasons Wailea. “Some of the best beaches are right there,” Bruce says. He gives an honest appraisal of those properties, unvarnished and candid about what he finds lacking. His highest marks go to the Fairmont Kealani. The beaches in the area, Makena Beach in particular, are spectacular. “I gotta say it’s one of my most favorite beaches.” Bruce notes that Wailea is ideal for short Maui visits because it is close to the airport in Kahului, about 25-25 minutes by car. Bruce stayed at the AC by Marriott, and Bruce says its location is ideal and also offers other less expensive options for accommodations. Bruce talks about the quality of amenities, services, dining, and overall value. He also shares his tips on other more affordable properties in the area. The restaurant Lineage comes up (Bruce loves it), and Bruce mentions the Wailea Shops as ideal for retail shopping options from luxury to the ABC Store. We podcast about Hawaii because we love Hawaii. Get Help Planning Your Trip Ho’okipa Beach and the eucalyptus trees at the Garden of Eden Arboretum on the Road to Hana are noted as great destinations. Bruce raves about the bratwurst hotdogs at the visitor center at the forest reserve. Onto his waterfall-rappelling adventure,Bruce describes the experience as “very safe” and explains some of the safety protocols. Bruce’s experience included three waterfalls and a swim in “freezing cold” water. “It’s one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had,” Bruce says. He “got a little banged up up” during the fairly strenuous descents, “but every scratch was worth it.” He gives a shout out to the staff and crew of Rappel Maui. Bruce also spent hours lounging in the sand at Makena Beach. “Early in the morning is the time to go,” Bruce says. “I forgot how beautiful it is.” He got lunch at the Fairmont Kealani and got a spa treatment. He notes that the spa at the Grand Wailea is under renovation, and the Fairmont Kealani was “packed” so he opted for the lomi lomi massage spa treatment at The Andaz, which gave him full access to the four pool areas on the property for the day. Bruce was travelling solo on this Maui trip, and he recommends the Fairmont Kealani overall for the best experience and value. He notes some of the construction affecting other resorts in the Wailea area. “There not doing much at the bigger hotels!”