Hawaii holds a special place in our hearts, calling us back year after year. Last November marked our seventh visit, and this time, we chose to stay in Wailea, Maui. For a family-friendly luxury resort that seamlessly blends elegance with fun, the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is a standout choice. From stunning ocean views to thoughtful amenities, our stay was nothing short of unforgettable. Here’s a detailed look at our experience, along with tips to make your own family getaway just as special. Let’s dive into our Andaz Maui review!
Booking Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
We booked our stay by redeeming Hyatt points that we transferred from our credit cards. Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio, making it an excellent option for those aiming for luxury stays. Andaz Maui is a Category 8 property, requiring 40,000 points (standard night) per night. This redemption made our stay significantly more accessible, especially considering the high cash rates at this resort, around $1,250 per night.
Please be aware that to transfer points to Hyatt, you need one of the premium Chase cards: Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Preferred.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
You can earn a signup bonus of 60,000 Ultimate Rewards Points when you signup for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card and spend $4,000 in the first three months of card membership. This bonus alone is worth at least $1,200 in travel rewards when transferred to travel partners such as Hyatt!
REWARDS RATE
1x-5x
BONUS VALUE
$1,200
SIGN-UP BONUS
60,000 points
ANNUAL FEE
$95
Chase Ink Business Cash
You can earn a signup bonus of 75,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you get the Chase Ink Business Cash card and spend $6,000 within the first six months. This valuable bonus is worth around $750 in cash back or at least $1,500 in travel when you redeem through Chase or transfer points to airline and hotel partners.
REWARDS RATE
1x-5x
BONUS VALUE
$1,500
SIGN-UP BONUS
75,000 points
ANNUAL FEE
$0
Chase Ink Business Preferred
You can earn a massive signup bonus of 90,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you get the Chase Ink Business Preferred card and spend $8,000 within the first three months. This valuable bonus is worth around $900 in cash back or $1,800 in travel when you redeem through Chase or transfer points to airline and hotel partners.
REWARDS RATE
1x-3x
BONUS VALUE
$1,800
SIGN-UP BONUS
90,000 points
ANNUAL FEE
$95
You can find the points price on Hyatt’s website by searching for a specific hotel in the Points Calendar. Please remember that the Points Calendar indicates the price in points, not availability.
Now, to check availability at Hyatt hotels, we use MaxMyPoint.com, which allows you to view specific dates in a calendar format.
Additionally, we used a Hyatt Suite Upgrade Award to secure an Andaz Suite for our stay. This upgrade made all the difference, offering us plenty of space and luxury amenities that elevated our experience. Note, we booked our stay as soon as the Hyatt opened our desired dates, 13 months out.
For more details on maximizing Hyatt Suite Upgrade Awards, check out our guide: Hyatt Suite Upgrade Awards: A Guide for World of Hyatt Members.
Standard Suite at Andaz Maui
We stayed in the Andaz Suite, a luxurious 850-square-foot space featuring a separate bedroom with a king bed, two bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, a wet bar, a dining table, and a living area with a full-size sleeper sofa (that the girls shared). This suite was perfect for our family, offering the comfort and space we needed for a relaxing stay.
Don’t forget that since 2024, Hyatt Suite Upgrade Awards can now be gifted to someone else directly from your World of Hyatt account online or using the Hyatt mobile app, and the applied to the Standard Room reservation (during or after making a reservation).
The Andaz Suite was priced at $15,706.84 for a seven-night stay, translating to an incredible 4.98 cents per point (cpp) when redeemed with points.
Our suite was beautifully designed with clean, modern lines and Hawaiian-inspired decor. The kids especially loved the “hidden” mini fridge stocked with complimentary daily non-alcoholic beverages and snacks—a thoughtful touch from Andaz.
Dining at Andaz Maui
The Andaz Maui offers several dining options, each with its own flair.
Breakfast at Ka‘ana Kitchen
Our favorite for a casual breakfast was Ka‘ana Kitchen, where we indulged in the Globalist-included breakfast buffet daily. With a variety of fresh tropical fruits, made-to-order eggs, and local specialties like taro pancakes, the breakfast was a hit with both adults and kids. We were pleased to discover that the mochi waffles lived up to their reputation, so delicious.
Note that while you have access to the buffet and can order eggs from your waiter, other beverages besides plain coffee, such as latte, are not included in your Globalist breakfast.
Lunch at Andaz Maui Wailea
Located by the pool, Bumbye Beach Bar is the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or afternoon drink (note, that there is no food or drink service at the beach, but you can order to-go from the restaurant). With a menu featuring light bites like fish tacos and poke bowls, plus tropical cocktails, it’s a family-friendly option for those looking to enjoy a casual meal while staying close to the pool and beach.
Dinner at Andaz Maui
Morimoto Maui
For an upscale dining experience, Morimoto offers exquisite Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. From sushi and sashimi to the signature Morimoto Banzai Burger, the restaurant provides a sophisticated atmosphere with ocean views. It’s perfect for a special family dinner or a romantic night out.
Ka‘ana Kitchen
Dinner Kids Menu at Ka‘ana Kitchen, Adaz Maui
Grilled Cheese Sandwich $16, Served on white bread with waffle fries
Crudite $16, Pineapple + Berries + Carrot + Cucumber
Mac & Cheese $ 16, Playful pasta and cheesy cheddar
Chicken or Fish $16, Grilled chicken or fish comes with waffle fries
Amenities and Activities at Andaz Maui
The resort itself is sprawling but well laid out, with four cascading infinity pools, direct beach access, and lush tropical landscaping. While it’s a luxurious property, it’s also incredibly welcoming to families, with plenty of kid-friendly touches, I know a lot of people are wondering if Andaz Maui is a kid-friendly property.
Pools at Andaz Maui
Andaz Maui truly shines when it comes to activities. The pools were the centerpiece of our stay, and the cascading design meant there was always a spot to relax. The kids loved the lagoon-style pool, which had a more playful vibe, and some could appreciate the serenity of the adults-only pool (unfortunately, we could not check that one out, since there was no kids club on the property).
The beach at Andaz Maui
Andaz Maui sits right on Mokapu Beach, a beautiful stretch of golden sand with gentle waves and clear blue water. While it’s not as large as some of Maui’s other beaches, it offers a more peaceful and upscale vibe, perfect for families looking to relax without the crowds.
What to expect at Mokapu Beach:
- Calm waters – The conditions are often ideal for swimming, especially in the morning before the afternoon winds pick up.
- Snorkeling opportunities – While not as famous as other Maui snorkeling spots, Mokapu Beach has some reef areas where you might spot tropical fish and even a sea turtle.
- Beach chairs and umbrellas – Complimentary for resort guests (first come, first served), making it easy to settle in for a relaxing beach day.
- Water activities – Andaz Maui offers paddleboard and kayak rentals (not complimentary), plus guided outrigger canoe tours if you’re looking for a more adventurous way to enjoy the ocean.
During our Thanksgiving week visit, it was important to claim your chairs early on the beach. The chairs were taken quickly, and by 9 a.m., all the umbrellas were already out of stock. We also noticed that the beach staff was not always easy to find, as they were stationed across the bridge, away from the hotel’s lawn area. Additionally, there was no towel drop at the beach—only staff could clean the chairs, which made it a bit harder for guests to manage their spots efficiently.
Overall, if you plan to spend time on the beach during peak seasons like Thanksgiving week, be prepared to arrive early to secure your spot and shade.
Feast at Mokapu: Andaz Maui’s signature Luau
While we didn’t attend during our stay, the Feast at Mokapu is Andaz Maui’s signature luau, offering an intimate, upscale take on traditional Hawaiian celebrations. Held on the resort’s beachfront lawn, this luau features a multi-course meal inspired by local flavors, live music, hula, and storytelling that brings Polynesian culture to life.
The Feast at Mokapu is known for its smaller, more exclusive setting compared to larger luaus on the island, making it a great option for families looking for an elevated cultural experience. However, it’s quite an expensive experience, with classic seating starting at $280 per adult and $140 per child (ages 4-12), while premium seating costs $360 per adult and $199 per child. If you’re considering attending, it’s best to book early, as seats fill up quickly.
Complimentary Kids’ Activities at Andaz Maui
Andaz Maui offers fun and engaging activities for kids, perfect for keeping little ones entertained, our girls were very happy with them!
Hula Dancing – Little ones can join in on a hula dance class, learning the graceful moves of this traditional Hawaiian dance.
Lei Making – Kids can learn how to craft their own traditional Hawaiian leis, a fun and cultural souvenir.
Coconut Weaving – A hands-on activity where children can try their hand at weaving coconut leaves into simple creations, such as fish!
Practical tips for staying at Andaz Maui
- Parking costs $50 per night before tax; starting 1/1/25, rates will increase to $55+tax, it was waived for us as Globalists booking an award stay
- Book activities and dining reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- The resort fee is waived on award stays
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for beach days.
Things to do in Maui
Take a Maui Pineapple Plantation Tour
Visit the Maui Gold Pineapple Tour to discover how Maui’s iconic pineapples are grown and harvested. You’ll sample the island’s freshest, sweetest pineapple!
Go snorkeling in Maui
Snorkeling in Maui is an unforgettable experience, with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life, including sea turtles and tropical fish. If you’re staying at Andaz Maui, you’ll have easy access to Mokapu Beach, a great snorkeling spot right in front of the resort. For even better snorkeling adventures, consider exploring these top locations:
Kapalua Bay – A calm, family-friendly spot with gentle waves and colorful marine life, perfect for beginners. Molokini Crater – A partially submerged volcanic crater offering some of the clearest waters and most diverse marine life in Hawaii. A boat tour is required to reach it, but it’s well worth the trip.
Turtle Town – Located near Makena Landing, this is one of the best places to snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Honolua Bay – A bit farther from Wailea, but this marine sanctuary is known for its incredible coral formations and diverse fish species.
Drive up to the Haleakalā National Park
While the sunrise is the most popular, the sunset is equally stunning and less crowded. If you’re up for an adventure, hike the Sliding Sands Trail for incredible views of the crater. Don’t forget to bring warm layers!
Take a whale watching tour(Winter Months)
From November to April, Maui is a top destination for whale watching. Humpback whales migrate here to breed and give birth, providing incredible sightings. We could not believe our eyes when we spotted a whale right from the beach during our morning walk.
Where to eat near Andaz Maui
While Andaz Maui offers excellent on-site dining, we also ventured out to try some fantastic local restaurants. If you’re looking to mix things up, here are a few great spots near Wailea:
- Lineage – A must-visit for those who love bold flavors and Hawaiian-inspired dishes. This restaurant, located in The Shops at Wailea, serves up delicious shared plates with a modern twist on local favorites.
- Manoli’s Pizza Company – A laid-back spot with open-air seating, serving up tasty pizzas, salads, and pasta. It’s a great casual option for families, especially after a long beach day.
- Vintage Island Coffee – Perfect for your morning caffeine fix or a quick breakfast. Their locally roasted coffee and fresh pastries make it a great stop before heading out for the day.
- Monkeypod Kitchen – A popular choice known for its farm-to-table approach and fantastic happy hour. Their mai tais are legendary, and the wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood are always a hit.
Andaz Maui vs. Grand Hyatt Kauai vs. Hyatt Regency Maui: which is best for your family getaway?
Choosing the right Hyatt resort in Hawaii can be tough with so many great options. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each resort offers to help you decide which one suits your family’s needs.
| Aspect | Andaz Maui | Grand Hyatt Kauai | Hyatt Regency Maui |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros | Calm, kid-friendly Mokapu Beach. | Expansive pool complex with lazy river and waterslide. | Wildlife encounters: Penguins, swans, and koi fish on the property. |
| Compact grounds for easy navigation. | Scenic location on Kauai’s sunny south shore. | Walkable to Whalers Village for shops and dining. | |
| The more luxurious overall vibe. | Club/Lounge. | More affordable per night. | |
| Walking distance to The Shops at Wailea with dining and shops. | Club/Lounge. | ||
| Cons | High price point per night. | Shipwreck Beach isn’t safe for swimming. | Ka’anapali Beach can have stronger surf. |
| No Club/Lounge. | Large grounds: Navigating the expansive property can be tiring with small children, especially if your room is far from pools or dining areas. | ||
| Limited lunch options. | Limited dining options nearby without driving. |
Bottom Line
Overall, our week at Andaz Maui was a blend of relaxation and adventure, with just enough luxury to make it feel special without being stuffy. While it’s on the pricier side, redeeming points made it more accessible, and the Globalist perks significantly enhanced our experience. If you’re looking for a family-friendly resort in Maui that caters to both kids and adults, Andaz Maui is an excellent choice.
