From Washington, D.C., it was quite a long day to finally make it to the resort. While United Airlines does offer a non-stop flight from Dulles (IAD) to Maui’s Kahului Airport, my flight connected through Los Angeles (LAX), which meant an early morning departure from D.C., five-hour layover in Los Angeles and then another relatively long flight to Maui. I landed around 6 p.m., and, after a 30-minute drive, arrived at the lush and welcoming resort. Check-in was quick and smooth and, after getting a brief primer on the layout of the resort, I made the short trek across the gorgeous property to my room.

My ocean-view room offered an amazing view of the palm trees and the Pacific Ocean beyond, both of which seemed to change color every few minutes as the sun rose and set in the sky. My large private balcony was the perfect perch to enjoy coffee and breakfast in the morning and a glass of wine before sunset. The room was also equipped with a Keurig coffeemaker, mini-refrigerator, 55-inch HD television, safe and the rest of the amenities you would expect from a Waldorf Astoria property. I could lounge on the sofa or work at my desk and still enjoy the view — though, admittedly, it was difficult to do either as I wanted to be on the beach non-stop.

I’m often not a fan of really large resorts, but the Grand Wailea is laid out thoughtfully and feels manageable, not massive. Though kids and families may cite the sprawling Wailea Canyon Activity Pool — with waterslides, rapids, a rope swing — as the resort’s biggest draw (and it is pretty cool), but, in my opinion, its more unforgettable highlight is Wailea Beach. Rated one of the best beaches in Maui and one of the top in the world, it’s sandy, inviting and free from rocks, coral and seaweed. Perhaps the best part is use of chairs and umbrellas are free of charge for hotel guests. One caveat, though: The Grand Wailea is one of those resorts where everyone seems to claim chairs and then head to breakfast. If you don’t queue up by 7 or 7:30 a.m. at the rental cabana, you’ll end up being chair-less and disappointed. I arrived at 8:05 a.m. the first morning and was told they were out of chairs and they would call me when they got some back. I never got a call. If you can’t get a spot or want a relaxing break from the sand (or just need to escape the squeals of delight at the activity pool), the 4,850-square-foot Hibiscus Pool is reserved for guests 18 and older and offers a tranquil environment.

Dining options include signature restaurant Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, named for the state fish and blessedly referred to as Humu for short, comprising thatched huts set atop a man-made lagoon overlooking fountains and water features. Executive Chef Michael Lofaro’s dishes use fresh local seafood and other ingredients, like hamachi carpaccio and crispy mahi mahi; all are perfect with a Maui-made sparkling rosé or tart and tropical mai tai. My favorite meal was at Bistro Molokini, the more casual beachfront restaurant, where, on my first night, I noshed on togarashi-seasoned ahi with baby bok choy, charred scallions, coconut broth, mushrooms and papaya — so many of my favorite ingredients on one plate.

Though I didn’t get to experience it firsthand, Spa Grande lives up to its name with 40 treatment rooms housed in a 50,000-square-foot spa — the largest one in Hawai’i. Treatments use amenities like a hydrotherapy circuit, Roman tub, saunas, cascading waterfalls, Swiss jet showers, Japanese furo and five specialty baths in an extensive menu of massage, facial and body care experiences.

Don’t miss The Grotto, a swim-up bar tucked in a cave adjacent to some of the waterslides and activities pool. My friends and I belied up to the bar and spent several delightful hours one afternoon sipping tropical tipples like a well-made piña colada with dark rum. It was so hard to leave my barstool.

The resort employs a Hawai’ian cultural ambassador, Kainoa Horcajo, who makes sure all landscaping, architecture and decorative accents are authentic and true to the Polynesian culture. He also gives tours of the property so you can learn about Hawai’ian history and the resort’s flora and fauna. (Remember to ask him about the bad luck associated with taking rocks or sand home.)

The resort offers activities like beach yoga, scuba lessons, kayaks and snorkeling that add to your Hawai’ian experience.

Grand Wailea

3850 Wailea Alanui Drive
Wailea, HI 96753
tel 808 875 1234
grandwailea.com