The Grand Wailea is a luxury hotel in a very exclusive area of Maui. The property is large and many of the rooms have been renovated (some renovation is still taking place). The pools are the star attraction here and definitely what brings more of the families to stay here than say the neighboring Four Seasons which caters more towards couples than families.

Of course, with a luxury hotel also comes a luxury price. Those wishing to stay here should also make sure to plan to spend extra for items that may be part of the normal room price at other places. For instance, if you have kids and want a microwave in your room, you can request one but at a $25 charge. If you want a refrigerator in your room, you can also request one at a $25 charge (they don't like you emptying out the in-room fridge of the stocked items). Valet parking is $20/night. Internet usage is extra as well. In a way, you feel like they are nickel and diming you to death for what you may already think is a fairly expensive stay for your family.

If you are like us and the idea of a $2.50 banana or a $3 can of Coke seems outrageous, do yourself a favor and take a nice evening walk over to The Shops at Wailea and pick up some snacks and drinks at the ABC Store where you'll pay more standard HI prices. If you've got a rental car, drive 5 minutes to Kihei and you'll be able to find grocery stores there as well where $2.50 can get you a bunch of bananas rather than a single one.

Outside of the on-property prices for food and goods, the property is a nice one. Our kids loved the kid's pool which wasn't too crowded while we were there in late May.

Overall, a great place to stay and if you watch the pocketbook, it won't get out of control.

We’re staying at The Grand Wailea for the fourth time. It is our favorite resort destination in the world. We have been bringing our family here since they were little and this time we have our teenager plus her friends.

Everything about the resort is just right from the friendly concierge (Richard) who set up our activities before we came here (He made 8 calls to make sure it was right)… to the startlingly beautiful setting, to the best pool in the world – rapids, slides, water elevator – nothing else like it. All other pools at other resorts are boring. One of our girls said “Where else could a pool entertain you for a week?” There is a rapids which we could go in all day, fast slides, little slides, caves, waterfalls on and on.

The spa is luxury and the therapists I’ve had are among the best in the world. You come in early for your treatment and relax in 7 different exotic baths, a waterfall shower, complimentary loufa treatment. Between the pools, spa, incredible setting, beautiful art, Maui’s other activities, the ocean and palm trees out your window you’ve truly got your ideal destination.

The hotel was very nice and the presentation was great, but it was a bit overwhelming and chaotic when you moved beyond the lobby area. If you have kids and want to stay somewhere that balances resort pleasures with kid friendly activities, this is the place for you. If you are on a relaxing and romantic trip, don't stay here... stay next door at the Four Seasons. The pool area felt very cramped and chaotic - much like a water park! The adult pool was calm but not very inviting. One morning we woke to a horrific screaming temper tantrum child in the hallway, which happens when a property has lots of kids. The rooms are very nice and newly renovated but the walls and doors are thin, which means you hear lots of hallway and bathroom noises, including slamming doors. The food on property was good, but not amazing as we expected. It was far more expensive than can be found nearby. We spent a lot of time at the Four Seasons - awesome dining, calm and relaxed atmosphere and superb service.

After months of research on where to stay on Maui, my family and I chose the Grand Wailea and we were completely thrilled. The property is impeccably clean, service was over the top friendly, and the facilities were overwhelming with choices for all members of the family. I would go back in a heartbeat. I did NOT find it to be overcrowded at all. We never waited for any of the pool rides, and we never had any trouble getting a chair around the pool. Yes it's expensive but no more than any other luxury resort. Yes there might be a few peels in the wallpaper but really who cares! It's a gorgeous oceanfront resort with exceptional amenities and great service. If you are worried about peeling wallpaper then you are wasting your time in Hawaii.