Let's get to know the island. Imagine that the island is shaped like a goldfish. Haleakala is on the body of the fish, or larger part of the island. Our airport is located on the north side, where the body is connected to the tail. Wailea is located near the rear belly of the fish. And our final hotel in Lahaina is located on the tail fin. Click the above map to enlarge.
After viewing the spectacular sunrise atop Haleakala, we will drive back to our hotel near the airport, and then drive south to Wailea, to the second most highly rated resort in the world. The Grand Wailea brings heaven to earth. The resort is paradise.
Our two night stay at The Grand will be unforgettable. The grounds are spectacular. Without spoiling it, check out the website for some sights you can expect to see.
http://www.grandwailea.com
Alternatively, watch this slightly cheesy you tube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=majelvsPnBI&feature=related
Walk out from the hotel and directly onto the beach. Take a walk along the shore, and see the grounds of one luxurious resort after another. Grab a chair and sit on the beach with a book and a beverage.
The waterpark on the resort grounds is fun for everyone. You will find water slides, lazy rivers, beverage services in the pool, caves, and water activities. Pool side food and beverage service is a little pricey, but convenient.
The spa is one of the top rated in the world. In the buff, or in a suit, soak in a seaweed bath or massage your muscles with one of the high pressure shower features. Get your blood circulating by dipping from a pool of steaming hot water to a bath of chilling cold water. Attendants will offer you cucumbers for your eyes, an apple for hydration, or a cool cloth for the steam or dry rooms. Wrap yourself in a fluffy white robe and sit on the balcony as you await a massage. The money is well spent, but start saving now.
For an extra special treat, work up an appetite for the ultra extravagant brunch. You will find all the culinary breakfast treats you crave and the island's most succulent fruit. Save your money for this one, too.
A striking difference from Texas you may recognize: nearly all hotels are open to the outside. You do not have to open a door to get to the lobby or to walk out onto the grounds. Because the weather is always heavenly perfect, most buildings are open air.
Joshua and I captured these pictures when we last visited The Grand Wailea:
