Ritz-Carlton Maui vs Grand Wailea: Which to Book

The short answer

Same island. Different ends.

Both are big family resorts on Maui, and both fly you into Kahului. The Ritz-Carlton sits on Maui’s northwestern tip with Residential Suites that have kitchens. Grand Wailea fronts Wailea Beach with a canyon of pools and Hawai’i’s largest spa.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Rooms466 rooms and suites, including 107 one- and two-bedroom Residential Suites with kitchens

Setting54 oceanfront acres inside Kapalua Resort, on Maui’s northwestern tip

Best forThree generations who want a kitchen and space, golfers

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Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Rooms794 rooms and suites, all recently revamped, plus club-level Napua rooms

Setting40 tropical acres fronting Wailea Beach

Best forFamilies with kids who live in the pool, spa lovers

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The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Suites with a kitchen.

The Residential Suites are the rooms to book: one and two bedrooms with kitchens, dark wood floors and marble bathrooms, in garden, ocean view and ocean front.

There is a three-tiered 10,000 sq ft pool with a separate children’s pool, six restaurants, a 17,500 sq ft spa and Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. The Club Lounge at The Anuenue Room serves food through the day.

See The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua →

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Pools, slides and a big spa.

The Wailea Canyon pools are connected by slides, a lazy river, a Tarzan swing and a swim-up bar. The adults-only Hibiscus Pool is the quiet one.

Kilolani Spa is Hawai’i’s largest at 50,000 sq ft, with seven dining venues and Hawai’i’s largest private art collection. Ask for the club-level Napua rooms for the private side of the resort.

See Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort →

What they share

Maui, with room to spread out.

Both are large oceanfront resorts reached through Kahului (OGG), and both include daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, a $100 credit and an upgrade when available when you book with us.

Booked through us

Same rate. More included.

You pay the hotel’s own rate. At both resorts we add an upgrade when available, daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, a $100 resort credit and early check-in or late check-out, confirmed in writing.

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Our pick

Which one we’d book.

For three generations: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. A two-bedroom Residential Suite with a kitchen gives everyone space, with the Club Lounge for easy meals.

For families with older kids: Grand Wailea. The canyon pools, slides and lazy river fill the day, and the 50,000 sq ft spa is there for the adults.

Tell us who’s coming and we’ll tell you which rooms are worth it.

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Questions, answered.

Which is better for a multi-generation group or older kids?

For three generations, The Ritz-Carlton Maui: its one- and two-bedroom Residential Suites have kitchens and marble bathrooms. For older kids, Grand Wailea: the Wailea Canyon pools have slides, a lazy river and a Tarzan swing.

Which is better for couples?

Both work. Grand Wailea has the adults-only Hibiscus Pool, the 50,000 sq ft Kilolani Spa and club-level Napua rooms. The Ritz-Carlton has the Club Lounge at The Anuenue Room and a 17,500 sq ft spa.

How do they differ?

The Ritz-Carlton has 466 rooms and suites on 54 acres at Kapalua, on Maui’s northwestern tip. Grand Wailea has 794 rooms and suites on 40 acres fronting Wailea Beach. Both fly into Kahului (OGG).

Is the rate the same as booking direct?

Yes. The nightly rate is the resort’s own best available rate. Booked through us, it comes with the Virtuoso extras, confirmed in writing.

Do I pay you or the hotel?

You pay the hotel directly. We confirm availability and the rate, attach the Virtuoso amenities in writing and hold the room. There is no fee from us.

Ritz-Carlton Maui or
Grand Wailea?

Same island. Different ends.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Suites with a kitchen.

Pools, slides and a big spa.

Maui, with room to spread out.

Same rate. More included.

Which one we’d book.

Questions, answered.

Tell us your dates. You’ll hear back in minutes.

Ritz-Carlton Maui orGrand Wailea?

Same island. Different ends.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Suites with a kitchen.

Pools, slides and a big spa.

Maui, with room to spread out.

Same rate. More included.

Which one we’d book.

Questions, answered.

Tell us your dates. You’ll hear back in minutes.

Ritz-Carlton Maui or
Grand Wailea?