Introduction

Aloha and welcome to your guide to one of Hawaii’s most modern retreats! The Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is a 15-acre beachfront sanctuary that redefines the luxury resort experience. As of 2026, Andaz Maui continues to lead the way in "urban residential" design on the island, stripping away the traditional, often dated "grand hotel" aesthetics in favor of a sleek, minimalist, and authentic Hawaiian feel.

Managed by Hyatt, the resort is a Category 8 property, placing it at the very top of the brand's luxury tier. It features 320 guest rooms, including suites and multi-bedroom villas, all designed to feel like high-end residential homes. The property is famously one of the most popular resorts while maintaining a distinct "cool" factor that attracts couples and younger luxury travelers seeking a more vibrant atmosphere than the neighboring legacy resorts.

Points vs. Cash | Andaz Maui

As of 2026, the Andaz Maui is a Category 8 property in the World of Hyatt program. This means a standard room typically requires 35,000 to 45,000 points per night, depending on peak or off-peak dating. Given that cash rates for standard rooms often fluctuate between $900 and $1,400 per night (before the ~$50 daily resort fee), points redemptions frequently provide a value of 2.5 to 3.5 cents per point, which is an excellent use of Hyatt currency.

For Globalist members, using points is particularly lucrative because the resort fee and parking (often exceeding $50/night) are waived on award stays. If you are paying cash, it is often wise to look for "Fifth Night Free" promotions or book through Hyatt Privé to secure breakfast credits and room upgrades. Factually, this is one of the hardest Hyatt properties globally to find "Standard" point availability, so booking 12–13 months in advance is almost a necessity.

Location | Andaz Maui

Located at 3550 Wailea Alanui Drive, the Andaz sits on the world-renowned South Shore of Maui. It boasts direct, private access to Mokapu Beach, a crescent-shaped gem known for its golden sand and calm turquoise waters. This location is factual: you are situated at the beginning of the Wailea Beach Path, a scenic 1.5-mile trail that winds along the coastline, connecting you to the island's most prestigious resorts and dining venues.

The resort is exceptionally well-placed for both relaxation and exploration. It is a mere 5-minute drive (or a 15-minute walk via the coastal path) to The Shops at Wailea, where you’ll find high-end boutiques and local eateries. For golfers, the property is centrally located near the Wailea Gold, Emerald, and Old Blue courses. Factually, it is about a 30-minute drive from Kahului Airport (OGG), making it one of the most accessible luxury enclaves on the island.

Hotel Grounds | Andaz Maui

The grounds of the Andaz Maui are truly unique, designed by the Rockwell Group to orient every guest toward the ocean. The most striking architectural feature is the series of three cascading infinity pools that descend like a waterfall toward the beach. This tiered design creates a stunning visual "mirror" of the Pacific, ensuring that no matter where you are on the pool deck, the horizon remains your primary focal point.

Lush, indigenous landscaping—including hibiscus, plumeria, and towering palms—softens the modern lines of the white-washed buildings. The entry experience is equally distinctive: you cross a bridge over a lantern-lit pool into an open-air lobby with a sandpit "check-in" area, immediately removing the barrier between indoor and outdoor living. This intentional layout is factual and serves to immerse you in the island's natural elements from the second you arrive.

1 King Bed Ocean View | Andaz Maui

The 1 King Bed Ocean View room is a 380-to-420-square-foot haven of contemporary design. The room feels airy and "clean," featuring white oak flooring, lava stone accents, and crisp white linens that reflect the natural sunlight. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a private lanai, where the "Ocean View" designation factually guarantees a clear sightline to the Pacific—perfect for whale watching during the winter months.

Inside, the room is packed with high-tech amenities, including an iPad for resort services, a Nespresso machine, and a complimentary minibar stocked with local snacks and non-alcoholic beverages (replenished daily). The aesthetic is minimalist, which makes the room feel larger than its footprint suggests. It doesn't feel like a cluttered hotel room; it feels like a sophisticated, beachside studio.

The "vibe" of the room is one of understated luxury. There are no heavy drapes or ornate carpets; instead, you have automated shades and organic textures. This design choice is factual and aligns with the Andaz brand's "unscripted" philosophy, aiming to provide a space that feels like a modern Hawaiian home rather than a cookie-cutter resort.

Bathroom | 1 King Bed Ocean View

The bathroom in the Ocean View King is one of the most talked-about features of the resort. It is a large, marble-clad space that features a "peek-a-boo" rain shower with a glass wall that looks directly into the bedroom and out toward the ocean. For those who value privacy, there are wooden shutters that can be closed, but the open design factually helps the entire suite feel more spacious and connected to the view.

The resort uses premium Maile bath products, a local Hawaiian brand known for its invigorating koke'e (greenery) and mango scents. The vanity is a floating teak slat design that provides plenty of room for two people. While some find the open-concept shower a bit unconventional, it is highly functional, with excellent water pressure and a separate water closet for privacy.

Amenities | Andaz Maui

The three cascading infinity pools are the heart of the resort’s social scene, while a separate adults-only pool offers a quieter retreat near the spa. The fitness center is open 24 hours and is stocked with modern Technogym equipment and Peloton bikes. Factual amenities included in your resort fee often cover GoPro rentals, snorkeling gear, and daily fitness classes like sunset yoga or outrigger canoeing excursions.

The 'Āwili Spa and Salon is a world-class facility that takes a "chemist" approach to wellness. Instead of a standard menu, therapists work with you to blend local botanicals and oils tailored to your specific needs. The spa includes a sauna, steam room, and a heated plunge pool. This personalized approach to spa treatments is a factual hallmark of the property, emphasizing the Hawaiian principle of hoʻonanea (ease and peace).

Dining | Andaz Maui

Dining at the Andaz is anchored by Ka’ana Kitchen, which serves a legendary buffet breakfast (complimentary for Globalists) featuring made-to-order juices and local specialties. For dinner, it serves family-style Hawaiian dishes in an open-kitchen environment. Morimoto Maui, by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, is the resort's heavy hitter, offering world-class sushi and fusion dishes right on the beachfront.

For a more casual experience, Bumbye Beach Bar is the spot for poolside Wagyu burgers, while Lehua Lounge offers artisan cocktails and small bites with the best sunset views on the property. The Mokapu Market is a 24-hour deli and shop, perfect for grabbing a flatbread or local gelato at any hour. These dining options are factual and consistently ranked among the best in Wailea.

The In-Room Dining experience is equally refined, arriving with a "white tablecloth" setup on your private lanai. Ordering a sunset dinner to your room is a highly recommended experience, as the menu includes many of the hits from Ka’ana Kitchen. The service is fast, professional, and captures the essence of private luxury dining without needing to leave your sanctuary.

Curated for Class?

For a first-time visitor to Maui, the Andaz Maui at Wailea offers the most modern and "hip" version of Hawaii available. Compared to the Grand Wailea (which is much larger and more commercial) or the Four Seasons (which is more traditional and formal), the Andaz occupies a unique middle ground of high-design and relaxed luxury. It is less about "grandeur" and more about "vibe" and "connection."

If you are a Hyatt loyalist, this is factually one of the best uses of points in the entire system. However, be aware that the rooms are smaller than the all-suite Fairmont Kea Lani next door. If you want a sleek, adult-friendly (but still family-capable) resort with the best pools on the island and an incredible culinary scene, the Andaz Maui is your clear winner for 2026.

Curated for Class Final Score | 40.5/50

Save your Hyatt points and make sure you book yourself a good time at the Andaz Maui. The Three-tiered infinity pools and the sunrises are almost mesmerizing, and so are the cash prices for some of the suites. Worth the booking if you have a stash of Hyatt points ready.

Ambiance: 8/10

Room: 8/10

Food & Beverage: 8/10

Service: 8/10

Does it Feel Special: 8.5/10

Hotel Review: The Andaz Maui, by Hatt