ALOHA AWAITS

Written by Taylon Faltas A s I step into the lobby of Maui’s Hotel Wailea one of the wonderful front desk associates, Adi, hands me a glass of Champagne and adorns my neck with a lei of purple orchids. Let’s face it, I was waiting for this moment the entire 5 hours and 12 minutes of that flight from LAX: I finally got lei’d. I soak in the breathtaking architecture and decoration–from the vaulted ceilings and exposed wooden beams to the solid, single piece of a Koa Tree, expertly crafted to serve as the check-in desk. My bags are swiftly taken from my hands, along with any worries I bring with me to the island.

With only 72 one-bedroom suites across 15 lush acres, this tranquil adults-only resort has me feeling relaxed the minute I step foot into my private oasis. Hotel Wailea’s newly remodeled Celebration Suites capture an island-chic decorative palette and allow natural light and air to circulate through the entirety of these top-floor sanctuaries. I take a stroll through the elegant, modern bedroom area and the restroom, where there is a towering stone shower and deep white bathtub: the ultimate rejuvenation station. The views from my suite overlook the neighboring island of Kaho’olawe and the smaller, crescent shaped island of Molokini. The inviting crystal blue waters glisten in the sun and the natural landscape of the property dances around me as I sip the last of my Champagne on the lanai.

A visit to the concierge desk reveals the wide array of activities offered, including Poolside Poke, Treehouse Dining, Aerial Silk Yoga, Tropical Mixology 101, and Sunset Sailing. I go for the Poolside Poke, a hands-on class in the art of creating delicious gourmet poke bowls. This class is taught by the incredibly experienced (and hilarious) Chef Krista. I am physically unable to wipe the smile off my face, even as she’s effortlessly filleting a fish before my eyes; her stories and expertise are unique and relevant to the cooking experience. The class can hold up to 16 students, but we are lucky to find that there is an intimate group of four poke students this evening.

The first fish we use is local Kona Kanpachi, perfectly portioned with house-made shoyu poke sauce. It’s followed by Pickled Hawaiian Shrimp paired with spicy tobiko mayo. Both proteins are mixed with sesame seeds, fresh ginger, ogo (seaweed), scallions, fried shallots, Maui Sweet Onion, and Hawaiian chili peppers. For the next course, Chef Krista brings out traditional hibachi grills and fresh Hawaiian Venison tenderloin to grill upon a bed of furikake rice with a side of tomato watermelon poke. Is your mouth watering yet? We finish the meal with a gourmet and boozy take on the s’more: homemade rum marshmallows topped with crumbled graham crackers and a dark chocolate drizzle. The best part? Everything is sustainably sourced—a true taste of the bounty the Hawaiian Islands have to offer.

Throughout my stay, the feeling of ohana is present in Hotel Wailea’s above-and-beyond level of hospitality. While the property is not beachfront, they certainly deliver me to the Maui seaside in style. Hotel Wailea has two Tesla Model Xs and a brand new convertible Jeep that escorts me to the beach–where the staff provides towels,

cold water, and seating–and anywhere else in Wailea within a 5-mile radius.

Sun-kissed and hungry, I step off the beach craving one thing: spam musubi. Palekana, born and raised on the island of Maui, knows exactly where to go for this Hawaiian delicacy. He picks me up in a sleek black Model X and takes me to Island Gourmet, said to be the best grocery store on the south side of the island. Juggling varieties of spam musubi in both hands, I climb back into the spaceship-esque vehicle and return to Wailea Beach, where my chaise lounge is waiting.

Post sunset, I head to dinner. The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea, rated one of Maui’s finest dining locations, certainly lives up to its mighty name. I begin with one of The Restaurant’s specialty beverages, the Lilikoi Martini, crafted with fresh passionfruit and locally made Pau Vodka, alongside the Torched Ahi appetizer served on brioche with avocado and Australian black truffle tare. For my entree I order one of the highly-praised items on the menu, the Grand Banks Diver Scallops–and grand they are! Each bite is perfectly seared, served with braised daikon, charred corn, XO sauce, and serrano ham. The delicious food combined with the twinkling lights draped over the dark green jungle below creates an enchanting dining experience.

My final day starts with complimentary aerial silk yoga in their Wellness Studio, stunning views included. The serenity of the studio and comforting embrace of the silks leaves me relaxed and ready to bask in the sun. I hop in a Tesla and travel to the beach to catch a few rays before my next excursion: sunset sailing. Gliding along the ocean on the Ali’i Nui, a 65’ catamaran stocked with a full bar, a gourmet dinner buffet, and a delightful crew is the most exquisite way to say goodbye to this picturesque paradise.

Hotel Wailea’s beauty and authentic touch provide a serene and memorable getaway for romantic partners, friends, and even the solo traveler to the beautiful island of Maui, so look no further than this wonderful slice of island life. Your home away from home awaits. A hui hou, Hawai’i. *

hotelwailea.com