These ultra-entertaining feasts have their roots in ancient Polynesia, when the second king of the united Hawaiian Islands lifted the kapu that banned men and women from eating together—and royalty from dining with common subjects.
That groundbreaking event in 1819 became known not as a luau (indeed, in the traditional sense, “luau” refers to a cherished dish of chicken and taro cooked in coconut milk) but as an ‘aha‘aina—literally, a “gathering for a meal.”
They don’t call it grand for nothing: The Grand Wailea—a Waldorf Astoria Resort on the south shore of Maui—has it all: beauty and romance, leisure and play, elegance and authenticity, glee and tranquility.
So spectacular is this spot, in fact, that U.S. News & World Report named it one of the top ten luxury resorts on the Valley Isle, while it caters to more than half a million visitors annually.
Planning to count yourself as one of them? Whether you’re on your way there or are dreaming up the vacation of a lifetime, here are 10 things you should know about the Grand Wailea before arriving:
But as stunning and powerful as the inaccurately-nicknamed Seven Sacred Pools (‘Ohe’o Gulch) might be, the Kipahulu hot spot doesn’t have the monopoly on Maui’s hallowed places. Indeed, beyond the postcard-perfection of the island’s beaches, Maui is home to a number of exquisite sites that have long been deeply revered.
One of the many boons of visiting Maui is that your choices for fun aren’t limited solely to land: Maui County includes two gorgeous islands that are accessible by ferry, its outer islet of Molokini supplies some of the best Maui snorkeling, and its 120 miles of coastline offer ample opportunities for splashing in the water.
And what water it is. The slice of Pacific upon which Maui County rests presents some of the clearest and warmest water in the world. While hopping in straight from the sand is one of the greatest pleasures the island affords, boating trips deliver a fresh perspective on the Valley Isle’s splendor. Read More
But with so many places to see and activities to experience, narrowing down those to-dos can be tricky. Here are 27 of the best ways to spend your Maui vacation—and why they should ascend to the top of your bucket list:
