Andaz Maui vs Wailea Beach Resort
If you’re trying to figure out exactly where to stay on Maui, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve written a lot about the best places to stay, and today I’ve got another one of my “this vs that” posts for you. (If you’re looking for a full ranking of all the big resorts in Wailea, read this post).
So if you’ve narrowed your search down to Wailea and you’re trying to decide between the Wailea Beach Resort and the Andaz Maui, then this is exactly what you need to read…
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Andaz Maui vs Wailea Beach Resort
First off, while these are two GREAT beach resorts in one of the best resort areas of Hawaii and just a stone’s throw away from each other, it’s not exactly an apples to apples comparison.
But that’s why I’m writing this post!
The Andaz Maui is a true luxury resort. It’s comparable to the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton on Maui in terms of the quality of the property and the service. It’s in the top 1% of Hawaii beach resorts.
The Wailea Beach Resort is…just in a different category. I would say it’s a high end resort with a lot of great amenities but it’s not really luxury.
I’ve stayed at both and would HAPPILY go back to either and be thrilled to be there, but the point of this post is to do a nit-picky comparison between the two so you can find exactly what you’re looking for…so that’s what I’m going to do!
Before we get started (I’ve got a big favor to ask): If you find my blog and info AT ALL helpful, the absolute best thing you can do to help me out is to click through the links in this post. I make a small commission on your bookings and if you’re going to book a hotel anyways, it’s a WIN WIN. Thanks so much!
Andaz Maui vs Wailea Beach Resort…Which Is Better?
I’ve stayed at both and I’ve written pretty extensive reviews:
So which is better? Since I’ve already told you that these two resorts aren’t super comparable, I don’t want to rank them in every category and just keep telling you that the Andaz is “nicer” so I’m going to do this comparison a little differently.
I’ll let you know how these two resorts are similar (because they are in a few ways), how they’re different and then break down a few different scenarios of when I would recommend staying at one or the other.
How They’re Similar
Both of these resorts are big time Hawaii beach resorts with prime locations in Wailea on Maui’s south side. More specifically, they’re both located more towards the northern end of Wailea (they’re more or less next door to each other) with access to Ulua/Mokapu Beach.
While a lot of Hawaii beach resorts have a very traditional style (large scale, marble everywhere, lavish orchid flower arrangements, etc.), these two are definitely towards the modern, sleek, and trendy side of the spectrum. Basically, they’re both an Instagrammer’s dream.
They both have a terraced layout so when you enter the lobby, you’re more or less at the top of the resort and things are staggered down towards the ocean.
They both have quite a few pool options that make good use of the ocean front real estate. I think this is a result of them being more modern (the Andaz is the newest build in Wailea and the Wailea Beach Resort pretty much had a complete overhaul in recent years). I’ve noticed that more modern properties tend to have pools with a view whereas older, more traditional properties tend to have pools that seem more tucked up into the resort itself.
I’m a big fan of the pool set up where you’re looking OUT towards the beach and ocean instead of staring up at one of the hotel’s towers, so I really like both of these properties for this reason.
How They’re Different
Basically, they’re just fundamentally different. They each cater to a different demographic and while there are some similarities, I think in a lot of ways the Andaz just feels like a more “elite” version of the Wailea Beach Resort.
This is most evident in the rooms and the service.
Honestly, the rooms are the low point at the Wailea Beach Resort. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the only reason they get away with their quality of rooms is because they’re a Marriott and they’ve got a guaranteed audience in this location. Maui sells itself and they’re the premier (only beachfront) Marriott option in South Maui.
The rooms at the Wailea Beach Resort are what you’d expect from a Marriott airport hotel in your average American city. Perfectly adequate, but not on par for a sometimes $800-1200/night beach resort in Hawaii’s most exclusive resort area.
The rooms at the Andaz are what you’d expect them to be. Sleek and comfortable, good amenities, interesting design, luxury bathroom with top of the line bath products, etc.
And about service…both properties are staffed with extremely friendly and responsive employees, but the difference in the Andaz being luxury and the Wailea Beach Resort “just” being high end seems to be the difference in them coming to you and you having to seek them out.
The beach situation is also pretty different between the two. The Andaz sits directly on Mokapu Beach which I think is one of the best in Wailea. It’s not crowded (the Andaz is the only resort here), the snorkeling is good, and it’s a really long beach which is great if you like to go for walks. The Wailea Beach Resort is actually located oceanfront in between Wailea Beach and Ulua/Mokapu Beach. They do beach chair setup on Wailea Beach and depending on which end of the property you’re staying at (it’s kind of long and skinny) you could be a 5-15 minute walk from the beach. I don’t think it’s a huge negative, but I do give the advantage to the Andaz if the beach is a major factor for you.
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When I Would Stay at the Andaz
Okay, I’ve said that I love BOTH of these resorts, but I definitely think one or the other is better in certain situations.
If you’re used to staying at luxury and high end resorts, the Andaz is definitely going to live up to your expectations.
If it’s an adults only trip, I also think it’s a better fit. It’s not not kid friendly, but the property just doesn’t tend to attract a lot of kids.
If you’re going to do the daily breakfast buffet, Ka’ana Kitchen at the Andaz is (I think) the best in Wailea. Humble Market Kitchin at the Wailea Beach Resort is probably the worst. Read all about that here.
And if you want a quieter, more out of the way, lowkey environment, you’re going to be happier at the Andaz.
When I Would Stay at the Wailea Beach Resort
The Wailea Beach Resort (in my opinion) is one of the most accessible resorts in Wailea.
Here’s an exchange I had when I was staying there: We were actually leaving the pool our last afternoon to check out to move over to the Andaz and one of the guys working at the pool asked where we were going. When we told him, he said something like “man, the Andaz is probably the nicest property in Wailea but I always feel like I’m about to get in trouble when I’m there. It’s so much more chill here.”
And that kind of sums it up, folks! If you’re used to staying at high end luxury resorts, the Andaz is fabulous and you’re going to love it. If you’re not used to that (if it’s a once in a lifetime splurge trip, etc.) a lot of people feel more comfortable at the Wailea Beach Resort.
I didn’t ever feel like I was going to “get in trouble” when I was at the Andaz, but it definitely has a different vibe and a different clientele.
I think ultimately it’s not about the property (everyone who worked at the Andaz was sooooooo nice and friendly), but it’s more about the assumptions that YOU bring.
So anyways, a lot of people who might feel a little out of place or uncomfortable at a fancy schmancy hotel, feel right at home at the Wailea Beach Resort. Even though it’s pretty much also a fancy schmancy hotel ; )
The Wailea Beach Resort is also the better option if you have kids. Of any age really. They’ve got a whole kid pool area with some pretty legit water slides plus more splash pad/wade pool stuff for smaller kids. And a really nice family game room center right off the lobby. The Andaz doesn’t have anything like that.
Also, I think the Wailea Beach Resort gets a lot of guests who are attending a convention next door at the Grand Wailea but don’t want to pay their prices. It’s a nice (beautiful! scenic!) stroll over to the Grand Wailea and usually quite a bit cheaper.
Let’s Talk about MONEY
So if you’ve stayed with me to this point, it might be easy to assume that the Andaz is twice the price (or at least considerably more) than the Wailea Beach Resort and so most people are going to end up choosing based on price.
Logically (we’re talking luxury vs “nice”), the Andaz should be substantially more expensive, but surprisingly, it usually isn’t.
Now for one thing, Hawaii hotel prices since the reopening have been BONKERS so all patterns, logic, historic data, etc. have pretty much been thrown out the window.
From everything I know about hotels/value/amenities, I would say the Wailea Beach Resort should be about 20-30% less than the Andaz and sometimes it is, but oftentimes it’s about the same price.
Here’s the thing…you just can’t account for how hotel loyalty factors in:
Andaz = Hyatt
Wailea Beach Resort = Marriott
You’ve also got a Hilton in the neighborhood (Grand Wailea) and a Fairmont and a Four Seasons.
So it lets most of these properties more or less charge the same rate because a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium member is always going to book the Marriott option even if the Hyatt option next door is technically nicer and the same price. You’re just not going to walk away from your membership perks and the points you’ll earn (or the ability to cash in points for a free stay) on such an expensive stay.
So, some scenarios:
If you’re Marriott Bonvoy, obviously the Wailea Beach Resort is going to be your best option.
If you’re Hyatt, the Andaz is going to be the best option.
I don’t think the Andaz is radically superior enough to pay so much $$$ and not get the points/perks if you’re a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist. And vice versa. The savings on the Wailea Beach Resort isn’t usually big enough to stray from Hyatt.
If you don’t have loyalty with EITHER Marriott or Hyatt…I think I have to stick with my rule of thumb that the Wailea Beach Resort should be 20-30% less than the Andaz. So if it is for your dates, that makes the Wailea Beach Resort attractive. If the prices are the same, I can’t justify paying a premium to stay at the Wailea Beach Resort so I’d probably go with the Andaz.
Obviously, you’re going to have to weigh this with your preference for luxury and whether you’re bringing kids.
But like I always tell people…at the end of the day, if you’re lucky enough to be deciding between two resorts in Wailea…you’re lucky enough. There’s not a bad option here!
Want to read more posts about Maui? I’ve got plenty!
Things You Can ONLY Do on Maui // 4 Day Maui Itinerary // My Favorite Road to Hana Itinerary // Things to Do Upcountry // Tips for Sunrise at Haleakala National Park // Snorkeling Molokini Crater // Whale Watching
My Favorite Hotels on Maui // Where to Find Condos on Maui // Wailea vs Kaanapali // Every Resort in Wailea Ranked // Four Seasons Maui Review // Andaz Maui Review // Fairmont Kea Lani Review // Wailea Beach Resort Review // Four Seasons vs Andaz Maui // Andaz Maui vs Wailea Beach Resort
Best Restaurants in Wailea // Best Breakfast in Wailea & Kihei // Mama’s Fish House // Best Luaus in Wailea
My Favorite Things to Do in South Maui // Best Beaches in Wailea & Kihei // Road to Hana Tips // Driving the Backside of the Road to Hana // Where to See Turtles on Maui
Maui vs Kauai // Everything You Need to Know BEFORE you go to Maui