6 Secrets for a
Great Vacation in Wailea

So, you're planning to go to Wailea? What insider secrets might help you get even more out of your trip?

Read on.

Here's a short list of things to make your trip even more enjoyable.

1. The Resort Walk: a great way to get fresh air and exercise
If you're looking for some exercise, and a great way to see the beaches and the major resorts in Wailea, you owe it to yourself to walk the Resort Walk at least one time. Round-trip is roughly 3 miles. It starts (to the South) at the Fairmont, and works its way North past the Four Seasons, the Grand, Marriott, and more. Tip: you can grab a cup of coffee at a stand on the path, making it a perfect morning outing. Word of warning: at night time, birds nest in the bushes and can get pretty vocal about you passing by. Our suggestion: make this a morning or day excursion.

2. Starbucks: if you just have to have the real thing
If you just have to have your Starbucks (and not some other brand), the Grand Wailea offers Starbucks coffee at its Cafe Kula casual dining restaurant. But if you need the "real" thing, head over to Kihei. There's a real Starbucks store at the Piilani Village Shopping Center (on Piikea Ave.). It's a quick 10 minute drive from the Wailea resorts, and well worth the drive at least once on your trip.

3. Rental Car: think small
A word to the wise: rent a small car. Reason: there's not much room to park in most places on the island. And quite frankly, you probably won't need all that much room in your car anyway (if you are taking short day-trips around the island). If you decide to self-park at your hotel, even some of the resort parking lots make it almost impossible to fit a large or luxury sized car. Go for a mid-size or compact car and make your life easier.

4. Breakfast: resort food, or quick and easy
Depending on your budget, here's a great tip (especially for familes): find out if your hotel room has a refrigerator in it, and get quick and easy items you can eat for breakfast in your room. Most people would rather have a quick bowl of cereal or a piece of fruit rather than a massive 4-course breakfast anyway. Head over to the grocery store in Kihei, pick up some orange juice, milk, and cereal. This should be more than adequate for at least a few easy, cheap breakfasts. If you're going all out for your vacation, of course you can order room service, or head to a resort restaurant (but be ready to pay more than you're used to for breakfast).

5. Restaurants: the resort restaurants aren't the only game in town
Your Wailea resort likley has one or more greaet restaurants. But don't forget that you can head over to the Shops at Wailea, which has several quality restaurants to choose from (from casual to a classic steak house). Depending on which hotel you are staying at, you can either walk over to the Shops, grab a hotel shuttle, or just drive over. However you get there, it's only a few minutes away and worth the trip.

6. Spa Grande: don't miss it
Even if you're not staying at the Grand Wailea, you owe it to yourself to call over to the Spa Grande to see if you can get in for some treatment (massage, facial, etc.), or to use the Terme hydrotherapy soaks. The Spa Grande is a can't miss for your trip to Wailea.