Grand Wailea vs. Four Seasons Maui: Which Maui Resort Is Better?
If you’re planning a trip to Maui and deciding between Grand Wailea vs. Four Seasons Maui, you’re not alone! this is one of the most common questions I get. And, after growing up traveling to Maui as a kid, getting married in Maui, and now traveling there yearly with my OWN children, I have opinions.. and as always, I’m going to be completely honest with you guys here in my review of both… So let’s get into it.
Both Four Seasons Maui and Grand Wailea are located in Wailea, both beachfront, and both considered two of the VERY best luxury Maui resorts… but even though they are literally next-door to each other, they are worlds apart – and offer very different experiences once you’re actually there.
I’ve stayed at both, and the decision really comes down to who you’re traveling with and what kind of trip you want to have.
Wearing our matching vacation family outfits!
Jetset Christina Perks at Grand Wailea:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
- $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
As a luxury travel advisor, I get you VIP perks at Grand Wailea (at NO cost to you), which include:
- Daily breakfast for 2
- Room upgrades (when available)
- $100 resort credits
- Early check-in / late check-out
- VIP status on property
And more importantly, I can help you choose the one that actually fits your trip, which is what really makes the difference here. Fill out an inquiry form and let’s chat!!
Jetset Christina Preferred Partner Perks at Four Seasons Maui:
- Daily full breakfast for two people per bedroom, served in a hotel restaurant or through In-Room Dining
- Hotel/Resort Credit* (based on room category booked):
• Guest Rooms: USD 100 credit per stay
• Suites and Specialty Suites: USD 200 credit per stay
• Villa & Residence Rentals: USD 200 credit per bedroom per stay - Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in*
As a luxury travel advisor, I get you VIP perks at Four Seasons Maui (at NO cost to you)
I can also help you choose the one that actually fits your trip, which is what really makes the difference here. Fill out an inquiry form and let’s chat!!
Four Seasons Maui:
Four Seasons Maui is one of those resorts I recommend over and over again! and every time I go back, I remember why.
It’s calm, polished, and just incredibly easy in a way that’s hard to describe until you’re there. It feels like a home away from home.
You wake up, grab coffee at DUO, wander the coastal Wailea walk, then head to breakfast, the pool, the beach, and the whole day just flows.
What FS Maui Does Best
Service!
Especially on a Hawaii honeymoon or a babymoon or when traveling with little ones, service is everything.
Rooms that actually feel like luxury
If you’re comparing Four Seasons Maui vs. Grand Wailea rooms, I think FS Maui wins. Grand Wailea’s rooms are dated. BUT Grand Wailea recently renovated their new Napua tower so if staying there in that tower, the rooms are recently renovated.
Perfect for couples and babymoons
If you’re searching for a babymoon hotel in Maui or a romantic escape, I’d send you to FS Maui over Grand Wailea every time.
It’s peaceful, elevated, and never feels chaotic. Grand Wailea is designed for families. FS Maui has something for everyone. (a great adults only pool area that is a true oasis, or a great family pool if you have kids, everything)
One of the best Maui resorts for toddlers and babies
I say this all the time, but Four Seasons Maui is one of the best resorts in Maui for families with toddlers.
- Calm, manageable pools, a toddler pool area with cabanas, poolside pack n’ plays for naps (!!!) and a little baby water slide!
- Spacious rooms that work well with cribs
- Staff that is incredibly accommodating with kids
It’s the kind of place where traveling with a baby actually feels… relaxing.
Jetset Tip:
At Four Seasons Maui, I always recommend booking Garden View or higher — “mountainside” views face the parking area, and it’s worth the upgrade here.
Adults-only pool + elevated feel
Even though it’s very family-friendly, the adults only pool is the best pool in HawaiI!!!! You can definitely feel like you’re in your own adults only hotel here as well.
Grand Wailea: Best Maui Resort for Kids (Especially Older Kids)
Grand Wailea is iconic. and if you’re researching best resorts in Maui for kids, it’s going to come up for a reason.
This resort is all about fun, activity, and energy.
What Grand Wailea Does Best
The pools and water slides (this is the main event)
If you’re looking for a Maui resort with water slides, this is it.
Lazy river, multiple slides, waterfalls! it’s essentially a built-in Hawaii waterpark.
Best for families with older kids
If your kids are old enough to run around, explore, and want constant entertainment, Grand Wailea is going to feel like the best trip ever to them.
More lively, social atmosphere
Compared to Four Seasons, this is a much more high-energy resort. It’s busy, fun, and very family-forward.
Jetset Tip:
If your kids are under ~5, you may not fully take advantage of the slides !in that case, Four Seasons is usually the better overall luxury travel experience!
Where Grand Wailea May Fall a Bit Short
Rooms are simple
They’re comfortable, but they don’t feel as updated or luxurious.
It can feel crowded
Because it’s one of the most popular family resorts in Maui, it naturally feels busier! especially around the pools.
Less personalized service
With the scale of the resort, the experience feels less tailored compared to Four Seasons.
Which Is Better: Grand Wailea or Four Seasons Maui?
Choose Four Seasons Maui if:
- You want the best luxury resort in Maui overall
- You’re planning a babymoon or couples trip
- You’re traveling with a baby or toddler
- You care about service, calm energy, and an elevated feel
Choose Grand Wailea if:
- You’re looking for the best Maui resort for older kids
- Water slides and pools are a priority
- You want built-in entertainment throughout the day
- You don’t mind a busier, more high-energy environment
My Honest Opinion – Grand Wailea or Four Seasons Maui?
- Four Seasons Maui → best for couples, babymoons, and families with babies or toddlers
- Grand Wailea → best for families with older kids who want pools, slides, and activity
If you’re looking for the best luxury hotel in Maui for couples or young families with babies or toddlers → Four Seasons
If you’re looking for the best Maui resort for bigger kid fun and water slides → Grand Wailea
If you’re booking EITHER of these hotels, I get my readers VIP Jetset perks (and often preferred rates!) at both! So reach out to me with your dates via email here and i’ll get right back to you.
If you’re asking which hotel is “better,” it’s Four Seasons Maui. But if you’re asking which hotel is better for your specific trip, that’s where it gets more nuanced!!
There are moments at Four Seasons where everything just feels effortless and luxe, the kind of trip you actually come home from feeling truly rejuvenated and rested.
And then there’s Grand Wailea, where you can practically hear kids saying “this is the best day ever” from across the pool. If you have big kids – how can you NOT go here??
Both can be right! just for different reasons.
Booking Tip: How to Get the Best Value at Both Hotels
I book both as a luxury travel advisor. And I can get you VIP perks at Grand Wailea and Four Seasons Maui (at NO cost to you), which include:
- Daily breakfast for 2
- Room upgrades (when available)
- $100 resort credits
- Early check-in / late check-out
- VIP status on property
And more importantly, I can help you choose the one that actually fits your trip, which is what really makes the difference here. Fill out an inquiry form and let’s chat!!
