In Kihei and Wailea, expect a luxurious getaway
By Wanda A. Adams
Advertiser Travel Editor
After several hectic weekends researching where to stay and play in Kihei and Wailea, my strongest advice is this: Don't try to do too much. Pick one activity a day and leave the rest of your hours free for slower pursuits.
From a desk stacked with notebooks, brochures, guidebooks and rate cards, we've come up with these mix-and-match suggestions for a long weekend on Maui's southwest shore. Our plan assumes you've seen the rest of Maui and will concentrate on the area from Ma'alaea to Makena.
We've tailored hotel choices, dining suggestions and activities to various styles of travelers, from energetic, nature-oriented Gen X or Y groups to multi-age family groups and career couples. The rates shown are kama'aina rates in effect now and are subject to change.
Family fun
It's been a tough year, with everyone running in different directions, but you've worked for this: a few days with the family, to laugh together, learn together and have some adventures.
Our recommendations: Hang your papale at the Outrigger Wailea Resort. Spend half a day at the Maui Ocean Center (see story, Page E6). Take a whale watching cruise or dolphin sail (in season) with the Pacific Whale Foundation's Eco-Adventures, (808) 879-8811. Splash in the pool and ride the slides. One evening, check out fire knife dancer Ifi So'o at the Kahili Award-winning Wailea's Finest Lu'au at the hotel; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; show, buffet, open bar, $69 adults, $29 children, free under 5; (808) 874-7831. Schedule a long day at any of the three Kama'ole Beach Parks, which offer picnicking facilities, snorkeling, parking and restrooms.
About the hotel: The freshly renovated Outrigger Wailea Resort has almost everything the grander spots offer but with a very aloha feel, kama'aina sensitivities and reasonable rates. The rooms are generously sized, the restaurants understand local tastes (get buffet, brah) and there's are a resident halau and cultural activities. The kids will enjoy the pools and the adults the small but gracious Mandara Spa, which offers massage, facial and beauty treatments in a healing, flower-scented atmosphere. The staff is extremely attentive and careful to ascertain any health conditions that might affect your treatment. (800) 688-7444; $125-$750.
Stress-buster
You've just closed the last deal, filed the last report, met with the last customer and all you want to do is lie in a chaise and maybe roll over every hour or so. You'd kill for a massage, and the only thing you're dressing for is dinner.
Our recommendation: Stay at the so-tranquil Diamond Resort. Begin each morning with a swim in the pool or ocean, or a walk along Wailea resort path. Later, get a facial or massage in the Diamond Resort spa; then soak in the bath house before taking a nap (it's open noon to 10 p.m., no charge). Dine in-house one night; another night, have the ribs at Joe's Bar & Grill at the Wailea Golf Course, (808) 875-7767, or spend a romantic oceanside evening at Sarento's on the Beach, (808) 875-7555. Longhi's at the The Shops at Wailea, (808) 891-8883, is great for lunch, or try Tommy Bahama's, (808) 875-9983, upstairs for a mid-afternoon cocktail and pupu after a little shopping.
A round of golf wouldn't be too strenuous, would it? Makena North, (808) 879-3344, comes highly recommended for its challenge and the way it fits into the landscape. Another day, take Maui Classic Charters' cruise, (808) 879-8188, along the coast and over to Molokini for a little snorkeling.
About the hotel: Check in at the little-known Diamond Resort and your cares will roll off your shoulders and down the hill. This 12-year-old condominium resort was built as a co-operative private retreat for Japanese nationals, and it's still very, very Asian in feel and customs (the lovely tea set in the kitchen, the futons instead of rollaways).
But with the aging of the clientele, and the dip in the Japanese economy, the resort began welcoming nonmembers in 1995, and has added a small spa operation. All 72 condo units have a small kitchen, a living room equipped with TV and telephone, a roomy bedroom and a multiroom bath suite. Lanais look out to Molokini and 'Alalakeiki Channel.
The bath houses are extraordinary, with an immense furo, rain showers and changing rooms; separate facilities for men and women. At the very top of the property, the bath house is partly open to the ocean view, giving it a spacious and somewhat decadent feel. Restaurants include Taiko (sushi and sake), Le Gunji (French-style teppanyaki) or a new Italian eatery, Capische? (808) 874-0500; $140-$320, special rates often available.
On the go
You'd rather spend money on what you do than where you stay. You want to break a sweat at least once every day, and you'd rather be outdoors whenever the sun is shining.
Our recommendations: Bunk at the Maui Coast Hotel. Check out the many price-conscious restaurants along the Kihei strip. Spend your days kayaking and snorkeling in the 'Ahihi-Kina'u preserve with Makena Kayak, (808) 879-8426, riding horses at Makena Stables, following Maui Jeep Adventures makai route through 'Ulupalakua Ranch, (808) 876-1177, or taking a tennis clinic at Wailea Tennis Club, (808) 879-1958. Spend your nights checking out Hapa's Brew House, (808) 879-9001, eating sushi and singing karaoke (after 10 p.m.) at the new Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar in Kihei, (808) 879-0004.
About the hotel: Kihei's Maui Coast Hotel, as close to a motel as Hawai'i comes, is the choice of many kama'aina budget travelers. The rooms are utilitarian but pleasant, with suites available that can accommodate two couples or a family. There's a pool, laundry facilities, Jacuzzis in some rooms, and it's close to lots of budget restaurants. (808) 874-6284; $119-$179.
Adults only
It's time to get away, just the two of you, to recapture that old feeling and create some new memories. The kids, the dog and the cell phone will be staying at home.
Our recommendations: If money is no object, give yourself over to the luxurious perfection of the Four Seasons Wailea, a place where even the smallest touches — L'Occitane bath products, for example — are perfection. Or try the Fairmount Kea Lani, an all-suite hotel where the rooms seem to distill sunshine and the bathrooms alone are worth the price of admission.
In either case, book a cabana for a day by the pool. On another day, arrange for a couple of different treatments and some tub/shower/ tub time at the Grand Wailea Spa; this is Hawai'i's largest and most complete spa, a place where the hours vanish as you explore every possible method of pampering yourself.
If you like a little hip with your pasta, try Spago's for dinner. Aaron's at Kea Lani is a happening place; book early if you want to go there, especially if you want a lanai table. Another day, let the hotel pack you a lunch, put the snorkel gear in the car and head Makena way, driving slowly, stopping anywhere that looks interesting.
About the hotels: Even the most modest, far-from-the-sea room at the Four Seasons Wailea feels like heaven, and the service is exceptional, with staff eager to provide just any little thing you want (24-hour room service, honor bar, the whole bit). Bathrooms are sybaritic with two sinks, lots of thick towels and great amenities.
Besides Spago (very L.A.), there's Ferraro's at Seaside for light, fresh Italianesque meals in the open air. The pools and grounds are exceptionally beautiful, and this hotel never feels full or crowded.
The Fairmount Kea Lani bustles a bit more because of its family orientation, but you can rent one of the cabanas at the quieter adult pool. On the other hand, the swim-up bar is a hoot — friendly bartenders and sports on TV. The rooms are convenient and nicely appointed in a sort of house-at-the-beach style with lots of white and natural wood. There's a small refrigerator in every room and the excellent deli has everything you need for an in-room picnic, including a pricey but interesting wine selection. And there's a shop where you can rent videos, too, if you want to cocoon.
Four Seasons Wailea: (808) 874-8000; $260-$1,520. Fairmount Kea Lani: (808) 875-4100; suites, $239-$399 (includes breakfast buffet); villas, no kama'aina rates, $1,500-$2,200).
