The Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa is so much more than just a place to stay!!  The wonderful thing about the Grand Wailea is the appeal to every age & gender group.  Accommodations are luxurious, the food is award winning, the Spa is 50,000 square feet of relaxation, rejuvenation and wellness and there is a golf course!  What more could you want?

You want water!!  At the Grand Wailea the fun revolves around the ocean and the pools!  I have many clients who will book one or 2 nights at the Resort, just so they can play at the water park.  If the Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island of Hawaii is considered the Disneyland of Hawaii, the Grand Wailea is definitely the Wet and Wild of Maui!  Waterslides are big favorites.  With the wild Lava Slide with its 238 feet long drop of 3 stories or the Ana Puka Slide, a bit smaller, but takes you in a complete circle, with its 360-degree turn, will have you feeling like a teen-ager again.    My favorite is the Rapids Slide, with the whitewater rapids!  The water park area also features the only water elevator in the world, a rope bridge (watch those boys….they love to make it swing!) and 4 tile slides.

When the excitement of the pools tires you out: you can order a drink from the swim-up bar, order a massage poolside, or take a refreshing sauna.  How about a pedicure, or a henna tattoo, pool side! These spa services (and more) are available and you won’t even have to move out of your pool lounge.

The Grand Wailea also offers use of the Spa Grande cardio vascular and strength training facilities, as well as sunrise power walks, yoga, and water aerobics to help you stay in shape.  The Spa Grande, also offers nearly every spa treatment imaginable.
Families are often annoyed that at most hotels/resorts connecting rooms are not guaranteed.  Not at the Grand Wailea:  they will guarantee connecting rooms.  What a refreshing concept for families.  Also, Hawaii has passed a non-smoking law similar to Washington’s.  All rooms at the Grand Wailea are non-smoking and any smokers will be asked to smoke on the lanais or other designated areas.

Room choices at the Grand Wailea vary from the standard room, or the Terrace category, the Napua Club rooms, which offer upgraded amenities such as continental breakfast and evening cocktails.  Many rooms offer unobstructed ocean views, or views of the tropical gardens.  Two bedrooms accommodations are also available.

You will probably need to check out the fitness facility after that gourmet meal at the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a  Restaurant.  There are several other restaurants available, too.    Oh, and you can get food at the pool, too!

Thinking of a wedding in Maui?  The Grand Wailea has its own seaside wedding chapel, and a beautiful gazebo as well as the beach or gardens to host your wedding.  This year they are offering a special “Take it to the Nines” wedding package, with free nights, discounted rooms, and discounts on catering or other wedding services.  You would also have the services of the Grand Wailea wedding coordinators.

Grand Wailea, as you can see, if a resort that caters to families, weddings, honeymooners, and couples needing some time away from it all!  If this sounds like your kind of vacation, please give our office a call or email me at sandi@totemtravel.com.

“Get Personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!”

-Sandi
1 (425) 821-4100
1 (800) 321-7907
sandi@totemtravel.com

When a well traveled friend dropped by to chat, she positively drooled over the fabulous beach at the Hapuna Prince Resort in Hawaii.  Since we agree it’s the best beach on the Big Island and the Hapuna Prince is one of our favorite resorts for a family vacation, we asked if she’d like to share her thoughts with the rest of the world.  Here’s her report….  we enjoyed it and think you will too!

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Okay, okay so my doctor didn’t say “Your stress levels will be reduced substantially if you sit on a beach once a month for ten days!” But if I could sit on this beach again for any amount of time, I’d do it. Some of the best snorkeling and swimming any one could want helps melt away that horrid stress at the shoulders. Ahhh…………..!

The middle of June found us on one of the best trips to Hawaii we’ve ever had. We’re very fortunate to have been to Paradise many times and quite honestly when someone asks “so, you’ve been to Hawaii a lot, which island is your favorite?” I always say, “the one I was on last.” I love them all! They’re all so different but we always have a great time no matter which we visit or how long we stay. Being on the West Coast makes it fairly easy to hop over (if you call a 4 1/2 – 5 hour flight a hop?!) even for a few nights, especially if we just stay on Oahu. Haven’t been to Molokai or Lanai yet so I can’t really say anything about them. Once in Hawaii you forget all about the flight anyway.

This is the beach at the Hapuna Beach Prince on the Big Island.  Even though the Big Island isn’t known for great beaches like Maui, I have to say this beach was superb. Long, wide and very few people on it. Hapuna State Park is down from this part of the beach that’s right in front of the hotel. Lots of people walked (or ran) all the way past the park and back….not me, I’d rather watch. Seeing others “workin’ it” helps my stress too!!

The kids (13 & 17) loved having so much space to do their boogie boarding and of course we loved not having to fight for a chair or space. This age is a tad challenging so watching our guys  play together while they’re in this teenage “I’m so cool” time in their lives did a world of good for their dad and me. There weren’t many teen girls when we were there so that probably had a lot to do with them letting their boyhood show versus their “mental manhood” shouting for attention!!

The staff at this hotel was great, the rooms are big and it was nice having a large patio (lanai…sorry, gotta get with the local lingo!) where all four of us could watch the sunset. Do our kids really care about the sunset? Not so much! But when we make them slow down (put the Nintendo DS down!!) sip their juice or soda while we have our wine watching those glorious sunsets, we’re hoping this will be some of their favorite memories. It does promote conversation about beautiful things, not being something material which we definitely try to encourage at every opportunity.

One quick comment on material things…if you haven’t done the Hawaii Forest and Trail Mauna Kea Tour of the Stars, make sure you do it next you visit the Big Island! It’s spendy especially for the 4 of us (yikes!) but worth every penny. We were very lucky, the sky was so clear it was white with so many stars. I’d much rather put my money into an experience like that than any material thing!! (Boys! – Put down the Nintendo DS!!)

The bad thing? We ended up being so relaxed with comfortable beds, great food, long lazy days that we didn’t take as many pictures as we normally do. Now that we’re home we have some regrets about that but on the other hand, the memories made will always be vivid reminders; you just can’t put that in your wallet.

Speaking of wallet – another nice thing about this hotel is you can visit another hotel just up from this one, the MaunaKea. I think they have the same owners because you can eat there, use the Spa (don’t ask me why but I’m not really a spa woman – odd I know) which according to a woman at the pool was wonderful. You can even sit at their beach bar and sign your bill to your room at the Hapuna. We really liked the beach bar, Hau. And even though we were staying at Hapuna, we took the shuttle (free) between the two hotels and used the beach there a couple of times. We didn’t have dinner over there because we ordered room service at the Hapuna a couple of times (in room movies – even in Hawaii…..”boys, put the Nintendo DS down! We’re watching this movie as a family!”) But we ate at their Ocean Grill which was very good. My husband and I love beets and their beet salad is one of the best I’ve ever had. It’s served in a tall glass of sorts, can’t explain it but it really works!

We toured the Volcano which to me, if you visit the Big Island and don’t see the lava flowing……frankly, I think you’re nuts! This is earth growing people! Of course the main reason was to show the boys. Both of them thought it was way cool so we scored on that one. There are lots of things to do on this island but really, this trip was about sitting on the beach. A great stretch of sand with nothing but shades of blue stretching for as far as you can see is just what the Dr. ordered!

We had Totem Travel make our arrangements and I highly recommend them. Sandi knows Hawaii and was the one that suggested this hotel. When we looked at different hotel websites  – the boys had wanted to go to the Hilton Waioloa that was much bigger and offered a dolphin experience. While the hotel seemed like it would be very nice, we just couldn’t see ourselves having to walk too far to the beach. We wanted a great beach close, and the best view we could get for the money. Sandi listened and ended up making the perfect recommendation.

Please call Sandi @425-821-4100 or email sandi@totemtravel.com, to follow your Dr’s orders for that relaxing family vacation!

Maui is an island that has it all.  Beautiful beaches, lots of great snorkeling, beautiful waterfalls, sunsets to take your breath away, and wonderful hiking and biking trails.  I have been to Hawaii many times, but was really blown away by Maui.

When we arrived in Maui it was raining but that’s pretty normal for Hawaii.  It rains everyday just a little bit…..that’s how it stays so lush.  Soon, the rain stopped and the rainbows appeared.  It’s not unusual to see double rainbows after an afternoon shower.  Our first 2 nights were spent in the ResortQuest Maui Hill condominium property in the little town of Kihei, about 30 minutes south of the airport.  We had a beautiful 2 bedroom unit, with an oceanview.  This property is not on the beach, but it is a very good option for those who are more interested in exploring the island, and experiencing Maui. Kihei   is a good jumping off point for a visit to the Haleakala National Park, where you can hike the two-mile trail through a rain forest to the 400 foot Waimoku Falls!   Another trail leads to ‘Ohe’o Gulch with many pools, where the swimming is fantastic.  Just make sure you follow the posted signs for your safety while hiking into “interior”.

On the west side of the island, is Old Lahaina Town.  This little town is both historic and fun.  There are so many little shops, great restaurants, and charm.  Lahaina was once the royal capital, a rowdy whaling port and missionary headquarters!  Quite a mix!  There are several museums which boast period-piece displays, as well as attractions like the Lahaina Kaanapali Railroad, which is a reminder of plantation days in Maui.

Lahaina Town comes alive in the evening with luaus, piano bars &, dancing to live music.  We had so much fun shopping and trying a new restaurant every day.  I loved the atmosphere & Oceanside dining of the “Cheeseburgers in Paradise”.

Staying in Kaanapali the next 4 nights was a real treat.  The Hyatt Regency, on Kaanapali Beach, is a resort in itself.  From penguins in the lobby pool, to the coconut crème’ brule in the dining room, to the rooms overlooking the golf course and ocean—a view of both at the same time!  Kaanapali Beach is home to Black Rock with the best snorkeling on the island, maybe in Hawaii; the Golf Courses offer a real challenge, and the wind surfers and kite surfers are fun to watch.  Sorry, I didn’t try that, but it sure looks like fun.  Maybe next time!

If you are looking for something a bit quieter and maybe a bit less expensive than the Kaanapali Beach area, Napili and Kahana, just a short drive north, may be the place for you.  The beaches are in sheltered coves, which is very good for small children.  There are many moderately priced hotels and condos in this area, as well as shopping and lots of restaurants.

Kapalua is at the very north point on the west side of Maui.  This area is home to many luxury hotels, such as the Ritz Carlton.  But the real draw is the Plantation Golf Course, which is home to the PGA Tour Mercedes Benz Championship.  One of my traveling companions, an avid golfer, was coveting a chance to play this course, but decided the green fees were outside her budget.  Didn’t stop us from admiring the course and the beautiful views from the cliffs.

If you think that Maui is the place for you, please give me a call!  I would love to help you plan the perfect honeymoon, second honeymoon, or family vacation to the Valley Isle of Maui.  Aloha, Sandi@totemtravel.com

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Last week, the Travel Channel was in Hawaii conducting “Man on the Street” interviews with a grand prize of 24 hours at the Bungalows at Mauna Lani Bay .  Since I toured the Bungalows in December, and know the going rate is $6000 per night with a 10 night minimum stay, I was especially interested… that was quite a prize!

The smallest bungalow at Mauna Lani is 2500 square feet and has a pool, hot tub, and private butler.  The whole experience begins when guests are met at the airport by their butler and transported to the Bungalows by limousine.  And that’s just the beginning!  Perhaps you’d like your butler to arrange a 1/2 day private hike near the volcanoes with catered luncheon for a mere $1500.  Or, after a strenuous day of hiking, ask him to draw a bubble bath, complete with candles and champagne.  Your wish is his command and a stay at the Mauna Lani Bungalows is all about pampering, privacy and luxury!

If $6K per night would stretch your budget a bit, perhaps the Hilton Waikoloa Village is more to your taste.  The Hilton is considered the “Disneyland of Hawaii” with fabulous pools, 3 story waterfall and swim with the dolphin program.  The lazy river and waterslides are something both kids and adults love, you can snorkel in a huge saltwater lagoon and you’ll feel like “Indiana Jones’ while trying to keep your balance on the swinging rope bridge…the kids love to make it swing!

The Big Island has lots to offer in the way of activities such as the Volcanoes National Park.  The black lava fields look like Highway 405 has been hit by an earthquake.  If you can imagine black top erupting, that’s how the lava fields look.  On each side of the road through the fields are steam vents with steam rising from the volcano.  Hiking in Volcanoes National Park is not your garden variety wilderness trek, but the rewards are worth the challenge.  Where else can you see lava, cinders, steam vents rifts, craters, tree molds, a lava tube (where the lava has tunneled underground) and views of new life struggling through the past devastation. Since most of the hikes in the Volcanoes National Park are quite long, and some are arduous, it is advisable to not try and see the entire park in one day.  Volcano House is the only hotel in the park, and offers rooms with a view of the crater.  Hawaiiana is alive and well at the Volcano House.  Koa wood furniture & Hawaiian quilts are featured in each room.The summit of Mauna Kea, another of the Big Islands many volcanoes, also boasts 13 active telescopes, including the world’s largest optical/infrared telescope.  Yes, you can visit and have your very own “tour of the stars”. In Hilo, visit the new ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center.  The planetarium offers several shows per day, and the center has many interactive exhibits, which are popular with the keikis (children). So if you are thinking the Big Island or any Hawaiian destination, please give me a call.  Mahalo!  Sandi

One of my favorite vacation destinations is Hawaii. Personally, I love Oahu. It is a very busy bustling city, with tourism being, by far, the biggest industry. Many travelers do not enjoy all of the chaos of a big city, but if you can look past that, the sights in and around Honolulu, are wonderful.

I lived in Honolulu for 2 years in the late 70’s….yes, I am THAT old! My children were very young and enjoyed the freedom of being outside every day, all day long. The weather is incredible! Most of the year Hawaii enjoys 80-85 degree weather everyday. Usually, the trade winds are blowing which keeps the humidity down, so the warmth is very agreeable. Every day in Hawaii it rains. But the rain is warm and welcome, and only lasts about 15 minutes or so. This is what keeps Hawaii beautiful. There are a couple of weeks, early in the year, that tends to be wetter. I can help you book the right time to avoid, hopefully, the “winter” in Hawaii.

In Honolulu, there are many historical sights that you will not want to miss. The first place most visitors want to visit is Pearl Harbor. The museum depicting the attack is very real. You are also able to visit the Arizona Memorial by Navy vessel. The feeling you get from visiting an actual National Cemetery, the ship was never raised and the sailors remains are still on board, is very surreal. You can still see oil from the Arizona floating to the top of the water.

Another great attraction on Oahu is the Polynesian Cultural Center. The Center is about an hour and a half from Honolulu. I suggest driving to the Center via the North Shore of Oahu. Here you will encounter the biggest waves on the Island. This area is definitely not for amateur surfers.

Once arriving at the Polynesian Cultural Center, you will experience cultures from all of Polynesia. New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, Guam, and the Cook Islands are a few of the areas that are represented in the “villages”. This is an all-day, and into the evening, excursion, but very much worth it. Do not miss the Polynesian Show in the evening. This is the BEST Polynesian Show on the Island, in my opinion! I have seen it several times and am amazed by the show every time.

There are so many interesting and fun things to do in and around Honolulu. This is a great family vacation destination. Something for everyone. Teenagers especially enjoy the activity of Honolulu. Waikiki is a bit hit, as well.