It takes a moment to make memories and a lifetime to forget them.
For me, one of those moments was overlooking Wailea Beach being serenaded by an Israel Kamakawiwo’ole look-alike, playing the ukulele to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The song, dear to my heart as a child and now as a mother, always brings tears to my eyes, and for that moment in time- witnessing the simplicity of the music overlooking the ocean- is something my family and I will never forget.
That special moment was fitting especially because Wailea, located on Maui, often flaunts the most incredible rainbows. In fact, the Rainbow State will leave a footprint on your soul; it’s a place where dreams that you dream of come true.
We had the amazing opportunity to experience Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea- resort heaven for families. Upon arrival, we escaped all reality and embraced “living aloha,” a life of love and connectivity to nature.
The property is beautiful. Flawless. Exactly what you’d hope for, and more. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with fresh leis. The open-aired lobby lets you indulge in that fresh Hawaiian air, and right away, you’re overwhelmed with a feeling of never wanting to leave. The staff is warm and welcoming; in fact, throughout our entire stay, they were overly kind, attentive and accommodating.
Accommodations
Having three boisterous boys, we prefer spacious accommodations and usually go for a suite, but this time around, we opted for adjoining rooms... and it was perfection. Spacious and stunning, the boys’ room had double beds, their own bathroom, and a big balcony. Ours had a king bed, lovely bathroom, and another balcony with plush seating. There is so much detail in Four Seasons amenities. For example, the bathrooms had a wall unit offering an array of themed music selections. Everything was comfortable and beautiful, but what really wows you is the view. Our balcony overlooked the property’s lush grounds, in addition to the sand, beach, and sky (which turned orangey-pink every sunset).
The Property
The Wailea retreat is perfect for parents seeking a luxe getaway paired with a paradise for kids. There are lawn games, a stocked game room, and pool fun galore. The family pool has a little waterslide, and all the surrounding cabanas are free to use (there are also upgraded cabanas for reserve). Poolside service is great – kids’ meals for the win and Mai Tais for mama! There are additional pools for wading and an adults-only infinity pool.
The beach is steps away from the pools and the sand is the softest you’ll ever experience. The ocean water is warm; and while there’s often a little undertow, kids can easily splash around. I highly suggest snorkeling off the beach early in the morning to explore the majestic reefs. We saw a bunch of fish and sea turtles (keep in mind turtles are protected and cannot be touched). You can rent snorkels on property.
There are also walking paths around the property leading you through coastal Wailea where you can discover other beaches and picturesque photo opps.
Craving some adult time? Our boys went to the resort’s kid’s club and loved it. They did a scavenger hunt, played basketball, and did tons of crafts. Oh, and while they played, I got some me-time, indulging in an open-air massage and vitamin IV drip at the resort’s Next|Health.
Here’s another thing I love about Four Seasons Maui: their immersive cultural opportunities. The staff is adamant about exposing you to the Hawaiian culture, and they offer free activities for kids/adults. There are lei-making lessons, ukulele classes and more. Plus, there’s tons of nightly entertainment like the incredible fire dancers.
Dining
Guess what? At the Four Seasons, kids under 5 dine free! We kicked off every morning with room service breakfast (besides, we had the ultimate view and seating area via our balcony... and could eat in robes!).
The property has great dining options, my personal favorite being Ferraro’s. The view is incredible, overlooking the water, and the food is delicious- contemporary Italian seafood. Reserve a table for sunset!
Open for breakfast and dinner, DUO services premium steaks and local seafood in a casual, open-air setting (go for the crab cakes!). There’s also Spago- not quite for kids- stocked with Chef Wolfgang Puck’s fusion of Hawaiian and California cuisine. I also highly recommend the Lobby Lounge for drinks, appetizers, or a full dinner- it’s cool and comfortable for the whole family, and the live entertainment is fantastic.
Remember: sometimes you’ll never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.