This post may contain some affiliate links, which means I’ll make a little money on anything you choose to purchase. But of course, I only recommend my absolute favorites to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make HulaLand possible.

If you’re trying to figure out exactly where to stay on Maui, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve written a lot about the best places to stay, and today I’ve got another one of my “this vs that” posts for you. (If you’re looking for a full ranking of all the big resorts in Wailea, read this post).

So if you’ve narrowed your search down to Wailea and you’re trying to decide between the Wailea Beach Resort and the Andaz Maui, then this is exactly what you need to read…

Andaz Maui vs Wailea Beach Resort

First off, while these are two GREAT beach resorts in one of the best resort areas of Hawaii and just a stone’s throw away from each other, it’s not exactly an apples to apples comparison.

But that’s why I’m writing this post!

The Andaz Maui is a true luxury resort. It’s comparable to the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton on Maui in terms of the quality of the property and the service. It’s in the top 1% of Hawaii beach resorts.

The Wailea Beach Resort is…just in a different category. I would say it’s a high end resort with a lot of great amenities but it’s not really luxury.

I’ve stayed at both and would HAPPILY go back to either and be thrilled to be there, but the point of this post is to do a nit-picky comparison between the two so you can find exactly what you’re looking for…so that’s what I’m going to do!

Before we get started (I’ve got a big favor to ask): If you find my blog and info AT ALL helpful, the absolute best thing you can do to help me out is to click through the links in this post. I make a small commission on your bookings and if you’re going to book a hotel anyways, it’s a WIN WIN. Thanks so much!

Andaz Maui vs Wailea Beach Resort…Which Is Better?

I’ve stayed at both and I’ve written pretty extensive reviews:

Wailea Beach Resort Review

Andaz Maui Review

So which is better? Since I’ve already told you that these two resorts aren’t super comparable, I don’t want to rank them in every category and just keep telling you that the Andaz is “nicer” so I’m going to do this comparison a little differently.

I’ll let you know how these two resorts are similar (because they are in a few ways), how they’re different and then break down a few different scenarios of when I would recommend staying at one or the other.

How They’re Similar

Both of these resorts are big time Hawaii beach resorts with prime locations in Wailea on Maui’s south side. More specifically, they’re both located more towards the northern end of Wailea (they’re more or less next door to each other) with access to Ulua/Mokapu Beach.

While a lot of Hawaii beach resorts have a very traditional style (large scale, marble everywhere, lavish orchid flower arrangements, etc.), these two are definitely towards the modern, sleek, and trendy side of the spectrum. Basically, they’re both an Instagrammer’s dream.

They both have a terraced layout so when you enter the lobby, you’re more or less at the top of the resort and things are staggered down towards the ocean.

They both have quite a few pool options that make good use of the ocean front real estate. I think this is a result of them being more modern (the Andaz is the newest build in Wailea and the Wailea Beach Resort pretty much had a complete overhaul in recent years). I’ve noticed that more modern properties tend to have pools with a view whereas older, more traditional properties tend to have pools that seem more tucked up into the resort itself.

I’m a big fan of the pool set up where you’re looking OUT towards the beach and ocean instead of staring up at one of the hotel’s towers, so I really like both of these properties for this reason.

How They’re Different

Basically, they’re just fundamentally different. They each cater to a different demographic and while there are some similarities, I think in a lot of ways the Andaz just feels like a more “elite” version of the Wailea Beach Resort.

This is most evident in the rooms and the service.

Honestly, the rooms are the low point at the Wailea Beach Resort. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the only reason they get away with their quality of rooms is because they’re a Marriott and they’ve got a guaranteed audience in this location. Maui sells itself and they’re the premier (only beachfront) Marriott option in South Maui.

The rooms at the Wailea Beach Resort are what you’d expect from a Marriott airport hotel in your average American city. Perfectly adequate, but not on par for a sometimes $800-1200/night beach resort in Hawaii’s most exclusive resort area.

The rooms at the Andaz are what you’d expect them to be. Sleek and comfortable, good amenities, interesting design, luxury bathroom with top of the line bath products, etc.

And about service…both properties are staffed with extremely friendly and responsive employees, but the difference in the Andaz being luxury and the Wailea Beach Resort “just” being high end seems to be the difference in them coming to you and you having to seek them out.

The beach situation is also pretty different between the two. The Andaz sits directly on Mokapu Beach which I think is one of the best in Wailea. It’s not crowded (the Andaz is the only resort here), the snorkeling is good, and it’s a really long beach which is great if you like to go for walks. The Wailea Beach Resort is actually located oceanfront in between Wailea Beach and Ulua/Mokapu Beach. They do beach chair setup on Wailea Beach and depending on which end of the property you’re staying at (it’s kind of long and skinny) you could be a 5-15 minute walk from the beach. I don’t think it’s a huge negative, but I do give the advantage to the Andaz if the beach is a major factor for you.

Side Note: If you’re looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. They’re seriously the only company I ever use. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

***Want to save major $$$ on your trip to Hawaii? I get asked ALL the time how I’m able to travel so often to Hawaii and stay at really nice resorts. Well, my favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free airfare and free nights at some of Hawaii’s most high end resorts. Read my full guide on the exact system I use to max out credit card rewards here. Seriously, it’s going to save you soooo much money.

When I Would Stay at the Andaz

Okay, I’ve said that I love BOTH of these resorts, but I definitely think one or the other is better in certain situations.

If you’re used to staying at luxury and high end resorts, the Andaz is definitely going to live up to your expectations.

If it’s an adults only trip, I also think it’s a better fit. It’s not not kid friendly, but the property just doesn’t tend to attract a lot of kids.

If you’re going to do the daily breakfast buffet, Ka’ana Kitchen at the Andaz is (I think) the best in Wailea. Humble Market Kitchin at the Wailea Beach Resort is probably the worst. Read all about that here.

And if you want a quieter, more out of the way, lowkey environment, you’re going to be happier at the Andaz.

When I Would Stay at the Wailea Beach Resort

The Wailea Beach Resort (in my opinion) is one of the most accessible resorts in Wailea.

Here’s an exchange I had when I was staying there: We were actually leaving the pool our last afternoon to check out to move over to the Andaz and one of the guys working at the pool asked where we were going. When we told him, he said something like “man, the Andaz is probably the nicest property in Wailea but I always feel like I’m about to get in trouble when I’m there. It’s so much more chill here.”

And that kind of sums it up, folks! If you’re used to staying at high end luxury resorts, the Andaz is fabulous and you’re going to love it. If you’re not used to that (if it’s a once in a lifetime splurge trip, etc.) a lot of people feel more comfortable at the Wailea Beach Resort.

I didn’t ever feel like I was going to “get in trouble” when I was at the Andaz, but it definitely has a different vibe and a different clientele.

I think ultimately it’s not about the property (everyone who worked at the Andaz was sooooooo nice and friendly), but it’s more about the assumptions that YOU bring.

So anyways, a lot of people who might feel a little out of place or uncomfortable at a fancy schmancy hotel, feel right at home at the Wailea Beach Resort. Even though it’s pretty much also a fancy schmancy hotel ; )

The Wailea Beach Resort is also the better option if you have kids. Of any age really. They’ve got a whole kid pool area with some pretty legit water slides plus more splash pad/wade pool stuff for smaller kids. And a really nice family game room center right off the lobby. The Andaz doesn’t have anything like that.

Also, I think the Wailea Beach Resort gets a lot of guests who are attending a convention next door at the Grand Wailea but don’t want to pay their prices. It’s a nice (beautiful! scenic!) stroll over to the Grand Wailea and usually quite a bit cheaper.

Let’s Talk about MONEY

So if you’ve stayed with me to this point, it might be easy to assume that the Andaz is twice the price (or at least considerably more) than the Wailea Beach Resort and so most people are going to end up choosing based on price.

Logically (we’re talking luxury vs “nice”), the Andaz should be substantially more expensive, but surprisingly, it usually isn’t.

Now for one thing, Hawaii hotel prices since the reopening have been BONKERS so all patterns, logic, historic data, etc. have pretty much been thrown out the window.

From everything I know about hotels/value/amenities, I would say the Wailea Beach Resort should be about 20-30% less than the Andaz and sometimes it is, but oftentimes it’s about the same price.

Here’s the thing…you just can’t account for how hotel loyalty factors in:

Andaz = Hyatt

Wailea Beach Resort = Marriott

You’ve also got a Hilton in the neighborhood (Grand Wailea) and a Fairmont and a Four Seasons.

So it lets most of these properties more or less charge the same rate because a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium member is always going to book the Marriott option even if the Hyatt option next door is technically nicer and the same price. You’re just not going to walk away from your membership perks and the points you’ll earn (or the ability to cash in points for a free stay) on such an expensive stay.

So, some scenarios:

If you’re Marriott Bonvoy, obviously the Wailea Beach Resort is going to be your best option.

If you’re Hyatt, the Andaz is going to be the best option.

I don’t think the Andaz is radically superior enough to pay so much $$$ and not get the points/perks if you’re a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist. And vice versa. The savings on the Wailea Beach Resort isn’t usually big enough to stray from Hyatt.

If you don’t have loyalty with EITHER Marriott or Hyatt…I think I have to stick with my rule of thumb that the Wailea Beach Resort should be 20-30% less than the Andaz. So if it is for your dates, that makes the Wailea Beach Resort attractive. If the prices are the same, I can’t justify paying a premium to stay at the Wailea Beach Resort so I’d probably go with the Andaz.

Obviously, you’re going to have to weigh this with your preference for luxury and whether you’re bringing kids.

But like I always tell people…at the end of the day, if you’re lucky enough to be deciding between two resorts in Wailea…you’re lucky enough. There’s not a bad option here!

Want to read more posts about Maui? I’ve got plenty!

Things You Can ONLY Do on Maui // 4 Day Maui Itinerary // My Favorite Road to Hana Itinerary // Things to Do Upcountry // Tips for Sunrise at Haleakala National Park // Snorkeling Molokini Crater // Whale Watching

My Favorite Hotels on Maui // Where to Find Condos on Maui // Wailea vs Kaanapali // Every Resort in Wailea Ranked // Four Seasons Maui Review // Andaz Maui Review // Fairmont Kea Lani Review // Wailea Beach Resort Review // Four Seasons vs Andaz Maui // Andaz Maui vs Wailea Beach Resort

Best Restaurants in Wailea // Best Breakfast in Wailea & Kihei // Mama’s Fish House // Best Luaus in Wailea

My Favorite Things to Do in South Maui // Best Beaches in Wailea & Kihei // Road to Hana Tips // Driving the Backside of the Road to Hana // Where to See Turtles on Maui

Maui vs Kauai // Everything You Need to Know BEFORE you go to Maui

Here’s one more really important thing you need to know before your Hawaii trip…

Reservations You Need to Make BEFORE Your Hawaii Trip

You’ve got your airfare, hotel, rental car and your big activities booked, so you should be good to go, right? Wrong!

Travel is BOOMING in Hawaii so a lot of state and national parks used the closure and reopening to institute reservation systems at some of the island’s most popular spots to make things a little more sustainable.

That means that there are now over half a dozen sites (beaches, trailheads, etc.) that require advance reservations. And some sell out well before you arrive on the island so you really need to have some sort of a plan.

I recently saw somebody in a Hawaii travel group post in a panic that they didn’t know they had to make reservations for things in advance…they thought they could just show up and “go with the flow.” I was tempted to say, well, “as long as the flow doesn’t take you somewhere that requires reservations, you can!” ; )

But I don’t want YOU to be that person, so I’ve pulled together a list of all the places you need to reserve entry in advance (plus all the details on booking windows, price, links, etc.) and a handful of popular tourist hotspots that book out really far in advance too.

Haleakala National Park (Maui)

To visit Haleakala National Park for sunrise at the summit, you must make reservations in advance here.

Reservations are required to enter the park gates between 3AM and 7AM (sunrise hours).

Online reservations are $1 per reservation/vehicle PLUS you’ll pay the park entrance fee of $30/vehicle when you arrive (National Park annual passes are also accepted at the gate).

The reservation booking window opens 60 days in advance at 7AM HST. There are also a limited number of tickets released two days before.

You can make one reservation every three days with the same account. So if you want to make reservations for back to back days (in case of weather/conditions), you’ll need to do so with separate accounts (email addresses).

If you can’t get reservations for sunrise, you can enter the park anytime after 7AM without reservations. The summit is spectacular during the day and you don’t need reservations for sunset.

I strongly recommend creating an account before and making sure you’re logged in at 7AM HST because it’s not uncommon for reservations to sell out quickly.

Waianapanapa State Park (Maui)

To visit Maui’s famous black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana, you must make reservations in advance here.

Reservations are required to visit the beach and are distributed in windows from 7AM-10AM, 10AM-12:30PM, 12:30PM-3PM, and 3PM-6PM. And they are pretty strict about exiting by the end of your window time (you can arrive anytime within your window).

It’s $5/person to enter plus $10/vehicle to park and those fees are paid when you book your time slot.

Reservations open up 30 days in advance.

Iao Valley State Park (Maui)

To visit the lush, green mountains and hike at Iao Valley State Park, you must make reservations in advance here.

Reservations are offered for 90 minute time slots beginning at 7AM and ending at 6PM. They ask that you arrive within the first 30 minutes of your time slot.

Entry is $5/person plus $10/vehicle to park.

Reservations open up 30 days in advance.

Diamond Head (Oahu)

To hike to the top of Waikiki’s famous Diamond Head, you must make reservations in advance here.

Reservations are offered in two hour increments beginning at 6AM (6AM-8AM, 8AM-10AM, etc.) and ending at 6PM. If you’re parking onsite, they ask that you arrive within the first 30 minutes of your reservation window.

Entry is $5/person plus $10/vehicle to park.

Reservations open up 30 days in advance.

Tip: I recommend booking one of the first two time slots because there isn’t much shade on this hike and it gets pretty hot.

Hanauma Bay (Oahu)

To snorkel at Oahu’s pristine Hanauma Bay, you must make reservations in advance here.

Entry times are staggered in 10 minute increments from 7AM to 1:20PM with roughly 1000 slots being assigned in advance every day.

Reservations can be made two days in advance and they open at 7AM HST. They’re usually gone in minutes (if not seconds).

If you’re unable to get an advanced reservation, you can try for a day of, walk in ticket. They open at 6:45AM and they only have a limited number available. Everyone in your group needs to be present when you purchase your tickets in person.

There are no reservations for parking and it’s first come, first serve. $3/vehicle.

It’s $25/person to snorkel at Hanauma Bay (12 and under, active military, and locals with HI ID are free).

The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is open Wednesday through Sunday (CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY) from 6:45AM-4PM. Last entry is at 1:30PM, the beach is cleared at 3:15PM and you have to leave the facility by 4PM.

Jellyfish patterns can also affect whether or not the bay is open so double check the day before/day of.

USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor (Oahu)

If you want to take the boat tour at Pearl Harbor out to the USS Arizona, it’s recommended to make advance reservations here.

Online reservations are guaranteed a specific boarding time to go out to the USS Arizona. If you’re unable to get an advance reservation, you can wait standby when you arrive. The line could be short (15 minutes or so) or long (hours) and it just depends on the day (if they’re having problems with the loading dock sometimes they don’t take many from the standby line) and the time of day.

Reservations are supposed to open up 60 days in advance, but keep an eye on your exact dates, because lately they’ve actually been opening up about 57ish days in advance???

They also release a small batch of tickets the day before.

The boat ride out to the USS Arizona is free, but it’s $1 to make the reservations online.

They recently started charging $7/vehicle for parking at Pearl Harbor.

Haena State Park / Kalalau Trail (Kauai)

If you want to hike Kauai’s famous Kalalau Trail, you must make advance reservations here.
You’ve got three options here:

1) Parking & Entry: This is the most flexible option and also the most limited. THESE RESERVATIONS SELL OUT IN LESS THAN A MINUTE. There are three time slots available: 6:30AM-12:30PM, 12:30PM-5:30PM and 4:30PM to sunset. You can purchase multiple time slots if you want to stay longer. It’s $10/timeslot (parking) plus $5/person and you have to reserve every person when you initially book. Everybody has to arrive in the same car and your ID needs to match the reservation.

2) Shuttle & Entry: If you can’t get parking at the trailhead, there’s also a shuttle option. Shuttle reservations are $35/person (16+), $25/person (ages 4-15), 3 and under can ride free. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes 6:20AM to 6:40PM.

3) Entry Only: If you’re a Hawaiian resident (with HI ID) or someone WITH a Hawaiian resident, you can purchase entry only for $5/person with no advance reservations. Also, if you’re walking or biking to the trailhead you can do this option. But there is NOWHERE to park in the area to walk in. So this really only works for those with bikes or who are staying close enough to walk. They will tow your car if you park outside the designated areas.

The reservation window opens 30 days in advance at 12AM HST. The parking & entry option usually sells out in a minute, but the shuttle availability will last longer.

There are a TON of FAQs here including the possibility of snagging a canceled reservation.

Other Things to Book in Advance

Hawaii is a busy place these days! Besides the state and national parks above, here’s a handful of miscellaneous things you should make reservations for in advance (if they’re on your radar):

Mama’s Fish House (Maui): The iconic spot is the most popular restaurant in Hawaii and dinner reservations usually start filling up about 6 months in advance (they open up bookings 18 months in advance). Make reservations through their website and if the dates you want are already booked, you can join a waitlist. Most people have pretty good success getting in on the waitlist (even if it’s for lunch).

Old Lahaina Luau (Maui): Honestly, any luau you’re planning to attend you should book early, but most people are usually shocked how far out the Old Lahaina Luau books out. Book it as soon as you know your dates (I think they open at the six month window). They also have a waitlist.

Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour (Oahu): Everybody loves Jurassic Park so getting to ride UTVs where they filmed the movies is very popular. The ranch offers a lot of different tours but the UTV tours usually book out a couple of months in advance.

Spa Reservations: If you’re staying at a resort with a spa (or planning on visiting one), don’t wait until you arrive to make your reservations. I’d make them at least a month in advance.

Tee Times: Same for golf, reserve your tee times well in advance.

Dining Reservations: Any “fancy” or resort restaurant is likely to be booked up these days so if you like having a nice dinner every night, make your plans in advance.

P.S. Thanks for sticking around and reading this whole post! If you have ANY questions about planning your trip to Hawaii, you can join my free Facebook group here. I’m there answering questions every day and there are 7500+ other friends who have a ton of Hawaii information to share!

Also, if you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. And please share my account with your friends that are headed to Hawaii! Your support really helps me keep this blog running!