Marriott Wailea TR Feb/Mar 2025

Question

Day 1 Wailea (Day 6)

We moved from the KOR North at Kaanapali to the Marriott Wailea resort today. BulletBob would title this “Smoke on the Water” as the vog is pretty heavy today. Not much view of the neighboring islands.

Our first stop was lunch at Café o Lei at the Maui Tropical Plantation. We have not eaten at a COL for many years but have fond memories of the fresh catch lunch special in Wailuku years ago. The Plantation is really a lovely place to wander and the setting for lunch was perfect. I had the crab club and DH had the chicken sandwich. Both were very good. Then we wandered over to Costco to get my glasses fixed and buy more booze and fresh poke. We avoided the aisle of local favorites as the temptation is too strong. They have every flavor of mac nut you can imagine. We got to Wailea about 1:30 and checked in. The Marriott has a lounge with lockers for anyone wanting to change/shower and the bell staff hold your bags and refrigerate your poke. As Lifetime Titanium members we hope for an upgrade but rarely get one at this property – but this was our lucky year! Happy 25th anniversary to my DH! We got a premium ocean view (yeah next to the pool/restaurant AC unit) and I am the happiest person on Maui right now. Great view as we enjoyed our simple dinner of poke with shrimp chips and wine. Lackluster sunset tonight BUT we met another couple who are TA members - so aloha to new Canadian friends! Small world isn't it!

The Marriott comp’d us 2 mai tais each – saving that for another night. I will say, the Westin Heavenly bed really beats the Marriott bed…but still we slept well. This is my happy place.

Answer

It sounds like your move from the KOR North at Kaanapali to the Marriott Wailea was smooth and enjoyable, despite the heavy vog limiting views of neighboring islands. The contrast between the two resorts seems notable, especially in terms of bedding comfort, though the Marriott offered the perk of a premium ocean view and some thoughtful amenities for members.

Your lunch at Café o Lei at the Maui Tropical Plantation seems to have been a delightful experience. The setting at the plantation is ideal for a relaxed meal and casual strolls, and the menu offerings—like the crab club and chicken sandwich—were well-received. Stopping at Costco afterwards for practical errands like glasses repairs and stocking up on poke and beverages shows how convenient it is to manage daily needs even while on vacation.

Some highlights from your first day at the Marriott Wailea include:

The Marriott’s lounge facilities with lockers and bell staff assistance make transitions between resorts easy, especially when you have items like fresh poke to keep chilled.
Receiving an upgrade to a premium ocean view room is a pleasant surprise and adds to the celebratory mood for your 25th anniversary.
Complimentary drinks, such as the two mai tais provided, are a nice touch and can enhance evening relaxation.

Even though the sunset was lackluster due to the vog, social interactions enriched the day. Meeting fellow TripAdvisor members from Canada adds a special connection to your travel experience. Your simple dinner of poke with shrimp chips and wine, combined with the view and the resort atmosphere, contributed to a happy and memorable start at Wailea.

Tips and observations for future stays at the Marriott Wailea:

While the Westin Heavenly bed may be more comfortable, the Marriott beds still provide a good night’s sleep.
For members seeking upgrades, being flexible and hopeful for a “lucky year” can sometimes pay off, as it did for you.
Taking advantage of resort amenities like lounges, lockers, and bell staff assistance makes transitioning from one resort to another seamless and stress-free.

Overall, your day reflects a balance of relaxation, convenience, and personal celebration. Even with environmental challenges like vog, a combination of good food, comfortable accommodations, and meaningful interactions makes for a fulfilling experience on Maui.