Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

This is the only major Wailea-area resort that’s not on a sandy beach. The property sits on a rocky, elevated stretch of shoreline, but two corners of it are adjacent to beaches (the lovely Wailea Beach to the south and Ulua to the north), and the sand is easily accessible with a short walk. The resort’s buildings are spread out over 22 acres of rolling green lawns that never feel crowded. Five pools, including an adults-only infinity pool (no talking on cell phones allowed) and an adventure pool with waterfalls and four waterslides. One of those is 325 feet long (currently the longest resort waterslide in Hawai‘i), and another is 240-feet. A real blast— great for kids and kids at heart.

Generous room designations: Many “garden view” rooms have ocean views, and many “ocean view” rooms would count as “oceanfront” elsewhere. The rooms themselves seem a little sterile following a major renovation completed in 2016. They’re light, sleek and contemporary, but lack a Hawaiian feel. Overall, though, the resort evokes a relaxed feeling. More upscale than what you’d normally expect from the Marriott brand.

They actively seek the family market (with a seasonal children’s program at $125, plus lunch costs) and the group market (with many conference facilities). There is also a family game room and cinema with beanbag chairs. Mandara Spa is on site. Cabanas at the pools rent for $350 by the Adventure pool and $400 by the Infinity pool per day, which includes a $50 food and beverage credit and allows you to stay until 7 p.m. to watch the sunset. Covered casabellas by the ocean are $150.

Rooms (437 sq. ft.) are listed at $729–$979, suites (463-2,123 sq. ft.) are $1,029–$2,989. Lots of packages available, so it’s doubtful you’ll pay anywhere close to this rate.