Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea: Review
I’ve been to Maui plenty of times but hadn’t stayed at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea Resort before. I was looking for a trip to relax, plus a last-minute birthday getaway. I was initially thinking about heading somewhere far from the West Coast, like the Caribbean or another destination with great weather and a perfect beach/pool resort vibe. Maui hadn’t even crossed my mind until I read that occupancy at the Four Seasons was unusually low that month. Since we were booking only a week ahead and running out of options, we decided to go for it. The quick, direct 5-hour flight made it an easy choice. We flew first class on Hawaiian Airlines for the first time, and it was great with comfortable seats, plenty of space, and good service.
As our Uber drove down the Wailea hill toward the Four Seasons Resort, we spotted the valet crew. They were casually chatting until they saw us pull up, snapped into action, and headed towards the driveway. Our bags were whisked away, and a woman greeted us with leis and fresh ginger lemonade while we checked in. Walking into the hotel, I was taken aback. It’s even more beautiful in person than in photos or what you see on White Lotus. Picture all those gorgeous photos you’ve seen, but add the open-air walls, a light breeze coming through, birds chirping, and soft music playing. You get that view of the Fountain Pool with the mountains and ocean behind it, and all the bright, tropical flowers.
Room:
I had originally booked an Executive Suite, and they were kind enough to show us what it looked like before settling in. It was beautiful, but we wanted a better ocean view. After exploring our options, we decided to upgrade to the Oceanfront Prime Suite—and I’m so glad we did! The room was spacious, with two bathrooms (a must for couples), a living room, and a large double patio offering an incredible oceanfront view with stunning sunsets and sunrises. The room was nice, and they left a sweet birthday welcome gift with Hawaiian desserts and chilled champagne.
This suite gave off similar vibes to the penthouse where they filmed White Lotus at the Four Seasons Maui, though ours was on the opposite side of the building. We still had the same stunning views, but our room overlooked more of the adult pool and the “Lokelani” Presidential Three-Bedroom Suite, while the White Lotus suite faced the right side of the hotel and is better suited for larger families. I appreciated the strong water pressure in the shower—always a must for me. The toiletries were high quality as well, and housekeeping brought up anything we needed. For example, when I forgot my razor, the shave kit they provided was top-notch, not cheaply made.
Activities:
There are so many activities that the concierge at Four Seasons Maui can arrange, virtually anything you can think of. One complimentary option is the daily outrigger canoe activity, which not many guests know about. You’ll need to book it in advance, but it’s a 30-45 minute experience where you row the canoe out into the ocean, take a quick swim, and enjoy a brief history lesson. We loved it and even met a couple who booked it every day during their stay.
For off-property adventures, we rented a car (conveniently located right at the valet) and set out on the Road to Hana, with picnic lunch bags the hotel packed for us including fresh sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Along the way, we also stopped at local food shacks and fruit stands. With family on the island and knowledge of some of my previous favorite spots, we personally don’t do the full drive. Instead, we stop at our favorite places that we love to visit each time we’re on the island.
Other activities you can book through the concierge include helicopter tours, luaus, zip lines, snorkeling, scuba diving, surf lessons, private catamaran tours, and whale watching. Golfers can also have the concierge set up tee times at nearby courses. If you’re looking for a stress-free way to explore, I highly recommend hiring a private Road to Hana tour. You’ll be driven in a spacious SUV like an Escalade or Tahoe by a local guide who knows the best hidden spots, from secluded beaches and waterfalls to lesser-known food stops. It’s a fantastic way to see the island without worrying about the logistics or driving—perfect for families.
Restaurants on Property/Food:
DUO:
Duo is the main restaurant, serving buffet breakfast daily as well as lunch and dinner (specializing in steak and seafood). Each morning, we’d head down for the buffet breakfast. While they offer specialty regular menu items, we love buffets because we can have a bit of everything. The buffet was stocked with freshly baked pastries, a smoothie bar, delicious hot breakfast items, and brunch options from various cuisines. Each morning featured a different specialty dish like macadamia nut pancakes, specialty French toast, and ube pancakes.
For vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions, ask your server if you don’t see what you want. Several mornings they happily prepared hot veggie sausage or eggs for me in the back, even though they weren’t part of the main buffet. The only downside was the abundance of birds swooping in whenever they could. They’re everywhere and will go after your food if unattended! I know there’s not much they can do about it, but just a heads-up if you’re not a fan of birds.
We didn’t get a chance to try lunch or dinner here, but it’s definitely on our list for our next trip—stay tuned!
Spago:
Spago is one of my favorite Wolfgang Puck restaurants and I’ve also written about another favorite, CUT, in my Four Seasons New York Downtown review. While I’ve been to the Beverly Hills location of Spago many times, the Maui outpost wins, hands down. Spago in Maui fully embraces the island’s culinary traditions, offering a range of locally-inspired dishes alongside Wolfgang’s classics. You can pair your meal with a selection from their international wine collection or enjoy a refreshing take on a classic Hawaiian cocktail from their specialty menu. The cocktails, created by mixologist and Executive Chef Lee Hefter, are perfectly blended and unique. It’s actually where I discovered one of my favorite cocktails, “Indecent Exposure.”
Their signature tuna cones appetizer is a must-try. I also appreciated how accommodating they were to dietary restrictions and vegetarian or vegan preferences. Even though it wasn’t on the menu, they offered plenty of options, like macadamia nut-crusted tofu and veggie cones instead of tuna. I ended up choosing a delicious truffle pasta.
Spago is perfect for a celebration or date night, especially if you’re staying elsewhere but want an ocean view, sunset, and fine dining experience. Plus, it’s a great chance to check out the White Lotus hotel in person!
Ferraro’s:
Unfortunately, Ferraro’s was closed for renovations during our stay, but we’re looking forward to trying the outdoor Italian restaurant, famously featured in White Lotus, on our next trip to the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea.
Lobby Lounge:
The Lobby Lounge’s location, views, and atmosphere are unbeatable. Situated right off the main lobby, it’s the perfect spot to gather for a cocktail and snacks before dinner or to unwind afterward while enjoying live music and the night breeze. With comfortable couches throughout, it’s an ideal place to relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings. The bar offers sushi dishes, snacks, and specialty drinks, making it a great option for a light bite or a drink.
Beachwalk Cafe:
This little mini store is conveniently located right on the beach path, near the pool and beach. While the selection is small, they offer a few ice creams and basic items. You can also find hats, sunscreen, Four Seasons gear, and other beach essentials—all just steps away from your beach lounger, so you don’t have to go far.
Pool Food:
Least favorite food: We didn’t order much from the pool menu during our stay, but when we did, we weren’t impressed. I wasn’t very hungry most days, so I wish I had tried more lunch options to get a better feel for the menu. The nachos were a letdown, covered in sauce that made them soggy with barely any cheese or toppings. The same goes for the regular and truffle parmesan fries, just typical poolside fare, though I expected higher quality. (FS Oahu, by contrast, had some of my favorite poolside fries with a delicious truffle aioli.)
In-Room Dining:
One morning, we ordered a few breakfast items, like a baked goods basket and some milk. We misjudged the timing of our activities and called to check on our room service order. While we were perfectly fine waiting, the receptionist called us back to say she was taking it off the bill due to the delay. It was completely unnecessary, but we appreciated the gesture. A quick tip: don’t leave food unattended on your balcony. If you step inside or turn your back, the birds will swoop in and try to grab it!
Spa:
The spa was wonderful, with a great shop offering workout gear, niche beauty products, and high-end wellness brands. During our stay, I noticed guests in robes walking toward the beach, heading to beach shack rooms for private outdoor massages. Intrigued, I booked two massages, assuming they’d take place in those outdoor hales.
When we checked in, we were brought to the spa’s waiting room with comfortable chairs, teas, and snacks. While relaxing, I noticed treatment rooms and began wondering if that’s where my massage would take place. I asked the attendants, and they explained that the outdoor beach hales were an up charge, required a prior request, and were fully booked for the day. I was a bit disappointed and mentioned that I had mistakenly assumed my massage would be outside. In no time, the team made adjustments and let me know they could accommodate us in the beach hales after all! I appreciated how the spa receptionists went out of their way to make it happen.
Pools:
Adult Pool:
We spent most of our time at the adult Serenity Pool, enjoying the views, the friends we made, and the fantastic swim-up service. Normally, with higher occupancy, this pool is harder to get chairs at, but that wasn’t the case during our stay. If you want a front-row lounger with an ocean view, you’ll need to arrive early to reserve it. Some people feel this takes away from the five-star experience given the price, but I found that throughout the day, loungers tend to free up as people leave. If you don’t mind sitting a few rows back, there’s usually a spot available. A bonus is the poolside mini spa treatments. Nothing beats a nap after cocktails, sun, and a relaxing foot or back massage right at your lounger.
Fountain Pool:
This is the pool where Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) watched her secret killer boyfriend swim laps in Season 1 of White Lotus. It’s a saltwater pool with a large fountain in the center and is the largest of the pools as it’s the main one. What I love most is that it’s open 24 hours. I didn’t think much of it at first, but after visiting other Four Seasons properties in Hawaii, I realized how great it is to have a pool available anytime. There have been a few times when we wanted a late-night dip or a post-dinner soak in the jacuzzi, and this pool is perfect for that.
Waterfall Pool:
The third, smaller fountain pool has a tiny slide that’s perfect for kids and free cabanas! It’s also conveniently located next to the Fountain Pool and DUO.
Gym:
The gym is equipped with everything you need. I loved the outdoor area with treadmills and cardio machines, which is perfect for getting fresh air while working out. They also keep daily stocked infused ice water and sports drinks in beverage dispensers.
Things We Liked at FS Maui Wailea:
Complimentary cabanas available at the pools
Their exceptional service really stood out at this property
The staff made us feel at home, and the property itself has a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
24-hour fountain pool
The vibe: guests feel like they’re on week-long vacations, and we enjoyed meeting people from all over. This was a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Oahu, which felt more like a local weekend getaway spot for us. If you have kids, though, Oahu could be a better fit for longer stays, with Aulani next door, complimentary snorkel gear and paddleboards, and Waikiki just a short trip away.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind About FS Maui Wailea:
We wished there was a more casual, quick spot to grab a bite, like at Hualalai, Oahu, and Lanai. The coffee bars there, open all day with fresh grab-and-go options, make a difference. While there’s a gift/snack shop, a few times we wandered around wanting something quick or light before dinner but found only packaged snacks. The beach shack café didn’t offer much, and the shops mainly had packaged items. (A grocery stop up the street could help with stocking your room with pre-bought snacks.)
If you want a front-row lounger with an ocean view at the adult pool, you’ll need to get there early and right when it opens. I suggest not stressing too much and just enjoying whatever chair you get as you head down leisurely. I’ve heard during peak times like holidays, adult pool chairs can be fully taken, and you might end up on a waitlist and have to use the Fountain Pool. However, this is rare, and you’ll likely find a lounger a few rows back.
Be aware that getting an ocean view room can be pricey, and even then, you’ll likely be toward the back of the hotel unless you’re willing to spend more for a prime location. (If you’re looking for a stay that feels like a better bang for your buck—depending on what you value during your trip—Four Seasons Oahu can offer closer ocean view rooms.)
Tips:
Cabanas are free which is perfect for families or anyone wanting to stay in the shade, especially with babies. It’s great for keeping your stuff together and having a bit more privacy.
As a vegetarian, I initially ordered from the regular menu since I didn’t see many options at the buffet. For example, vegetarian sausage patties and hash browns were on the regular menu but not out at the buffet (though they had other potatoes). On day three, I learned you can ask for these as part of the buffet! So I was able to get my veggie sausage, hash browns, plus pancakes, baked goods, eggs, and more for the buffet price. A great tip if you don’t see what you want at the stations.
Every morning, there’s complimentary coffee outside of Duo that’s perfect to grab and go.
One of the free activities offered by the hotel is their outrigger canoe, and I highly recommend it! Be sure to book before your trip, as they only offer a few sessions each morning. Many guests end up booking multiple times because it’s so enjoyable. Although it’s a quick 45-minute tour, it’s a great introduction to something you’ll likely want to experience again on your next visit.
Don’t forget to stop by and say hi to Lucy, the beautiful rescue parrot!
The hotel offers free transportation around Wailea, including drop-offs and pick-ups at nearby stores, restaurants, and hotels.
Valet has car rentals right on-site, so you don’t need to leave the property to rent a car—super convenient!
Be sure to try the amazing drink “Indecent Exposure” at Spago. It became my favorite drink and you won’t regret it if you’re in for a little tequila and greens! I even had Four Seasons Downtown NY make it at CUT, another Wolfgang-Puck restaurant.
There’s a gorgeous 3-mile path between the beach and the Four Seasons property, running past other hotels and oceanfront villas. Instead of hitting the gym, we walked this a few times and loved it! Grab some sunscreen and a hat (which you can buy at the beach shack) and enjoy the stunning views of palm trees, the ocean, and mountain backdrops. You can also stop at coves and beaches for a swim along the way. Locals love this spot too and enjoy walking here in the mornings. The views are unbeatable!
Complimentary Services:
Traditional lei greeting
Photo Ambassador
Car Service throughout Wailea
Twice-daily housekeeping
Reef-friendly sunscreen provided at all pools
Complimentary pool cabanas
Daily passed chilled snacks & refreshments by the pool
Pursuit Postscript:
Four Seasons Maui at Wailea truly delivers on luxury, relaxation, and attention to detail. From complimentary services like lei greetings, poolside snacks, and free cabanas to the convenience of on-site car rentals and a scenic walking path, this resort knows how to make your stay effortless. The resort’s dining options didn’t disappoint, with Spago’s creative menu and cocktails standing out, and they went above and beyond to accommodate dietary preferences.
While there are a few minor things to note, the overall atmosphere more than makes up for them. This resort truly caters to everyone, whether you’re looking for a long weekend escape, a honeymoon or special trip, a couples’ getaway, or even a family vacation. For a memorable escape at a property that feels like a second home, the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea is hard to beat.
(If you’re considering island hopping, I also reviewed Four Seasons Oahu, which I think is a perfect starting point before heading to Maui for the longer part of your trip.)
