Andaz Maui, Hawaii
The basics
Opened in summer of 2013, the Andaz Maui brought a hip new brand to what has become Hawaiia’s go-to wedding island. The Wailea area is home to a handful of traditional luxury resorts; the Andaz introduces a funkier, urban vibe but with the same surreally beautiful setting. There’s plenty to keep your guests busy, with a spa, a gorgeous stretch of beach, four cascading infinity pools, and a restaurant presided over by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.
Wedding details
They’ll do afternoon weddings on Mokapu Beach and starlit celebrations on an oceanfront lawn, and the pools would be great for cocktail gathering. Photographers will go nuts for the sweeping staircase, a bold wooden spiral with a glass banister. Suites, with their funky hanging basket chairs and Scandinavia Surfer décor (lava stone floors, walnut platforms, white walls) are big enough for a girls’ gathering, or even a tiny wedding.
Getting there
A straight shot south from the international airport, Wailea is one of Maui’s most exclusive yet accessible communities. You’ll find all the sporting you crave (including world-class golf), plus shops, bistros, and bars; nothing’s more than a few minutes’ drive.
Keep in mind
Though families are welcome, you won’t find water slides at the pools or chicken nuggets on the menus; this probably isn’t the place for couples with lots of kids on the guest list.
