When the Grand Wailea opened in 1991, it set a new standard for luxury hospitality in Hawaii. A bold realization of a dream by Japanese developer Takeshi Sekiguchi to create a resort that honored art, nature and the spirit of Maui. Set on 40 acres of landscaped but still wild-feeling botanical gardens, the resort quickly became a landmark—not just for its scale, but for its soul. More than 30 years later, the Grand Wailea just emerged from a $350 million renovation that feels more like a careful evolution than a dramatic overhaul. Sekiguchi’s personal $40 million art collection still fills the property with curiosity and color, but there’s now a celestial-inspired spa rooted in Hawaiian healing and a new Nobu—only the second in the islands.
Nobu Makes Waves on Maui
“A perfect synergy between the unparalleled luxury of Grand Wailea and the culinary experience that made Nobu a global phenomenon,” is how JP Oliver, Area Managing Director, Grand Wailea, described the partnership. And at Nobu Grand Wailea’s opening, the experience began before the first bite: guests descended a sweeping staircase from the open-air lobby into a dining space that feels both serene and spectacular—providing a perfect setting for the surprise Hawaiian fire-dancer finale.
Framed by 35-foot ceilings, design details reflect Maui’s natural rhythms—think driftwood-inspired textures, sun-washed tones, and subtle nautical nods. Above the main dining room, a floating linen installation mimics the movement of ocean waves. Interiors weave signature Nobu materials—black cerused wood, white onyx, lacquered walnut burl—with island elements like teak and coastal blues. Local connection runs deep too: Hawaii-raised artist Windy Chien crafted a custom-knotted rope installation for the clerestory windows, blending art with place. And in true island fashion, the entire space is naturally cooled by the ocean breeze—no air conditioning required.
Something of a full-circle moment for chef Matsuhisa—his now-iconic yellowtail jalapeño dish was first created on Maui 35 years ago while the 13,000-square-foot showstopper restaurant was designed by the Rockwell Group, the firm behind the original Nobu that opened in Tribeca in 1994.
While menus are predominantly the same at nearly 60 Nobu restaurants worldwide (see the black cod with miso and rock shrimp tempura), Matsuhisa shared during a pre-grand opening press conference that the team is keen to support the local community on Maui, sourcing produce from Kula Country Farms and other Hawaiian suppliers. Three desserts are also exclusive to Nobu Grand Wailea, including a Kona coffee tres leches cake made with beans sourced from the Big Island’s Kona District and a “Laie Vanilla” Pavlova featuring vanilla grown at the Laie Vanilla Farm on Oahu.
From Chef to Pop Culture Symbol
Beyond building an empire that brought Japanese flavors into mainstream Western culinary consciousness, Nobu’s cultural legacy and brand represent a sleek, international lifestyle that fuses minimalism and sophistication, influencing everything from restaurant design to hotels (of which new Nobu openings in Cairo and Dubai among other cities are coming soon). More than a chef, Nobu has become a powerful pop culture symbol—often name-dropped in rap songs—as shorthand for exclusivity and status. “We are thrilled to introduce Nobu’s signature style to Maui,” shared Matsuhisa. “Grand Wailea is an iconic destination, and we’re honored to expand our brand’s footprint within one of Hawaii’s most prominent oceanfront hotels.”
A Renowned Destination on Wailea Beach
Tucked along the sun-soaked shores of South Maui, the Grand Wailea is indeed both a landmark and a lush escape in the heart of Wailea—a region best known for its golden beaches and striking sunsets. Early risers can start the day with yoga or sound healing, or hop on a guided outrigger canoe tour and snorkel alongside sea turtles just offshore. Weekly garden tours with landscaping manager, Jim Heid, who takes care of over 600 species of plants across the property, including tropical Maui-natives in the arrival courtyard and lanai terraces, are popular too.
At Grand Wailea’s newly reimagined Kilolani Spa, celestial wellness takes center stage. Inspired by the ancient kilolani—Hawaiian stargazers who looked to the moon for guidance—the 50,000-square-foot sanctuary is rooted in the Helu Po, or Hawaiian lunar calendar. Treatments shift every 10 days to mirror the three anahulu, or moon phases: enlarging, rounding and diminishing. Whether checking in for an astrology reading or ‘Awa Relaxation Ritual, the experience begins with intention: a symbolic portal invites visitors to cleanse with salt and place a flower, to either set an intention or let something go. A lush hydrotherapy garden featuring gender-specific sauna and cold plunge circuits—along with Hawaii’s only coed hammam—is a peaceful place to spend time before or after any treatment.
Beyond the spa, the resort’s aquatic offerings flow from playful to peaceful. Families love the Wailea Canyon Activity Pool for its lazy river and lava tube slide, but those craving calm can retreat to a private cabana at the adults-only Hibiscus Pool: at its bottom, Hawaii’s state flower has been rendered in over 630,000 hand-laid pieces of Mexican glass mosaic tile.
Accommodations range from spacious guest rooms to luxe suites, but for a more private experience check into “resort within a resort” the Napua wing that includes personalized service, curated amenities and a private 8th floor lounge with a complimentary daily food and beverage service, including cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and desserts between 4 and 7 pm.
Although with nine separate concepts across the property options for dining are many: from drinks in the chic Botero Lounge (named for the nine Fernando Botero statues that form part of Mr. Sekiguchi’s private collection) or poolside in the Grotto Bar to pizzas and pasta dishes at Olivine or breakfast at thatched-roof restaurant Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, which is set in a ridiculously pretty private lagoon and also open for dinner.
While Nobu is the new headline, a daytime go-to is Loulu, a wellness-forward café created in partnership with Erewhon, the cult-favorite Los Angeles grocery chain. The menu spans poke bowls and salads, but plant-based options are big, too, with the vegan soft-serve Cosmic Bliss, featuring a special “Lava Bliss” flavor developed with pro surfer Kelia Moniz—a nod to both volcanic terrain and island cool. From its thoughtful design and experiences to bringing one of the world’s most celebrated culinary brands to one of Hawaii’s most iconic resorts, the Grand Wailea continues to evolve while staying true to the spirit of aloha. grandwailea.com
