Residence Inn Maui for Families (Review)

Residence Inn Maui is the new keiki on the block in paradise. The all-suites Marriott brand kicked off its recent grand opening with a traditional Hawaiian conch shell call and luau. The initial party may be over but the fun lives on at Residence Inn Maui. There’s much for families to love at this new hotel in Wailea.

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All suites

All rooms at Residence Inn by Marriott hotels are suites. This means they come equipped with full kitchens stocked with a big fridge and freezer, coffee maker, dishwasher, sink, microwave, dishes, and cooking supplies. Sure, you want a break from cooking on vacation but a kitchen makes life so much easier, especially when traveling with kids. You can easily to whip together snacks or enjoy an occasional night in.

Studio suites feature a pull-out sofa and either two queens or one king. For extra privacy, spring for a one-bedroom or two-bedroom suite, with a door separating the parents from the kids.

Decidedly Hawaiian feel

There’s no mistaking where you are during a stay at Residence Inn Maui. It feels Hawaiian indeed with its beachy decor and tropical colors. Just in case you forget, big windows and open-air spaces provide views of the pool, with the islands of Lanai and Molokai in the distance.

All rooms at Residence Inn Maui feature a balcony or patio, making nap-time more pleasant for parents of babies and young children. Pool view rooms are the best, but even from my room that overlooked the parking lot, I could see the ocean and Molokai from the balcony.

Palm-lined pool

No trip to Hawaii would be complete without a swimming pool. Thankfully Residence Inn Maui’s pool is a pretty one, with an ocean view and plenty of palm trees. A shallow settee is perfect for little ones, or sunbathing parents. Soak in the hot tub or pull up one of the many lounge chairs to read while the kids play. Pool towels are provided, of course. You can also buy sunscreen or rent snorkels, beach chairs and umbrellas from a poolside activity desk.

Nearby beach

Although Residence Inn Marriott is not located on the beach, it’s a short 4-minute drive or 23-minute walk away. Guests can take a complimentary shuttle anywhere within three miles of the hotel. The closest choice is Ulua Beach, near sister property Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. If traveling with little ones, choose Wailea Beach for its mellow waves.

Activities galore

There’s plenty to do both at, and near, Residence Inn Maui. Burn off those extra vacation calories at the on-site modern fitness center. Staring at the hotel’s gorgeous pool while you use the cardio machines and free weights is great inspiration! If games are more your thing, there’s a basketball court and small putting green.

At the poolside activity desk, you can sign up for water excursions (for additional fees), like a Kayak and Snorkel with Sea Turtles Tour. The concierge in the lobby is happy to arrange all sorts of Maui activities, like a road to Hana tour, helicopter rides, and much more.

Included breakfast

Included breakfast makes starting your day easy on your schedule and your bank account. The Residence Inn Maui breakfast buffet offers scrambled eggs, two breakfast meat choices, yogurt, fresh fruit, cereals, and baked goodies. Quench your thirst with a selection of juices (like guava!), coffee and tea. Kids will love the make-your-own waffles with fun toppings like chocolate chips, strawberry sauce and whipped cream.

Other dining options

Although there is no full restaurant on-site, you can grab quick lunch and dinner fare like a chicken caesar salad from the bar at Residence Inn Maui. Be sure to order one of their delicious creamy pina coladas while you’re at it!

If you arrive too late for a meal (like I did), grab some snacks or quick bites from the 24-hour on-site market. Here you can find options like frozen pizza, canned soup or ice cream (my choice!) plus bottled waters, wine and more. (Open until midnight, you can order pizza, or head to nearby Manoli’s Pizza Company, too.)

It’s fun to grill out, especially with ocean views and a tropical beverage in-hand. Residence Inn Maui has several barbecues on property for guests. Choose from an array of marinades for purchase at the hotel’s mini market.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Monkeypod Kitchen, just a few minutes walk from the hotel. Their signature Mai Tai is served with an impressive dollop of whipped honey-passion fruit foam. Even better is their macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi. It was so good, in fact, that I visited twice during my three-night stay at Residence Inn Maui!

Shopping near Residence Inn Maui

For additional restaurant choices (like Ruth Chris Steakhouse and Nick’s Fishmarket Maui) plus shopping, reach the Shops at Wailea near Ulua Beach via the handy complimentary Residence Inn shuttle. Of course, parking is plentiful too, if you rent a car. Pick up snacks and souvenirs at Whalers General Store. Head to Maui Clothing Company or Blue Ginger Kids for unique Hawaiian duds to wear to a luau. For a swanky Maui souvenir, there’s Na Hoku, a traditional Hawaiian jeweler. There’s even an ukulele shop, Mele, if you want to bring the sounds of Hawaii home with you. Reward kids for their patience while their parents shop with a sweet treat from Lappert’s Hawaii Ice Cream & Coffee, or Surfing Monkey Hawaiian Shave Ice. Yum!

Value

Pricing at Residence Inn Maui Wailea is significantly lower than what you’ll find at beachfront resorts on the island. Booking longer stays can increase the discount, with savings up to 25 percent on stays 30 nights or longer. Plus, there’s no resort fee, unlike many Hawaiian hotels. Residence Inn by Marriott is a brand you know and can trust to provide high quality service and the extra touches. Meanwhile, you get a dreamy Maui vacation without the hefty resort price tag. Sounds like paradise to me!

Read more about Residence Inn Maui on TripAdvisor and Hotels.com.

Would you consider staying at Residence Inn Maui? Do you have any questions about the hotel? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: I was invited to experience Residence Inn Maui’s grand opening for the purpose of this review. All opinions are mine, as always.

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