Hotel Wailea was unlike anything we had ever experienced. The best hotel we have ever stayed at, hands down bar none. From the service to the setting, it was perfection. I remember worrying when we booked that we might regret not being up against the ocean; I didn't regret it a single time. The views from our room were breathtaking. If anything, you feel more connected to the ocean because you're looking out on it and taking it all in. We watched the sunset every night from the pool/birdcage area with beautiful rainbow parakeets circling our heads. It's just unreal!! The hotel feels like it's built into the land, so you're immersed in the beauty of Maui instead of feeling like a tiny room in a massive hotel on a golf co**** (like you do at some of the ther resorts). The flora and fauna surround you and you completely unplug. The food is also significantly better than any of the other resort food we encountered (though if you're going to Maui, do make time to go to Tin Roof - the chicken sando is insane!). The Hotel Wailea pool setting is gorgeous and tucked away from the wind, which means you can spend afternoons there when it's too windy on the beaches. Do not miss the Pina Colada! The pool staff made our memories by the pool so special. We spent hours there. That said, we also loved the Defender service where they pick you up in awesome new Defenders and drive you down to any beach you want at any time. We woke up every morning and snorkeled a new beach from about 8am-10am. We also took advantage of all the beach gear and used their coolers, chairs, umbrellas and more to improve our beach experience. So great not to have to haul or buy that stuff ourselves. The staff could not have been kinder and more accommodating. They went so above and beyond! We were recovering from a sad loss on our trip and the staff actually signed a book for us wishing us well that we keep on our coffee table and look at weekly. I mean!!! Even the room cleaning service was above and beyond, with a wonderful turn down service every night that made me look forward to curling up in those big, comfy beds. I truly cannot say enough good things about this hotel. I always have feedback, and I have no feedback. It was perfect. 10/10. We will never stay anywhere else on Maui again. Thank you.