OUR HISTORY

Hotel Wailea’s story began in the 1980s as an exclusive private club for Japanese members that thrived on its atmosphere of secrecy. When Jonathan McManus and Jerry Lynch acquired the property in late 2008, they envisioned an ultra-private hotel that could offer something completely different from the typical Hawaii resort experience in Maui. The vision was clear: create a three island ocean view sanctuary immersed in island landscape while providing an authentic connection through a signature style of service.

Embracing the hotel’s original architectural charm, conceived by Japanese architect Takashi Okamoto, McManus reimagined the interiors with locally sourced sustainable materials of woods and coral blending timeless elegance with modern luxury. Hotel Wailea was born through this transformation and the property became a n exclusive tropical village set on a bluff overlooking the sea. By 2011, the hotel’s 72 suites were noted by Architectural Digest as island simplicity and refined indulgence offering guests an oasis of understated sophistication.

In 2015, Hotel Wailea joined the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection and transitioned to an adults-only resort setting itself apart again from traditional Hawaii hotel experiences. The hotel’s commitment to hyper-personalized service and an award winning culinary program has made it Maui’s most coveted escape with guests needing to book well in advance. Today, Hotel Wailea continues to offer its guests an intimate experience that continues to be reflected in the hotel being awarded the distinction of the top hotel experience in Hawaiʻi by Travel + Leisure Magazine.