Secret Kid's Amenity + Beach Activities at Andaz Maui at Wailea
Right before we departed from the Andaz Maui at Wailea to round out our anniversary trip to Hawaii, we connected with the manager on-duty and took a short tour of the property. She pointed out to us one of the coolest, and massively under-hyped, amenities for families visiting the property. This amenity alone I think shoots this property up a couple of notches for some families. In addition to sharing details about this almost secret kid's amenity, we will also share info about some of the on-site beach activities.
To play catch-up, here are previous posts in this series:
Flying Hawaiian Airlines from Honolulu to Maui
Review of a Room and a Suite at the Andaz Maui at Wailea
The Pools at the Andaz Maui at Wailea
Hub 808 (Free Kid's Club):
I have no clue why the hotel isn't shouting this one from the rooftops, but I'll do it for them. A "secret" amenity at the Andaz Maui at Wailea is that not only do they have an on-site "Kid's Club" of sorts, but it is free during the day. I'm a huge fan of Camp Hyatt at locations like the Grand Hyatt Kauai, but it comes at a financial cost. At the Andaz it is not called Camp Hyatt, but rather is named "Hub 808". 808 is the area code for the hotel, so I assume that is the origin of the name.
Hub 808 is for children 5-12 years old and is open daily. The activities they described seem very similar to the Camp Hyatts we have visited, and they are designed to not just be "babysitting", but rather expose the kiddos to traditions and experiences unique to Hawaii. It is free for kiddos from 9AM-3PM during the day. If that is longer than you need, they do have a 9AM - 12PM session that is also free. Lunch is not included and you will be charged for the kid's lunch order.
We were told that they do have scheduled activities throughout the day so it is their preference to not have kids coming and going at all times, but to rather stick to the half-day or full day schedule when possible.
The tables and furniture we saw in there looks like it would be perfect for some kiddos younger than 5 (that aren't permitted), but they also had a video game player and large TV for the older set. There will be evening care also available, though that will come with a fee that is likely similar to what you see at other Camp Hyatt-like facilities. When we were there Hub 808 was not yet up and running, but they said it should be shortly.
Let me repeat this again so no one misses it - the Andaz Maui offers free childcare during the day for children ages 5-12! Obviously I bring my daughter on trips so we can have fun together, but I am also all for a little individual fun as well. I get to partake in some adult activities or simply do nothing at all, and she gets to do kid focused activities and interact with other kids. In my opinion, it truly is a win-win to sprinkle into your vacation agenda.
On-site Beach Activities:
Unlike some of the other Hyatt properties I have visited on the Hawaiian Islands, this one actually is located directly on a fantastic and swimable beach called Mokapu Beach.
You literally walk down from your room or the pool and you are walking on some of the softest sand I have ever felt, and can dive into some beautiful blue water. The mornings we were there, the ocean was calm enough for some very solid snorkeling where you can see colorful fish. sea turtles, coral, and more. I have read reports of many who were surprised as to how good the snorkeling was just off from the hotel.
The hotel (well, more accurately a separate company who I suppose contracts with the hotel) will rent out water equipment for you to use. You can charge this to your room and the prices range from $10 for snorkel gear for the day, to several hundred dollars for a package of equipment that will last for several days.
We took advantage of snorkeling as well as stand-up paddle boarding. We had never done stand-up paddle boarding before, but the beach crew helps you get into the water and gives you enough instruction to get you going. You are totally free of any hassle of having to transport gear as they do all of that for you. Both the snorkeling and paddle-boarding were really fun and totally hassle free since they were right off from the hotel.
They now have a page up on their website that outlines some additional activities including outrigger canoes, kayak tours, paddle board yoga, and more. Some of those activities do come with a fee, but thankfully beach chairs and umbrellas are free and are set-up for you by the beach crew. Again, not sure it gets any more convenient and relaxing than this.
If you are looking for something fun and inexpensive (free!) for your school aged kids to do during portions of your trip, and an amazing on-site beach, then I would bump this hotel up a few notches on your consideration list. These two reasons alone are enough for us to already be planning a return trip! Of course this doesn't even take into account the great pools and delicious food that were addressed in previous posts.
If you want a way to do this yourself without paying the close to $500 nightly rate, then look to the Hyatt Visa, or consider transferring Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt Gold Passport 1:1 from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Ink Plus® Business Card, or Ink Bold® Business Card. The hotel goes for 22,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points per night, but it is easy to rack up several free nights worth of points in a hurry with the cards listed.
If you have been to the hotel (or are seriously considering it), I'd love to hear your thoughts on Hub 808 and the on-site beach!
Disclosure: I do receive a commission if you are approved for a credit card using one of my affiliate links. As always, thank you for your support.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.