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.
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- 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.