Wailea, Maui Anticipates the Opening of the Andaz Wailea & “Iron Chef” Morimoto Restaurant

Not only am I excited and looking forward to the opening of the Andaz Wailea, but I’m also eagerly anticipating the opening of Chef Morimoto’s newest restaurant in Hawaii, Morimoto Maui. This is such a win-win for Wailea.

Andaz Wailea Progress Update

The progress on the rehab of the hotel and the new construction has been at a quick pace. When they removed a lot of the overgrown foliage of the old Renaissance, the stately facade of the hotel was revealed. They meticulously removed everything down to the basic concrete walls and began to rebuild.

The former Renaissance Resort gets a redo to become the Andaz Wailea

I’ve kept my eyes on the construction whenever I take my dogs for a walk at Ulua Beach. It appears that they are working on the interiors of the units and beginning to construct a new structure close to the beach. I was pleased to learn that the hotel will be LEED certified. That’s the first hotel of its kind on Maui.

Brand new construction close to the beach leads me to believe that these are the private residences

The Andaz will primarily be comprised of hotel rooms, however, several units will be offered for sale. Official prices have not been released as of yet. There will also be a second restaurant, a less casual cafe, an amazing spa (that will be saved for another blog), and the hotel is trying to attract the lucrative wedding demographics (expect a big push on that front). A four tiered pool, fitness center, and use of local golf tennis courses are perks for staying there.

Morimoto Maui Restaurant Opening Soon

Remember when I mentioned that a new structure was being built close to the beach? This, I believe, will be the new home for Morimoto Maui, which will be steps from Mokapu Beach (pictured below).

Could this possibly be where Morimoto Maui will be located?

The cuisine will be a mixture of Japanese and Western, integrating Japanese culinary techniques with local Hawaiian ingredients. The restaurant is scheduled to open when the hotel does, sometime in the summer of 2013.

It will feature interior seating, terrace seating, and bar terrace seating. Guests can continue to experience the beach even after you pack up your towels and bags. Just hang out at the terrace bar. I’m certain the sunsets will be amazing.

Uncrowded Mokapu Beach

For more information on the Andaz, don’t hesitate to contact me.