This sun-bathed stretch of tropical paradise found on the island of Maui belies the universal conviction of daily rain in Hawaii, for within these barren lava fields with rainfall totals reminiscent of Southern California, the Volcano Gardens of the Grand Wailea Resort are a lush vision of Polynesian beauty...

Landscape Architects Walters, Kimura, Motoda, Inc. were blessed with a multi-million dollar budget and a creative license to design an unforgettable Hawaiian experience out of an arid, sloping site. A sweeping landscape of waterfalls, pools and gardens surrounding an 800-room hotel reminds this writer of the ancient Greeks' description of their "Islands of the Blessed," after-death retreats for the mortal favorites of the Gods. Upon entering the Grand Wailea Resort via a tree-lined promenade of Monkeypods, guests are treated to the majesty of a twenty-four-foot high and more than 150-feet long waterfall, a spectacle that creates sound and movement within the landscape and acts as a barrier to the world outside. The presence of water throughout the resort reconciles the various theme gardens, restaurants, and "active" and "dormant" recreation areas with an entrancing view of the Pacific Ocean.

Monthly changes of thousands of orchids and bromeliads, 35,000 square feet of impatiens, twelve acres of fine turf and semi-annual trimming of more than 850 coconut palms are just some of the regular maintenance challenges facing the staff. Both indoor and outdoor planters require a massive watering schedule. In fact, when Sydney Sparkman, Director of Landscaping and Waterfeatures, arrived at his new position on the Resort, his first priority was to retrofit all of the existing sprinklers with Rainbird and Hunter irrigation expertise.

Hawaiian theme gardens throughout the resort provide guests with different sensory experiences, while educating them on native Hawaiian plants and their uses. Meandering paths and expanses of flowering ground covers offer travelers a moment of respite from hotel activities. An incredible amount of landscaping-- $20million-- goes into the maintenance of the resort gardens, which form a delightful "island universe" of their own...