The project represents the first Hawaiian hotel design by hotel architects AXIS/GFA

Marking a significant milestone for the firm, AXIS/GFA recently celebrated the opening of our first project in Hawaii – the AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea.

An exterior view of the AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea, a Hawaiian hotel design by architects AXIS/GFA

Located near Wailea Beach on the island of Maui, AXIS/GFA was hired to deliver a site plan study and schematic designs for this estate hotel, including delivering conceptual designs for the stand-alone reception building, central four-story guest suite building, and feature infinity edge pool and poolside tiki bar. Inspired by its tropical ocean-view setting and with respectful recognition of the region’s deep Pacific Islander cultural heritage, the exterior of the hotel harmoniously blends classically Polynesian long-house post-and-beam Hale Halawai (airy open-walled buildings) and Hale Noa (closed-walled buildings) with the more recently traditional Hawaiian plantation architectural style. Adding modern balance to AXIS/GFA’s design, the AC Hotels’ archetypical brand style is elegantly communicated through the addition of sleek angular and slatted architectural features throughout the property.

The tiki bar at the AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea, designed by Hawaiian hotel architects AXIS/GFA

A new-build project, the hotel features 110 rooms over four stories across three acres. Interior design expertise was provided by SANDdesign.  AOR expertise and excellent execution by AHL.  Construction expertise by R.D. Olson.

Visit the project page in our New Build Hotel portfolio for additional images.

This article originally appeared in the May-June 2021 edition of The Praxis.

Avatar photo
Written By:
AXIS/GFA

Collaboratively delivering unforgettable architectural design and innovative technical solutions for America’s intrepid multifamily residential and hospitality leaders.

More By This Author