The Grand Wailea website touts that this was the first Water Elevator ever. That being said the concept is a lot cooler than the actual experience. We were at the Grand Wailea for about 3 days before we actually noticed the Water Elevator door opening. There’s no real signage, just a door that looks like a porthole that could really just be a design addition. After catching it opening we ran to join the group and sit in the circle while the water rushed in. The story goes that a higher up(possibly the owner?) had a son who couldn’t walk who wanted to ride the slides — so he built him a water elevator — so he could join in on the fun. Which is a great story — but the experience was actually not that enjoyable, sadly. One side of the«cave» has a waterfall rushing down. Because of the turning, you end up directly under it a couple times — and it’s a strong waterfall. Leaning forward helps but doesn’t entirely take the sting out of it. It’s also not built to be self maintaining. There’s actually a guy turning a wheel who has to turn off and on the water pressure. It’s a fun concept, and it does get you to the top quickly with not having to walk up the stairs and across the bridge — but it’s mostly a show piece — and I could see them someday retiring it without anyone the wiser.
