Sew For Five Days on Maui
Reserve your place with a $500 depositonly $100 non‑refundable
Spaces limited to just 36 quilters
Can’t join us November 2–7? Discover our second retreat, November 8–13, 2027
Picture yourself piecing your next quilt on a Featherweight prepared just for you, the trade winds drifting through open lanai doors and the scent of plumeria on the breeze. Surrounded by fellow quilters at the Grand Wailea, you’ll trade stories and laughter between blocks, then wander out to white-sand Wailea Beach when you’re ready for a stretch.
This isn’t just a vacation – it’s your dream quilting escape on Maui!
Your Dream Quilting Vacation Awaits
Join The Featherweight Shop team and fellow enthusiasts at the Grand Wailea, a five-star Waldorf Astoria resort on Maui’s sunny south shore, for our very first tropical land-based sewing retreat. You’ll settle into one welcoming home base for five unhurried nights – no packing and repacking, no ports to dash between.
This retreat runs November 2–7, 2027 – an intimate group of just 36 quilters, hosted start to finish by the Featherweight team. We’ve built the days to balance dedicated time at your machine with room to explore the island you love: sew to your heart’s content in our private retreat room, then step out for a beach walk, a spa afternoon, or a sunset luau – the rhythm is yours to set.
(Prefer different dates? We’re hosting a second, identical retreat November 8–13, 2027.)
Sew, Share, and Soak Up the Aloha
Dedicated Sewing-Room Time
Settle in at your own serviced Featherweight in our private retreat room and stitch the day away, with expert help close at hand and friends at every table. You decide how much of each day you spend sewing and how much you spend savoring Maui.
Our private sewing room is ours for the entire retreat, with room for our group of 36.
Grand Wailea Resort Tour
A Perfect Blend of Quilting and Paradise
Your Spaces at the Grand Wailea
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Our quilting sanctuary is a bright salon of about 1,860 square feet, set just for us for the entire retreat – room for our group of 36 to spread out blocks, settle in at the machine, and share ideas with friends all around.
Step outside into lush tropical gardens and open lawns – a lovely place to stretch your legs between sewing sessions, sketch a new design, or simply breathe in the island air.
The resort’s open-air lounges and beachfront terraces are made for gathering. Meet up with fellow quilters for a morning coffee, an afternoon chat, or to watch the sun slip into the Pacific.
A wide crescent of white sand fronts the resort, with loungers and cabana service for guests. It’s the perfect spot to pause, toes in the sand, before heading back to your machine.
Discover the Island Between Stitches
Explore Maui
The Grand Wailea sits on Maui’s sunny south shore, with the island’s best beaches, gardens, and views just minutes away. Roam as much or as little as you like.
Ready to explore? The resort’s concierge can help you arrange excursions, tours, and transportation — just ask at the desk — or browse and book Maui activities yourself, from snorkel trips to island tours and luaus, on Viator. (The Featherweight Shop doesn’t handle individual bookings, but we’re glad to point you to everything nearby.)
A few more island favorites worth the trip: the Road to Hāna, a famous all-day coastal drive (many guests prefer a guided van); ʻĪao Valley, with its emerald spire and easy garden paths; whale watching in season (roughly November–April); and the open beaches, shops, and tours of West Maui in Kāʻanapali and Kapalua.
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Right outside the resort, a flat, paved oceanfront path strolls about 1.6 miles each way past five white-sand beaches – gentle and welcoming for walkers of every pace. A lovely way to start the morning or wind down at sunset.
Just minutes away, this open-air center gathers 70-plus shops and several restaurants under the sun – an easy afternoon of browsing, dining, or gathering little supplies without ever needing to drive far.
About a 20-minute drive in Māʻalaea, Hawaiʻi’s aquarium invites you to wander past living coral reefs, sharks, rays, and sea turtles. A relaxed, indoor-friendly outing – perfect even on a rainy afternoon.
Half-day boat tours to the crescent-shaped Molokini Crater leave from nearby South Maui harbors, where you can drift above 250-plus species of fish in famously clear water. (Booked directly with the tour operator.)
About 45–60 minutes up the cool green slopes of Haleakalā, the paniolo town of Makawao charms with galleries and coffee shops, while Kula’s farm country offers gardens and sweeping views – a relaxed, low-key day.
A drive of roughly 2.5–3 hours climbs to the 10,000-foot summit and its otherworldly crater views. A gentle midday or afternoon visit needs no sunrise reservation – a far easier way to take in the same spectacular scenery.
Savor the Flavors of Maui
Dining at the Grand Wailea
A dozen ways to dine right on the resort — and your $125 nightly dining credit goes a long way across every one. On property you’ll also find the poolside Grotto Bar, the Aloha Trick Pony taco truck, Haleakalā Shave Ice, and 24-hour in-room dining.
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World-famous contemporary Japanese and sushi, in a dramatic 13,000-square-foot space.
Beachfront fine-dining seafood and steaks set over a lagoon — the resort’s signature restaurant.
Oceanfront coastal Italian and handmade pastas, in the adults-only pool area.
A wellness market-café with homegrown, organic fare — easy breakfasts and light bites.
An open-air lobby lounge with cocktails and live music in the evenings.
A walk-up beach spot for casual lunches and tropical drinks, toes in the sand.
A festive Hawaiian dinner show right on Wailea Beach. (An optional add-on.)
Want to venture out? Wailea and neighboring Kihei add dozens of restaurants minutes away — from lively island farm-to-table at Monkeypod Kitchen to fresh fish tacos at casual favorites like Coconut’s Fish Cafe. Ask the concierge for the current local favorites.
Your Nightly Dining Credit
Every guest – quilters and companions alike – receives a $125 food & beverage credit each night of the retreat to spend right across the resort, from a beachfront dinner at Humuhumu to a casual lunch at the Surf Haus. Savor Maui’s flavors on your own schedule, with the credit easing the way. (That’s $625 total value per guest across your five-night stay.)
Time to Unwind
Relax, Restore & Play
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Hawaiʻi’s largest spa — about 50,000 square feet, reimagined in 2024, with 40 treatment rooms, infrared saunas, a hammam, hydrothermal gardens, and serene relaxation lounges to melt away every ounce of tension. (Spa treatments are not included in the package.)
One of Hawaiʻi’s most elaborate pool complexes — nine pools across six levels, seven waterslides (including the three-story Lava Tube), waterfalls, caves, and the world’s only water elevator.
A tranquil adults-only (18+) pool with Jacuzzis, cabanas, and shaded seating — for when you’d like a quieter spot to unwind.
The wide white-sand crescent fronting the resort, with loungers and cabana service for guests — just steps from your room.
Your Quilting Retreat Package
What’s Included
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- Five nights in a room with a private balcony and ocean view at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria resort
- A $125 nightly food & beverage credit per person (quilters and companions alike)
- Resort fee and all taxes – included, no surprises
- A fully serviced Featherweight assigned just for you
- Your dedicated spot in our private sewing room for the whole retreat
- Expert on-site technical support from Featherweight specialists
- Sewing supplies and maintenance throughout
- An exclusive laser-cut quilt kit, swag bag, and daily quilting gifts
- A host-led welcome and orientation with the Featherweight team
- Access to the resort’s pools, beach, gardens, and fitness facilities
- A refillable water bottle for each guest, courtesy of the resort
Not included: airfare, parking, the luau (an optional add-on), spa treatments, and gratuities — see the FAQ below.
Exclusive Quilter Benefits
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A Fully Serviced Featherweight
Enjoy a fully serviced Featherweight sewing machine assigned exclusively for your use throughout the retreat, ensuring a seamless and personalized quilting experience.
Benefit from on-demand assistance from Featherweight specialists, ensuring your sewing sessions are uninterrupted and any technical concerns are promptly addressed.
Comprehensive Maintenance and Supplies
All necessary maintenance services and sewing supplies are provided, allowing you to focus entirely on your creative projects without any logistical worries.
Receive a specially designed quilt kit featuring laser pre-cut pieces and a unique pattern, offering a delightful and convenient quilting project during your retreat. Pictured design is a sneak peek—final fabric prints may vary based on availability.
Enjoy an exclusive Featherweight-themed swag bag, filled with curated items to enhance your quilting journey and serve as cherished mementos of your Maui retreat.
Delight in daily quilting-themed gifts, adding extra joy and surprise to each day of your retreat.
What to Bring On Your Quilting Adventure
The Featherweight Shop Has You Covered! We’ve planned every detail so your stitching time is seamless – travel light and arrive ready to sew. Here’s what we’re providing for your quilting retreat:
Everything you’ll need is built right into the retreat, so there’s no need to shop once you’re here. Below is exactly what’s set up and waiting at your station – plus a few personal touches you may want to bring along.
- Featherweight machine, perfectly serviced and ready to sew
- Thread snips & rotary cutters
- Cutting mat
- Pressing mat
- Iron
- Pins and seam rippers
- Machine needles
- Premium neutral thread
- Selection of ¼" presser feet & seam guides (feel free to bring your favorite!)
- Thread posts & thread stand
- Oil & grease
- Screwdrivers
- Bobbin tension meters
- Handy Stickers or fabric unit markers
- Sewline Trio Colors Pencil or preferred marking tool
- Pattern or Book Stand
- Quart or sandwich-sized Ziploc baggies for pieces
- Personal sewing light
- Your own project (if not using provided quilt kit)
- Additional 100% cotton thread
- Extra cutting rulers and mats
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm, sunny days
- A hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen for beach walks and pool time
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for the Wailea Beach Path
- A swimsuit for the pools and beach
- A light layer for cooler evenings and air-conditioned spaces
- A “cushy for your tushy” (or your back) for comfortable sewing
- Hand-sewing project for quiet moments
Yes — TSA allows scissors with blades under 4 inches in your carry-on. If yours are longer, or you’re unsure, pack them in your checked bag to be safe. And remember, your sewing station comes fully stocked — so if anything gets left behind, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re bringing your own project, cutting your fabric ahead of time means you can start sewing the moment you sit down. Working from your exclusive retreat quilt kit? It arrives ready to go.
Your Oceanview Home on Maui
Accommodations at the Grand Wailea
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- A spacious oceanview room with a private lanai and a marble bath
- Your choice of two queen beds or one king
- Five nights, with resort fee and all taxes included
- Your private sanctuary when you’re not creating with friends
Every retreat room is oceanview. Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy.
Arriving early or staying late? Extension nights at the Grand Wailea may be available — just ask and we’ll share current rates.
Pricing & Reservations
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- Reserve your spot: a $500 deposit per person ($100 non-refundable) holds your place.
- $3,695 per person — oceanview room, based on double occupancy.
- Final payment: the balance is due before the retreat — we’ll confirm your exact due date when you reserve.
- Your package includes five nights, the $125 nightly dining credit, resort fee, all taxes, and the full sewing program.
- $3,195 per person — same oceanview room, based on double occupancy ($500 less than the quilter rate).
- Companions enjoy the same oceanview room, the $125 nightly dining credit, and full access to the resort’s pools, beach, gardens, and amenities
- Same deposit and payment schedule
- Welcome to join group social events
Additional Retreat & Companion Info
While you’re creating, companions can enjoy:
- Wailea Beach and the oceanfront beach path
- The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool and the adults-only Hibiscus Serenity Pool
- Kilolani Spa treatments and the resort’s hydrothermal gardens (available at additional cost)
- The fitness center and wellness classes
- The Shops at Wailea, just minutes away
- Self-arranged island outings — snorkel tours, Upcountry drives, and more
- Meet & Greet: Everyone is welcome at our first evening reception!
Connect with potential roommates who share your passion! Join our Featherweight Facebook group to meet fellow quilting enthusiasts.
Wonderful — retreats are better together! Let us know who you’re traveling with when you reserve, and we’ll do our best to seat your group together in the sewing room.
The Grand Wailea offers accessible rooms and grounds throughout the resort. If you have specific mobility needs, just let us know when you reserve and we’ll help coordinate the right room with the resort.
With your nightly dining credit good across the resort’s restaurants — from Nobu’s sushi to Loulu’s wellness-focused fare — you’re free to choose dishes that fit your needs. If you have specific allergies or restrictions, mention them when you reserve and we’ll flag them with the resort.
Fly into Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui — about a 30–40 minute drive to the Grand Wailea in Wailea. Airfare and transfers aren’t included in your package, and we’re happy to recommend transfer companies.
Check-in at the Grand Wailea begins at 4:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Arriving early or heading out late? The resort’s front desk is happy to hold your luggage so you can start enjoying the grounds right away.
Urgent Care Wailea is just minutes from the resort in neighboring Kihei for everyday needs. Maui Memorial Medical Center — the island’s full-service hospital — is in Wailuku, about a half-hour drive away.
Makana Gifts with Aloha, the resort’s gift shop, is open daily with Made-in-Hawaii goods, sundries, and resort apparel, and the Shops at Wailea are a short stroll away for anything else. The resort also offers valet laundry and dry-cleaning service (at additional cost).
Your $500 deposit reserves your spot, of which $100 is non-refundable from the time of registration. The full cancellation schedule and final-payment date follow our standard Featherweights Afloat terms and will be confirmed with your reservation.
- Airfare to and from Maui — travelers book their own flights. There are no prearranged airport transfers, though we’re happy to recommend transfer companies.
- Parking at the resort — $70 per day
- The Grand Wailea luau — an optional add-on, about $240 per person (current rate; subject to change for 2027)
- Spa treatments at Kilolani Spa
- Meals and drinks beyond your $125 nightly dining credit, plus gratuities
- Personal purchases and extracurricular activities
Our private sewing room is open continually from the start of the retreat until it ends — sew whenever inspiration strikes.
You'll receive your Welcome Packet at the start of the retreat, and we'll email the full schedule beforehand so you know what to expect.
Featherweights Afloat
Reserve Your Spot
Spaces are limited to just 36 quilters, and they fill quickly. Reserve yours today with a $500 deposit (only $100 non-refundable) for our November 2–7, 2027 retreat.
(Looking at the other week? Our second retreat runs November 8–13, 2027.)
