By Kristin Hashimoto

Botero Bar at the Grand Wailea, photo by Kristin Hashimoto

You can’t get in, unless you surrender your keys. Botero Gallery Bar at the Grand Wailea, is just that kind of place. Valet is the only option for patrons and guests at this service-oriented hotel. Walk into the entranceway and stare straight ahead; Botero Bar, and its siren-like mermaid will beckon. Surrounded by lush green, sculptures by the bar’s namesake, Fernando Botero, are tucked into the space. Large forms and figures, lay, stand, and drape into the environment.

The pavilion like bar, with a domed fresco ceiling in the gentlest peach hue, stands amongst fronds, foliage, and a gorgeously colored blue-tiled waterway. The modestly sized bar, has live entertainment nightly. Hawaiian music is a favorite here.

On the menu, are some familiar bar food staples with a Grand Wailea quality: Pomme frites (French fries) with garlic and herbs for $10, crab cakes with a sweet Thai chili aioli priced at $15, sliders made with Kobe beef for $20, and onion rings made with Kula onions made crispy with panko flakes and served with a papaya relish and Ranch dressing for $11.

Feeling thirsty? Botero Bar has any number of tongue teasing, palate pleasing drinks that tickle tastebuds. For a sweet tooth, desertinis like chocolate or an Almond Joy candy bar in drink form, is basically heaven in a glass. Want something more refreshing? Try their frozen mango mojito, or Wailea Splash made with cranberry juice, lemonade, rum and vodka. Cocktail prices range from $14-$16.

At the end of the night, or the beginning, decide to take a little man home. The bar has its own little glass man to drink cocktails from, get discounted refills with, and take home, called The Botero, for $25 if ordered with its drink. The glass itself is $15.

While the bar used to open around 12:30 p.m. daily, a slower season has contributed to a current 4:30 p.m. opening. The bar closes around 12:00 a.m. Call 875-1234 for more information.

FYI: Botero Gallery Bar is also a venue for the Divas Night Out spa and fashion night on the last Friday of the month. Guests can nosh on SkinniEats, and have some SkinniTinis (reduced calorie food and drink). If the girls feel like getting away from it all, stop by the bar for some nearly guilt free goodness.

Sculpture by Fernando Botero at Botero Bar, photo by Kristin Hashimoto