With its cloud-piercing mountains, lush forests and idyllic beaches, it’s hard to end up anywhere on Maui that feels like a bad location. Still, the Fairmont Kea Lani’s oceanfront locale is one of the most stunning you can find on the island. Located on Polo Beach along the three-mile Beach Walk that connects many of Maui’s most luxurious properties, the resort offers stunning views of calm Pacific waters along with Kahoolawe and the Molokini crater in the distance. On a recent trip, I was stunned by the beauty of the surroundings and impressed by the high level of service at the resort. Best of all, as opposed to many other large oceanfront resorts, the Fairmont Kea Lani doesn’t feel removed from the outside world. Instead, it incorporates local Hawaiian culture in vital and innovative ways.
Why stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani?
First built in 1991 as the only all-suite and villa luxury resort in Hawaii, the Fairmont Kea Lani has undergone an extensive renovation over the last few years. Shaped like a sparkling white clam shell sitting on the edge of the Pacific, the successful renovation has given both the public and private spaces some extra sparkle. We first arrived at the property down a torch-lit road that brought us to the epic lobby with soaring white arches framing large openings out to the pools, sea and beyond. (“Kea Lani” translates to “heavenly white” in Hawaiian and many of the resort’s architectural motifs are inspired by the white plumeria flower.) From the dramatic check-in area, it’s a short walk down adjoining hallways—or across a sloping lawn—to one of the resort’s 413 spacious suites or 37 two-story villas. The fact that every room here is either a suite or a villa is a major plus that sets the resort apart.
What are the rooms like at the Fairmont Kea Lani?
Speaking of suites, our room at the Fairmont Kea Lani was lovely. We were given a Signature Ocean View One-Bedroom Suite with a view of the resort and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. The living area had a table with two-chairs for in-room meals (where I had the best pineapple of my life) as well as a couch and television. The bedroom had a comfortable king bed and both rooms opened onto a spacious private Lanai—perfect for taking in the sunrise with a cup of coffee. The real showstopper of the suite, however, was the giant bathroom with a walk-in stone shower and soaking tub. It was more like being in a small spa than a bathroom. Rounding out the space was a small kitchen area with a microwave and fridge. The overall vibe is coastal chic with some fun Hawaiian design references such as light fixtures that resemble hīnaʻi, a basket-like fish trap used by ancient Hawaiians.
What are the best restaurants and bars at the resort?
All of the dining options at Fairmont Kea Lani work to capture aspects of the island’s local flavors and fresh ingredients while presenting them in unique ways. Every morning, we had breakfast at Kea Lani Restaurant which had a huge breakfast buffet complete with fresh fruit, eggs, pastries and a take on the Hawaiian dish Loco Moco that we devoured almost every day. (A dedicated station at the restaurant makes this standout dish which features rice, short rib, gravy and an egg.) Off of the lobby, Pilina has more of an elevated cocktail bar vibe and specializes in incredibly fresh sushi and Maui-inspired cocktails. I had the complex, delicious Mauka Cocktail with Hawaii Wet Gin, Ōhi‘a Lehua Honey and Aliʻi Kula Lavender. For more of a fine-dining option, Kō Restaurant serves dishes inspired by the island’s mix of Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean and Portuguese cultures. (Don’t sleep on the Seafood Lau Lau with fresh fish, scallops and prawns in a shoyu-coconut milk sauce.) You can also order food to your room, have a casual lunch at Ama Bar & Grill by the pools or pick-up a quick bite to-go from Makan Market and Café.
What is the service like at Fairmont Kea Lani?
Throughout our stay, the service at the resort was incredibly friendly with staff members providing plenty of recommendations, helping with logistics and embodying the local spirit of hospitality. We never had a less than fantastic staff interaction. We wanted to spend a few days exploring the island and an on-site car rental service took care of the Jeep rental and even called us when the car we wanted had arrived. A yoga instructor expertly catered a morning session to our abilities. A resident artist at the resort, Dale Zarrella, gave us an informative tour of his large-scale wooden sculptures—some of which were carved from trees burnt by the 2023 Maui wildfires. At one point, a staffer gave us an interesting explanation of the resort’s “treecovery” program which is currently growing trees on-site at the property to help repopulate the areas affected by the 2023 fires.
What are the pools and spa like at Fairmont Kea Lani?
The Fairmont Spa is casual and relaxed with some innovative wellness offerings showcasing local ingredients. I spent a morning trying the Natural Hawaiian Journey where I was scrubbed by Hawaiian volcanic clay, wrapped in lau kī (ti leaves), given an ʻawapuhi scalp treatment and massaged with Maui vanilla cocoa coconut body butter. Before and after treatments, guests can take advantage of a quiet relaxation room as well as a sauna and steam room. We spent most of our time at the property’s adults-only pool (three of the greatest words in the English language) where we had friendly and attentive service. One day, we also rented a cabana which is worth looking into. It provides a fan, extra amenities and—most memorably—a pack of delicious mochi ice cream. Outside of the adults-only pool, there is a massive complex with an upper pool, lower pool and water slide surrounded by chairs and cabanas. The beach, where the resort provides chairs and umbrellas, is also just a short walk away and there’s a large, on-site gym.
What’s the area like around Fairmont Kea Lani?
One of my personal favorite amenities at the resort was the three-mile coastal “Beach Walk,” an achingly gorgeous pathway from the property that runs by numerous luxury resorts also located in Wailea. (I found the perfect time to go for a jog was early in the morning before the pathway got too busy.) Wailea is a great place to stay overall in Maui and it’s just a short drive from the airport, Haleakala National Park and the charming town of Paia. If you’re looking for a homebase on Maui that balances central proximity with stunning beaches, it’s an excellent pick. Nearby, The Shops at Wailea features over 70 shops and restaurants and makes for a good rainy day activity.
Why you should book a stay at Fairmont Kea Lani
I found my few days at this resort to be the perfect balance of high-end luxury and relaxed ambiance. It is located in one of the most beautiful spots on Maui and is great for couples, large groups or families. After its recent renovation, the resort has a new polish that makes it even easier to recommend. My favorite part (which I think makes a great case for a stay) is the new “Hale Kukuna” cultural center just off the lobby. This cultural center is like a mini-museum on Hawaiian culture and offers a steady stream of activities including ukulele lessons, art-making classes and tours led by full-time Native Hawaiian employees. The rare site of such a centrally located cultural space at a luxury resort gets to the heart of what sets Fairmont Kea Lani apart. A stay here makes you feel like you’re immersed in Maui rather than separated from it.