By Ela Sathern By Ela Sathern | April 17, 2024 | Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Travel & Recreation, Culture Feature,
KAMA‘AINAOR VISITOR, THE NEWLY RENOVATED FAIRMONT KEA LANI, MAUI IN WAILEA BECKONS FOR A MEMORABLE HAWAIIAN GETAWAY.
On the edge of the Fairmont Kea Lani’s refreshed lobby is an open-air bar and restaurant, Pilina, that pairs vibrant island ingredients with panoramic ocean views. PHOTO COURTESY OF FAIRMONT KEA LANI, MAUI
Upon entering the Fairmont Kea Lani’s newly transformed lobby, I quickly am able to let the luxury and aloha embrace me. The openair entrance welcomes with flowing waterfalls, lush gardens and breathtaking, panoramic ocean views.
In January, the grand opening of the resort’s newest epicurean and cultural gem, Pilina, marked the completion of its multi-year renovation. At the bar, I’m greeted with one of its signature libations—the Mauka, starring Fy Hawai‘i Wet Gin, ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Honey, Aliʻi Kula Lavender, Butterfly Pea Flower and Smoked Big Island Bee Pollen. Sustainably sourced and artfully executed, Pilina’s beverage program captures the essence of Hawai‘i, connecting culture, sense of place and nature’s bounty, one sip at a time. In celebration of the ʻāina-driven menu, I experience a hot rock creation cooked fresh at the table, showcasing proteins and vegetables sourced straight from local purveyors and farmers across the Islands.
To the right lies the new interactive cultural center known as Hale Kukuna. Showcasing various art forms and traditions unique to Hawai‘i, the venue provides a portal to Native Hawaiian heritage through hula, lei making, traditional fishing, storytelling, the art of ‘Ohe Kāpala and more. It speaks to Fairmont Kea Lani’s broader commitment to regenerative tourism—creating meaningful and respectful guest experiences while also giving back, protecting local culture and supporting environmental initiatives across the Islands.
The entire renovation at Fairmont Kea Lani was done in consultation with local cultural leaders and, therefore, with the support and respect of the community. This includes the 413 one-bedroom suites and 37 two-story villas, all artfully redesigned to evoke stories of the island’s rich cultural heritage and accentuate the natural beauty of Hawai‘i.
After leisurely time spent in a cabana by the tranquility pool, frequent visits to the beach, and hikes along the coastline while keeping an eye out for turtles and whales fill up my days, I pause to truly hoʻomaha (relax) and rejuvenate at the Willow Stream Spa. Before my treatment begins, I experience the three special showers that each offer a different feeling of well-being: Ua Noe (Morning Mist), Ua Naulu (Afternoon Rain) and Ua Hekili (Evening Storm). Then, I partake in a 120-minute Natural Hawaiian Journey where the therapist follows a local tradition to maintain health with locally-grown rich ingredients to exfoliate your skin, replace lost nutrients in a soothing ti-leaf wrap and finally massage your skin, leaving it with a radiant glow.
Truly a journey of the senses, the refreshed resort and offerings invites guests to connect deeply with Maui’s storied past and promising future through people, place, cuisine and custom.
Hale Kukuna, Fairmont Kea Lani’s new Hawaiian cultural center, boasts a curated collection of Hawaiian books, implements, relics and artwork. PHOTO COURTESY OF FAIRMONT KEA LANI, MAUI
One of Pilina’s signature libations includes the Mauka (toward the mountain) that uses fresh ingredients of the islands. PHOTO COURTESY OF FAIRMONT KEA LANI, MAUI
The artfully redesigned one-bedroom suite. PHOTO COURTESY OF FAIRMONT KEA LANI, MAUI
Photography by: