FAIRMONT KEA LANI

Some luxuries are defined by opulence; gold this, diamond that—lavish indulgences most people rarely experience. But in places like Maui, luxury takes on a different meaning: thoughtful design, heartfelt hospitality, unforgettable dining, and front-row access to nature’s wonders. At Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea, Maui, you’ll experience the kind of luxury that material things can never match.

Located in the storied ahupua‘a of Palauea, the hotel honors its responsibility to the land and its history by bringing out the very best of Maui, reflected in every detail of its design and service. After being welcomed with a fresh lei, I was immediately drawn to the postcard-worthy view of quintessential Hawai’i framed by an arch-shaped window: a lily pond and a small bridge, surrounded by palms and soft greenery, with the Pacific quietly sleeping in the distance.

I instantly understood that I wasn’t just checking into a hotel. I was entering a luxury experience that nourished my mind, body, and spirit.

A True Island Paradise
The newly renovated Kea Lani is the Fairmont hotel group’s only all-suite and villa oceanfront resort in Hawai’i. Its renovation deepens its island roots: soaring ceilings that bring in fresh air and natural light, soft curves that echo ocean waves, and breezy indoor-outdoor transitions that create space for the natural flow of island life. 

Each suite has generous space and a large lanai where you can appreciate Maui’s skyline. Some rooms, like the two-story oceanfront villas, come with a private courtyard, a full kitchen, and a plunge pool—an excellent option for families, couples, or friend groups that want that “home away from home” feel.  

Sustainability is a key element here. A small but thoughtful touch: every registered guest receives a refillable water bottle to use during their stay, which they can also take home with them. It reinforces the resort’s broader mission: to offer luxury while maintaining their responsibility to their land.

Fresh Tropical Flavors at Pilina Of all the culinary experiences at the Kea Lani, Pilina is the one that truly stayed with me. Its sculpted wooden interiors flow seamlessly into oceanfront views, carrying the rhythm of the Pacific. Its drinks and dishes do the same. With locally sourced ingredients, every sip and bite is another way of knowing Maui.

I had the Makai cocktail: a refreshing blend of Ocean Vodka, aloe, yuzu, cucumber, and sea asparagus. Then came the Red-Stained Fingertips, made with Waikulu agave spirit, ume liqueur, pineapple shrub, and a li hing salt rim. 

But the true showstopper was the sushi boat. Expertly prepared and playfully presented, the boat, to me, was symbolic, because I can only describe the platter as a journey through many different flavors, each bold in its own right. It was clear that the chef used both traditional Japanese technique and Hawaiian ingenuity to create this masterpiece.  

If you’re looking to explore more sushi, they also have a wide selection with ingredient combinations that create their own rhythm when combined. For example, the Mauka to Makai roll, featuring A-5 wagyu, lobster, garlic chips, and eel sauce offers a distinct harmony that only Hawaiian dining can provide. 

Save room for dessert, especially for popular options like the Matcha Basque Brûlée. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds: a creamy cheesecake with yuzu white chocolate streusel and candied citrus.

Breakfast at the Kea Lani Restaurant is just as memorable. Hawai’i is a melting pot of different cultures, and the breakfast buffet reflects that, serving Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese dishes. I especially loved their locally roasted coffee, artisan pastries, and fresh juices that energized me each morning.  

A Place That Grounds You
At The Fairmont Kea Lani, there’s no shortage of spaces for you to slow down and relax. From your suite’s private lanai to the cabanas and chaise lounges that surround the pool, you can pick any spot to enjoy the sun among palm trees and lush tropical foliage, with a cold drink or poolside grub to keep you company.

Whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking in the pristine beauty of the Pacific in front of you, the resort invites you into a type of mindfulness that only the island breeze can bring.

But the magic of the island extends far beyond the resort. Rent a Jeep and go on the legendary Road to Hana adventure, a 64.4-mile drive along the northeastern coast of Maui. This winding drive leads you to scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, gardens, historic sites, and more. Don’t miss food trucks like Ae’s Sassy Tacos or The Juice Box for fresh-pressed juices. If you want remembrances of your time in Maui, stop by Ocean Treasures for some handmade jewelry and other souvenirs.

The team at the Kea Lani can definitely help you plan your trip. The Hana Highway, and the island in general, offer plenty of activities for nature lovers: from discovering hidden beaches to canoeing through the shallows of a calm sea. 

Luxury That Stays with You
In honoring its responsibility to this sacred land, the Fairmont Kea Lani does more than just offer you lush hotel rooms or a fancy pool. At the resort, you’re invited to a full sensory experience that captures the living character of the island. From the gorgeous views highlighted by intentionally designed interiors to the deeply rooted island flavors served at their restaurants, it’s impossible not to feel connected to Maui after just one visit.

That, I’ve found, is true luxury: that feeling of connectedness with your body, your surroundings, and the people around you. I left feeling not just rested but recovered—in every sense of the word.

For more information: fairmont.com