Fairmont Kea Lani… Where do I start?! There’s so much I could say about how much I loved my stay here that it’s hard to know exactly where to begin. I’ve stayed at dozens, probably hundreds, of hotels over the last decade, but it’s rare to find one that excels in every category—culinary experience, rooms, amenities, property, and service. In my humble opinion, though, the Kea Lani doesn’t fall short in any area. It’s one of those rare resorts that gets everything right.
The second you step foot on this property, you’re taken aback by its grandiose nature. The lobby floor glistens to reflect towering arches overhead, with cascading waterfalls welcoming you into the space. Ahead, a view so striking it looks as if a painter spent years perfecting every detail lights up the room, and you’re immediately immersed in what feels like a palace crafted by a mermaid. Architecturally, it’s clear that every detail has been thoughtfully considered, and the interior design was so stunning that it had me rethinking how I decorated my home. Rich wood tones framed by arches, lush greenery contrasted by simple white walls, and bright open spaces bring this place to life.
After heading up to my third-floor room to drop my belongings, I was equally impressed to find it just as elegant and airy as the lobby. My suite opened into a spacious living room (with a well-lit bathroom to the left), which wrapped around to my incredibly comfortable king bed. The decor was modern and refreshing, with blue tones in the rug and tiling mixed with warm wood accents, creating the perfect ocean escape. Straight ahead, an expansive balcony with views of the pools, and further out, the ocean, flooded the room with light. I’m always a fan of a good ocean view, and this one absolutely delivered, offering the perfect glimpse of paradise right from my balcony. In the room, I found a thoughtful welcome gift featuring items from local vendors, as well as useful products like sunscreen and a beach bag for my time at the resort. After making myself a Nespresso (caramel cookie flavour… yum!) in the room, I set off to explore the rest of the property.
When it comes to food, I have to say Pilina may just be one of my all-time favourite restaurants. Their commitment to sustainably sourced ingredients, their ability to capture the essence of the islands through each dish, and their deep connection with Hawaiian culture are all winning features for me, but above all, the food is simply delicious. Traveling with Celiac Disease can be a challenge, but, like other Fairmont properties I’ve visited, this wasn’t a problem here. The kitchen staff prepared my meals in a separate allergen-safe kitchen to ensure my peace of mind, which was so appreciated. I highly recommend the Spicy Wahine roll, which, along with the fresh carpaccio, was a favourite of mine. And aside from the food, the cocktails were equally impressive (the Mauka - Toward The Mountains was my favourite; you already know I’m a fan of a well-crafted gin cocktail). It wasn’t just Pilina that stood out; the buffet breakfast, the poke bowl from AMA, and drinks at the swim-up pool bar are also a must-try!
On-site, if you want to stay active rather than just relax, there’s plenty to keep you busy. In the lobby, you can learn from and interact with Hawaiian cultural artifacts, there’s a spa (which, according to my friends, has amazing massages), a waterslide that spans from the top to the bottom pool (of course I had to try it), and you can even grab a snorkel and book a Hawaiian outrigger canoe experience—which I *highly* recommend. I talked about it in a previous blog post, but snorkelling holds a special place in my heart, and, in my opinion, Maui is one of the best places to do it. Right off the resort, with guidance from our canoe guides, we swam amongst graceful turtles, vibrant fish, and even spotted eagle rays—an experience etched into my mind that I’ll never forget. And if you’re interested in leaving the resort, we joined an environmental sustainability initiative hosted by the Fairmont for a skyline conservation project, aimed at restoring the island’s delicate ecosystem. It was such a meaningful experience to be a part of, and I love to see this happening.
As much as I could go on and on about all the resort has to offer, what stood out most was the incredible service and warm welcome from the staff. From the second we stepped off the shuttle to the moment we rolled our suitcases back out, the sincere warmth and above-and-beyond attitude of everyone was evident. I had the opportunity to participate in several cultural ceremonies during my time here, and this was such a powerful reminder to the importance of the importance of connecting to the land, the culture, and the people around you while travelling.
I learned a term during my time in Maui the phrase, "A Hui Hou," meaning, “Until We Meet Again,” and for the Fairmont Kea Lani, this rings so true. It’s not goodbye, it’s “see you soon,” and I’m hoping that day comes sooner rather than later.
Happy travels and enjoy your adventure!
Cheers,
Chloë
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