In Hawaiian, kea lani means “clear skies.” While those words could describe the typical state of the weather in Wailea, Maui — where Fairmont Kea Lani is located — these days, it could also mean the path forward for the resort now that it has completed a major transformation.
Fairmont Kea Lani started its renovation in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Since then, the resort has navigated strict health regulations, supply chain issues, devastating fires on the island and more. Its newly designed guestrooms debuted in January 2023, the new lobby and cultural center opened nearly a year later, in December 2023, and the lobby restaurant and bar opened just last month.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Chelsea Livit, director of marketing and public relations for Fairmont Kea Lani. “But we couldn’t be happier with the results.”
The Fairmont’s new lobby provides a grand welcome to guests.
Credit: 2024 Fairmont Kea LaniA Fresh Entrance at Fairmont Kea Lani
An upscale resort such as Fairmont Kea Lani should have a grand entrance that lets guests know they truly have arrived — both literally and figuratively. Now, the resort offers just that kind of welcome. The new lobby is open and airy, with marble floors and a domed ceiling that provides a connection to the Moroccan-style architecture found throughout the property. Upon arrival, guests immediately notice the smell of tropical flowers and are wowed by the expansive views across the resort to the Pacific. The lobby incorporates greenery and water features to evoke a feeling of nature. Accents of dark, rich wood can be found throughout the space.
On one side of the lobby is the new open-air Pilina restaurant, serving cuisine that “encapsulates the essence of Hawaii,” according to the resort. The focus here is on sushi and raw dishes, as well as an interactive hot-rock dining experience (where diners grill meat or fish themselves on a very hot stone). Pilina also features one of the longest wooden bars on Maui, and there’s an innovative menu of cocktails that incorporates a range of local products — including a rum blend created for Pilina by Kuleana Rum Works and a Pilina Golden Ale from Maui Brewing Company.
On a recent visit, I was able to sample the hot-rock concept with Wagyu beef and ahi tuna, washed down by the Mauka signature cocktail, comprising local Hawaiian gin, honey and lavender from Maui. Next to Pilina is Hale Kukuna, a new space dedicated to Hawaiian culture. Most notably, Hale Kukuna is not relegated to a remote corner of the resort, as you see at some hotels — by putting it in the main lobby, Fairmont Kea Lani is making a statement about the importance of Hawaiian culture.
Pilina restaurant has one of the longest open-air bars on Maui.
Credit: 2024 Fairmont Kea Lani“In Hawaiian, hale means ‘house’ and kukuna means ‘rays of the sun,’” said Kamahiwa Kawa’a, manager of Hawaiian culture at Fairmont Kea Lani. “So, we imagine the center’s rays reaching out and touching everything else in the resort. Its location emphasizes the idea that it’s the hub and focal point of the hotel.”
Kawa’a emphasized that Hale Kukuna is not a museum. Using a curated collection of relics, implements and artwork created by local artisans, it’s a hands-on center for sharing insights into island life.
“At Hale Kukuna, Hawaiian culture isn’t just on display, it’s in action,” Kawa’a said. “We want to build meaningful connections and lasting memories, and the way to do that is through actively engaging with Hawaii.” As part of this goal, the center will offer cultural activities, including Hawaiian language classes, lei-making and hula, which is something Kawa’a knows a lot about — not only is his mother a longtime hula teacher, but his own hula halau (troupe) was a winner at the Merry Monarch festival. In fact, Kawa’a feels that as a native Hawaiian, educating visitors about his culture is his duty.
“Because if I don’t do it, who’s going to?” he said. “By meeting that responsibility, we ensure that Hawaiian culture is here to stay.”
With last year’s debut of new suites and two-story villas, and this year’s addition of a new lobby, restaurant and cultural center, there’s nothing but clear skies ahead for Fairmont Kea Lani.
