This post is so long overdue – I had shared a couple posts here, here, and here when we were in Maui, but wanted to share a full review of where we stayed while visiting the island.
The Fairmont Kea Lani is an all-suite hotel in the Wailea area of Maui, in a neighborhood with several other upscale hotels like the Andaz Maui, the Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea. There’s a beach path running between all these resorts, which is great for those morning walks. The Fairmont is on the far end, where the coast curves which means it’s a bit more secluded and private.
The exterior of the Fairmont Kea Lani, seems like a huge massive resort but didn’t feel that big, felt very intimate and comfortable. I really like the Hawaiian inspired décor with flowers everywhere.
We were immediately welcomed by the valet and bell staff, who greeted us with kukui nut and orchid leis. The lobby was this open air beauty full of greenery and holiday décor seeing as we were there during December. We got in pretty late and were excited to get to our room and unwind.
The rooms at the Fairmont Kea Lani are basically circular, which I thought made for a great floor plan. The foyer featured a bar to the right, an open archway to the sitting room, and then circling to the left the bedroom which led into the bathroom circling back to the from foyer. I did a full room tour in my IG stories which are saved to my highlights if you would like to see the room.
The bar area had a tea and coffee station, as you’d expect, but the cabinet also had a mini-fridge (empty except for two complimentary bottles of water), and a microwave. A family could easily keep a few snacks in their room — we stashed fruit and yogurt in here for early mornings. I thought both were a very nice touches. .My favourite part about our room was the view, we had the most amazing ocean view where you could catch the famous Maui sunsets. For those traveling in a larger party, or family the Fairmont offers very spacious suites that can accommodate everyone comfortably. And if you want something bigger and with a kitchen you could also choose to stay in one of their villas close to the beach.
Breakfast at the Fairmont Kea Lani:
Woke up our first morning ready to explore and enjoy everything this resort has to offer. , we received a complimentary breakfast for two.
Breakfast was offered in an indoor/outdoor space adjacent to the adult pool — the selection was so good with a huge variety to choose from. I loved all the fresh cooking stations and healthy options, a great way to start our first day.
Pools and beaches
This is obviously why most people come to Hawaii, and the Fairmont didn’t disappoint.
The adults-only pool was in the center of the resort and was well-equipped with lounge chairs, towels, the works. We enjoyed the cabana life here one day. It is something I would recommend while there, the service was great and the atmosphere did not disappoint.
The “main” pool was massive and had a lazy river, waterslide, a shallow splash pool for little ones, and even more cabanas.
The main pool also had the activities kiosk, where you could borrow or rent various pool toys, get extra towels, sign up for scuba lessons, whatever you wanted to do its there for you to enjoy.
Lets get to the beach now; it is where we spent a lot of time. It is a walk downhill from the pools. When you show up at the beach you really don’t need to worry about anything, they set your chairs, towels, and umbrella up and you are set for a day of relaxation. The beach played host to one of our favorite experiences at the Kea Lani: snorkeling with the sea turtles.
I have no pictures of this (because it was underwater), but it was wonderful, and something you should absolutely do if you’re staying at the Kea Lani. They offer free snorkeling gear for you to use and no need to go far the turtles are there right by the rocks. A must do, for sure.
Small touches
What I loved most about the Fairmont Kea Lani was the abundance of hospitality. The staff was universally friendly and helpful, and I very much felt like a intimate boutique hotel where you as a guest are a priority. There are so many resort out there that charge you for every little thing it was refreshing to see a large resort offering those small touches that you typically only see at more boutique properties.
Complimentary early-morning coffee
Activities for kids and adults
Complimentary sunscreen and aloe by the pools, and portable device chargers upon request
Snacks being handed out around the pool
Water stations (important to stay hydrated) by the pool and beach
Attendants setting up your beach chairs
WIFI
Complimetary parking
World class fitness centre with daily yoga and fitness classes…. And so much more
The resort also offered a complimentary shuttle within Wailea, which takes you to the shops of wailea for some incredible shopping, which we took advantage of.
So if you’re looking for a larger room at a full-service luxury resort, the Fairmont Kea Lani is your best option. I cannot wait to go back already.
I am also putting together a post about all the DOS and DONTS in Maui sharing what we did while we were there, stay tuned for that next week.