Where to Stay in Maui

Even those who have never touched down on the picture-perfect islands of Hawaii can conjure up an iconic image of what a Hawaiian holiday must be like. Stunning scenery from volcanoes to rainforests, hiking trails, and world-class resorts sitting front row to aquamarine sets hitting soft-sand beaches, like the Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui. If you need a little inspiration for where to stay in Maui, step on to this beautiful property with us.

Pat Bailey | Cover © Pacific Dream Photography

Sunrise from the balcony at Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui | © Pat Bailey

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Fairmont Kea Lani

The welcome at Fairmont Kea Lani is grand. When you arrive you walk into an expansive open-air lobby that is grandiose in every way. From the first step, you can look straight through the lobby and beyond and almost see the ocean.

The horizon beckons you, and the sounds beyond the lobby pull you in the direction of the two pools, the property’s beach, coy pond, lounge areas, meandering paths, garden, and all that the property is. It is a big welcome that comes quickly.

It feels so good to be there.

Ocean View Suite

My Ocean View Suite was a luxurious space with a cozy seating area and desk in one half of the room, and a beautiful king-sized bed with generous bathroom on the other side.

The balcony overlooking the pool and with a perfect view of the ocean spanned the full length of the suite and provided plenty of space to sunbathe and enjoy morning yoga as well as in-room dining.

It was the perfect spot to enjoy a nightcap in the fresh air before bed too.

Our suite at the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. | © Pat Bailey

The gorgeous and generous bathroom at the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. | © Pat Bailey

Fairmont Fit

A “Fairmont Fit” Membership meant I was given extra fitness goodies to use during my stay, including a workout outfit, running shoes, and in-room fitness equipment such as a yoga mat, props, resistance training equipment, rollers, and other fun gadgets for stretching and moving on your own.

The Reebok clothes and shoes are both on loan, hoping to inspire guests to maintain their fit lifestyle while travelling.

Of course, if you fall in love with the gear, you can purchase your own on check out.

It was brilliant not to have to bring workout clothes and shoes and to have that extra space in my luggage for other things like gifts to bring back to friends and family.

Related: Lojel Cubo Luggage Review

Fairmont Fit provides guests with clothing and shoes on loan to encourage them to stay active during their visit. | © Pat Bailey

The large living space in the suite at Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. | © Pat Bailey

Exploring this property you will find two pools; one adult-only pool which is more secluded, and a family pool which is centrally located and surrounded by gardens.

Further wandering will bring you to cabanas, restaurants, bars, a gourmet bakery, pool slide and beach beyond.

In addition, the property also hosts the Willow Stream Spa, a luxury spa with traditional Hawaiian treatments as well as a small market with an ice cream shop.

An inviting space for relaxation in the gardens at the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. | © Pat Bailey

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Feasting at Fairmont Kea Lani

With four unique restaurants, four bars, a gourmet bakery, and a small market on the Fairmont Kea Lani property I found plenty to appease my appetite and enough variety to feel no need to venture beyond the hotel for dining options.

Begin your mornings feasting on the enormous buffet at the Kea Lani Restaurant, enjoy an open-air lunch or happy hour at AMA Bar & Grill which offers a taste of traditional Hawaiian dishes with a modern influence.

Dishes range from poke bowls to seared ahi and many others with fresh and local ingredients. You can order freshly squeezed juices here in the morning and do a swim-up lunch too!

If a quick coffee, lunch on the go, or an afternoon treat is on your list, Caffe Ciao Bakery and Market is perfect.

I found healthy snacks here, and also treated myself to an ice cream one afternoon. The market is a great place to grab local Hawaiian gifts to take back to friends and family.

I enjoyed a welcome happy hour at Luana, the beautiful open-air area located directly off the lobby which included a glass of bubbles and an incredible assortment of fresh, healthy, and delicious tapas. It was the perfect way to surrender into the island vibe.