Top reasons to spend the holidays at Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

Maui’s beloved Wailea coast in winter sounds like the tropical heaven that it is—but if you require any extra incentive to book your own slice of Hawaiian paradise now, here are a handful of ways the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui is creating holiday magic.

Experience Hawaiian Culture

Maui isn’t just the setting for your holiday: Hawaiian culture is holistically woven into the backdrop of every stay. Activities from daily koi-pond feedings and torch lighting are a blast for all ages. Get schooled by reserving your spot on an authentic outrigger Hawaiian Canoe Experience, take part in an E Komo Mai (welcome) resort horticulture walk or join an ’Olelo session to “talk story” while exploring the Hawaiian language.

Taste Island Flavors

Kō, voted Maui’s best resort restaurant, highlights a traditional laulau (food steam-cooked in leaves), offering a savory mix of vegetables, seafood and jasmine rice. Nosh on juicy Five Farm Burgers featuring Maui Cattle Co. beef poolside, or assemble a bowl at Pang’s Poke Bar in Luana Lounge.

Beat Winter at Willow Stream Spa

Guests traveling from cold-weather spots will warm to winter with Hawaii-inspired treatments. The Kea Lani Signature Massage exfoliates, soothes and hydrates weather-beaten skin; a Hydrafacial with a neck and shoulder massage provides an inner glow to complement holiday-kissed skin. Immerse in local healing traditions with a Natural Hawaiian Journey or Hawaiian pa’akai (sea salt) treatment, incorporating island clay and citrus masks (papaya and lemongrass or vanilla and coconut). Soak in Maui’s mana (energy) from the comfort of our ocean or poolside spa cabanas.

Get in the Water

With three swimming pools, three whirlpools, a 140-foot water slide and a soft white sandy beach fronting the brilliant blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll want to get wet here. Get stand-up paddleboard or kayak help from Wailea Scuba, Surf & Paddles on site or get snorkel gear and boogie boards from the beach pavilion, then enjoy complimentary beach umbrellas, reef-safe sunscreen and after-sun cream. The resort keiki (kids), activity and adults-only tranquility pools become the ultimate comfort zone with a reserved cabana experience: chilled beverages and fresh fruit treats from poolside attendants included.

Be Well, Be Fit

Whether you crave a quiet meditation & yoga or a round at the award-winning Wailea Golf Club, enjoy daily movement during your stay.

Celebrate the Sunset

The west-facing beaches of Wailea make for divine sunsetting: little ones will love following the golden-hour pu (conch shell) call sparking the torch-lighting ceremony around the resort. Cozy up at Kō bar with a Moana Mist cocktail (Maui-made Organic Ocean Vodka with strawberry and basil), or order a bottle of bubbly to toast the sunset from the private oversized lanai (balcony) in your guest suite. Or, simply welcome in the evening like many locals do: perched on the sandy beach marveling at the ever-evolving hues painting the sky.

Embrace Nature

For many travelers, the warm embrace of December temperatures averaging in the 80 F/high 20s C range is enough of a treat. Winter is also whale season, with majestic humpbacks often in view teaching their newborns to frolic in the warm Pacific waters. Rest assured that the Planet21 team makes your stay as sustainable as possible: solar panels are one of 50-plus eco initiatives at the resort, which sponsors coral reef and beach clean-ups and supports conservation projects for the endangered local Hawksbill turtle.

Find Privacy or Romance

It takes a villa: the ultimate holiday retreat is an oceanfront home-away-from-home, just steps from Polo Beach. Two- and three-bedroom villas (ranging from 1,800 to 2,200 square feet) have gourmet kitchens, laundry facilities, tricked-out entertainment systems with 55-inch screens, private courtyards with plunge pools and barbecues—perfect for extended-family stays. Premium villa perks include valet parking and a welcome basket of treats. Want the fridge stocked with your favorites or a private barbecue for the family? Call on the dedicated concierge team to make the arrangements.

For Kids Only

Keiki are treasured in Hawaiian culture, and the resort has a variety of themed activities, from Hawaiian cultural (hula) and crafting to theme-day activities. Gingerbread house and ornament making, cookie decorating and of course Santa’s arrival by outrigger canoe on Christmas Eve ensures they won’t miss a thing over the holidays.

Holiday Memories

Snuggle up every evening over the holidays and give generously to the Tree of Hope (donations support Maui Food Bank’s Aloha Backpack Buddies program). On Fridays, shop the Made on Maui marketplace in the lobby for local artisan gifts. Pacific Dream Photography, experts at turning moments into lasting memories, will be on hand to capture your family’s candid shots, formal portraits or artistic interpretations (Tip: a perfect family picture spot is in front of the huge, elaborately decorated Christmas tree, touted as one of the largest in the state.)