Fairmont Kea Lani to Host Community Celebration Honoring Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea
A Day of Cultural Education and Restoration – Sunday, July 27, 2025
In recognition of Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, Hawaiʻi’s Day of Sovereignty Restoration, Fairmont Kea Lani invites the community to a day of cultural learning, reflection, and celebration on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 9:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea Celebration: Kapa Making with Lei Ishikawa
Lei Ishikawa is a respected kapa artist renowned for her dedication to preserving and perpetuating the traditional Hawaiian art of kapa cloth making. Through her workshops, Lei guides participants through the complete kapa-making process—from cultivating and processing wauke (paper mulberry) to applying natural dyes and traditional design techniques—while underscoring kapa’s profound cultural significance within Hawaiian heritage.
Deeply rooted in the Maui community, Lei is committed to sharing kapa as a living tradition, ensuring its knowledge and practice endure for future generations. She will be speaking and offering live kapa-making demonstrations from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., inviting guests to engage with this meaningful and time-honored craft firsthand.
Location: Lobby
Time: July 27th: 10:00AM - 2:00PM
This event is complimentary to all. We invite you to attend at your leisure throughout the day as we honor Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea.
Other Events You May Like
Experiences
Sushi & Sake Demonstration
Discover the perfect harmony of flavor and tradition at Pilina with our immersive Sushi & Sake Class. Join our sake specialist and lead sushi chefs for an engaging experience that explores the art of sushi-making paired with a curated sake tasting. Learn expert techniques, sample Hawaiian and Japanese sakes, and gain a deeper appreciation for this iconic Japanese pairing. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, this interactive journey promises a unique and memorable culinary adventure. Includes sashimi and specialty roll tasting.
Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea Celebration: Traditional Woodworking with Kenneth Hiraoka
With over two decades of experience, Kenneth Hiraoka—affectionately known as Uncle Ken—is a respected traditional woodworking artist whose craftsmanship has been featured across the islands. His work has been exhibited at notable venues including the Celebration of the Arts Festival at Kapalua, the Made in Maui County Festival, and the Juried Exhibitions of Hawai‘i Craftsmen at the Honolulu Museum of Art School.
Uncle Ken will be speaking and offering live demonstrations of his traditional woodworking from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., sharing both the refined techniques behind his craft and the cultural significance that informs and inspires his work.
Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea Celebration: Hawaiian Agriculture with Lukela Alboro
Lukela Alboro will offer an engaging presentation and live demonstrations centered on the practice of kuʻi kalo (poi pounding), illuminating both the technique and its deep-rooted cultural significance. Through his demonstrations, Lukela will share insights into the history and enduring importance of kalo (taro) in Hawaiian agriculture, while also exploring related ʻike (knowledge) of traditional farming practices essential to the health and sustainability of both land and community.
Guests are invited to join Lukela between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to experience this vital expression of Hawaiian agricultural heritage firsthand.
Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea Celebration: Lauhala Weaving with Gayle “Kaila” Miyaguchi
Gayle “Kaila” Miyaguchi began her journey in lauhala weaving in the mid-1990s, first learning the craft of pāpale (woven hats) under the guidance of esteemed mentor Aunty Elizabeth Maluʻihi Lee and her apprentice, Lynne Hanks. Her dedication to this traditional art has since deepened through continued study at lauhala conferences and classes with master weaver Pōhaku Kahoʻohanohano, further refining both her technique and understanding of its cultural significance.
Kaila will be speaking and offering live lauhala weaving demonstrations from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., generously sharing her skills, insights, and the enduring traditions that shape and inspire her work.
Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea Celebration: Kākau Uhi (Traditional Hawaiian Tattooing) with Chase Keliʻipaʻakaua
The traditional Hawaiian practice of kākau uhi has experienced a profound resurgence across Hawai‘i in recent decades, serving as a powerful means for individuals to reconnect with their mo‘okū‘auhau (genealogy), cultural identity, and ancestral responsibilities.
Among those devoted to this enduring art is Chase Keliʻipaʻakaua, a respected practitioner and kumu with the traditional Hawaiian tattoo collective Pā Kālai ʻIli. As Chase shares, the group’s name—meaning “the carving of skin”—embodies their dedication to preserving, practicing, and sharing the art and cultural significance of kākau uhi as a living expression of Hawaiian heritage.
Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea Celebration: Lei Hulu (Feather Work) with Leonani Meyer
Born amidst the natural beauty of the Keʻanae Peninsula, Leonani Meyer is a proud alumna of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama on Oʻahu. Deeply grounded in her heritage and moʻokūʻauhau (genealogy), Leonani discovered her calling in the art of feather work over 32 years ago. Since then, she has dedicated herself to teaching and creating, carrying forward both the skill and the joyful spirit that honor her kūpuna (elders).
From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Leonani will offer live demonstrations and share her knowledge of lei hulu, inviting guests to experience both the intricate artistry and the enduring cultural significance of this treasured Hawaiian tradition.
Dive into a night of fun at our movie nights at the Upper Pool! Relax and enjoy the night's featured movie from the comfort of a floatie or poolside lounge, while indulging in complimentary popcorn & sweets. For those ages 21+, the AMA Bar & Grill swim-up bar will remain open for libations.
Dive into a night of fun at our movie nights at the Upper Pool! Relax and enjoy the night's featured movie from the comfort of a floatie or poolside lounge, while indulging in complimentary popcorn & sweets. For those ages 21+, the AMA Bar & Grill swim-up bar will remain open for libations.
Experience the thrill of nighttime crab hunting at Fairmont Kea Lani, right at the edge of Polo Beach. As the sun sets and the stars rise, guests can embark on a guided adventure to search for these elusive creatures along the shoreline.
Dive into a night of fun at our movie nights at the Upper Pool! Relax and enjoy the night's featured movie from the comfort of a floatie or poolside lounge, while indulging in complimentary popcorn & sweets. For those ages 21+, the AMA Bar & Grill swim-up bar will remain open for libations.
Indulge in a delightful treat at our Ice Cream Sundae Bar hosted within Rotunda. Customize your perfect sundae with a variety of toppings, sauces, and whipped cream, creating a sweet and memorable experience for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season!
After our torch lighting ceremony, be mesmerized by a thrilling fire knife performance, held just outside Nick’s Fishmarket and Kō Restaurant. This captivating display of skill and tradition will showcase the art of fire dancing, where expertly twirled fire knives light up the night sky, adding a spark of excitement to your evening. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant culture and create lasting memories during your stay.
Location: Nick's Fishmarket, followed by Kō Restaurant
Join us for an engaging daytime beach tour on Keoneopolo Beach, where you will discover the fascinating local sea life and learn about the tides that shape the beautiful Wailea coastline.
Experience the spirit of Pilina—connection—through our Cocktail and Zero-Proof Masterclass. Guided by our one of our expert mixologists, explore how we craft Pilina's Signature Cocktails and Zero-Proof Cocktails inspired by Hawaiʻi’s natural bounty, from mauka (mountain) to makai (ocean). Learn bartending techniques, be educated on small-batch island spirits, and create cocktails that showcase local ingredients and the stories behind them. A flavorful journey celebrating the mountains, land and sea, and the connections they inspire.
As the sun rises each morning, the Hawaiian people call on the rising of the sun to awaken from the deep ocean, climbing to the highest heavens. Providing enlightenment and prosperity for all of Hawaiʻi and her people.
Held at Keoneopolo (Polo) Beach Monday through Friday at 6:55am.
This engaging, hands-on experience encourages participants to tap into their creativity, while learning simple yet impactful methods that transform their imaginative ideas into beautiful, tangible works of art.
Experience the enchanting beauty of our vibrant koi fish, celebrated for their striking colors and graceful movements. At Fairmont Kea Lani, the morning feeding of these beautiful fish has become a beloved family tradition.
Location: Koi Pond (Next to Entrance of Nick's Fishmarket)
Keiki (children), ʻŌpio (teens) and mākua (parents) 8 years of age and older will learn about the traditional Hawaiian checkers and how the Hawaiians of old would play this skillful and strategic game.
We invite you to explore the rich heritage and inspiration behind Hale Kukuna—our immersive Hawaiian cultural center designed to offer an authentic and meaningful connection to Hawaiʻi’s living traditions.
Join us at Hale Kukuna, the newly opened Hawaiian cultural center at Fairmont Kea Lani, for engaging ʻukulele lessons led by our cultural team. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, you'll learn to play this iconic instrument in an inspiring setting that celebrates the music, stories, and spirit of the islands. No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and sense of aloha.
Akin to our ʻukulele lessons, the songs that our hula lessons are set to speak to sense of place and community while sharing tales of Hawaiʻi and its people.
Join us for an in-depth history of how the Hawaiian language, once an oral language, came to be a written language over time. Through these lessons, we hope to instill the importance of the Hawaiian language and the value that it brings to the culture of Hawaiian people.
We share traditional styles of lei making that our kupuna (ancestors) used and still use to this day while incorporating the gathering process. Teaching guests how and what to gather around the grounds of the resort allows for an experience unique to each and every guest.
Meet us at Paeahu Terrace for a magical evening under the stars. Take in sweeping ocean views, gentle island breezes, and the serene beauty of Maui’s night sky as you relax, unwind, and connect in an unforgettable open-air setting.
Give Thanks Island-Style: An Oceanfront Thanksgiving Celebration on Polo Lawn
Celebrate Thanksgiving in the spirit of aloha with a memorable oceanfront feast on Polo Lawn. Enjoy a locally inspired menu featuring traditional holiday favorites alongside island flavors, complemented by a decadent dessert station and live local entertainment—all set against the stunning backdrop of Wailea’s coastline.
In keeping with time-honored tradition, skilled torch lighters gracefully illuminate each torch across the resort grounds, casting a warm glow in anticipation of the evening. The ceremony concludes with a resonant oli (chant), a poetic tribute that celebrates the moment and invites the spirit of the night to unfold.
Join our acclaimed Artist in Residence, Dale Zarrella, for a guided walking tour of the resort grounds. As you explore, Dale shares the Maui myths and legends that inspire his stunning bronze and rare wood sculptures. End the experience with a taste of Dale’s handmade honu-shaped chocolates.
