Within the welcoming walls of Hale Kukuna, immerse yourself in the joy and intellectual play of nā mea pā‘ani, the traditional games once enjoyed during the Makahiki season. Led by our Kumu aʻo, this activity invites participants to engage in light-hearted, yet strategic, games that test wit, observation, and creativity—fostering connection and friendly rivalry. As part of the experience, you’ll also craft your own traditional game implement to take home, a handcrafted keepsake representing your personal connection to this cherished cultural practice.
Location: Hale Kukuna
Time: December 22nd: 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Classes start promptly at notated start time. We kindly request that guests who are not able to make it at the notated start time attend the next available session.
Complimentary for resort guests.
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Culture
Makahiki Games
Step into the spirit of Makahiki with us as we revive the traditional athletic games that once brought communities together in celebration and peace. Rooted in ritual and recreation, these games honored not only physical prowess but also mental focus and endurance. Under the guidance of our cultural practitioners, test your strength, accuracy, and resilience through activities designed to reflect the values of discipline, unity, and joyful competition that defined the Makahiki season for generations.
Join us as we honor Makahiki—the sacred Hawaiian New Year season lasting nearly four months—by reconnecting with the ʻāina (land) and the traditions of our ancestors. In this hands-on experience, guided by our esteemed Kumu aʻo, you will learn about kalo (taro)—a revered staple in Native Hawaiian culture and a symbol of life itself. Participate in the planting of native crops once essential to the well-being of entire communities. Following our collective labor, enjoy a thoughtfully prepared tasting of traditional foods, a celebration of the abundance and gratitude that defines this festive time.
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.
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.
Celebrate Christmas with your ʻohana at Kea Lani Restaurant, where tropical views and a warm, festive atmosphere set the scene for a memorable holiday gathering. Enjoy thoughtful service and the spirit of aloha as you share a special meal and create lasting memories together in a relaxed, beautiful setting.
Delight in a festive experience for all ages with our holiday cookie decorating activity—where refined creativity meets gourmet indulgence in the most tasteful way.
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.
Join us for a captivating holiday hula performance, thoughtfully presented by the distinguished Kumu Aʻo (cultural ambassadors) and Kahu Moʻomeheu Hawaiʻi (manager of Hawaiian culture) of Hale Kukuna. This enchanting celebration transforms beloved holiday carols, blending them with the rich and vibrant essence of Hawaiian tradition. Allow the graceful rhythms and fluid movements of hula to guide you into the heart of the season, creating a truly unforgettable holiday experience.
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 Feast
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.
