Fairmont Kea Lani offers spacious suites, beautiful pools, Polo Beach access, ocean views, and a relaxing Wailea location perfect for a Maui getaway.
4100 Wailea Alanui Dr
Wailea-Makena, HI 96753
(808) 875-4100
4:00 PM
12:00 PM
If you are looking for a Maui resort where you can spread out instead of squeezing your family into a traditional hotel room, Fairmont Kea Lani is worth a look. Located in Wailea-Makena on Maui’s sunny south coast, this luxurious oceanfront resort is Hawaiʻi’s only all-suite and villa resort. The property sits on 22 acres along Polo Beach and combines spacious accommodations, tropical gardens, Hawaiian culture, ocean views, pools, dining, and plenty of activities in one beautiful setting.
Fairmont Kea Lani has 413 one-bedroom suites and 37 two-story villas. The one-bedroom suites range from 860 to 1,100 square feet, while the villas offer even more space, full kitchens, private plunge pools, private courtyards, and laundry facilities.
For families, couples, and multigenerational groups, that extra space is one of the biggest advantages. The resort also has three swimming pools, several restaurants, a 24-hour fitness center, Fairmont Spa, Hale Kukuna cultural center, Hawaiian cultural activities, and direct access to Polo Beach.
For us, Fairmont Kea Lani became part of our story in Maui because it offered the kind of elevated island escape where we could enjoy the resort while still using it as a home base for exploring the island.
We were given real flower leis upon arrival at the hotel
The entrance sign to the hotel
Getting There
Closest Airport
The closest airport to Fairmont Kea Lani is Kahului Airport (OGG). The resort is approximately 17 miles from the airport, and the drive usually takes about 30 minutes by car.
If you are planning a Hawaii vacation that includes exploring more than Wailea, I would recommend renting a car. While there is plenty to do at the resort, having a vehicle makes it much easier to visit places such as Haleakalā, the Road to Hana, Makena, ʻĪao Valley, and other Maui attractions.
Ease of Access
Getting to Fairmont Kea Lani is relatively straightforward. The resort is located at 4100 Wailea Alanui Drive in Wailea-Makena, at the southern end of the Wailea resort area.
Once you arrive, the resort is spread across a large property, but the layout is easy enough to navigate. The reimagined open-air lobby provides a dramatic first impression with lush landscaping, flowing waterfalls, Hawaiian-inspired artwork, and ocean views toward the Pacific.
The location is also convenient for exploring South Maui. You can spend the day at the resort and Polo Beach or use Fairmont Kea Lani as a home base for exploring the surrounding neighborhood and the rest of the island.
The hotel has a serene tropical landscape
We loved relaxing at the Fairmont Kea Lani
Check-In & Check-Out Process
Check-in at Fairmont Kea Lani begins at 4:00 p.m., while check-out is at 12:00 p.m.
I like having a noon check-out because it gives you a little more time to enjoy breakfast, pack without rushing, or take one last walk around the property before heading to the airport.
If you arrive before your room is ready, you can still enjoy the resort amenities and begin your Maui vacation rather than sitting around waiting for check-in. The resort also offers late check-out options when available, although they are not guaranteed.
The view from the balcony on our room
Accommodations
Fairmont Kea Lani is a large luxury resort with plenty of room to spread out. The property covers approximately 22 acres and includes 413 one-bedroom suites and 37 two-story villas, for a total of 450 accommodations.
The one-bedroom suite accommodations range from approximately 860 to 1,100 square feet. Some of the larger specialty suites, including the Kilohana Suites, offer 1,100 square feet of living space plus an oversized lanai.
The two- and three-bedroom villas offer even more space along with full kitchens, private courtyards, plunge pools, barbecue grills, and laundry facilities.
That is a lot of square feet compared with what you typically find at a traditional Maui hotel.
Footsteps on the immaculate beach
Looking down at the hotel grounds
Hotel Statistics
- Resort size: 22 acres of oceanfront property
- Total accommodations: 450
- One-bedroom suites: 413
- Two- and three-bedroom villas: 37
- Suite size: Up to 1,100 square feet
- Villa size: Up to 2,200 square feet
- Pools: 3 resort pools, including family-friendly pools and an adults-only pool
- Water slide: 140-foot water slide connecting two family-friendly pools
- Beach: Direct access to Polo Beach
- Spa: Fairmont Spa with 13 treatment rooms
- Fitness center: Open 24 hours for guests age 16 and older
- Resort type: Luxury oceanfront, all-suite and villa resort
Room Types
There are several Fairmont Kea Lani room types, including Fairmont Suites, Island Suites, Poolside Suites, Partial Ocean View Suites, Ocean View Suites, and larger villa accommodations.
The one-bedroom suites feature separate sleeping and living areas, making them especially appealing for families. The Ocean Suites range from 860 to 1,100 square feet and include large private lanais with ocean views, tropical gardens, pools, and views of the surrounding Wailea landscape.
The Poolside Suite is particularly interesting for families because it is located beside the upper pool, water slide, swim-up bar, AMA Bar & Grill, Hale Kukuna, and Pilina. These ground-floor suites also provide direct access to a lawn and garden area from the lanai.
The villas take things up another level. The two- and three-bedroom villas have multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, private courtyards, plunge pools, barbecue grills, and private laundry rooms.
We have a room with two queen beds
Our room also had a pullout couch for additional sleeping space
Beds
Depending on the room category, Fairmont Kea Lani suites offer one king bed or two double beds, along with a sofa bed. The Poolside Suite, for example, can accommodate up to five guests.
The larger villas offer different sleeping configurations as well. The two-bedroom ocean-view villa can have two king beds or one king and two queen beds, along with a sofa bed and accommodations for up to six people.
For families, having actual bedroom and private living-room space is a major advantage over booking a standard hotel room with two beds.
Body surfing with boards borrowed from the hotel
Stephanie, Beth, Jennifer, and Tricia on Polo Beach
Bathrooms
The bathrooms are another area where the Fairmont Kea Lani rooms feel more like luxury suites than traditional hotel rooms.
The accommodations feature spacious marble bathrooms, with deep soaking tubs and separate showers in many room categories. The overall design gives you plenty of room to get ready without feeling cramped.
Some of the redesigned suites also incorporate modern details such as pocket doors, dual vanities, soaking tubs, and walk-in showers.
The bathroom had two pedestal sinks in addition to the shower and toilet
Kitchen
Standard suite accommodations do not have a full kitchen, although some have pantry areas with conveniences such as a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, and counter space.
The two- and three-bedroom villas do have full kitchens. Villa kitchens include a stove, full-size refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, cookware, dinnerware, and flatware. Villas also include private laundry rooms with a washer and dryer.
For a family staying several nights, a full kitchen can make a big difference. You can keep snacks and drinks on hand and prepare some meals instead of eating every meal at a resort restaurant.
Laundry
Standard laundry and dry-cleaning service is available Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays.
Self-service washers and dryers are also available on several guest-room floors, while villas have private laundry rooms with their own washer and dryer.
If you are traveling with kids, having access to laundry can be a surprisingly valuable amenity, especially after spending time at the beach and pool.
Cleanliness
Overall, the resort has a polished, upscale appearance, with tropical gardens, spacious accommodations, and well-maintained common areas.
The property has gone through a significant transformation since I was there, including redesigned suites and villas, a reimagined open-air lobby, and new guest spaces. The redesigned accommodations incorporate Hawaiian-inspired artwork and natural elements while combining traditional Hawaiian influences with modern elegance.
As with any large resort, individual guest experiences can vary, but the current design gives Fairmont Kea Lani a fresh, modern feel while maintaining a strong sense of place.
Stephanie throwing a frisbee on the beach
We loved watching the sunsets on the beach
Hotel Map
Amenities
Pool/Hot Tub
Fairmont Kea Lani has three swimming pools, giving guests several options for relaxing or playing in the water.
The Lower Pool is family-friendly and includes a separate keiki pool. The Upper Pool is where families will find the 140-foot water slide, whirlpool, AMA Bar & Grill, and swim-up bar.
The adults-only Tranquility Pool provides a quieter option for guests looking to relax away from the family pool area. Private poolside cabanas are available at the pools and can be reserved in advance.
For families, the combination of pools, beach access, water slide, and poolside dining is one of the resort’s biggest draws.
Overlooking one of the resort’s pool at night
Jennifer and Stephanie in one of the pools
Darrell on the waterslide
Stephanie on the waterslide
Parking
Overnight self-parking is included within the daily resort experience fee. Overnight valet parking is currently $59 per night.
The daily resort fee is currently $59 per day plus tax. It includes daily fitness classes, cultural programming, the Hawaiian canoe experience, pool and beach amenities, rotating water activities, a Pacific Dream Photography experience, a keiki welcome amenity, and reusable water bottles. Some activities require reservations and offerings are subject to change.
This is an important cost to include when comparing room rates and looking for the best rates.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort. Members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless receive premium internet service, along with 10% off at Fairmont Spa, subject to exclusions.
If you are a member of ALL Accor, it is worth logging into your ALL Accor account before making suite bookings so you can check for available member rates and exclusive perks.
Activities
One of the best things about Fairmont Kea Lani is that you do not have to leave the resort to have a full Maui vacation day.
You can swim in the pools, spend time on Polo Beach, participate in Hawaiian cultural programming, take part in the Hawaiian canoe experience, attend fitness classes, relax at Fairmont Spa, enjoy the resort’s dining options, or simply sit on your lanai and take in the views of Maui.
Hale Kukuna, the resort’s Hawaiian cultural center, is a particularly interesting addition. The oceanfront cultural center focuses on Hawaiian culture, traditions, history, knowledge, and stories.
Depending on the schedule, guests can participate in activities such as ʻukulele lessons, hula lessons, lei making, Hawaiian language lessons, cultural-center tours, and traditional games. Activities change, so check the current schedule during your stay.
These experiences give the resort more of a sense of place than simply being a beautiful place to sleep.
One of the hotel’s workers lighting the tiki torches by the beach in the evening
One of the beautiful sunsets we watched over the ocean
Fitness Center
The Fairmont Kea Lani fitness center is open 24 hours a day for guests ages 16 and older.
Fitness classes are also included among the activities covered by the daily resort experience fee. Whether you want to squeeze in a workout before heading out to explore Maui or take a fitness class without leaving the resort, this is a useful amenity.
Lobby
The lobby is one of the first things that stands out about Fairmont Kea Lani.
Rather than entering a dark, enclosed hotel lobby, you arrive at a spacious open-air area surrounded by lush greenery, flowing waterfalls, tropical landscaping, and ocean breezes. The redesigned lobby was created to provide a stronger connection to the natural surroundings and Hawaiian culture.
Just beyond the lobby is Hale Kukuna, while Pilina serves as the resort’s premier bar and lounge. Pilina also has unobstructed Pacific views, making the lobby area a natural place to gather and enjoy the sense of place.
Stephanie and Tricia throwing flower petals into the ocean
Aloha!
Dining
There is no shortage of places to eat at Fairmont Kea Lani.
Kō Restaurant offers dinner with island-inspired cuisine, while Nick’s Fishmarket Maui specializes in seafood. AMA Bar & Grill provides poolside dining along with the swim-up bar, and Pilina serves as the resort’s premier bar and lounge.
Kea Lani Restaurant serves daily à la carte and buffet breakfast, while MAKANA Market + Café provides all-day dining and takeout.
MAKANA is especially convenient when you want a full-service coffee bar, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or something quick to take back to your room.
In-suite and villa dining is also available, with the resort emphasizing local ingredients and island-inspired flavors.
The villas have an additional advantage: daily buffet breakfast at Kea Lani Restaurant is included with the villa experience, with four daily breakfasts for two-bedroom villas and six for three-bedroom villas.
The combination of resort restaurants, poolside food, in-suite dining, and MAKANA Market gives you plenty of choices without having to leave the property.
The hotel grounds have beautiful tropical gardens
Pet Policy
Fairmont Kea Lani is pet-friendly, although there are important restrictions.
Well-behaved dogs weighing 20 pounds or less from within Hawaiʻi are welcome with a $40 daily pet fee. Out-of-state dogs are also welcome as long as all Hawaiʻi animal quarantine requirements are followed.
Pets must remain on a leash when outside the suite or villa, cannot enter swimming pools, and must be crated when left unattended. Service and seeing-eye dogs are permitted without charge.
If you are considering bringing a dog from the mainland, make sure you understand Hawaiʻi’s pet-entry requirements well before your trip.
Accessibility
Fairmont Kea Lani offers ADA-compliant suites and villas and has worked to make many resort areas accessible.
Accessible routes are available to the public entrance, registration area, accessible guest rooms, restaurants, meeting spaces, fitness center, swimming pool, spa services, and public restrooms. Accessible parking spaces are also available.
Accessible suites and villas can include mobility features such as doorways with at least 32 inches of clear width. The resort also offers accessible transportation with advance notice, assistive listening devices, closed captioning, Braille and tactile signage, and other accessible features.
If you have specific accessibility needs, I recommend contacting the resort before booking so the appropriate accommodation and services can be confirmed.
A flower lei in the surf outside of the hotel
Nearby Attractions
The location in Wailea makes Fairmont Kea Lani a convenient home base for exploring South Maui.
Polo Beach
Located directly in front of Fairmont Kea Lani, Polo Beach is a beautiful, smaller beach known for its golden sand, calm water, and scenic views. It is a convenient spot for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset without leaving the resort area.
Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach is one of Maui’s most popular beaches, with soft golden sand, clear water, and views of neighboring islands. It is just a short drive from Fairmont Kea Lani and is a great choice for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the Wailea coastline.
Oneloa Beach
Also known as Big Beach, Oneloa Beach is a wide stretch of golden sand backed by dramatic volcanic scenery. Its size and beautiful setting make it one of South Maui’s most memorable beaches.
Mākena State Park
Mākena State Park protects more than 160 acres of South Maui coastline and includes Big Beach, Little Beach, and volcanic landscapes. It is a great place to combine beach time with exploring one of Maui’s more rugged coastal areas.
Mākena State Park
Molokini Crater
Molokini is a partially submerged volcanic crater located offshore from South Maui and is a popular destination for snorkeling tours. The clear water and protected marine environment provide opportunities to see colorful tropical fish and other Hawaiian marine life.
Haleakalā National Park
Haleakalā National Park encompasses the massive summit of Haleakalā, where visitors can experience dramatic volcanic landscapes, high-elevation scenery, and unforgettable sunrise or sunset views. The summit area is a very different side of Maui from the beaches and tropical coastline around Wailea.
Road to Hāna
The Road to Hāna follows Maui’s northeastern coastline through lush rainforest, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and small communities. It makes for a full-day adventure from Wailea, especially if you want to experience more of Maui beyond the resort areas.
ʻĪao Valley State Monument
ʻĪao Valley State Monument is a lush Central Maui destination known for its dramatic mountain scenery and iconic Kūkaʻemoku, also called the ʻĪao Needle. Visitors can take the short paved ʻĪao Needle Lookout Trail and explore the surrounding tropical landscape.
ʻĪao Valley State Monument
ʻAʻā Lava Fields
The ʻAʻā Lava Fields near Mākena offer a chance to walk across a rugged landscape created by ancient volcanic activity. The dark lava rock contrasts with the bright blue Pacific Ocean, creating a unique setting for exploring and taking photos.
Mākena Landing Park
Mākena Landing Park is a rocky South Maui coastline where you can explore lava rock formations and enjoy views of the Pacific. The area is also known for the nearby Five Caves, making it an interesting stop for seeing some of Maui’s volcanic landscape.
Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel Overall Experience
Positives
- Spacious one-bedroom suites with separate living rooms
- Large private lanais with Hawaiian views
- Oceanfront location with direct Polo Beach access
- Three pools, including an adults-only Tranquility Pool
- 140-foot water slide and family-friendly amenities
- On-site restaurants, spa, activities, and Hawaiian cultural experiences
- Plenty to do without needing to leave the resort
- Works well for both families and couples
- Beautiful tropical grounds and ocean views
- Convenient South Maui location for exploring the island
Negatives
- Luxury resort pricing can make it expensive
- Daily resort fee adds to the overall cost
- On-site dining and resort experiences can become expensive
- Large property may feel less intimate than a boutique hotel
- May not be the best fit if you primarily want an inexpensive place to sleep while spending most of your time exploring Maui