Fairmont Kea Lani

This already iconic resort got a big popularity boost as the first location in HBO’s White Lotus series. While there’s some things from the show that don’t reflect reality (you won’t be brought here by boat… and way less murder), it’s a gives a decent glimpse of what the property is like. The architecture and design is unique for Maui—according to the resort’s story, the developer asked the architect to create something that blends with the land. The result is a mix of Hawaiian and Moorish design.

Something the show does get right—once you get inside you realize that everything about the resort screams money. The results are impressive. Everything feels expensive. The name Kea Lani means White Heaven, and it certainly lives up to its name. Much of the building is bright white, so don’t skimp on the expensive sunglasses (though they have added some earth tones in recent years on interior spaces). One downside to the white (aside from being a bit blinding) is that the resort is hotter than others in the area. The bright reflective light and the U-shaped building (which prevents breezes from passing through) make the resort pretty warm much of the time.

The rooms are air conditioned, with eco-friendly units that automatically shut off if you open lanai doors or leave the room. Speaking of the rooms, all are either suites or villas. The suites are a spacious 860 sq. ft. (including lanai) and nicely furnished. The bathrooms are huge with deep tubs, a door-less shower and a posh feel. All rooms have very large lanais. Villas, on the other hand, are for the rich and famous. They all sit very close to the ocean. These two- and three-bedroom, 2-story units feature their own 3.5-foot deep plunging pool, BBQs, washer/dryers, full kitchens and extra services features, valet parking in the room rate. Are the villas worth it? Of course not; that’s beside the point. If you have to ask, you’re probably in one of the “ordinary” suites with the rest of us peons. But you can dream, can’t you?

Their beach, Polo Beach, is nice, and their neighbors have even better ones, accessible from the shoreline path linking the Wailea resorts. The overnight valet parking is extra, but you may want it because their narrow parking spaces could make a motorcycle rider sweat. They rent beach gear for your convenience and soak you, just like other resorts. Beach chairs and umbrellas are free, but the covered cabana (four) chairs are extra per day by the pool, which includes a cooler stocked with juices, sodas, water, snacks and fresh fruit. Their on-site restaurants, such as Kō, are excellent. They offer complimentary cultural activities on site such as a Hawaiian canoe experience, cultural tour and more. 

Kea Lani succeeds in their attempt to create a dreamy luxury resort, and rooms, frankly, start cheaper than we would have expected (making it an exceptionally good value among Wailea resorts), especially considering that they have such spacious suites are 850–861 sq. ft. Villa 2/2s are 1,776–1,797 sq. ft., 3/2s are 2,174–2,195 sq. ft. Some packages and promotions are available during parts of the year.