Fairmont Kea Lani: A Mom’s Honest Review

As moms, we know the struggles of finding the perfect family-friendly destination that caters to our needs and our little ones. As a Maui mom of two, I’m happy to report that the Fairmont Kea Lani checks all the boxes for me.

My six-year-old and I recently headed to the Fairmont for a weekend staycation. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and genuine Aloha.

We arrived before check-in, and the team was happy to hold our bags so we could explore the pools. A smiling woman placed a beautiful lei around my neck and even gave Wilder a coloring book and a turtle necklace.

We’ve stayed here before, but the Fairmont recently underwent a major remodel in 2024, and it shows. The newly renovated lobby is stunning.

Location

The Fairmont Kea Lani is located on the South Side of Maui in the resort community of Wailea. With its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and water activities, you might never leave.

I love that Fairmont Kea Lani is located just off Wailea’s famous walking path. This gives you access to The Shoppes at Wailea, three kid-friendly beaches, and various Wailea resorts (and their restaurants!)

Fairmont Kea Lani overlooks Polo Beach, a quaint beach with small waves, which made our list of the Best Maui Beaches for Families.

Rooms

The accommodations are what set the resort apart from others in Wailea. Here, all 413 rooms are spacious suites! (As well as 37 two-story private villas.) The separate living area allowed me some much-needed space to unwind after a day in the sun while my son slept peacefully in the next room.

Hello privacy, I remember you… 

I also appreciated the spacious bathroom with a massive soaking tub and Le Labo products available. I’m a hairstylist by trade, which means I’m shamelessly picky about shampoo, and I barely unpacked my toiletries during our stay.

Every room has a private lanai, giving you even more room to spread out! We chose one with a partial ocean view, which did not disappoint. The sunsets were unreal.

A full-sized crib and baby products are available by request for no additional fee. This is an excellent hotel if you are travelling with small children.

Pools

We’ve heard great things about Fairmont’s pool area and were looking forward to spending a whole day playing and soaking up the sun. One pool day for us quickly turned into two. We didn’t want to leave!

Fairmont Kea Lani offers three separate pool zones. There’s a dreamy adult-only pool with a large hot tub that kept teasing me. Next, a separate lagoon-style pool that’s perfect for the whole family, offering a basketball hoop and a small wading pool for toddlers. And lastly, an upper-level deck with a 140-foot waterslide and a swim-up bar.

The cabanas are a great way to take breaks from the midday sun, although they do come with another hefty price tag.

The cocktails were delicious (try the spicy mango margarita!), and the poke nachos served on wontons are amazing.

Note: While most hotel pools close at a particular hour, the Fairmont Kea Lani’s are open 24 hours. If you wake up with some very awake, jet-laggy kids, this little detail could save the day. However, it could also be a bummer, as the noise could disrupt you late at night. (I never travel without my kid’s sound machines!)

Activities

Fairmont Kea Lani has their own outrigger canoe to take into the ocean, which is incredibly rare. They also have a beach kiosk with gear rentals like stand-up paddleboards that you can take out independently. In addition, the resort offers a torch lighting ceremony, koi fish feedings, a 24-hour fitness center, and various fitness classes.

While the Fairmont Kea Lani requires you to pay a resort fee, I’m willing to do so if it provides activities we can all partake in. 

The one real bummer about this place is that, like many Maui resorts, it recently discontinued its kid’s club. I’m hopeful they will return, but if you’re looking for a resort that provides childcare, you’ll have to head next door to the Four Seasons or the West Side of the island at Montage Kapalua Bay.

Fairmont Kea Lani offers a full-service spa, including massage therapy and facials. They also offer a steam room and various “Hawaiian showers” to relax in before or after your treatment. 

Dining

As moms, we know how important good food is when traveling with kids. From casual poolside bites to elegant fine dining, I was impressed.

Fairmont Kea Lani offers numerous dining options for the whole family: 

Nick’s Fishmarket

For a special occasion or simply a delicious meal, Nick’s Fishmarket is worth checking out. The freshly caught seafood is prepared with various authentic Maui flavors.

I was worried that Nick’s wouldn’t be very kid-friendly, but I was delightfully surprised when they went out of their way to make my kiddo feel comfortable. The bartender even sent over a fancy kid’s drink within five minutes of being seated. 

The Mahi was fresh (although I think they overdid the panko breading), and Wilder loved the spaghetti and meatballs off the kid’s menu (not just because it included a scoop of ice cream). The purple sweet potato mash was to die for, and the real show-stopper for us was the charred octopus! Their Mai Tai is STRONG. I couldn’t even finish mine. 

Ko

This poolside restaurant offers local dishes with a modern twist. Ko is a bit more casual than Nicks, but I still consider it a nice restaurant. Start with the lavender honey shrimp! It’s so good! They have a fun children’s menu, including fish and chips and stir-fried egg noodles. Kids five and under eat free.

Luana Lounge

For a relaxed evening, head to the Luana Lounge. Here, you can enjoy tropical drinks while listening to music or watching sports on the screen. They don’t have much to offer picky kiddos, but they have great sushi!

Kea Lani Restaurant

Kea Lani Restaurant is Fairmont’s beautiful breakfast buffet with many options to choose from. You can also order a la carte. Kids five and under eat free.

Ama Bar & Grill

This restaurant is attached to the swim-up bar by the upper pool area. I got a juicy burger made-to-order, and Wilder ordered the Mac and Cheese, which looked pretty basic, but he kept exclaiming that it “tasted homemade!” Kids five and under eat free.

Makana Market & Cafe

For a quick lunch or coffee pick-me-up, Makana Market & Cafe is your spot. They have an extensive array of items ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to homemade ice cream sandwiches. This is also a great spot to grab high-quality local souvenirs for family back home. 

Fairmont Kea Lani Additional Info 

Fairmont Kea Lani is considered a luxury resort. While staying here may not be the cheapest option, considering the size of the suites, it could be the best deal for your family. 

All of Hawaii’s beaches are public. This means that you can access any beach via the 1.6-mile walking path in front of the Kea Lani for free. Rent a wagon or a stroller if you have little ones so you can explore the area on foot!

The Fairmont Kea Lani is the most removed from the rest of the hotels in Waile, making it feel less congested. However, walking to The Shoppes at Wailea or various restaurants can take longer.

Fairmont Kea Lani offers a courtesy car that will take you to various locations around Wailea.

Find out: Do You Need a Rental Car on Maui?

Is the Fairmont Kea Lani worth it? 

From the spacious accommodations to the endless activities and delicious dining options, the Fairmont Kea Lani truly understands the needs of moms and kids alike. It is absolutely worth it.

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