Straight From the Source
The Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui is setting a new standard in resort dining by embracing local culture and community in a thoughtfully curated flavor journey. Nestled on the sun-drenched shores of Wailea, this all-suite and villa luxury oceanfront resort has undergone a transformative redesign that intertwines Hawaiian heritage with contemporary refinement.
The heart of this transformation lies in the resort’s commitment to authentic cultural immersion, crafted in collaboration with Native Hawaiian elders who trace their lineage to Palauea, the ahupua‘a where the resort stands. This cultural renaissance is epitomized by the newly unveiled Hale Kukuna — an expansive open-air cultural center at the heart of the redesigned lobby. Here, guests and locals alike can explore the rich tapestry of Hawaiian traditions, guided by the property’s Manager of Hawaiian Culture, Kamahiwa Kawa‘a, and his team.
Adjacent to Hale Kukuna, Pilina, the resort’s newest bar and lounge, serves as a vibrant extension of this cultural epicenter. Under the discerning eye of Pilina’s General Manager Cameron Hall, the recently opened venue offers an inventive menu of cocktails that celebrate the diverse flavors and ingredients of the islands. Each sip is a trip through Hawai‘i’s lush landscapes, connecting patrons to the bounty of nature and the spirit of aloha. Upon perusing the extensive drink list, one will notice a trio of Pilina Specialty Cocktails which, in a way, mimic ahupua‘a. From Mauka to Makai (and ‘Aina in between), each cocktail comprises ingredients alluding to its environs. For instance, Makai’s ingredient list, aside from yuzu, cucumber and melon, includes Maui’s own Ocean Vodka along with hints of limu and sea asparagus — the perfect accompaniment to the Pilina-style oysters found on the bar menu.
But the jewel of Fairmont Kea Lani’s dining portfolio is Kō, the resort’s acclaimed signature restaurant. Under the masterful direction of Executive Chef Aris Aurelio, Kō reimagines the culinary legacy of Maui’s sugarcane plantation era. The restaurant’s expansive menu is a melting pot of island family recipes, from Hawaiian to Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean and Japanese influences. By infusing these cherished traditions with the island’s freshest produce, meat and seafood, Chef Aurelio crafts dishes that are both nostalgically authentic yet brilliantly modern.
Guests can start with the chef’s cherished family recipe of chicken and mushroom lumpia, a delightful Filipino treat served with green papaya atchara (a tangy side dish of pickled grated unripe papaya) paired with sweet chili sauce. Another standout starter is the lavender honey crispy shrimp, drizzled with Maui lavender honey sauce and topped with candied macadamia nuts.
For the main course, Kō’s specialties offer a diverse range of flavors inspired by the plantation-era cultures of the islands. Highlights include the seafood lau lau — a ti leaf-wrapped fresh catch with scallops, Kaua‘i prawns, upcountry spinach, shiitake mushrooms, shoyu-coconut milk sauce, lomi tomato and Moloka‘ i sweet potato mash. Another highlight is the Korean braised short ribs, served with Otani carrots, baby bok choy and kimchee fried rice.
To end the meal on a sweet note, the menu offers globally inspired desserts. Diners can enjoy poi mochi with kulolo syrup or indulge in a calamansi tart with coconut graham crust, calamansi curd and house-made coconut marshmallows. Garnering awards year after year, Kō continues to set the standard for innovative cuisine, inviting guests to indulge in a culinary narrative that spans generations. And while the restaurant’s ambiance is certainly worthy of a special occasion, one can take it up a notch or two with Kō Twilight Dinner experience — an exclusive alfresco dinner designed for up to six guests, featuring a sumptuous four-course meal paired with select wines and one-of-a-kind offerings from Chef Aurelio. Set beside the resort’s tranquil pool in a private cabana beneath the stars, the term “best seat in the house” couldn’t be more accurate.
At Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, dining is more than a meal — it’s a celebration of culture, community and the extraordinary flavors of Hawai‘i. With every bite and every sip, guests are invited to connect with the island’s past, present and future, making each dining experience a memorable part of their Maui adventure.
Fairmont Kea Lani, 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea-Makena, Maui, (808) 875-4100
fairmont-kea-lani.com