If you know me, you know that Maui is my happy place. Growing up on the west coast, Maui was our go-to vacation destination nearly every summer and even after dozens of trips, I still find new reasons to fall in love with it!
Where we stayed: Fairmont Kea Lani
This was my first year staying at Fairmont Kea Lani and it did not disappoint! The hotel is located oceanfront in Wailea next door to Four Seasons and Grand Wailea where we had stayed in the past. First of all, the suite was incredibly spacious and our lanai was the perfect place to watch the sun rise and set over the ocean. Every morning we would get coffee downstairs at MAKANA Market and Cafe where they knew us by name and order (coconut milk latte for me and cinnamon roll for Ryan) and bring it back up to our lanai and listen to the ocean. Seriously magical.
Most days we spent by the pool where they serve you food and drinks poolside. I recommend the Tsunami Fries with spicy aioli and a sweet sake glaze (to die for!) and any of their cocktails made with fresh Lilikoi (nothing tastes more quintessentially Maui!).
We loved having our cabana where they brought us unlimited chilled water, tropical juice, Maui fresh fruit and trail mix.
I ate so much fresh ahi on our trip! MAKANA Market and Cafe is located right next to the adult pool so most days I would order made to order poke bowls from their poke bar.
Where to eat:
Nick’s Fishmarket:
Nick’s Fishmarket Maui was our favorite restaurant and now one of my favorite places in the world! It’s located on the Fairmont Kea Lani grounds with a view of the pools and ocean. We had impeccable service that really made each dinner memorable. Our waiters recognized us each time we came back. Ryan says they make the best Mai Tai’s he’s ever had. My favorite dish was the macadamia nut crusted Mahi Mahi served with lemongrass jasmine rice, coconut-chili-lime vinaigrette and blue crab slaw. Be sure to order their Black and Blue Ahi – one of the best items on their menu!
KO:
Where do I begin with KO! This was a fabulous dining experience from my Lilikoi Margarita to our lobster tempura with spicy aioli. KO is Fairmont Kea Lani’s aware-winning signature restaurant featuring plantation inspired cuisine. It celebrates the many cultures of the plantation era including Hawaiian, Chinese, and Japanese menu items with an innovative twist. We got the crispy calamari to start. For my entree, I got the ginger steamed Monton and Ryan got the Paniolo Bone In Rib-Eye.
Where to get cocktails:
LUNA
Last but not least – the best place to get pre-dinner cocktails is LUANA! It is located in the lobby of the Fairmont Kea Lani where you can find the best views at the resort looking out to the ocean and pools. They play live music and you can watch the sunset with fabulous cocktails and laid back aloha vibes. We just loved it.
Have you been to Maui? Where did you stay and where did you eat? Let me know on Insta!
