Fairmont Kea Lani Maui

“The “Goldilocks” of family-friendly Wailea resorts”

I am rating this property based on 13 specific criteria on a 1-10 scale: Overall rating and vibe: 10. There's an intoxicating richness about the gorgeous tropical grounds at Kea Lani, where everything was done ... just right. This is an incredible family-friendly resort with 100% suites (many with… more

I am rating this property based on 13 specific criteria on a 1-10 scale: Overall rating and vibe: 10. There's an intoxicating richness about the gorgeous tropical grounds at Kea Lani, where everything was done ... just right. This is an incredible family-friendly resort with 100% suites (many with 3 full beds), superb service, awesome pools, and exceptional dining. You will not be disappointed by this place! Service: 9.99. Only one bad apple staff member, Maddy at the lower Ohana pool, who was very grouchy. Otherwise, 100% incredible service, across the board! Room: 10. Massive standard room which was actually a suite. My ALL/Fairmont Gold status got me a complimentary upgrade to a garden view suite with a palatial bathroom, the BEST-SMELLING Le Labo “Rose 31” bath amenities, and 3 full sized beds that easily fit a family of 5. It also had a massive lanai with a beautiful view of the perfectly landscaped Kea Lani gardens. Complimentary amenities: 10. Welcome lei greeting for all adults and Keiki (kids), including cold tropical drink. Complimentary luxury reusable Fairmont-branded water bottles in room, many complimentary activities, and complimentary sunscreen by pool. Unlimited complimentary towels at the pool. Many complimentary shaded umbrellas at the pools, with plenty of chairs to go around. The resort staff also send incredibly delicious birthday treats (pineapple upside-down cake) to our room because I was celebrating a milestone birthday. Pools: 9.9. Awesome, large, and very family-friendly pool complex. Medium-sized and incredibly fun waterslide. No infinity pools and the pools were not salt-water like at the Four Seasons, but otherwise incredible! The adult-only pool was also appropriately located far away from the Ohana pools. Cabanas: 9. Cabanas are an extra $300 per day and come with 4 chairs and excellent 360-degree sun protection all day. Note: The value is not unbeatable for Wailea because the Four Seasons provides complimentary cabanas with 4-sided shade, but still a great experience. Includes unlimited non-alcoholic drinks and mochi ice cream for everyone. Waterslides: 9.5. There is one waterslide which is incredibly fun and has a 31” minimum height, allowing most 3-4 year olds access as well. Perfect speed, starts in the upper Ohana pool and winds through absolutely stunning tropical landscaping before a fun drop finish into the lower Ohana pool. Lifeguard at top monitoring cameras to ensure slide safety for all. Cleanliness: 10. Incredibly clean and incredible twice-daily housekeeping with evening turndown service! This is a true, luxury, 5-star hotel (unlike the nearby "Grand" Wailea which is a 1-star hotel masquerading as a "5-star"), Family friendliness: 10. Kids 5 and under eat free in all restaurants except Nick’s Fishmarket. Incredible breakfast buffet with many GF options which my two Celiac kids LOVED. Reasonable breakfast buffet pricing ($20 for older kids and $55 for adults). Dining: 10. Ko was excellent. Nick’s was superb. Breakfast buffet was exceptional with many GF options and reasonable pricing for families with younger and older kids. Luxury: 10. Feels like a true 5-star resort. Forbes does not rate this property, but it should score a 5-star or 4-star rating from Forbes, as it is one of the world's nicest and most luxurious Fairmonts. AAA rates it a 4.9 (out of 5.0), so it is knocking on the door of 5-Diamond status and I would award it 5 Diamonds under the AAA criteria. Perhaps AAA soon will. The Michelin Guide does not rate it, but I would rate it 2 Michelin keys based on their criteria. Room for improvement: 9. The only room for improvement would be if Maddy at the pool could be friendlier and exude more “Aloha Spirit” to her cabana guests. Value for Families with Kids: 10. Between the 100% suite layout fitting 5 people comfortably and the "kids 5 and under eat free" policy, the value here is exceptional for a luxury, true 5-star Wailea, Maui resort.

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