Created in Partnership with Fairmont Hotels.
I didn’t know a Christmas tree in a hotel suite was on my 37-year old husband’s list of dreams until just a few days ago. As we slid out our key card at Fairmont Kea Lani and opened the door, his jaw dropped, eyes widened and he moved his body in what is best described as a twirl.
“There’s a Christmas tree!” was shouted, quickly followed by “and Christmas cookies!” He flung his bags down on the couch and ran around the suite as a child does on Christmas morning, commenting about every little detail. My 4-year old toddler just stood there and starred. I’m not sure she’s seen her dad so excited before, and she certainly couldn’t make sense of his happy little jig.
The excitement was warranted, and we soon found out that the magic of the tree was just the beginning of our Christmas in Hawaii adventures at the Kea Lani.
Located in Wailea, Maui, Fairmont Kea Lani sits on 22-acres, offering gorgeous suites and villas, a generous beach, with fantastic snorkeling, and three pools. Here are the top activities and adventures, and sights and sounds at Kea Lani that make this a vacation you’ll remember for years to come and truly the most wonderful time of the year!
Decked out Lobby Décor
The Fairmont Kea Lani has one of the tallest Christmas trees in all of the Hawaiian Islands. That, along with a lighted Bamboo garden, makes for a beautiful entrance and festive first impression when you arrive to the hotel.
Holiday Hakus
Checking in we were greeted with leis and holiday haku leis created locally by House of Haku. As Augustine’s floral headpiece was placed upon her head she looked over at me and said, “Mom, I’m a real princess.” The hakus were handmade, using local plants and flowers and color coordinated to match the traditional Christmas colors of red and green. They were so special and truly did make you feel like a princess. We wore our mommy and me headpieces all over the resort, getting stopped by other guests and hotel employees, all commenting on how beautiful they were and were we got them. Travel Tip: Make a note to have yours delivered upon check-in to add just that extra little something that puts the trip off on a very special start.
Mommy and Me Holiday Mani/Pedi
Then, after swapping our airplane clothes for our bathing suits, we ran down to the beach to dip our toes in the ocean before having some quality pool time. On the agenda was mommy and me mani/pedis at Willow Stream Spa. This was Augustine’s first time going to a real salon spa, and she was so excited. She loved picking out her special color, and laughed just like I do when they filed down her toenails.
Gingerbread Hale Making
Still slightly dripping from the pool, we walked over to arts and craft area to make a gingerbread house. This is just one of the daily activities included for all at the resort. With the view of palm trees and the cool ocean breeze all around us, the outdoor setting was perfect to remember you’re on island time while participating in a very traditional holiday festivity. We brought our finished houses back to our room and placed them on the TV stand next to our Christmas tree. It really was beginning to look a lot like Christmas in there.
Christmas Stories on the Lanai
On our second night, we moved the Christmas tree out to the lanai and read Augustine Christmas stories. As the sky turned from blue to pink and purple, and the twinkling lights started to shine brighter, this was definitely the most unique bedtime story location ever. Instead of the hustle and bustle city sounds out our window, we only had the bird’s nightly chirp and the waves crashing in the background. And while we normally read stories in bed, this time we read them on a lounge chair and a coconut daiquiri (for the adults).
Snowman / Sandman
Nothing like a good ole fashion sand castle contest to bring out the kid in you. Bob and I raced to build our sandman / snowman before the buzzer went off. It wasn’t easy but we made one we were pretty happy with, especially considering the tide came up and we almost lost him several times!
Christmas Cookies in the Cabana
On our third day we reserved a poolside cabana, where we lounged and lunched, and just relaxed in between trips down the slide and catching Augustine as she jumps in the water. We ordered lunch too, and after an open-air nap, we all snacked on Christmas cookies before playing back in the pool.
Holiday Arts and Crafts
Another very cute resort activity was the Mr. Claus craft project that kids of all ages could create and take home with them. Augustine decided that Mr. Claus needed a friend, so we made a Mrs. Claus too. The red glittered toilet paper rolls never looked so cute as they did next to our gingerbread houses and our in suite by the Christmas tree.
Santa Sightings
When we planned this Christmas in Hawaii trip, I got very excited about bringing Christmas to the island (not knowing about all the other things the hotel had planned). So, when I found a short sleeve, short pants Santa suit, I knew we had to bring it. Bob is such a trooper and loved dressing up like Santa all around the beach and the resort. After a few kids came over and said hi to Santa, we knew we brought a little magic with us to share with them. I’m not sure what Augustine thinks of us as parents, but I hope she looks back and thinks that we were the absolute coolest. *If you’re at the resort on the 24th, Santa paddles up on an outrigger canoe and comes onto the beach!
Additionally, the restaurants all have seasonal menus for the holidays and I highly suggest getting reservations once you arrive so you can try them all. Our favorite was the Ahi on the Rock from Kō.
We spent four magical days at Kea Lani, never getting in our car or leaving the resort and there were still things we didn’t have time to do. While I never really thought about a warm weather Christmas before, I now see Christmas at Kea Lani becoming a fast family tradition. We met so many other families who have visited year after year and I see why it’s such a special place.
