Authentic Hawaiian Culture
E komo mai! When you visit Fairmont Kea Lani, you become part of our ʻohana. We are committed to sharing the true spirit of aloha with our guests by connecting them with the rich history of Hawaiʻi’s culture, people, and traditions. Learn how to say “until we meet again” (a hui hou), paddle the sparkling Pacific with a hoʻokele (navigator) guiding the way, learn to dance hula or strum the ʻukulele, make a fresh flower lei or learn more about the ecosystem of Hawaiʻi through our Rooted in Aloha program.
Our Kuleana Kuleana: Responsibility Commitment
We share our kuleana (responsibility) with our colleagues and encourage our guests to continue the positive effects of our actions. Our goal is to preserve the natural beauty of Hawaiʻi, educate and perpetuate our rich culture and care for nā kamaliʻi (children) and nā kūpuna (respected elders) of Maui.
Hale Kukuna
Hale Kukuna, a name conceptualized by Fairmont Kea Lani’s cultural advisory board and lineal descendants of Palauea, the area upon which the resort rests, denotes a house of enlightenment. The name honors “kukuna”, meaning rays of the sun, and the nourishment that it brings to the ʻāina and all living things in Hawaiʻi.
“The opportunity to create and share a space dedicated to Hawaiian culture at the heart of Fairmont Kea Lani is an honor that comes with immense kuleana” shared Kamahiwa Kawaʻa, manager of Hawaiian culture a Fairmont Kea Lani. “Our vision and intention for Hale Kukuna is to serve as a space for both poʻe hoʻokipa and malihini to create meaningful connections with the culture, history, and spirit of this place – and in doing so, develop a deeper respect for this ʻāina and place we call home.”
Hale Kukuna can be found at the forefront of Fairmont Kea Lani’s newly transformed lobby, acting as the piko of the property. The expansive, open-air cultural center is meant to permeate Hawaiian culture, traditions, and values from within and is open to all who seek to create respectful and meaningful connection to Hawaiʻi.