FESTIVE SEASON AT FAIRMONT KEA LANI
The festive season at Fairmont Kea Lani is a magical time filled with vibrant cultural experiences and heartwarming celebrations. We look forward to continuing our treasured traditions including our Tree Lighting Ceremony, held on Friday, November 29 and Santa and Mrs. Claus’ Arrival by Outrigger Canoe on Polo Beach on Christmas Eve!
Begin your day with our E Ala Ē – A Greeting of the Sun morning chant on Polo Beach, immerse yourself in the rich culture of Hawaiʻi with ʻukulele, lei making & hula lessons at Hale Kukuna, find serenity with our Gentle Yoga & Mindfulness classes, and end each Maui sun-filled day with our awe-inspiring Torch Lighting Ceremony.
It’s never too early to start planning for the holidays, so book your stay today and start a holiday tradition with us!
HIGHLIGHTS
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Celebrate the start of the festive season with us at our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Palm Court. Featuring live entertainment from Hawaiian music trio Koleiehu featuring Kamalei Kawaʻa, accompanied by hula performed by the Kawaʻa ʻohana, along with holiday mele and dancing by the Kamehameha Schools Ensemble. Complimentary holiday treats will be available to all attendees and a pop-up festive bar will be serving alcoholic beverages for purchase.
Santa & Mrs. Claus Arrive to Polo Beach on Christmas Eve
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their grand arrival by outrigger canoe to Polo Beach on Tuesday, December 24th, bringing festive joy and holiday cheer to all. Following their arrival, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos using guests’ phones, offering a special opportunity to capture the joy and magic of the season with the entire ʻohana.
Tree of Hope
We are proud to host our 11th Annual Tree of Hope fundraiser in support of Maui Food Bank’s Aloha Backpack Buddies program, aimed at fighting food insecurity and helping Maui’s keiki (children) have access to nutritious meals throughout the holiday season and beyond. We invite you to donate by visiting the Front Desk or linked donation page.
Holiday Arts & Crafts
Our holiday-themed arts & crafts sessions offer a unique opportunity to embrace the season’s spirit while honoring the rich cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi. Guests will explore a range of creative mediums—from vibrant paper mâché to paints and more—transforming these materials into festive treasures. Through guided, hands-on projects, you’ll craft beautiful, one-of-a-kind keepsakes that blend holiday cheer with the artistry and traditions of the Hawaiian islands.
Cocktail & Sushi Demo in Pilina
Guests will embark on a delightful culinary journey alongside a skilled mixologist and sushi chef, learning to craft a Pilina Signature cocktail and sushi roll. Throughout this interactive event, participants will receive expert guidance, culminating in the enjoyment of savoring their handcrafted creations at the end of the demonstration.
Hawaiian Ornament Making
Guests will create exquisite miniature angels, thoughtfully fashioned from native Hawaiian plants, paying tribute to the islands’ rich cultural heritage and the natural beauty of Hawaiʻi.
Festive Flower Lei Making
Join our Hawaiian culture team in Hale Kukuna for an enriching experience as you learn to create stunning, festive flower lei. This hands-on workshop will guide you through the traditional techniques of lei making, allowing you to explore the significance of these beautiful floral creations in Hawaiian culture.
Family Photos & Eggnog by the Christmas Tree
Capture the magic of the holiday season with a complimentary digital photo in front of our beautifully adorned Christmas tree in Palm Court, courtesy of Pacific Dream Photography.
Join us on December 25th, 27th, 29th and January 2nd between 3:30pm and 5:00pm. ($)
“Dive-In” Movie Night at Upper Pool
Dive into a night of fun at our “Dive-In” Movie Night at the Upper Pool! Relax and enjoy the night’s featured movie from the comfort of a floatie or poolside lounge, while indulging in complimentary popcorn & sweets. For those ages 21+, the AMA Bar & Grill swim-up bar will remain open for libations. (Check our online schedule 24 hours’ prior for details on the movie of the evening.)
EAT, DRINK, & BE MERRY
Christmas Day Dinner Buffet at Kea Lani Restaurant
Indulge in an impressive selection of artisanal salads, gourmet cheeses, house made breads, and cured meats, a raw bar with chilled crab legs, kim chee shrimp and freshly caught ceviche, carving stations featuring garlic & herb crusted prime rib, and a Hawaiian Style Fisherman stew complete with prawns, scallops and mussels. (R, $)
December 25, 5pm – 8:30pm
Kea Lani Restaurant
New Year's Day Brunch Buffet at Kō
Start the New Year with family and friends at Kō Restaurant, where a decadent brunch awaits, set against breathtaking tropical views. Delight in a delicious selection of classic brunch favorites, fresh seafood, tropical fruits, indulgent pastries, and made-to-order specialties, all crafted to perfection. Toast to the year ahead with Bloody Mary specials and mimosa flights, while enjoying live local entertainment, making this the perfect way to kick off an unforgettable year.
January 1, 10:30am-1:30pm
Kō Restaurant
1/2 off for Keiki 6-12, 5 and under eat for free
Pilina New Year's Eve Party
Ring in the New Year at Pilina, where you’ll enjoy exclusive access to intimate lounge seating paired with breathtaking ocean views. Enjoy a curated selection of festive refreshments, including a celebratory champagne toast, as you ring in the New Year with live local entertainment in the perfect setting. Savor the freshest sushi on Maui, masterfully prepared by our esteemed sushi chefs, for an unparalleled evening of exquisite flavors and festive celebration.
December 31, 8pm-12am
Pilina
Event Schedule
Tuesday December 24th, 2024
- Meet Shaka the Elf 8 – 5pm
- Koi Fish Feeding 9 – 9:15am
- Hawaiian Ornament Making 9 – 10am
- Kuʻi Kalo Demonstration 10 – 11am
- Hawaiian Holiday Card Making 11 – 12pm
- Santa and Mrs. Claus Arrival by Outrigger Canoe 12 – 1pm
- Gingerbread House Decorating 1 – 2:30pm
- Holiday Mele & Hula 2 – 3pm
- Cocktail & Sushi Demo in Pilina (R, $) 2 – 3:30pm
- Letters to Santa 2:30 – 3:30pm
Wednesday December 25th, 2024
- Meet Shaka the Elf 8 – 5pm
- Koi Fish Feeding 9 – 9:15am
- ʻUkulele Lessons 9 – 10am
- Holiday Hula Lessons 11 – 12pm
- Festive Flower Lei Making 1 – 2pm
- Cookie Decorating 2 – 3pm
- Holiday Themed Arts & Crafts with Jamie 3 – 4pm
- Family Photos & Eggnog by the Christmas Tree 3:30 – 5pm
- Christmas Day Dinner Buffet at Kea Lani Restaurant (R, $) 5 – 8:30pm
- Christmas Day Dinner at Kō Restaurant (R, $) 5 – 8:30pm
- Torch Lighting Ceremony 5:30 – 6pm
Thursday December 26th, 2024
- Meet Shaka the Elf 8 – 5pm
- Koi Fish Feeding 9 – 9:15am
- Hawaiian Ornament Making 9 – 10am
- Weaving Workshop 11 – 12pm
- Beach Tour 12:30 – 2pm
- Painting with Anastasia 2 – 3pm
- Cocktail & Sushi Demo in Pilina (R, $) 2 – 3:30pm
- Torch Lighting Ceremony 5:30 – 6pm
- Fire Knife Performance at Sunset
Friday December 27th, 2024
- Beach Tour 12:30 – 2pm
- Ice Cream Bar 2 – 3pm
- Eggnog by the Tree with Family Photos 3:30 – 5pm
- Dive-In Holiday Movie at Upper Pool 6 – 9pm
Saturday December 28th, 2024
- Art with Melissa 2 – 3pm
- Cocktail & Sushi Demo in Pilina 2 – 3:30pm
- Fire Knife Performance at Nick’s Fishmarket & Kō Restaurant
Sunday December 29th, 2024
- Painting with Anastasia 1 – 2pm
- Art with Jamie 2 – 3pm
- Eggnog by the Tree with Family Photos 3:30 – 5pm
Monday December 30th, 2024
- Beach Tour 12:30 – 2pm
- Painting with Anastasia 2 – 3pm
- Cocktail & Sushi Demo in Pilina 2 – 3:30pm
- Nighttime Crab Hunting 6:30 – 8pm
- Fire Knife Performance at Nick’s Fishmarket & Kō Restaurant
Tuesday December 31st, 2024
- Beach Tour 12:30 – 2pm
- Donut Decorating 2 – 3pm
- New Year’s Eve Party in Pilina
- “Dive in” New Year’s Eve Celebration at Upper Pool 6 – 10pm
Wednesday January 1st, 2025
- New Year’s Day Brunch at Kō Restaurant
- Beach Tour 12:30 – 2pm
- Cocktail & Sushi Demo in Pilina (R, $) 2 – 3:30pm
- Ice Cream Bar 2 – 3pm
- Nighttime Crab Hunting 6:30 – 8pm
Thursday January 2nd, 2025
- Beach Tour 12:30 – 2pm
- Art with Jamie 2 – 3pm
- Eggnog by the Tree with Family Photos 3:30 – 5pm
- Fire Knife Performance at Nick’s Fishmarket & Kō Restaurant
Friday January 3rd, 2025
- Beach Tour 12:30 – 2pm
- Sandcastle Building Contest 2 – 3pm
- “Dive in” Movie at Upper Pool 6 – 9pm
Hale Kukuna: Daily Cultural Activities
Join us in Hale Kukuna, our open-air, oceanfront cultural center focused on reciprocity of sharing Hawaiian culture, traditions, and history. Throughout the festive season, Hale Kukuna will host a broad range of immersive cultural activities ranging from holiday hula and ukulele lessons to Hawaiian ornament and festive flower lei making and more.