Stunning natural beauty, tropical climate, sprawling, powdery white-sand beaches, and world-class service combine to make Maui a must-see destination. The island's scenic beauty includes brilliant sunsets where the sky fades from orange to pink to purple so spectacular that it may stop you in your tracks.
With all the offerings expected from a beach destination, Maui offers so much more. Hawaii's culture is filled with unique customs, music, legends, traditions, and values.
The best gatherings offer attendees a sense of place and Fairmont Kea Lani's Hawaiian Cultural Program does just that.
The popular Hawaiian Canoe Experience is offered on a six-seat outrigger with a large-arched support beam, or ama, on one side. Before catching a wave, the instructor blows a conch shell and leads a chant, or oli, to ask for permission to enter the ocean.
As we paddled along, a sea turtle poked its head up from the shimmering Pacific, only a few feet away. A few minutes later, we were in the water donning masks, watching these magnificent creatures below.
Along with a near-guarantee of seeing turtles, humpback whales frequent the Wailea area December through April and dolphins and monk seals make appearances as well. The canoe experience is an ideal way for groups to get immersed in the Hawaiian environment.
Other popular cultural programs at the Fairmont Kea Lani include a Polynesian and Native Hawaiian plants walking tour, hula and ukulele lessons, and a torch-lighting ceremony.
The Fairmont Kea Lani resort's Willow Stream Spa features treatments that combine Maui-sourced products, oils, and herbs with ancient Hawaiian traditions. There is a Nalu (wave) suite with a state-of-the-art wave massage table, a Wailele (waterfall) suite, and full sensory experience showers inspired by Maui's rain.
Hawaii's only all-suite and -villa resort, the Fairmont Kea Lani features 413 suites and 37 villas as well as a restaurant, KO, that serves plantation-inspired cuisine.
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This article appears in the February 2018 issue of Successful Meetings.