Wailea, Maui, Hawai΄i, September 6, 2012
The Fairmont Kea Lani was recently voted as the best resort on Maui for both dining and Hawaiian culture by the readers of Maui News. Kō, the hotel’s signature restaurant, was named “Best Resort Restaurant,” and “Best Plantation Cuisine.”
The venue was also runner-up for the “Best Restaurant Overall” and “Best Chef” categories. In addition to the dining accolades, The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui was voted to have the “Best Hawaiian Cultural Program” by the island community.
The title of “Best Resort Restaurant” follows a multi-million dollar renovation to Kō last fall. Kō, which translates to “sugarcane” in Hawaiian, showcases the diverse culinary history of the sugarcane plantation era, serving innovative Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese dishes. The unique dining experience features island family recipes that have been passed down for generations and serves over 85% local ingredients. Since its reopening last April, Kō has also been honored with the title of Best Menu for a Small Planet by Maui No Ka ‘Oi Magazine.
Executive Chef Tylun Pang was also named as The 2012 Friend of Agriculture by the Maui County Farm Bureau. The new Wailea hotspot offers nightly entertainment, a wine list with over 200 bottles, hand crafted signature cocktails and two daily fresh catch specials.
The title of “Best Cultural Program” on Maui recognizes The Fairmont Kea Lani’s dedication to preserve and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. The resort’s extensive cultural program is led by full time Learning and Cultural Coach, Jonelle Kamai. As a graduate of Ola Hawai’i, a program developed by The Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA), Kamai oversees all complimentary guest activities and classes that include outrigger canoe paddling, Hawaiian language, Hawaiian history, and monthly cultural celebrations. The hotel’s close partnership with University of Hawaii, Maui College also allows access to the island’s most talented culinary and music students, offering traditional Hawaiian entertainment and cuisine. In addition to guest activities, Kamai leads the hotel’s Hawaiian Cultural Committee and trains all hotel staff in Hawaiian history, language and culture.
Maui News’ annual “Best of Maui” contest provides an opportunity for the community to recognize the primer offerings on Maui. The contest, which was established in 1992, collects hundreds of electronic and paper ballots each year. Winners were announced on September 2.
For more information on The Fairmont Kea Lani contact your Great Hawaii Vacations expert at 866-574-1909.
About The Fairmont Kea Lani
Located on the pristine white sands of Wailea, The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui is Hawaii’s only luxury oceanfront resort featuring spacious suites and villas. This distinctive hotel encompasses 22 acres of tropical landscape and offers authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences and warm and personal service which portray the essence of aloha. A luxurious haven in one of the most scenic places on earth, the resort rests gracefully on Polo Beach, situated on the sunny southwest shores of Maui.
For more information about your perfect Hawaii vacation, use the menu links at the top of this page or call our specialists at:
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Wailea, Maui, Hawai΄i, July 18, 2012
The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui resort recently introduced an extensive cultural program tailored to guests who desire a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture. The program is led by the resort’s full-time certified Cultural Coach and offers authentic Hawaiian
experiences in a luxury resort setting.
“We’re finding that travelers are looking for a vacation experience that offers Hawaiian elements beyond lei, mai tais and tropical flowers,” says Jonelle Kamai, Cultural Coach at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. “The hotel’s philosophy is to value and respect the Hawaiian culture. Every employee at our resort takes tremendous pride in sharing Hawaiian history, art, language, customs and cuisine with our guests.”
The resort offers three cultural activities throughout the year, including the Hawaiian Canoe Experience Hawaiian Cultural Tours, and a weekly session on ΄Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language). In a commitment to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture, all Hawaiian cultural activities are complimentary for hotel guests.
In addition to these activities, the resort honors a different aspect of Hawaiian culture and history each month with a day-long celebration that includes musical performances, educational activities and dining specials.
Also this summer, this Maui resort will be offering a special 8-week Aloha Friday Summer Concert Series with theUniversity ofHawai΄i,MauiCollege’s Institute of Hawaiian Music (IHM). IHM is dedicated to the preservation of Hawaiian music and is led by Hawaiian music icons, including four-time Grammy award winnerGeorge Kahumoku Jr. The Free concerts take place in the hotel lobby every Friday from 5-6 p.m.
Diners looking to experience local flavors can do so at Kō, the resort’s newly renovated award-winning signature restaurant, which showcases the diverse culinary history ofMaui’s sugarcane plantation era. Led by Executive Chef Tylun Pang, the menu includes island family recipes that have been passed down for generations.
Couples planning a Maui wedding will enjoy Ka Male ΄Ana Hawai΄i, a new wedding
package that emulates an ancient Hawaiian wedding ceremony. The unique ceremony is conducted by a Kahu (Hawaiian minister) who is the great, great grandson of Queen Ka'ahumanu and includes an arrival by outrigger canoe, a Hawaiian oli (chant) and a kī (ti leaf) ring exchange.
Through enriching experiences in the comfort of luxury accommodations, The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui resort’s cultural program offers guests a deeper understanding ofHawaii’s rich culture.
Travelers visiting Maui this fall can take advantage of 40% off the best available room rate now through August. Call Great Hawaii Vacations, Toll Free at 866-574-1909 for all the details.
For more information about your perfect Hawaii vacation, use the menu links at the top of this page or call our specialists at:
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Free Summer Concert Series Begins Friday
Wailea, Maui, Hawai΄i, July 4, 2012 – The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui recently announced a
long-term partnership withUniversity ofHawaii,MauiCollege’s Institute of Hawaiian Music (IHM). The partnership kicks off with 8 weeks of free concerts, coined the “Aloha Friday Summer
Concert Series.” Beginning July 6 and every Friday through August 31, students from IHM will be performing in the hotel lobby between 5:00 and 6:00pm. The concerts are free and open to all.
IHM, which is dedicated to the perpetuation and preservation of Hawaiian music, offers
students the unique opportunity to form a musical mentorship with professional Hawaiian musicians, one of which includes four-time Grammy Award winner George Kahumoku, Jr. The curriculum takes students from the beginning of their musical training to their career debut, offering classes in guitar, ukulele, singing, keyboard, composition, music theory, repertoire development, dance, music industry business and marketing, and recording. Students are also required to complete courses in Hawaiian studies and Hawaiian language to understand the cultural roots of their art.
“Graduates of The Institute of Hawaiian Music will be the future performing artists ofHawai’i, trained in playing Hawaiian instruments, knowing the history of the art and the ability to communicate this art to an audience,” says mentor George Kahumoku, Jr. “Students will graduate with the skills to produce their first album ready for commercial release.”
Beyond the summer concert series, The Fairmont Kea Lani will continue to support IHM’s fundraising efforts and act as a venue for students to practice performing skills.
“We couldn’t be more proud to showcase the talented students of the Institute of Hawaiian
Music,” says General Manager of The Fairmont Kea Lani, Charles Head. “The institute provides students with the education and support they need to graduate and be successful in the music industry. It is incredible to see young, talented musicians at the beginning of their careers. Plus, it’s a real treat to hear them perform.”
The Fairmont Kea Lani continuously offers visitors authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences in a luxury resort setting. Along with the summer concert series, guests enjoy complimentary Hawaiian cultural activities conducted by the hotel’s full time Cultural Coach, Jonelle Kamai. Activities such as outrigger canoe paddling, ‘Olelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian Language) Sessions, a Cultural Education Tour and monthly celebrations of Hawaiian holidays/history are ongoing.
Some Fairmont Kea Lani Hawiian Culture Experiences include:
he Hawaiian Canoe Experience
This excursion teaches guests Hawaiian traditions while offering a fun adventure at sea. Participants learn the basics of paddling, as well as the history of the canoe and its importance to Hawaiian heritage.
Monday – Friday beginning at 6:00 am (1 hour excursion). For guests ages 10+ yrs.
The Hawaiian Canoe Experience fills up quickly so please book early.
Hawaiian Cultural Tour
This 45 minute walking activity includes information about the many uses of native and non-native plants by the Hawaiian people. Knowledgeable guide, Jonelle Kamai will point out plants such as kalo (taro), papaya, and ko (sugarcane), as well as locate visible neighboring islands and distinctive landmarks that speak to Hawai’i’s rich history. Wednesdays at 9:00am, Lobby
‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i Session
Guests may join us for a “talk story” session on ‘Olelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language). In this 45-minute activity, guests learn about the history of the Hawaiian language, how to pronounce words they see around the islands, and more. Thursdays at 9:00am , Luana Lounge
Introducing Aloha Friday Summer Concert Series!
The Fairmont Kea Lani is proud to introduce a new summer concert series in partnership with The Institute of Hawaiian Music at University of Hawaii, Maui College. Starting July 6 and every Friday through August, Maui’s most talented students will be performing a free concert in the hotel lobby from 5:00-6:00pm. The summer concert series will culminate with a large concert at the hotel on August 31. The Institute of Hawaiian Music is led by Hawaiian music icons (including four-time Grammy award winner George Kahumoku Jr.) and preserves authentic Hawaiian music while mentoring the next generation of musicians. Look for singing, slack key guitar, ukulele and hula each week.
For more information about your perfect Hawaii vacation, use the menu links at the top of this page or call our specialists at:
Participate with us on Facebook for Hawaii discussions, free contests and great specials.
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