As an admirer of Maui since childhood, its beauty, exploration, and wonder have always held a special place in my heart. Strolling through Lahaina's streets, savoring Mai Tais in Kaanapali, and getting engaged at the Seven Sacred Pools added to the enchantment.
However, the devastating August 2023 fires brought loss to loved ones, pets, homes, schools, and businesses, burning much of Lahaina to the ground. Despite well-intentioned advice urging tourists to stay away, avoiding tourism exacerbates challenges for businesses, the local economy, and the residents.
Closed for cleanup, Lahaina's contrast with the rest of the island relying on visitors is striking. The fires caused heartache for Maui, and Las Vegas, the Ninth Island with a significant Hawaiian population, became a crucial support network. Many affected families relocated to the valley. Desiring to contribute to the recovery, I decided to raise awareness and extend assistance. I encourage you to join in cultivating the aloha spirit by investing in compassion, as your mindful visit can play a crucial role in providing support.
Embarking on this conscious travel journey, my family and I set foot on Maui earlier this year and began our trip by volunteering in-service of the recovery.
For one of our volunteer activities, we engaged as a family with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement at the Kākoʻo Maui DC-Distribution Center, a resource hub for communities affected by the Maui wildfires (https://www.hawaiiancouncil.org/helpmaui). Sorting clothing and donated goods, our interactions were deeply meaningful as many sought assistance for the first time. Approaching with dignity, we discussed supply needs, learned about losses and challenges. As personal shoppers, we selected essential items like food, pots, pans, baby formula, toiletries, and more. Heartfelt stories emerged, with some sharing the hardships of multi-generational living. Grandparents detailed caring for newborns and many children while their adult children sought employment. These narratives touched our hearts, fueling our commitment to the mission.
During the latter part of our journey, we lodged in Wailea, a resort community in South Maui. The goal for our stay was to actively immerse ourselves in the local hospitality industry.
Initially, we roomed at the Fairmont Kea Lani (www.fairmont-kea-lani.com), Hawaii’s only all-suite and villa oceanfront resort perched on Maui's south shore. With 22 acres of tropical beauty, the recently transformed property provides an authentic immersion into Hawaiian culture and impeccable personal service, embodying the essence of aloha.
Arriving at the hotel, we were greeted with fresh leis and the transformation unfolded with the expansive open-air lobby adorned with vaulted ceilings, ceiling-to-floor waterfalls, lush gardens, and captivating ocean vistas.
Beyond the lobby, Hale Kukuna, the new open-air cultural center, hosts classes, workshops, and a curated collection of relics and artwork, fostering a deeper respect for Hawaiian traditions and the resort's commitment to sharing the island's history.
Adjacent is Pilina, the new bar and lounge, which harmoniously blends with the island's beauty. Featuring wave-inspired monkey-pod wood architecture, it's an ideal spot for culinary cocktails and locally sourced raw bites, offering breathtaking sunsets and whale sightings.
During my family’s stay, our mornings were serenaded by chirping birds as we savored Nespresso on our balcony, framed by cascading bougainvillea. After delightful alfresco breakfasts at The Kea Lani Restaurant, our afternoons unfolded poolside with waterslide riding, pool basketball games, and swim-up bar enjoyment. Evenings brought outdoor family movies or dinner at Kō restaurant.
Our final stop was at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, a 15-acre beachfront property on Mōkapu Beach (www.andazmaui.com). This modern masterpiece features three cascading outdoor infinity pools, offering unobstructed ocean views and a tranquil setting. The resort's flawless planning and architecture capture reflections of water, palm trees, and ocean on floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a harmonious and unforgettable vacation experience.
We experienced The Villas at Andaz Maui, an exquisite retreat ideal for multigenerational families or large groups, as well as the adults-only pool near the 'Āwili Spa and Salon. The resort also features an art gallery, fitness center, over 52,000 square feet of outdoor event space, farm-to-table dining at Ka’ana Kitchen, savory Japanese fusion cuisine at Morimoto Maui, poolside lunches at Bumbye Beach Bar, and craft cocktails at Lehua Lounge.
The Guest Experience Team helps create personalized itineraries that include fitness or art classes and cultural activities like coconut leaf weaving, outrigger canoeing, or ukulele and hula lessons.
At the Feast at Mokapu Luau, we were welcomed by vibrant Hawaiian performers that led us on a spiritual journey, blending culture, history, music, dance, and artistry and was complemented by a three-course dinner and handcrafted cocktails.
Our conscious travel journey revealed that aloha goes beyond a greeting; it's a call to mindfulness and respect. As we explored the road to Hana and the entire island, we packed not just essentials but also compassion and kindness, understanding that aloha encompasses hospitality, charity, integrity, patience, and unconditional love for our fellow humans. In conscious travel, the aloha spirit guides us to approach each experience with a heart full of warmth and understanding.
In a poignant and beautiful irony, I can't help but recognize that while visitors have long visited Maui seeking healing for their mind, body, and soul, the island now seeks healing through conscious travelers. I encourage you to embark on your journey with a spirit of compassion, aiming to leave not only footprints but also a legacy of respect and care for the communities that contribute to making this island a cherished place.
Fairmont Kea Lani
The Fairmont Kea Lani recently completed a multi-year transformation, unveiling a redesigned lobby, bar/restaurant, and cultural center. With 413 one-bedroom suites and 37 two-story villas, all artfully redesigned to reflect the island's heritage, the property collaborated with Native Hawaiian elders with lineal ties to the resort's location, to carefully craft the concept, design, and names.
Beyond its cultural enhancements and spacious suites, Fairmont Kea Lani offers a spa and wellness program, additional dining options, and three pools, including an adults-only tranquility pool.
Rooted in culture and community, the Fairmont Kea Lani, especially after the recent fires, feels deeply connected and fitting.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
This flagship property of the Andaz brand in a resort destination, features 320 guestrooms, including 35 suites and 30 contemporary villas with tropical views and direct beach access. Recently, celebrating its 10th anniversary, the property underwent a tasteful redesign and key enhancements to common areas, suites, and guest rooms.
The 19 'Ilikai Villas, a collection of 1900-square-foot, 3-bedroom residences, offer a gourmet Bosch kitchen, washer/dryer, private lanai with a Viking grill, and ocean or garden views. Ground-level villas feature a private plunge pool and expansive lawn, while the penthouse offers 3,750-square-feet of living space and a glass-bottom cantilevered pool.
Guests in any of the 30 villas enjoy direct access to the resort's VIP concierge for a personalized experience.
