Thanks to its unique formula, imaginative designers, deep-pocketed owners and creative chefs, this hotel competes with the likes of its neighbor and even gives the Grand Wailea Resort a run for its money. Thanks, too, to adept management, The Fairmont Kea Lani is one of Hawaii's most engaging resorts, especially for families and couples who appreciate the all-suite format.
Set on a swath of golden sand, bookended by a colorful reef that beckons snorkelers, this hotel eschews the area's standard concrete architecture for whimsical Moorish design bathed in dazzling white. A wide range of facilities are on-site: four restaurants, a delicatessen, three pools, an exemplary staff, and a golden sand beach, which is constantly recognized as one of the island's top 10 strands.
This resort has an interesting layout composed of 12 structures from two to six stories dotting 22 verdant acres. In the parking lot, bougainvillea-draped arbors act as elegant parking dividers. In contrast to the usual palms, this hotel's entrance is marked with a procession of stately Captain Cook pines.
The big, breezy lobby has a vaulted ceiling, a floor of multicolor marble, historical murals on the walls, and stunning ocean panoramas. Mallorcan pottery and regional antiques give common areas exotic flair. The lobby overlooks the main restaurant, which also faces out to sea, providing a blue
backdrop to its contemporary seafood menu.
Serving dinner only, Nick's Fishmarket is one of the top restaurants in the state, dishing up creative seafood fare in romantic tropical surroundings. Breakfast is served in Kea Lani, an open-air venue, while Cafe Ciao (which will close soon for renovations) and the Polo Beach Grill offer variety at lunchtime. The delicatessen gives guests an economical option that includes pizza, picnic supplies and packaged goods.
The pool area has several plunges, one exclusively for adults, while the two free-form lagoon-style pools are connected by a water slide. There is also a swim-up bar. Watersports equipment is for rent at the beach, and use of the recently expanded gym is complimentary. The well-rounded spa has men's and women's saunas, as well as a long list of enticing treatments. The hotel's exciting cultural programs include a complimentary canoe experience, which initiates guests to Hawaii's ancient seafaring traditions.
The ballroom, conference rooms and alfresco function areas can host groups from 20 to 600. Business services are available and complimentary valet parking is a friendly touch. Guests pay to park. Pets are not permitted.
In spite of all the attention 
given to the extensive facilities here, the highlights are the hotel's capacious suites and one-, two- and three-bedroom villas (apartments). All have been refurbished over the last three years, each displaying high standards and good taste. The lush suites all have spacious living areas, large bedrooms and stunning marble-clad baths designed in a circular layout, one room flowing into the next. All of the accommodations show thoughtful features such as lighted closets, screened doors opening onto some of the largest lanais anywhere, high-speed Internet access, and large desks that second as dining tables for two.
The decor is bright and upbeat, with a retro art-deco bent. The custom, faux-bamboo armoires hold 27-inch WebTVs, VCRs, DVDs, CD players and video games. Flat-screen TVs are slowly being added, as are MP3 players. Evocative Hawaiian art, sculpted carpeting, and rattan and exotic wood furnishings add to the look. The sectional sofa beds are good for families, and the bedrooms are easily sealed off from the living areas with double doors. Three phones with dataports and voice mail, thermostats, rattan ceiling fans (one in each room), superb lighting and thoughtfully placed mirrors are standard. Each bedroom is fitted with king or twin mattresses, a choice of pillows, and an armoire with a TV. Large foyers hold wet bars, microwave ovens, coffeemakers and refrigerators.
Spacious lanais are accessed from both living and sleeping areas, furnished with chaise lounges and a dining table 
for four. The oversized marble-clad baths come with his-and-hers porcelain pedestal vanities, magnifying mirrors, large open showers and deep soaking tubs. They boast such deluxe amenities as yukata robes, salon-sized toiletries, hair dryers and plush towels.
The only flaws here are the suites overlooking the parking lot. That said, knowledgeable travelers will request one of the one-bedroom suites in the -01 or -02 series, as these have oceanfront vistas from two furnished lanais. Among the nicest accommodations in Hawaii are the hotel's 37 villas set between the pools and the beach. These elegant, full-service apartments come with equipped kitchens, grocery service, full-sized washers and dryers, one full bath for each bedroom, and private plunge pools. These rooms boast services that include barbecue valets that arrive with raw meats for those inclined to barbecue on their private patios. Of the secluded villas, the ones to request are in the South Wing.
Room service runs nonstop. Pets are not permitted.
Compared with other Wailea resorts, The Fairmont Kea Lani provides superior value even though it lacks the faultless service of the Four Seasons and the theatrics of Grand Wailea. For families though, there is none better.
