The Fairmont Kea Lani Voted Maui's Best in Dining and Culture

  • September 9, 2012
The Fairmont Kea Lani Voted Maui's Best in Dining and Culture
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 Kō restaurant, visit korestaurant.com. For information on The Fairmont Kea Lani's Hawaiian cultural program, visit Fairmont.com/KeaLani.

About: The Fairmont Kea Lani