Fairmont Kea Lani Reimagines Lobby Bar

Cocktail at Fairmont Kea Lani’s lobby bar, Luana. Courtesy photo.

Fairmont Kea Lani shakes things up with a brand new look and concept for the resort’s lobby bar, Luana. Celebrating the modern pau hana (time after work) experience, Luana offers a taste of Hawaiʻi’s culture through cocktails, locally-inspired cuisine, music, fashion and an unrivaled setting.

Acclaimed Kea Lani mixologist Aaron Alcala-Mosely has been making his distinctive mark on the cocktail cultures of California and Hawaiʻi since 2007. He has been recognized in a number of high- profile cocktail competitions including the 2015 Bombay Sapphire’s “Most Innovative Bartender” competition.

His cutting-edge approach to the modern cocktail sets Luana apart.

Aaron’s combinations of artisanal whiskeys, liqueurs, and house-made ingredients are highlighted in the complex flavors that vibrate across the palate. Signature cocktails include The Training Room created during Aaron’s “black box” session features bourbon, yellow chartreuse, bitters; Sam’s Piano, featuring bourbon, orchid pomegranate liqueur, lemon and blackberries.

Luana, the lobby bar at Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea. Courtesy photo.

Executive Chef Tylun Pang drew inspiration for the new tapas style menu from his experiences traveling and working throughout Asia, South America and across the United States.

Chef Pang is recognized for his connection and dedication to supporting local agriculture, and draws upon the bounty of Maui’s fresh ingredients to create a menu truly unique to the resort.

With small bites and plates to perfectly pair with the distinctive beverages, signature items include local smoked Portuguese sausage, which is Maui-made with sweet Maui onions and blistered peppers; and lobster melt, the herb-loaded lobster salad with white cheddar cheese, roma tomato and Bikini Blonde beer mustard on sourdough bread.

Honoring the traditions and culture of Hawaiʻi, Luana unveils a brand new uniform by world renown designer Sig Zane. Inspired by the ʻaʻaliʻi trees at the gateway to the hotel’s gardens, Sig’s ʻAʻaliʻi Kū Makani design reflects the significance of Hawaiian plants in the heritage of the islands. Sig’s traditional approach to design uses the ʻohe kāpala, the incised bamboo stamp decoration of kapa.

The pattern of the ʻaʻaliʻi represents the alternating clusters of seeds and leaves and when braided together, creates the celebrated lei ʻaʻaliʻi. The ʻaʻaliʻi print and exclusive colorway of the Luana uniforms represent the significance of place, the resort and the spirit of the Hawaiian culture.

Fairmont Kea Lani unveils a makeover to Luana, its lobby bar. Courtesy photo.

Luana is open daily from 4 to 11 p.m., with live music nightly between 7 and 10 p.m.

Fairmont Kea Lani is located on 22 acres overlooking Polo Beach in Wailea. In 2015, the resort completed a $70 million renovation, which included the $7-million construction of the Willow Stream Spa and $5 million re-build of its signature restaurant Kō. For reservations or more information, call (866) 540-4456 or click here.