OUR KULEANA COMMITMENT

A defining milestone in Fairmont Kea Lani’s cultural journey is the creation of Hale Kukuna, the largest Hawaiian cultural center within any resort in Hawai‘i. Opened in December 2023, Hale Kukuna was made possible through the support and foresight of Host Hotels, which recognized the significance of perpetuating Hawaiian culture within the hospitality space. Their commitment to authenticity and cultural integrity led to the development of this immersive center—one that honors the rich traditions of Hawai‘i while fostering meaningful connections between visitors, employees, and the local community.

The name Hale Kukuna, meaning “house of enlightenment,” was conceptualized in collaboration with the resort’s cultural advisory board and lineal descendants of Palauea, the land on which Fairmont Kea Lani resides. More than a space for cultural education, Hale Kukuna serves as the resort’s piko (center), embedding Hawaiian values and traditions into the very heart of the guest experience.

In partnership with the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust and Ka Pōholima Kāʻeo, Fairmont Kea Lani supports the restoration of the Waihe‘e Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge—a 277-acre site of profound cultural and ecological significance. Once home to thriving ancient Hawaiian villages, an inland fishpond, and several heiau, the refuge holds immense historical value. Fairmont Kea Lani’s team volunteers monthly to support the restoration of the ancient fishpond—the only one of its kind in the world currently being revitalized. This initiative seeks to recreate a traditional system that once sustained both the environment and Native Hawaiian communities. As a testament to the success of these collaborative efforts, the refuge has seen remarkable ecological recovery, with endangered native Hawaiian bird species and plants flourishing in the restored wetlands.

Fairmont Kea Lani proudly partners with the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Voyaging Society to host this annual celebration of Polynesian navigation traditions, featuring canoe expeditions, celestial navigation workshops, and cultural exchanges—all of which are complimentary and open to the community.

• 5,000+ native trees and understory plants have been planted, aiding in the restoration of vital watershed resources and habitats.
• Ongoing volunteer planting days engage resort employees, guests, and corporate groups in hands-on conservation efforts.
• Integration into press trips, corporate group visits, and FAM tours amplifies awareness and engagement in Hawai‘i’s reforestation efforts.

• Our installation of 2,236 rooftop photovoltaic panels generates over 20 percent of our monthly electrical demand while reducing CO2 footprint by an estimated 75.1 tons per month.
• Ongoing equipment upgrades include sensor-based systems to reduce excess electricity usage.
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on the majority of our pool and water feature pumps and cooling tower fan motors.
• Suites and villas utilize Inncom temperature control systems to greatly reduce energy usage and provide energy efficiency management.
• Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFL) installed in all public areas and back of house to further reduce energy usage.

• Updates to pool filters allow them to more efficiently clean water using fewer chemicals and offering significant water savings.
• Removal of over 58,000 sq. ft. of vegetation around our parking lot completely eliminating the use of water in this area.
• Installment of smart engineered equipment including chemical free water treatment system for cooling towers and electronic water conditioning allow us to save millions of gallons each year and eliminate waste water.
• Repair of leaking underground domestic and irrigation water systems and plans to upgrade irrigation to a moisture detection system will continue to eliminate overwatering of vegetation.
• Plans to replace all domestic water piping in the main building will result in large decreases in water consumption.
• Aqua-recycler recycles an average of 7.25 million gallons per year of laundry water, reducing our laundry water usage by 88 percent.
• Landscaping supports a wide variety of native plants and other vegetation which significantly contribute to keeping the air clean, helping prevent erosion, and requiring less water than lawns.
• Each suite and villa features low-flow showerheads and toilets.

• Locally sourced produce, meat and fish supports our local agriculture and fishing and reduces shipping costs and fossil fuel usage.
• 80 percent of fish served is sourced locally. Over 70 percent of produce served is sourced locally.
• Disposable food containers made from cornstarch, recycled paperboard and sugarcane bagasse as well as compostable cups made from 100 percent corn and utensils made from potatoes. The products are biodegradable with most reaching the majority of decomposition within 60 days.
• Use of LeanPath – an smart technology food waste tracking device – along with Zero Waste Recipes to reduce food waste and operate a more sustainable facility.
• 600–700lbs of food waste is donated weekly to a local Puaʻa Farm (pig farm).
• Over 300 gallons/week of cooking oils are recycled into biofuel.
• Used soaps and other discarded toiletries are recycled through the Clean The World Foundation and help supply over 127 countries with hygiene products, thus saving lives and keeping items out of the landfill.
• In-house bottled water system utilizing reusable glass bottles at our signature restaurant Kō and meetings/banquet functions, reduce plastic bottle waste and emissions used for transport and delivery.
• Refillable water stations throughout the resort reduce single-use plastics.
• Plastic, glass and aluminum recycled through our “HI 5” donations program.

• Complimentary reef-safe sunscreen offered to all guests.
• Retired linen and furniture is donated to local nonprofits.
• Native plants used in resort landscaping support the indigenous biodiversity of Maui.
• Use of rocksalt to generate liquid chlorine to replace the chemical chlorine used in our pool applications reducing the environmental impact.
• Complimentary Courtesy Car usage offered to guests to provide alternative transportation and reduce single passenger cars on the roads.

Fairmont Kea Lani is proud to announce it has achieved LEED Silver® Certification, a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This milestone underscores the resort’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and operational excellence, following a multi-year transformation of its 413 suites and 37 villas, guestroom corridors, and signature public spaces.

The LEED Silver Certification was awarded for the implementation of practical and measurable strategies across a range of sustainability categories – including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, responsible materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. These efforts not only support sustainable operations but also foster healthier, more comfortable spaces for both guests and colleagues.

“Achieving LEED Silver Certification is a powerful reflection of our values and our responsibility to this place we call home,” said Michael Pye, Regional Vice President, Fairmont Hawai‘i & General Manager, Fairmont Kea Lani. “Our transformation was rooted in the Hawaiian concept of ‘Mauka to Makai’– from the mountains to the sea – and every design and construction decision was made with a deep respect for Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural resources.”

Fairmont Kea Lani highlights include:

• 83% of energy supplied through green power and REC purchases or generated from an 800 kW rooftop solar system
• Over 30% reduction in energy costs through efficient systems, LED lighting, and on-site renewable generation
• More than 32% reduction in indoor water use thanks to low-flow fixtures and smart technologies
• 36% of construction waste diverted from landfills, with 84% of surfaces reused, including walls, doors, flooring, and ceiling finishes
• Use of low-emission and non-toxic materials to promote health and wellness
• A strict indoor air quality management program during construction to protect the well-being of workers and future guests

“Fairmont Kea Lani’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO of USGBC. “LEED was created to make the world a better place and revolutionize our buildings and communities by providing everyone with access to healthy, green and high-performing buildings. Fairmont Kea Lani is a prime example of how the innovative work of project teams can create local solutions that contribute to making a global difference.”

Fairmont Kea Lani was awarded a 5 Green Key rating by the Green Key Global Eco-Rating Program, recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

The highest distinction offered by the program, a 5 Green Key rating signifies a property that exemplifies top-tier environmental and social responsibility across all facets of its operation. While the rating celebrated the resort’s robust sustainability practices, it also offered insight into further opportunities to elevate performance and maximize long-term impact.