Run Oregon Road Trip to the Fairmont Kea Lani

Run Oregon loves running – that’s no surprise. But we also love the Pacific Northwest and all that it has to offer. Running is a part of us, but it does not fully define us. In our “Make a Day of It” feature, we aim to showcase some great local non-running events and highlight where to run and how to make the most of your experience!

The most recent location for our runcation series is a new stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui. 

First the Running:

 

When you step into the Fairmont Kea Lani, it’s easy to get swept up in the tropical paradise and simply unwind. The resort’s serene beauty makes it tempting to just chill and forget about running altogether. And honestly, if that’s what you choose to do, no one’s going to blame you.

However, if you decide to lace up your shoes and log some miles, the Wailea area is one of the best spots on the island to run. The sidewalks are generally well-maintained and safe, with fewer pedestrians compared to downtown Kihei, making your run more enjoyable. Here’s a simple route to explore.

There’s also a hidden gem of a run, about 3 miles out and back, starting and finishing right at the resort. While much of the resort is private, a public sidewalk runs between the pool area and the beach. From here, head north as the sidewalk meanders through a couple of other resorts before reaching Ulua Beach Park. You can either turn around at the park or continue along the main road’s sidewalks for a change of scenery on the way back. Either way, you’re in for a great run with stunning ocean views.

If you’re not in the mood to leave the property, the Kea Lani also boasts a fantastic fitness center. With treadmills and bikes overlooking the resort, it’s hard not to feel inspired. And if you’re a Peloton enthusiast like me, log in for a Tropical House ride to set the perfect vibe. There’s also Yoga and SUP classes as well!

The Spot:

We’ve had the pleasure of staying here multiple times over the years, usually with family. It’s become a bit of a tradition to spend our final day or two at the resort, indulging in a true upscale experience—even if it’s just for 48 hours or less. And trust me, it’s always worth it.

The grounds have always been stunning, but recent updates have made the resort even more magical. The place now feels even crisper and more tropically refreshing, with serene waterfalls in the foyer, open-air views of the ocean and pools, and an overall vibe that’s simply enchanting. There is a private beach access that only resort guests can access – and we have seen a number of turtles swimming through here.

Our kids absolutely love spending the day at the resort’s water slides and pools, wiping out in the best way possible. We, in turn, love that they get completely worn out and sleep like logs afterward. If you’re visiting with family, there’s no shortage of activities, including kids’ classes and other fun experiences to keep everyone entertained.

But if you’re traveling without kids—or even if you have them and still need some adult time—you’re well covered here too. The resort offers an adults-only pool area, which is much quieter and more relaxing.

Our Room:

The rooms here are truly exquisite. They’re not only impeccably clean, but also surprisingly spacious, even in the standard sizes. We stayed in the Deluxe Ocean View Suite. It seems simple, but at 860 sq. ft, including a separate sleeping area, it easily accommodated our family of five – which includes two teenagers and a total of four girls.

The pull-out sofa is spacious enough to accommodate a kiddo or two – especially during short stays. However, if we were planning a longer stay, we’d definitely consider upgrading to a larger room for added comfort.

And the views…ahh the views. I mean, does it get any better?!

Overall, this room is really great for us. The bathroom is ample and there is counter space and a small fridge and microwave as well.