Restaurant Review:

Pilina At The Fairmont Kealani

My guilty pleasure is getting a fancy cocktail after work. I work in Wailea, so I usually hit one of the bars in the resorts. I recently stopped in at Pilina at the Fairmont, formerly Luana Lounge – and my goodness. I think this might be my favorite spot in Wailea for a pau hana and a bite to eat!

Pilina
Fairmont Kealani
4100 Wailea Alanui Dr
Wailea-Makena, HI, 96753
(808) 875-4100
Pilina

Pilina Ambiance

First off, the atmosphere at Pilina is incredible. The bar is surrounded by eye-catching wooden arches and plants. The seating extends into the lobby with lots of neutral tones and rattan. It’s very modern and aesthetically pleasing.

But the best place to sit at Pilina is at the bar – because the view is out of this world. An arched window frames postcard-worthy views of swaying palms and the ocean. At sunset, there’s no better place to be. The same is true during whale season. I sat at Pilina for an hour and saw countless whales jumping left and right. Aside from being out on the water, I can’t think of a better place for whale watching on Maui.

The views and vibes are one thing, but what really makes Pilina stand out is its unique beverage program. The cocktail list has a plethora of island-inspired libations. Each concoction features locally sourced ingredients, from locally made rum to mamaki — an endemic medicinal plant.

Cocktails at Pilina

Pilina’s cocktail menu is “aina (land) driven” and aims to encapsulate Hawaii’s bounty. The bar has partnerships with multiple local brands, like Maui Brewing Company and Kuleana Rum Works. And dang, the mixologists know how to make a good-looking cocktail.

Pilina has about ten signature cocktails, several low-ABV cocktails, and three specialty cocktails. The specialty cocktails represent either the mountains, land, or sea – and feature ingredients sourced from each.

I went for the Mauka, “From the Mountains” specialty cocktail – with Fy Gin from Ocean Distillery, ohia lehua honey, ginger, lemon, Ali’i Kula Lavender, butterfly pea flower, smoked Big Island bee pollen, and Angostura bitters. Not only does it taste fantastic, but the presentation is gorgeous. It comes topped with foam, a neat line of bee pollen, and a lavender sprig.

Sushi at Pilina

Of course, I couldn’t leave without trying one of Pilina’s sushi rolls. Judging by the quality of the cocktails, I had high hopes for the food as well. I wasn’t disappointed. The Ali’i spicy ahi roll is out of this world. This roll is served with spicy ahi, avocado, pohole fern, fried garlic, torched ahi, ponzu, tobiko, red onion, and spicy mayo. It all comes together like a work of art – both visually and flavor-wise.

Pilina Verdict

Honestly, Pilina really impressed me. Everything seems well thought out and perfectly executed, from the fresh look of the lobby to the expertly prepared food and drink. I think I’m done hopping around the different resort bars in Wailea for my pau hana. Pilina is the only place I want to be.

For reservations and more information, visit Pilina Maui.

Thank you for reading!