I witnessed my first Maui sunset when I visited the Fairmont Kea Lani soon after the luxury resort opened 15 years ago. The shades of golden yellow, bright orange, fiery red and hazy purple were stunning, and I honestly haven’t seen a more spectacular display of nature since.

It’s no wonder the setting sun is so impressive from the grounds of the Kea Lani. The Wailea hotel sits on 22 acres of prime real estate on the sunny southwest shores of Maui, known for its white-sand beaches.

The accommodations here are beyond spacious—840 square feet in each suite, which feature ocean-facing patios, a huge marble bathroom, entertainment system, wet bar, microwave oven, coffee maker and small refrigerator. Not big enough for you? Consider the 1,800- or 2,200-square-foot, two- and three-bedroom villas, each of which comes with its own soaking pool, barbecue grill, washer/dryer and more. The appointments and décor throughout the suites and villas are sophisticated, but exude that relaxed, Hawaiian charm.

The Kea Lani’s lagoon-style pools are a great place to soak in the sun and sip mai-tais. Then there is the full-service spa offering massages, facials body treatments, plus treatments just for couples. If golf is your game, check out the three world-championship courses nearby.

Dining at the Kea Lani ranges from a casual poolside grill to Nick’s Fishmarket, one of the island’s premier seafood restaurants. If you’ve never been to Hawaii, be sure to take in a luau (book with the concierge), complete with roasted pig and all the typical Hawaiian accompaniments, plus native dances and musicians.

In addition to enjoying a luau, there’s so much to do on Maui – from hiking, biking and horseback riding to snorkeling, scuba diving and deep sea fishing.

For more information about Maui and the Fairmont Kea Lani, see the related links below. Booked your Maui honeymoon? You might want to bring along one of these 2007 Maui guidebooks: