Sustainability Meets Culture at Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i

Hawai‘i’s largest island is arguably its most authentic: rural and underdeveloped, unpretentious and laid-back, Hawai‘i Island has lots of elbow room and a strong spiritual connection to the ‘āina (land). From the moment you step out on the open-air terminal and drive to Fairmont Orchid, a luxury oasis tucked away along 32 oceanfront acres, you are immersed in the island’s coastal wonders. With the land of the Big Island as rich and diverse as the ocean, it’s easy to see why caring for the ‘āina has always been an integral part of the Hawaiian culture. As visitors experience for themselves the magnificence of the black-lava beaches, historic sites and marine life, Fairmont Orchid invites guests to care for the land and connect with the Hawaiian culture in these five meaningful ways:

Ulu Pono Garden Experience – The property’s Director of Hawaiian Culture, Ka’iulani Blankenfeld, guides guests to the Chef’s Garden, which features a variety of native plants and trees, and they harvest fruits, vegetables and herbs while tasting select items & learning about the importance of Hawaiian plants to our culture and culinary landscape. “The word ‘āina is loosely used to describe ‘land’, but the literal translation is ‘that which feeds,’” shares Blankenfeld. “Our job is to be stewards of the land so it can care for us, so what we produce on it is nutritious and helps us grow. During this tour, we will share mo‘olelo (stories) with one another about special plants native to Hawai‘i such as ‘ulu and kalo (taro) as we work together in the garden. I hope this tour inspires our guests to not only care for the land of Hawai‘i—but to return to the land from which they came and think of how the mālama concept applies to how we do everything in life.”

Locally Sourced Culinary Offerings – Indulge in Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine sourced from farm to sea at the property’s fine dining restaurant, Brown’s Beach House. “Buy great fish, produce and meats at the source and let the ingredients speak for themselves,” enthuses David Viviano, Fairmont Orchid’s CheF&B. “One of the best parts of my job is working closely with local purveyors to offer the freshest and finest ingredients to our guests. It’s an easy way to practice sustainability and to make sure we’re supporting the farmers, fishermen and growers who comprise the fabric of our community.”

Turtle Talks & Tide Pool Education – Sea turtles, or honu, are sacred symbols of longevity and endurance in the Hawaiian culture. While visitors enjoy spotting these graceful sea creatures as they swim through the crystal clear waters of the resort’s private Pauoa Bay, the property asks guests to maintain a respectful distance and work to protect the island’s beloved marine life through weekly Turtle Talks offered at the beach shack by Fairmont Orchid’s cultural ambassadors. The property also offers tide pool education sessions for keiki (kids) and adults of all ages to learn about the delicate ecosystems, vibrant coral reefs and marine life teeming in the Pacific Ocean.

Aloha ‘Āina Botanical Garden & Bees Tour – Bees are said to be a sign that ecosystems are functioning well. Fairmont Orchid hosts 80,000 honeybees which produce a rare kiawe honey onsite that’s incorporated in food & beverage offerings. Guests may join this complimentary “Aloha ‘Āina Botanical Garden & Bees Tour” to learn the legends and lore behind pollinator-friendly plants such as the naupaka and how one becomes a good steward of the land.

Cultural Walks –Fairmont Orchid is home to the ancient land of Kalāhuipua’a, now called Mauna Lani (heavenly mountain) and is known as a spiritual, historical land, featuring a treasure trove of archeological sites, early Hawaiian footpaths, royal fishponds and lava formations. Fairmont Orchid’s cultural ambassadors take guests out on weekly walks to introduce them to trails, shelter caves and treasured petroglyphs onsite. “As the need to respect and care for the land is so integrated in the Hawaiian culture, those who engage in the practice of mālama (caring for) Hawai‘i enjoy a more meaningful experience during their time on island,” shares Charles Head, Fairmont Orchid General Manager. “It’s a priority for us to promote practices that protect our land and sea, as we have a deep respect for this special place we call home and aim to take strides to build a more sustainable world for future generations to come.”

 

Add Hawaiʻi to your future travel plans and take advantage of the Fairmont Orchid Zoomer Offer to receive 20% off the daily rate and a $50 Dining Credit per stay on a 2 night minimum stay.

TRAVELLER EXPERTISE: Become a member of Fairmont’s loyalty program, ALL – Accor Live Limitless to earn Reward points and receive exclusive benefits during your stay. Enroll Now at all.accor.com