Set among the majestic volcanoes of Hualalai, Mauna Kea, Kohala, and Mauna Loa lies the picturesque Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Named after Hawaiian’s first Queen and wife of Chief Hawai’I Loa, a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is truly a magical and luxurious experience. With a full-service resort and residential homes, this oceanfront property boasts access to world-class amenities and activities including white sand beaches, snorkeling, golf and fine dining.
As you drive past expansive black lava fields along Hawaii’s exclusive Kona-Kohala Coast, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai welcomes you to an oasis of luxury and Hawaiian design, culture and tradition. The resort’s 243 guest rooms and suites are housed in intimate two-storey bungalows and feature expansive, open-air living spaces and native Hawaiian art. Villas provide an excellent retreat for families or those wishing more space and privacy.
The Hawai’i Loa Presidential Villa, named after the Tahitian chief, Hawai’I Loa, who, according to Hawaiian mythology, discovered the islands and ruled as their first king, is the resort’s largest and most prestigious stand-alone bungalow. The private, oceanfront villa has direct walk-out access to the beach and reserved beach or pool seating. Villa guests are provided with a personalized Suite Experience Manager to customize their stay.
Catering to couples as well as families, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai has everything to create a truly unique and unforgettable vacation experience. Spa and Wellness programs are designed to provide relaxation and rejuvenation to weary travelers and those seeking a more balanced lifestyle. Spa treatments include island-inspired facials and body scrubs; singles and couples massage; and light and sound therapy. A romantic spa package includes a 50-minute Aphrodisiac Bath in the Hinoki tub and guests may create a fully customizable wellness package including yoga and fitness.
Family activities include everything from treasure hunts and sand sculpting to Hawaiian arts and crafts, snorkeling, and swimming. A rock-climbing wall, basketball and tennis courts, and canoe paddling provide endless enjoyment for those more fitness and outdoor minded. Teens may also enjoy a state-of-the-art entertainment center and movies. Bringing the whole family together, guests can end their day with a family dinner on the beach, complete with private chef.
If looking for a traditional Hawaiian experience, the Resort’s Ka’upulehu Cultural Center provides interactive programs and interpretive resources and displays to create a living picture of Hawaii’s environment, culture, history, traditions, and arts. Here, guests learn about star navigation and how the crew of the Hokule’a, the first double-hull canoe to sail over the Pacific Ocean to Tahiti, navigated by way of the stars. Guests may also take complimentary hula lessons and classes in Hawaiian quilting, lei making, shell crafts, bamboo stamping, and Hawaiian language.
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai boasts an impressive 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. Winding over 7,100 yards, the course features lush landscapes and green fairways contoured against black lava. Finishing holes capture the breath- taking beauty of a turquoise seaside. Post-golf, guests can enjoy refreshing tropical beverages and oceanfront views at the private clubhouse.
In keeping with the Four Seasons tradition of combining fine dining with local fare, ‘ULU Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge features talented chefs from around the world who source ingredients from the local ocean and farms. ‘ULU’s culinary team consistently creates both traditional and innovative dishes of fresh island fish, meats, and produce and presents diners with a beautiful seaside setting. It’s no wonder ‘ULU was named as one of the 100 Best Scenic View Restaurants in America in the OpenTable Diner’s Choice Awards and was named by Zagat as the best restaurant on the island of Hawai’i.
For a more casual, yet equally enticing dining experience, guests can enjoy, “barefoot elegance” at Beach Tree. The restaurant features both al fresco beachside and covered seating as well as an outdoor lounge with live entertainment. Known for its impressive wine list and Mediterranean cuisine combined with tropical influences, Beach Tree is the perfect setting in which to enjoy a delicious dish of gnocchi with ox tail ragout while gazing at the sunset.
If seeking a more intimate dining experience or wishing to celebrate a special occasion, guests may book a private dinner experience in various settings around the property including along Kumukea or Palm Grove Beach, King’s Pond, or the Twilight Cabana at the Sea Shell Pool.
For those who would like to venture off the resort and experience the Big Island’s geographic diversity (the Big Island is home to eleven microclimates), Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is an easy, all-highway two-hour drive away. Named as #1 on National Geographic Traveler’s Best of the World 20 Must-See Places, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to the Hawaiian fire goddess, Pele, as well as Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Also on the windward side of the Big Island, guests will find Akaka Falls which features an impressive 420-foot waterfall. Just to the north of the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort, guests can explore Waipi’o Valley with its steep slopes and beautiful green valley or Hapuna Beach with its sprawling white sand beach and impressive surf.
Whatever the reason for traveling to the Big Island of Hawai’i, the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort is the quintessential resort from which to experience both Hawai’i’s rich tradition and the Four Seasons’ heritage of luxury.
For more information, please visit www.fourseasons.com/hualalai.