Four Seasons Hualalai

Big Island, Hawaii

Ocean Golf View Room
Superior Suite Ocean Golf View
Superior Suite Prime Ocean View
Anelakai Suite
Ocean Golf View Room
Superior Suite Ocean Golf View
Superior Suite Prime Ocean View
Anelakai Suite

The hotel

Its dramatic oceanfront location setting hasn’t stopped Four Seasons Hualalai going a bit OTT on the pools. Not satisfied with 4 adult-only and family oceanfront and lap pools; there’s a 1.8 million gallon lava rock aquarium, where you can swim with more than 4,000 tropical fish, an ocean pool with lava breakwater and resident turtles, and a children’s sandy beach pool with mini-sunbeds and toys. They haven’t skimped on the dining either, with a Californian-come-Italian beachside restaurant, classic American steakhouse, lounge offering sushi, evening charcuterie venue, and ‘ULU Ocean Grill, whose chefs work with more than 160 local farmers and fishermen for true farm-(and ocean)-to-table dining. Add the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course, tennis club, cultural classes by local Elders, and endless family adventures, and you’ll definitely need to extend your stay.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Kids Club
  • Teen Club
  • Children's Pool
  • Free Parking
  • Babysitting service
  • Room Service
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Paddle Boards
  • Games Room

Where is it

On Hawaii Island, this oceanfront resort is located on the North Kona Kohala Coast, known for its white sands. It’s 18-minute drive from Waikoloa King Shops, 30 minutes from the city centre, and 45 minutes from Waimea. Transfer time from Kona airport: 10 minutes.

Hotel information

243 rooms and suites. All with TV, DVD player (DVD library available), iHome clock radio and docking station for iPod/MP3 players, complimentary WiFi (for up to 2 devices), telephone (free local calls), coffee maker with coffee and tea, filtered water (refreshed daily), safe, hairdryer, iron and board, beach tote use, and lightweight yukata bathrobes (children’s bathrobes, toiletries and child-proofing items available on request). Ocean Golf-View Rooms are 635 sq ft, are located in the upper or lower level of the bungalows, and have ocean views over golf course’s 18th green, and 1 king-size or 2 double beds, and 1 rollaway bed or crib, sleeping maximum 2 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

Poolside Rooms and Partial Ocean-View Rooms are 635 sq ft, are located in lower level of bungalows in Beach Tree and Sea Shell Crescents, and have a furnished lanai (terrace), an outdoor lava rock shower (on request), and 1 king-size or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

Ocean-View Rooms, Prime Ocean-view Rooms, Ocean-view Deluxe Rooms, Oceanfront Rooms with similar amenities are also available.

Superior Suites – Ocean Golf View are 1,050 square foot, are located at the ‘ULU Terrace, and have distant ocean views over golf course’s 18th green, a lanai, an outdoor lava rock shower (lower level suites) an additional guest powder room with shower, a spacious living area, a separate dining area (selected suites), and 1 king-size bed, and a double sofa bed or 1 rollaway bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

Superior Suites – Poolside View are 1,050 sq ft, located in the lower levels of the Beach Tree Crescent bungalows, and has beautiful garden views towards Beach Tree restaurant, a private lanai with access to pools or garden, a spacious living area, a separate dining area (selected suites), an outdoor garden shower (selected suites), an additional guest powder room with shower, and 1 king-size bed, and a double sofa bed or 1 rollaway bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults or 2 adults and 1 child. This suite is also available as a 2 bedroom connecting suite.

Superior Suites with Ocean View, Prime Ocean View, Oceanfront are also available. Deluxe Suites are larger and are available with an Ocean View and Prime Ocean View.

The below suites offer the following amenities: Dedicated Suite Concierge; choice of dining credit, golf for two, or two spa treatments; daily American breakfast; pressing and packing and unpacking services; deluxe fruit basket, lei and welcome amenity; high-speed internet access.

‘Anelakai Suite is 1,050 sq ft, is located closest to the ocean in King’s Pond Crescent, and has ocean views, an extended lanai with plunge pool, a private lawn, direct beach access, an outdoor shower in the main bathroom, an additional guest powder room with shower, and 1 king-size bed, and 1 rollaway bed or crib, sleeping maximum 2 adults or 2 adults and 1 child. This suite is also available as a 2 bedroom connecting suite.

‘Ohana Suites are 1,441 sq ft, are perfect for families, are located in the lower level of Sea Shell and Beach Tree Crescents, and have ocean or pool views, a large living area with oversized lanai, an additional guest powder room with steam shower, and 1 king-size bed, and 1 rollaway bed or crib, sleeping maximum 2 adults or 2 adults and 1 child. This suite is also available as a 2 bedroom connecting suite.

Wai’olu Suite is 1,711 sq ft, is located in the lower level of Palm Grove, overlooks the Palm Grove’s pond and has ocean views, a large living area opening onto an oversized lanai, an additional guest powder room with steam shower, and 1 king-size bed, and 1 rollaway bed or crib, sleeping maximum 2 adults or 2 adults and 1 child. This suite is also available as a 2 bedroom connecting suite.

Milo Suite, Kailani Suite, Kou Suite, Ho’onanea Villa, Makaloa Villa and Hawaii Loa Presidential Villa are also available.

8 dining options including Beach Tree (Californian with Italian and tropical influences). ‘ULU Ocean Grill (‘Regional, Seasonal and Artisanal’ menu, complimentary wine and coffee tasting on select nights). Hualalai Grille (American steakhouse with fresh local fish). ‘ULU Sushi Lounge (oceanfront bar, cocktails, dinner). Beach Tree Bar and Lounge (casual menu, beachside). Hualalai Trading Company (casual dining and shopping, morning pastries and coffees, vintage-style soda fountain, evening chacuterie, wine, snacks and bocce ball games). Dining Under The Stars* (private dining experiences, dinner, reservations required). Complimentary early morning coffee. 24-hour room service*. Welcome drink, lei and oshibori on arrival. Beach access. 6 swimming pools including adults-only, kids’ pool (with white sand beach slope, small chaise lounges and water toys), King’s Pond (1.8 million gallon natural lava rock aquarium), Ocean Pool (200m pool carved into lava rock with breakwater and sea life including turtles). Poolside service at 4 oceanfront pools (including towels, sun block and hourly services like sunglass cleaning, chilled oshibori towels, frozen pops, fruit kabobs, and Evian spritz). 5 whirlpools. Complimentary cabanas (day beds*). Hualalai Sports Club & Spa*. Fitness facilities (complimentary classes). Private Jack Nicklaus PGA 18-hole Hualalai Golf Course*. Hualalai Tennis Club*. Ocean-based activities (ribcraft or canoe trips*, stand-up paddleboarding*, scooter snorkels*, whale watching*, snorkelling with complimentary equipment, and teen activity cruise*). Marine activities (fish circus, ocean life exploration, pond tours, fish and eagle ray feeding). Beach games. Basketball pick up games. Ka’upulehu Cultural Center (with classes and exhibits including star navigation, Hawaiian language, hula, ukulele, and other classes often led by Hawaiian elders which vary from quilting to lei making; some classes are subject to a nominal fee for supplies). Kids For All Seasons program (9:00am-5:00pm daily, for children 5-12 years). Hale Kula game and activity centre for kids. Complimentary family activities. Family activities* (canoe paddling, tiki-lit family beach meals, hiking, rock-climbing, toddler time for under 5s; reservations required). Concierge. Daily digital The New York Times with breakfast. Complimentary WiFi. Complimentary self-parking. Valet parking $25 plus tax per night (payable locally, subject to change).

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (3008)
  • Very good (312)
  • Average (127)
  • Poor (64)
  • Terrible (39)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Phenomenal

May 3, 2021 MABrentwoodWestLA Los Angeles, California

One of the most amazing hotels in the world - the incredible staff, wonderful restaurants, natural beauty, perfectly manicured grounds, private outdoor shower attached to our room, brilliant sunsets every night from literally every location on the grounds, there was literally not one thing that was not ideal at this hotel.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Return to Four Seasons Hualalai!!

Apr 29, 2021 Diana K

My husband and I have stayed at many 5 star hotels around the world, but Four Seasons Hualalai will always be one of our favorite resorts. We stayed here a few years ago and they make you feel special as soon as you step foot into the resort. They welcome you with the warmest aloha greeting, a refreshing drink, and whisk you to your room in golf… Read more
My husband and I have stayed at many 5 star hotels around the world, but Four Seasons Hualalai will always be one of our favorite resorts. We stayed here a few years ago and they make you feel special as soon as you step foot into the resort. They welcome you with the warmest aloha greeting, a refreshing drink, and whisk you to your room in golf carts. Not all 5 star hotels are the same when it comes to service, or even among Four Seasons, but service at FS Hualalai is top notch. Every staff member you come across at the resort greets you with the warmest smile and makes you feel right at home. The property itself is stunning with amazing views of the ocean. One of my favorite things to do was to eat breakfast at the restaurant and enjoy the amazing view every morning. They have multiple pools at the resort including a swimmable pool filled with various tropical fishes. We loved lounging next to the pool and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere. My husband was surprised that on our first night, he walked by the pool and asked for a quick towel from a pool attendant in a 20 second interaction and the next day, they greeted him, “Mr. Liu,” as if they had been serving him all day before - most places don’t even remember your name. The rooms itself were very spacious and clean and some have outdoor showers. Out of all the places we could choose from, we chose Four Seasons Hualalai as our first vacation spot after getting vaccinated. We are so excited to be back on Monday and will be staying for a week. We booked a suite with oceanfront views and can’t wait to see the room. I hope we will experience the same kind of 5 star service we experienced the first time around. I will update this post after my stay. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Heaven for a first trip to Hawaii

Apr 26, 2021 SusanHines Hansville, Washington, United States

We selected FS Hualalai to get back to travelling, and it did not disappoint. From the moment we drove up and were quickly checked in by a friendly person in a gorgeous setting, we had an idyllic time. Yes, it's expensive. Yes , it's worth it. The room was comfortable and beautifully appointed. It was clean and comfortable and suitable for its… Read more
We selected FS Hualalai to get back to travelling, and it did not disappoint. From the moment we drove up and were quickly checked in by a friendly person in a gorgeous setting, we had an idyllic time. Yes, it's expensive. Yes , it's worth it. The room was comfortable and beautifully appointed. It was clean and comfortable and suitable for its surroundings. The landscaping and pools are glorious, and even though there was construction going on, it was pretty much invisible and they must have been using elf tools it was so quiet. Every staff member was warm and authentically welcoming and concerned about us. Little touches like water and towels as we went off property, or suggestions for little things like more tea bags made us feel truly welcome. The setting was amazing- I saw spinner dolphins off the beach and walked the shore line every day, and felt like I was in paradise. The only drawbacks were the food- while breakfast and the pool food and in room dining were very good, I was slightly disappointed in the two main restaurants. The menus and food were just OK but still very expensive. For the price point , I expected WOW. I got WOW on every other front. I would ( will) go back in a heartbeat. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Overrated

Apr 26, 2021 910merrillm

I was very disappointed with my stay at the Four Seasons Hualalei. Prices were incredible! Their flagship restaurant, Ulu, presented first courses in the mid twenty dollar range, and main courses $50 and above, and the food was very ordinary. The other restaurant was slightly cheaper, but the food selection was still poor. Moreover, unless you had… Read more
I was very disappointed with my stay at the Four Seasons Hualalei. Prices were incredible! Their flagship restaurant, Ulu, presented first courses in the mid twenty dollar range, and main courses $50 and above, and the food was very ordinary. The other restaurant was slightly cheaper, but the food selection was still poor. Moreover, unless you had a car, the next restaurant was 12 miles away. The other services were also extraordinary expensive. $245 for a 50 minute massage, $41 for golf range balls, etc... I will not return. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Not up to par

Apr 25, 2021 Noticesitall Greenwich, Connecticut

Since the beginning of the Covid virus I have been daydreaming about returning to the Four Seasons Hualalai on the big Island of Hawaii. I have spent quite a few happy times there with my family and loved the property and the service and also the delicious food. When I was finally able to travel I immediately booked my room there and looked… Read more
Since the beginning of the Covid virus I have been daydreaming about returning to the Four Seasons Hualalai on the big Island of Hawaii. I have spent quite a few happy times there with my family and loved the property and the service and also the delicious food. When I was finally able to travel I immediately booked my room there and looked forward to a wonderful visit. Sadly, I was very disappointed in the service that I received and hope that things will turn around when everyone recovers from the pandemic. First of all, the Hawaiian tourist board makes it very difficult to go to Hawaii as they require a negative Covid test 72 hours or less prior to your flight and they also require it from certain testing places they have approved. It is necessary to upload the results to the website of the state of Hawaii as well as another site which collects personal data from travelers(Perseus) . Most people I know that have gone through this found it frustrating and very stressful because you aren’t sure that you have everything you need not to have to be quarantined once you arrive in Hawaii. Most everyone on our plane was given another Covid test at the airport. I found this really wrong.Why make people go through so many hoops prior to getting to Hawaii and then once they arrive test them again? Particularly if they’ve been vaccinated! I was looking forward to arriving at the resort but unfortunately when I did arrive I was not greeted appropriately and I was left to sit in the lobby of the hotel for nearly 20 minutes. Though I had told the hotel when I was arriving they apparently were confused and thought I was just there for lunch. I finally had to go to the front desk and complain about the wait and I was told to go back and sit down and that someone would be with me shortly. When someone finally came and took us to our rooms it was not done with the same grace that one usually finds being welcomed to a hotel in Hawaii. My hotel suite was beautiful but there was no welcoming gift as there usually is when one pays for an expensive suite and is a return guest. Again, I did not feel that my presence was appreciated or the money that I was spending to stay here. The first night we had dinner at the Ulu Grill which is very overrated, hugely expensive and not worth one’s time.Unfortunately, there is only one other alternative which is the beach side grill: more pleasant than Ulu but not great. The food at both places could definitely use some help and the menu is limited and not particularly interesting. Normally there’s a third restaurant open in the golf club but this was closed and our attempts to have dinner at the Residents Beach club were a failure. We ordered dinner twice from room service and both times it came an hour early and had to be returned to the kitchen. The head of the catering department called both times to apologize but it was actually funny that the same mistake kept being made. I had some very odd and unpleasant experiences with the front desk staff at the spa as well as the locker room staff. The practitioners that have been there for years are wonderful but someone should step in and instruct the front desk staff on proper communication with guests I would say that the housekeeping department could also use some instruction as on several occasions I found things that hadn’t been done properly. The standards are definitely slipping and it’s very upsetting to see. I really hope when Covid is over the Four Seasons management will make some changes here and pay attention to the way things used to be at this hotel. I used to tell people that I thought it was the best run hotel in the world with the best food and the most beautiful surroundings. It was so disappointing to have this experience and I really feel let down. I completely understand that everyone is stressed by the Covid experience but I also think that management at this hotel is not overseeing it as it was overseen in the past.I hope things change. Read less