Ultimate Kona: Four Seasons Hualalai

Located on Kona’s sunny Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Four Seasons Hualalai offers guests an exclusive tropical escape set along a mile-long rugged coastline. This exclusive hideaway evokes a laid-back Hawaiian vibe that feels secluded but never isolated. The property sits just 15 minutes from the Kona airport with plenty of nearby attractions, ranging from active volcanoes to cascading waterfalls.

Beyond the stunning natural beauty surrounding the resort, the main draw here are the tastefully designed two-story villas and bungalows with step-out access to the beach and five pools.  Sculpted into the dramatic black lava amid tropical gardens and winding tiki-torch-lit pathways, the luxurious but understated crescent shaped bungalows reflect the essence of Pacific island design. Interiors feature rattan chaises, batik fabrics in neutral tones, and private lanais.  The recent $40-million renovation added 20 one- and two-bedroom suites with 180-degree ocean views.  The new one-bedroom units suit couples who want a separate area for entertaining, while the two-bedroom suites are ideal for families.  All the modern luxuries are here, including DVD players, interactive televisions and high-speed internet access.

Although each of the rooms have ocean views, try to reserve a space on the ground floor since most boast luxurious outdoor showers in a private walled garden. If you want privacy, be sure to request a room at the far end of the resort near the adult pool. Otherwise, you may wind up in front of the kiddie pool with an unwanted early morning wake up call.

While the beach has more lava rock than powder soft sand,  there are plenty of aquatic options, including a family pool, a small adults-only pool, a quiet pool, and a lap pool.  The appeal is further extended by the fact the attentive staff dotes on guests’ every poolside request. Wet and wild attractions you don’t want to miss include the natural lava rock King’s Pond, where guests can snorkel with an armada of colorful fish and turtles, and for the more adventurous, private surf lessons can be booked at one of the nearby beaches.

Golf enthusiasts will be in awe of the jaw-dropping natural beauty surrounding the Jack Nicklaus-designed course that is set on a lava flow with signature holes by the ocean. Other activities include a fitness center and eight tennis courts. There is plenty to entertain the kids, including the resort’s complimentary seven-day-a-week Kids for All Seasons program, which gives parents a chance to relax while the kids enjoy a variety of programs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Feast oceanside on fresh seafood at Pha i’a, a lively restaurant centered around a giant aquarium featuring regional dishes and special nightly buffets. Or enjoy delicious Italian cuisine at the renovated Beach Tree restaurant.  Local cuisine takes center stage at the open-air Hualalai Grille by Alan Wong. After dinner, roast your own smores at one of the outdoor fire pits and gaze at the dazzling stars that light up the sky.

Hualalai Spa
The newly expanded Hualalai Spa blends open-air tropical gardens with tranquil interiors and features a whirlpool, lap pool, and saunas. Enjoy a complimentary neck and shoulder massage while waiting for your treatment in the lush garden area. Book a massage using local natural ingredients in one of the outdoor hales with thatched huts and bamboo curtains.  Alternative therapies include acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and biofeedback.

Big Island Attractions
Explore nearby sites redolent of Hawaiian history with a visit to Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, a traditional place of refuge featuring royal grounds and a 17th-century heiau, or temple, that is a burial site for 23 Hawaiian chiefs. Or visit the Hulihe’e Palace, a Victorian-style summer home built in 1838. For an altogether different experience, a drive to the Hilo-side of the island takes you to Akaka Falls State Park, where you can hike through a fern and bamboo forest to two scenic waterfalls. Nature lovers will also be drawn to Turtle Pinnacle near Honokohau Harbor and Honokohau Beach to spot endangered  green sea turtles. And for a fiery spectacle, head to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see two of the world’s most active volcanoes and a close-up view of flowing lava rock.

Four Seasons Special Offer
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is offering a USD $1,000.00 Resort Credit for each six-night stay at the standard room rate from now through June 20, 2010, with nightly room rates from USD 595.00. Families booking two rooms or a two-bedroom suite receive a USD $2,000.00 resort credit for each six-night stay at the standard room rate. Or receive a complimentary fifth night with every four consecutive paid nights. Apply your credit to an array of resort experiences, from championship golf and indulgent spa treatments to a class at the Cultural Center.

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