Overview
by Lissa Poirot
As anyone would expect from a Four Seasons resort, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is nothing but luxurious. Located in Kona, just at the start of Kohala Coast, it is the first and most upscale in the line of seven luxury properties in Kohala’s ideal family resort destination. The two-story, bungalow-style rooms and suites are spread out across an expansive and lush property that feels secluded from both the outside world and neighboring guests. Even at its peak, the resort never feels crowded.
And while Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is luxurious, it’s also very kid-friendly. The resort’s Sea Shell Pool and beach area is central to the resort, and is the place where most of the kids congregate. A nearby kids’ club provides daily activities for children ages 5 to 12, and families can enjoy time together or separate for age-appropriate cultural activities, fun and relaxation. Menus at each onsite restaurant provide choices for kids — often beyond the standard chicken fingers and pizza options, with healthy and more refined palate alternatives. And the service at the Four Seasons is second to none. Anything you need or want is available, with a smile.
Our Editor Loves
- Children's amenities & activities
- Pool & beach
- Spacious, luxurious suites and rooms
Family Interests
- Beach
- Golf
- Museum/Cultural
Family Amenities
- Babysitting
- Children Programs
- Connecting Rooms
- Cribs
- DVD
- Free Wi-Fi
- Kitchenettes
- Laundry
- Pool
- Refrigerator
Room Information
Find the Best Price for Your Stay
The resort's 243 guestrooms and suites are spread out so that even at its fullest, the resort seems quiet and uncrowded. All rooms include iPod docking stations, MP3 connections, interactive TV's, DVD players, tea/coffee makers and complimentary Wi-Fi for up to two devices. Kids under age 18 are not charged for occupancy in rooms with their parents.
Guestrooms
Oceanfront Deluxe, Ocean-View and Poolside rooms feature views of the ocean with a furnished balcony and a garden with a daybed. Inside, rooms are outfitted with a king or two double beds and can connect to another room to create a two-bedroom suite for families. The oversized bathroom features both an indoor and outdoor shower.
Suites
Oceanfront, Partial Ocean-View and Golf-View Rooms are similar, without the garden or outdoor shower. There are 13 different suite configurations, each with various free amenities.
Villas
The resort also features three villas, Presidential and Junior-Presidential Suites.
Reviews
by Feldar09
My wife and I spent 5 nights at this beautiful property. We had everything we could ever need without ever having to leave the resort. The staff was welcoming, the views breath taking, and the food delicious. Plus it is only a fifteen minute ride from the airport. There is truly something for everyone whether you want to stay active or just relax. It was everything you expect from a Four Seasons and more. I will definitely be returning to this property one day.
by JandKBoulder
This was our 5th stay at Hualalai and as heavenly as always! Every aspect of this hotel is perfection. The grounds are beautiful and meticulously landscaped. The smells of the blooming plumeria fill the air.The staff is all extremely professional, friendly and helpful. As our room was having a maintenance issue and we could not check in on time they upgraded us to the huge Milo Suite. The room was more than we needed but a real treat. They also gave us a bottle of Prosecco and some chocolates. Now this is customer service! The view from this suite gorgeous and in a quiet location behind the adult only Palm Grove pool. Although not a swimming beach we enjoyed lounging at the Beach Tree pool that was carved out of lava rock. Pool service by Kelly and team was super with lots of chilled water being offered throughout the day. We enjoyed lunch at the Resident's Beach Club. The poke, pizza and wine list great! Dinner at Ulu so memorable. Sitting ocean front, watching the sunset, taking in the fresh air so relaxing. The menu here so creative hard to choose. We dined on the freshest salads, sushi and fish entrees. We were then presented with a special dessert as they knew we were celebrating my husband's birthday! The breakfast buffet is amazing with everything one could want. Don't miss the macadamia sticky buns! Upon leaving the general manager made a point to ask us how everything was and say goodbye.The Four Seasons Hualalali is pretty much perfection! We will return!
Family Activities
Pools
The resort features seven swimming pools, all with chaises, cabanas and lounges available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The most popular pool for families is the infinity-edge Sea Shell Pool and adjacent Keiki Pool, a lagoon-style fresh water pool with a sloped entry and white-sand bottom. Most families congregate in this area because it is also near the resort's largest beach area, protected by a man-made reef to keep waters calm. The Beach Tree Pool is considered a quiet pool, and only children who can remain quiet are welcome. Palm Grove Pool is an adult-only pool, due to its swim-up bar, and a lap pool at Hualalai Sports Club & Spa is also available to guests.
From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., chairs can be left unoccupied for two hours and reserved so guests can enjoy lunch and return to their desired spots. Five private cabanas are located near the infinity pool with a day bed, two chaise lounges, and a variety of package options starting at $300 for a full day, which includes lunch, drinks and massage services.
King's Pond
King's Pond is the Four Seasons' one-of-a-kind man-made pond, sculpted out of lava rock. The brackish water is home to more than 4,000 fish, including the resort's 17-year-old eagle stingray, which survived the tsunami, despite the pond being filled in with sand. Snorkeling in the pond is allowed throughout the day, and a water camera is highly recommended!
Kids' Club
The resort features Kids for All Seasons, a children's program for children ages 5 to 12, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Activities include arts and crafts, hula classes, lei making, nature walks, marine life demonstrations and more. Children under age 5 are invited to visit the activity center with parental guidance.
During holidays and the resort's busiest season, teen programs will be arranged, such as pick-up football games, scavenger hunts and a teen lounge hideout, set up in a meeting room.
Cultural Center
Immerse your family in the culture of Hawaii at the Kaupulehu Cultural Center, which provides daily activities and instruction, including ukulele lessons, lei making, hula, and natural history walks.
Family Dining
Beach Tree Restaurant
Beach Tree Restaurant is the resort's casual eatery, located near the beach in the center of the resort. The Hawaiian Beach House-style restaurant has al fresco dining and an outdoor lounge, and features Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day.
Ulu Grill
Ulu Grill is the resort's fine dining option, located in the Sea Shell crescent and providing fantastic ocean views. The restaurant utilizes the resort's own garden and fishpond to provide local, organic and seasonal cuisine with a Hawaiian flair. During the day, the restaurant provides a buffet and a la carte breakfast, and in the evening, reservations are required to get into the popular restaurant, which also features a 10-seat ocean-view sushi bar.
Hualalai Grille
Hualalai Grille is an American steakhouse located above the golf club shop, with views of the golf course. Reservations are also recommended.
The resort can arrange family dinners on the beach for five to 12 people. The three-course dinner includes a bonfire for S'mores and a menu of your choice. Advance reservations are required.
Planning & Tips
All About the Extras
Baby and young children's amenities are available, and include baby bathtubs, blankets, bottles, bassinets, bottle warmers, changing tables, diaper pails, diapers, high chairs, playpens, strollers, swim diapers, thermometers and coloring books and toys.
Babysitting
Babysitting can be arranged through a nanny service recommended by the resort. Contact the concierge to arrange services.
Dietary Needs
The resort will work with any dietary needs of a guest through in-room dining and at all restaurants. Contact the concierge for help.
Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms for up to two devices.
The Art of Smart Timing
The Kohala Coast of the Big Island receives little rain and temperatures remain warm all year, making it a great year-round destination. The resort's busiest month is August, when families descend for a last vacation before school starts. Holidays are also busy.
Getting There
Four Seasons is located 10 minutes from Kona International Airport, in the historic Kaupulehu region.
Getting Around
The resort is large but it is easy to walk around the resort.
For Mom and Dad
Golf
The historic Hualalai Golf Club is located next to the resort, and services championship golf annually. Guests are invited to play the 18-hole, 6,370-yard Jack Nicklaus Signature course and enjoy the clubhouse and amenities.
Spa & Sports Club
The Hualalai Spa & Hualalai Sports Club are also located next to the resort, providing a fitness center and spa for use to all guests. The fitness center and lap pool are open at no additional charge, but fitness classes and spa treatments are available a la carte. The club is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.