Restaurant Closure at Four Seasons Hualalai
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 125
Restaurant Closure at Four Seasons Hualalai
FYI, the main restaurant at the Hualalai is closing on September 10 for "renewal". I'm not sure of the name of it - maybe it's the Pahu i'a? - but it's the restaurant with the lovely terrace overlooking the beach where the breakfast buffet is served.
This is a significant closure because the only other options here are the very casual Beach Tree (where they will temporarily serve breakfast) and the Grille, which is a steakhouse. From what I can see, it's a half hour drive to any decent off-site restaurant.
I was told they will be opening up the private Beach Residences restaurant to hotel guests during the closure. It is apparently very casual, perhaps even moreso than the Beach Tree.
While it may not affect a decision to visit the Hualalai during the closure (I'm not sure of the re-open date) it does mean that you'll need on-site dinner reservations in advance of your stay since all guests must now funnel down to the remaining restaurants.
I just happened to find out when I called the Hualalai to discuss my upcoming stay - I don't get the impression that they've made an official announcement and I didn't see anything on the web site about it.
Bummer. I would have arranged to stay somewhere else if I'd known, so thought I would share the info here for anyone considering the Hualalai in the next weeks/months.
This is a significant closure because the only other options here are the very casual Beach Tree (where they will temporarily serve breakfast) and the Grille, which is a steakhouse. From what I can see, it's a half hour drive to any decent off-site restaurant.
I was told they will be opening up the private Beach Residences restaurant to hotel guests during the closure. It is apparently very casual, perhaps even moreso than the Beach Tree.
While it may not affect a decision to visit the Hualalai during the closure (I'm not sure of the re-open date) it does mean that you'll need on-site dinner reservations in advance of your stay since all guests must now funnel down to the remaining restaurants.
I just happened to find out when I called the Hualalai to discuss my upcoming stay - I don't get the impression that they've made an official announcement and I didn't see anything on the web site about it.
Bummer. I would have arranged to stay somewhere else if I'd known, so thought I would share the info here for anyone considering the Hualalai in the next weeks/months.
#2
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Mem
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We just got back and this is indeed the case, but we preferred The Beach Tree and the Residents Beach House to Pahuia(sp?).
Having said that, you had to make a reservation a day or so in advance to go to the Beach Tree so definitely make your reservations now. The residents Beach House has a lovely setting right on the sand. The sunsets are spectacular.
I would not let this deter you. They also have the Hualalai Grill which is a mediocre steak house.
I wonder if they will open up the other 2 owners restaurants for your visit. I have heard that they are very good.
By the way, the Fairmont, Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea are only about 20 minutes away and it is an easy drive.
Having said that, you had to make a reservation a day or so in advance to go to the Beach Tree so definitely make your reservations now. The residents Beach House has a lovely setting right on the sand. The sunsets are spectacular.
I would not let this deter you. They also have the Hualalai Grill which is a mediocre steak house.
I wonder if they will open up the other 2 owners restaurants for your visit. I have heard that they are very good.
By the way, the Fairmont, Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea are only about 20 minutes away and it is an easy drive.
#4
Join Date: Nov 2005
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Any idea how long the closure will be? I'm going on 25 Sept, and I was looking forward to eating there. The hotel certainly hasn't informed me about the closure. Is the sushi place closing too?
Also, is it easy to get taxis to and from neighbouring resorts? I don't really want to drive.
Also, is it easy to get taxis to and from neighbouring resorts? I don't really want to drive.
Last edited by antirealist; Aug 19, 2012 at 9:02 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
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on tripadvisor i think it was someone said 2 month closure
were either of you holding reseration for Pahu i`a ?
if one has to make reservations for all dining/activities, perhaps they contact reservation holders
seems residents beach house is only private during peak (can incl sep/oct/nov ?) >
if one has to make reservations for all dining/activities, perhaps they contact reservation holders
everything is on hualalai (not FS) site
x canoe club = "Residents" (no membership required i guess ?)
x clubhouse = "Members and their escorted guests" (residents with membership)
- resident beach house (mentioned on this forum) = "guests and resident's"
http://www.hualalairealty.com/membership
"Private access to dinners at Resident's Beach House during peak periods"
x canoe club = "Residents" (no membership required i guess ?)
x clubhouse = "Members and their escorted guests" (residents with membership)
- resident beach house (mentioned on this forum) = "guests and resident's"
http://www.hualalairealty.com/membership
"Private access to dinners at Resident's Beach House during peak periods"
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Aug 19, 2012 at 2:11 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2005
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No, but I was certainly planning on eating there. They took the trouble to tell me the greens were being aerated during my stay; I'd have thought they might have mentioned that their premier restaurant was closed, especially if the sushi bar is also unavailable. I expect better from a luxury hotel, and I'm now reconsidering my stay.
#7
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question is when did it happen. (and when did you book.) post on TA is aug 10.
i generally agree re closures, as i created a related thread
thanks ejong (for OP) and antirealist ^
re hualalai and dining/activities reservations, as far as i recall everyone here says make them at time of booking, because everything is always at capacity including nonguests, not just during peak
i generally agree re closures, as i created a related thread
thanks ejong (for OP) and antirealist ^
re hualalai and dining/activities reservations, as far as i recall everyone here says make them at time of booking, because everything is always at capacity including nonguests, not just during peak
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Aug 19, 2012 at 5:32 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Mem
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No, but I was certainly planning on eating there. They took the trouble to tell me the greens were being aerated during my stay; I'd have thought they might have mentioned that their premier restaurant was closed, especially if the sushi bar is also unavailable. I expect better from a luxury hotel, and I'm now reconsidering my stay.
Do not let this deter you. This is a great resort.
Kage, during normal times, the Residents Beach House will take hotel guests reservations after three o'clock on the day of although I think if you walked over there earlier in the day that they might let you have one. It is a really great spot.
#9
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Originally Posted by Valveking
It is going to include a rebuilding of the Lava Lounge which barely existed when I was there.
#10
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Thanks guys, this is all very helpful.
So what about getting to adjacent resorts and restaurants in Kailua Kona? Last time I was in Maui there were free shuttles between the resorts in Wailea - is there a Big Island equivalent? Or are taxis readily available?
So what about getting to adjacent resorts and restaurants in Kailua Kona? Last time I was in Maui there were free shuttles between the resorts in Wailea - is there a Big Island equivalent? Or are taxis readily available?
#11
Join Date: Jul 2010
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I would rent a car. The other Kohala resorts are around 10-20 miles up the Queens Highway. The traffic moves so the drive to Mauna Kea which is the furthest takes 20-25 minutes.
#13
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#15
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From what I've heard, the Pahu i'a restaurants are closed permanently. New restaurants will be opening in the same space, but they haven't been announced yet. There's no mention of any of this on the hotel website.