There is so much to do on the property of Hualalai, i.e. tennis, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, spa, gym classes, nature tours of water and land, 4 different pool areas, that we don't leave the property. When we first came to Hualalai we took a snorkeling trip to Captain Cook which was nice but not much better than the snorkeling in front of the Kona Resort, within easy walking distance of Hualalai. We also visited the observatory which was a long trek and though beautiful I don't think it was more beautiful than the natural beauty at the resort. Every time we left the resort we decided we would have been just as happy or happier staying on property (and saved the time and money of traveling off property).

I recommend you book the FS transportation from the airport to the hotel. It will help set the mood of trip. I would rent a car from the hotel for one day and go snorkeling in Captain Cook (the concierges recommend a great company) and perhaps get dinner at a nice restaurant that night, returning the rental car that evening. If you've done the helicopter tour on Maui, Kona will not be as visually stunning.

On Maui, there are so many strikingly beautiful places around the island that we always rent a car for our entire stay and enjoy taking day trips. But, since finding beautiful Hualalai, we haven't visited Maui!