I literally just returned from another incredible stay at the FSH - although I can't add much to what's already been discussed, here are my thoughts...

1) The Golf Ocean Villas are the best option - you get a great ocean view, an expansive lawn and the relative privacy of the golf course. You park your car right outside the door, so no waiting for the valet or walking to the self park lot. The one time we were "upgraded" to a building closer to the pool, we lost the expansive view and the privacy and quiet. My hotel profile now states no upgrades.

2) A ground floor room is a must for the lava rock outdoor shower. It's almost silly to get so excited about this little amenity, but there is just something crazy about that shower that makes the ground floor room a must.

3) As a Kama'aina, my rate includes the daily buffet breakfast - which is actually a significant weak spot at this resort. The buffet is incredibly boring - nothing but fruit, some sweets, very cheap smoked salmon, an omelet station and a few hot items (sausages, bacon, pancakes or blintzes)...and every time we're there, the food rotation never changes. It's not worth the price they charge and considering the quality of food created by the dining team at night, I'm still shocked they haven't kicked up the breakfast offerings significantly. The wait staff makes it worthwhile, though - but you're better off with the a la carte items or just keep your own fruit and muffins in the room.

4) Although you will experience the odd miss or gap, the staff is what makes this place special - anticipating your every need and making you feel welcome. As a returning guest, the front desk manager made a point of coming out to meet me during check-in, and the simple things like a cold popsicle while sitting in the hot-tub or keeping a fresh glass of water by the lounge, are consistent and subtle - but important.

5) One thing to consider - many of the private villas next to the Golf Ocean Villa complex or the private villas just down the little road are available as nightly or weekly rentals - and if you're coming with family, grabbing one of these gems by VRBO or another service is a cost effective option of staying at Hualalai and still experience the resort (FS charges a daily $14 resort fee to access and use its facilities)...and you might get your own golf cart to zip around the neighborhood.

When we're in town we eat 'local', not high-end - so I recommend the Pine Tree Cafe just down from the airport, Da Poke Shack, Teshimas (south of Keahou), and way down near Captain Cook is the best Hawaiian food in the islands - Ka'aoloa's Super J (try her homemade poi - it's like eating purple heaven).

If you need grocery items or just a bento dinner to take up to Mauna Kea, the Queen's Shops up at Waikoloa has a *massive* ABC Store called the Island Gourmet Market, which offers great cooked take-out, excellent sushi and Japanese bentos and tasty desserts. There is a Costco south of the airport for stocking up on larger needs, and a new Target as well.