Stayed 2 nights a few weeks ago. I'll start with the first impression, but please read on for the final verdict.

I had seen pics online. Although framed by a beautiful bay/beach, the building looked... unremarkable. Still, on arrival, I was taken aback by how old, shabby, almost motel-like the open-air corridors are. It looks especially embarrassing after a night out at the beautiful Mauna Lani a few miles down the coast; the difference is more than night and day.



With that out of the way, almost everything else was PERFECT, matching the universal love upthread.

I was Gold when we stayed. Booked the basic room with 50k FNCs, a remarkable deal. We were upgraded to the Deluxe Golf view on an upper level. The room was MASSIVE, about 850 sqft IIRC. It was very well thought out, with a spacious closet and storage space, huge sink room with 2 sinks, separate huge bath room, and 2 balconies with golf view.

I loved the main balcony. Although not the ocean view, no complaints at all about this view:


Little touches give it the magic, such as the lush towel pre-wrapped on the balcony chairs:


And the cushioned beach chairs:


And the delicious banana bread and coffee jam mentioned upthread:


The property is framed by one of the most beautiful settings/views I've ever seen. Here are a few pics:













Each night, the free manta ray sighting right on property was a highlight. You can take the snorkeling tour for a fee. This pic is taken from land:



If you want some casual delicious Hawaiian food, I recommend Hawaiian Style Cafe in Waimea. Their shrimp tempura special may be the best shrimp tempura I've ever had (though it's not something I have often). Their Hilo location was also great.

Our 2 nights went by quickly. This place was magical. It was secluded, pampering (the most comfy furniture), and luxurious (except the corridors), while having the flexibility to go out for food and sightseeing. Because of the latter, I might even prefer it to a (totally) secluded resort in the Maldives. For me, the landscape is much more charming than something like the monotonal Le Meridien Maldives, though that has its own oomph in other ways.