KristenNix

We just returned from FS Hualalai, and on arrival they take your temperature and give you a colored wristband. Every morning at breakfast the hostess takes your temperature and asks if anything has changed in how you are feeling. They cut off the wristband from the previous day and wrap a new one in a different color around your wrist for the next 24 hours. Wristbands are also checked by the hostesses at lunch and dinner before you are seated.

We were at FS Maui over Thanksgiving and all guests had to wear a wristband there as well.

cdmca

Thanks you! So are these just simple plastic wristbands, ie. not electronic (RFID or GPS/geo-fence or other)?

KristenNix

They are just simple waterproof paper wristbands... nothing fancy.

aCavalierInCoach

Was there this past weekend. The enforcement of the wristbands is quite lax. We did breakfast in room and transited the resort frequently without being checked.

Seems like they are still ramping up to meet demand. Breakfast was late 3 out of our 4 days (always with a call to let us know, but even then delivery was sometimes 15 mins+ outside updated window). Unfortunate that the golf course grill is closed; they had it open temporarily during easter and it seems to be one of the better dining options on grounds.

BESVISOR

Yikes on the service/wait. Heading there next week. Hopefully they are trending in the right direction. Will report back.

KatW

News reports say the Biltmore Four Seasons in Santa Barbara will be closed through 2022.

United747

What’s the deal with the wristbands - is this an FS thing to keep track of who has gone through health screenings?

Goodmorning2U

The Four Seasons Hualalai and Maui have a wristband policy with each guest getting a new wristband every day, usually at breakfast when you check-in after having your temperature checked on your wrist. The idea is if you are eating around other people or taking an exercise class, you should not have a fever. If you are eating in your room or just lounging around the pool, you aren’t going to need a health check and are not going to be offered a wrist band. If you want to be checked and receive one you can also ask for one.

When were there recently the policy was very well done and not intrusive.

KristenNix

We recently returned from a nine night vacation at Four Seasons Hualalai over spring break. We have stayed here several times over the years, and it is definitely one of our favorites. I covered a lot of what we love above in post #110 and to avoid duplicating what I have already shared, here are a few new things that stood out for us along with some of our photos from this vacation...

- The resort is low rise and oceanfront on level ground, and we love there are a lot of different spaces to explore and enjoy.

- All of the pools are gorgeous and each has its own style. The new infinity-edge pool that sits in the lava rock just above King’s Pond is stunning. Palm Grove is adults-only and very popular, Beach Tree is iconic, and Sea Shell is awesome for families with little kids. Our favorite pools are King’s Pond and Beach Tree.

- Rooms and suites have been renovated with new furniture, artwork, cabinetry, headboards, televisions, etc, and the lanais have comfortable outdoor furniture. We loved our room with views from the second floor overlooking King’s Pond.

- Brand new Bungalow Zero. Our friends were staying in the upper floor 2 bedroom suite while we were at the resort and it is gorgeous. Awesome oceanfront views and a large plunge pool with integrated hot tub on the lanai of the ground floor suite. This new bungalow is steps from the ocean and King’s Pond, and it is very private.

- The golf course has been renovated and is in perfect condition, we loved snorkeling from the resort's outrigger canoe and also in King’s Pond, and the tennis facility is fantastic with lots of guests and residents playing everyday.

- We ate every meal on property. The breakfast buffet at ‘Ulu is open and each station is managed by servers behind plexiglass dividers, or you can order off the menu from your table. For lunch and dinners we rotated between poolside (different menus at each pool), Beach Tree, Residents Beach House, and ‘Ulu. Service and quality were consistently excellent, and the oceanfront views are really gorgeous.

- They are taking social distancing very seriously with at least 6 feet separating all guests on the pool decks, beach, restaurants, etc. and they check your temperature everyday for the safety of everyone on property.

We truly love FS Hualalai and we can not wait to return again.

Valveking

That new pool at Kings Pond is very interesting. Thanks for the great review. I love this hotel.

BESVISOR

Aloha from Sensei Lana'i! Few more nights in Lanai then off to the updated Hualalai
Can't wait to see it. Purposely waited until the renovation is nearly finished to return. Excited to see the new villas (added 2nd floor).

BESVISOR

potatoducks

Anyone stay here more recently? How is the service?

We stayed here a few years ago and loved it. We have another reservation for later this year but it appears as if the service has gone downhill. I sent the concierge an e-mail two weeks ago to make dinner reservations and never heard back. Sent a follow-up a week later and crickets. Got Ourisman to contact them and they basically said "Sorry we get to e-mails when we can first come first serve." I understand that but if you're over 2 weeks behind on your e-mails, it makes me very concerned about everything else. COVID, sure, but prices have skyrocketed to around $2500/night and this really just puts a bad taste in my mouth. Some recent tripadvisor reviews mention similar issues.

I'm considering cancelling and booking somewhere else (Mauna Lani?) but wanted to see whether anyone here had similar experiences.

This really sucks because always considered Hualalai the nicest resort we've been to in Hawaii and recommended it to others. Any other resorts with a comparable luxury/service feel? Any island really. I just want to sit on a beach and drink something out of a pineapple.

Valveking

Montage Kapalua is excellent. Those issues at Hualalai are shocking. Good luck

Goodmorning2U

We have been twice in the past year, as Covid was just starting and before they closed, and during Festive when capacity is at its greatest and both times the service was excellent and as it has always been. They were particularly fast with responding via the Four Seasons app. If you already have a booking I highly recommend you communicate with them that way. They are on it!

If you have not been back since the extensive room renovations and pool renovations, I cannot more highly recommend you come back. Your pineapple drink is waiting for you.