Originally Posted by mktozd

Hualalai is perhaps the best Four Seasons if not hotel in the world at which we have had the pleasure to stay. We planned this trip for our engagement and it really exceeded all of our expectations. While the hotel is expensive, I really felt that it is an excellent value given the level of service that you receive. The service is exceptional by the standard of Four Seasons around the world and is uniform from check-in to check-out. Moreover, the fact that the resort does not charge for lots of ad-ons and that Hawaii state and resort tax is a relatively low 9% makes this even more compelling.

From your arrival at Kona Airport, the Four Seasons staff is there to retrieve your luggage for you (they stand at the front of the carousel and check EVERY tag until they find yours). The airport is very pleasant and once they find your bag, they load it in your car, taxi, etc. We selected the taxi route in that is was easy and convenient (about $30 with tip). It is interesting to note, that most guests of Hualalai do not rent a car, and the reason has nothing to do with money, but rather that most people have no desire to leave paradise. The resort is truly paradise and a walk beyond the hotel to the many VERY expensive homes ($3 million to $50 million), confirms this.

Upon check-in, you will enter one of the most elegant lobbies and be offered fresh juice, a floral lei and cold towels. The lobby building also has a Jewelry store, Fine Art Gallery, Cultural Center on the lower level and several fantastic views of the ocean. Once you have checked in, you will be whisked away to your room with your bellman on a golf cart. If you have not visited Hualalai, he may give you a brief tour of the resort.

The rooms are fantastic and come complete with a top of the line bathroom, beautiful canopy bed, sitting area, balcony or terrace and flat panel TV. Additionally, you will find many other special amenities such as an in room fridge, iron and other things that you might like if you plan to stay a while. Indeed, many guests return regularly and stay for prolonged periods of time. Our favorite feature was the outdoor lava shower that is shown in our pictures and is akin to taking a shower in a forest. It is amazing that you can take a shower and the flowering plants around you are positioned so as not to be soaked. One warning about the lava shower, the water pressure is very strong, I imagine to help keep things clean.

Below are some of the things that stood out as being particularly exceptional around the resort.

Beach Tree Grill � Great menu, food, service and environment. The live music from 6:30 to 8 pm is very pleasant as are the views of the ocean. We ate here many nights and really enjoyed every bite.

The Hualalai Trading Company � Everything that you need from souvenirs to soda is here and we enjoyed visiting on a daily basis. If you like soda, they sell it for $1 per can and most items are very reasonable.

The Lava Lounge � Walk up the stairs from the Pahu i`a and you will find a wonderful musician at the table, a lovely view of the ocean and some of the best drinks. Check out the Veuve Clicquot Mojoitos. The Lounge also serves nice snacks and deserts.

Romantic Dinner on the Beach - Dinner on the sand with a private server in time to watch the sun set off the coast and looking onto Maul. This was a fantastic experience and our server Duane really made a special evening more special.

Surf, Sand and Stars Barbecue � Dinner on the sand with everything in the would you could want. Very festive atmosphere and a bargain at $79 per person.

Big Island Buffet � Breakfast at Pahu i`a with a wide assortment of wonderful food. A wonderful value at $29 for the buffet and $39 with mimosas.

Nice Touches (all complementary) � Stamped postcards on the beach, fruit kabobs, suntan lotion, cabana service, Evian spritzers, L�Occitane soap in all public bathrooms, candles in bathroom.

Hualalai is a fantastic hotel for couples, families, young and old. Many people that we met during our visit return on a regular basis and we could see why. If you have dreamt of Hawaii, of paradise, of life, Hualalai is for you.

Originally Posted by macinas

Ok, i just printed this out and read it to my hubby in the other room. We are "in" for Hualalai. We have 6 nights total on this trip (we have to stop in LA for 3 nights on our way out), so i am thinking we will do it al here.

This is only our second trip to Hawaii and we spent 4 nights on Maui before, so i was leaning towards the Big Island.

I did notice they have the 5th night free promo - so we are definately going to take advantage of the deal.

Thanks for all of the advise!

We are looking forward to the trip.

Originally Posted by mktozd

Congratulations and thank you for your kind words. We stayed for six nights as well and enjoyed every minute. One of the things that I wish we had tried was the spa area. While we are not big spa people, they have private outdoor huts and everyone seems to rave about it. Whatever you do at Hualalai, I have no doubt you will have a lifetime experience.

Originally Posted by macinas

We have become "big spa people" - even my husband. We are looking forward to the trip and definately plan to get a massage while we are here. I think we are even planning an entire day just hanging at the hotel... I can't wait.

Aloha

Originally Posted by macinas

Well we are back from our trip. We were totally thrilled with the FS Hualalai. This place is truly a gem amoung gems. When i first read these posts, i didn't quite understand how people could "not want to go visit" the rest of the island. Once we were there, i completely understood. It took everything we had just to go visit other parts of the island. When we were "out and about", all we wanted to do was hurry back so we could spend time on property.

We have already made a promise to each other that we will return here for our 20th anniversary in a couple of years. This time, we may never leave.

Thanks for all of the help and suggestions.

Originally Posted by Goodmorning2U

What are people's thoughts on which is the best FS Hualalai cresent to be located?

We love snorkeling but appreciate quiet. Will the King's pond area be too loud?

We are currently booked in the Shell cresent. Is this primarily for families with children? Is it loud?

I'd love to hear which is your favorite cresent and why.

Originally Posted by Goodmorning2U

Thank you Mktozd. Your detailed response makes our decision much easier to make. We will request the King's Pond crescent and I will report back at the beginning of October.

Originally Posted by vuittonsofstyle

Now that the big refurbishment is finished, I am intrigued by the 20 new suites they have built, which sound really good. I also hear they have expanded the spa and that the Beach Tree has been re-done, with new outside spaces. Best news of all for me is that Nick Mastrascusa, who is a wonderful chef, is now in charge of this. He was at '57' in FS NY. Wish I was going there now....

Originally Posted by vuittonsofstyle

Now that the big refurbishment is finished, I am intrigued by the 20 new suites they have built, which sound really good. I also hear they have expanded the spa and that the Beach Tree has been re-done, with new outside spaces. Best news of all for me is that Nick Mastrascusa, who is a wonderful chef, is now in charge of this. He was at '57' in FS NY. Wish I was going there now....