jan 5 2011 >
so not sure when change (jordyn - "interior of restaurant") happened

nor how "festive" was being used (by employees)

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...ii_Hawaii.html

I haven't seen the finished Pauhia lounge setup on the first floor (I heard that the bar has been ordered and will be setup soon) but as it was when I visited this last December, I much prefer having the Lava Lounge located on the second floor.

Currently patrons of the restaurant must walk through the bar area and there is no view to speak of (other than diners) for the Pauhia loungers. This reminds me a great deal of moving furniture around in a house every few years, there isn't a good reason for it except that people like to try new things every now and then.

My heart goes out to Doug. He is an amazing bartender, (I don't even drink), and really made his lounge a special space. It will be hard for him to recreate this feeling on the first floor with waiters rushing to and fro amongst the bar loungers. My guess is that business declines at the Pauhia lounge vs. the Lava Lounge and that business picks up at the Beachtree bar which is right on the water and has an extended deck right on the water. I'll hold final judgement until I visit it next year, after they have opened the bar and completed their vision. And, this should in no way deter people from going to Hualalai. This place is amazing!

I have to add that outside of La Jolla, we know 4 bartenders in the world by first name: Doug (FS Hua), Lisa/Russ (FS Bos), and Steve (used to work at Hotel Bel Air. Not sure if he has returned). Always a highlight at FS Hua to see Doug. (We drink. ALOT!) I was worried about him when FS Hua closed for the tsunami. It was the first thought that came to my mind when I heard that FS Hua got hit. The last time we were at FS Hua he was sweating the recession. I hope the bar changes work out for him. We've closed his beach bar many times ....

+1

Uncertainty around the Lave Lounge should not be a factor in anyone's decision to visit this property.

if Doug hosts the private events >
1. how much are the private events?
2. when is it open / closed for private events?
3. all you regulars can coordinate

Second these recommendations. Merriman's is great, although the drive is quite lengthy and involves sharp changes in elevation. Something perhaps to be avoided at night if it's your first time headed that way.

I don't think that Doug would normally host private events though I bet it would be a possibility.

Regarding restaurants to visit off property, I don't recommend leaving the property:0)

We're heading back to Hualalai at the end of February for our third visit. Not too much to add to NYBanker's report, but I will agree that the running routes were not well marked. My wife and I got lost too a few years ago, but we did get to see the new Residence construction, the golf course and the trip back was all downhill. So, no big loss.

A few other comments:
My wife and I *much* prefer to stay in the Palm Grove crescent. It was by chance that we stayed there on our first visit ten years ago. Now, we ask DavidO to request it for us. The quite and solitude of that section is important to us. We're looking forward to seeing the changes after the recent upgrades. It's a quick walk to the other pools, beach and restaurants. Highly recommended if you visit the resort without children.

We've never gone during the high-season and never had a problem with crowds. We were always quickly seated in any of the restaurants we visited and had no problems at the pools.

I seem to recall there was a Resident's restaurant as well. Does anyone know if it is still available to resort guests?

I leave a trip report here when we get back.

Thanks,
Mark

There is a resident restaurant which is open to guests if it isn't booked by the owners.

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.

Thanks everyone for your recommendations. Your recs (including NYBanker's great review of FS Hua) are really helpful. My wife and I leave for FS Hua a week from tomorrow and I'll send a trip report when we get back.

We personally stayed at the Mauna Lani for our babymoon. Loved it.
We loved the Canoe House restaurant, though they changed Chef last year and it wasn't as delightful as what we remembered.
Browns House in the Fairmont is pretty yummy, Enjoy the stay, we are going there this April also.

I was at the Mauna Lani a few months ago - it's a great property with superb service, even with the Brady Bunch-era room decor, but no where near the FS Hualalai in terms of room quality and sheer luxurious feel.

That being said, it's generally half the price of the FSH....

Last time we went (last spring) the restaurant over the golf shop had closed down. Since this way our first stay, I had never eaten at it previously but apparently it was some sort of celebrity-chef (at least within Hawaii) outpost that fizzled.

Can anyone confirm if another restaurant is open in that space yet? It wasn't a huge deal for us, for but a long stay, it would broaden the lucnh variety options.

The restaurant is open (at least for breakfast), but I've not eaten there so I can't comment on the menu.