HOTEL: Four Seasons Hualalai- Luxury Oceanfront Escape on Hawai‘i’s Big Island

Summary: Jody Holman reviews Four Seasons Hualalai, a lush oceanfront sanctuary on Hawai‘i’s Big Island offering tropical elegance, immersive nature, and high-touch hospitality.

Hualalai four seasons lagoon at sunset

Four seasons Hualalai beach at sunset

The Four Seasons Hualalai is a luxurious beachfront resort situated on 865 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds on the Kona-Kohala Coast (Big Island). Entering the grounds, you will be greeted by a lush tropical landscape of swaying palm trees and hibiscus flowers, the sweet aroma of plumeria trees, sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, and miles and miles of lava rock.

It is steeped in history, dating back to ancient Hawaiian times. The land on which the resort sits was once home to Hawaiian royalty and was considered a sacred place. In the 1920s, the land was purchased by a sugar plantation owner and was later turned into a luxury resort.The resort's grounds have been carefully designed to incorporate the natural beauty of the island, including its lagoons and historical sites. 

In 2006, the resort was devastated by a powerful earthquake and tsunami that struck the coast of Hawaii. The Four Seasons Hualalai Resort was extensively damaged, but thanks to a massive rebuilding effort, the resort was able to reopen in 2009, refurbished and even more beautiful.

Four seasons luxury suite

Living space in suite

Main room of four seasons suite

bedroom of suite at four seasons

natural woods and locally inspired decor

lanai overlooking the ocean

The resort now boasts 243 spacious guest rooms and suites, each done in a modern Hawaiian style, with traditional elements such as woven mats, native artwork, and hand-carved wooden furniture. Many of the rooms feature local accents such as lava rock walls, bamboo ceilings and outdoor showers. Each room features a private lanai (balcony) that overlooks the lush gardens or ocean, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.  The color palette is warm and soothing, with shades of beige, cream, and soft blue, evoking the sand, sky, and sea of the Hawaiian coastline. The resort also offers a variety of luxurious villas and townhouses, each with its own private pool and outdoor living space.

Lava shower in Four seasons suite

shower in suite

bathroom of four seasons suite

additional bathroom in suites

deep tub, suite bathroom

The resort's main buildings are designed to reflect the traditional architecture of Hawaii, with thatched roofs and open-air lanais. The main lobby features high ceilings and large windows that allow natural light to flood the space, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The lobby also features beautiful Hawaiian artwork and sculptures, including a stunning feather cape and head piece, adding to the resort's authentic Hawaiian charm.

Main lobby Big Island

Lobby of Four Seasons Hualalai

Four Seasons Hualalai offers a wide range of activities and programs for its guests, including an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, which is considered one of the best in Hawaii,  with sweeping views of the area.  There is a stunning spa, which offers a wide range of treatments and services, including massages, facials, and body treatments inspired by Hawaiian traditions and ingredients.  The water activities include snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing. 

Infinity pool

Lobby flowers- always gorgeous

King's pond

View from king's pond room

There is a recently refurbished gym, including spin, pilates and yoga classes, and cultural programs such as hula lessons, lei making, and ukulele lessons, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the rich Hawaiian culture. Guests can also enjoy tennis on one of eight courts, explore the resort's hiking trails, including one of the original trails used centuries ago, or take a dip in one of the seven swimming pools scattered throughout the grounds, including a natural lava pool filled with fish where guests can snorkel with and feed the rays.

Ulu breakfast- best anywhere

View of 18th hole and shopping area

Throughout the resort, there are several restaurants: the Beach Tree restaurant, located right on the sand, features a casual and breezy decor, with woven chairs; Ulu Ocean Grill, and Noia, sushi bar which overlook the ocean, and has a more elegant and sophisticated décor; the Miller and Lux for steak and seafood; and guests can sometimes snag a reservation at the Residents’ Beach House on the lagoon. 

The Four Seasons Hualalai Resort has a reputation for providing exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, terrific children’s programs, and unparalleled amenities. The service at this resort, in keeping with the Four Season’s brand, is exceptional.  The staff members always have a smile and an “aloha”, and go above and beyond for every guest.The resort has won numerous awards, including the Forbes Five-Star Award, the AAA Five Diamond Award, the Travel + Leisure "World's Best" Award, and US News and World Report's "Best Resort in America".

hawaiian pineapple

Beach at four seasons

path and golf course along the 17th hole

the torch lighting each evening

**Perks are available when booking through Viewfinder Travel.

FAQs for Four Seasons Hualalai (Hawai‘i)

• What makes the location of Four Seasons Hualalai special?  → The resort sits on 865 acres of beachfront land on the Kona-Kohala Coast, once home to Hawaiian royalty and considered sacred. Guests are greeted by swaying palms, hibiscus, plumeria, lava rock, and sweeping ocean views.

• What is the design style of the rooms and suites?  → Rooms feature modern Hawaiian style with woven mats, native artwork, hand-carved furniture, lava rock walls, bamboo ceilings, and outdoor showers. Each includes a private lanai overlooking gardens or ocean.

• What types of accommodations are available?  → The resort offers 243 guest rooms and suites, plus luxurious villas and townhouses with private pools and outdoor living spaces.

• What activities and amenities are offered?  → Guests can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, hiking, tennis, cultural programs (hula, lei making, ukulele), and seven pools—including a lava pool with fish and rays.

• What dining options are available on property?  → Restaurants include Beach Tree (casual, beachfront), Ulu Ocean Grill, Noia sushi bar, Miller & Lux steakhouse, and the Residents’ Beach House on the lagoon.

• What makes the service stand out?  → Staff are known for their warmth and attentiveness, greeting guests with smiles and “aloha,” and consistently going above and beyond.

• Has the resort received any awards?  → Yes. It has earned the Forbes Five-Star Award, AAA Five Diamond Award, Travel + Leisure “World’s Best,” and US News & World Report’s “Best Resort in America.”

• Are there perks for booking through Viewfinder Travel?  → Yes. Viewfinder Travel offers exclusive perks when booking Four Seasons Hualalai, along with curated planning and boutique travel expertise.

Viewfinder Travel company is a boutique travel agency that designs unique, life enhancing experiences, and provides exceptional service.  Whether you are in search of cultural sustenance, a relaxing island unwind, a gourmet escape, a picturesque countryside or the invigoration of a city, Viewfinder Travel will find your recipe for travel magic.  We are reliable, detail-oriented, and have a flare for finding the beautiful, off the beaten path, “boutique” experiences so you can put your efforts into finding the fun and not into the logistics. 

Our trips are curated with love, as if they were our own.  Let our experience inform your discovery! 

Let’s Plan!

About the Author Jody Holman is a boutique travel advisor, luxury travel writer, and photographer specializing in customized journeys through France, Hawai‘i, and Europe. She curates immersive group experiences, teaches wine classes, and shares sensory-rich stories through Viewfinder Travel. Her work blends editorial precision with a love of communal rituals, cultural depth, and off-the-path discovery.

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Photos Copyright 2025 Holman Photography

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