Our Four Seasons Hualālai Escape

Can you see yourself relaxing here?

There’s just something about Four Seasons Hualālai that pulls me back again and again. It’s truly my favorite place in the world. Tucked between lava rock and the bluest stretch of ocean, it feels like a hidden corner of paradise where time slows down and everything smells like plumeria and salt air. The rooms are spread out in bungalow-style buildings, so it always feels peaceful and private, whether you’re waking up to birdsong in the garden or watching the waves roll in from your lanai. And don’t even get me started on the outdoor lava rock showers They’re one of those little things that makes you feel like, yes, this is how vacation should be.

Love the quiet pool

Dining at Hualālai is just as magical. One of my favorite memories was watching my daughter walk in from a round of golf, grinning, sun-kissed, and proud, just as I was settling in with a cocktail at Miller & Lux Hualālai. We enjoyed dinner there that evening, and it was pure indulgence: expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, and the most incredible tableside Bananas Foster to finish. Other nights we dined at Beach Tree, where meals are served just steps from the sand, and at Ulu Ocean Grill, which focuses on the freshest local catch and vibrant island flavors. There’s even Noe, where guests can take a hands-on sushi class with Chef Nuri Piccio and learn the art of traditional sushi preparation from seasoning the rice just right to slicing fish like a pro.

King’s Pond is honestly one of the coolest spots at Hualālai. It’s this massive lava-carved pool that’s part aquarium, part swimming hole. You’re floating around with tropical fish (and even a spotted eagle ray!) in the clearest water

Mornings are best started at the spa or let’s be honest, ended there too. The outdoor hales feel like private garden sanctuaries, and treatments often incorporate local ingredients like kukui oil and volcanic ash. Afterward, I always pop into the Hualālai Trading Company to grab a sweet treat (their banana bread is so good) or find a special keepsake to bring home. The resort is full of activities, whether you want to stay active or completely unwind. There are private tennis lessons, a full-swing golf simulator for a playful challenge, and even pickleball clinics if you’re feeling competitive. For ocean lovers, we snorkeled in King’s Pond. An actual lava-carved aquarium. Dreaming of becoming a marine biologist? You can actually live that out here. Guests can spend part of the day with a resort marine life specialist and explore hands-on topics like squid anatomy, coral care, and phytoplankton. It’s one of those rare places where learning is just as fun as relaxing.

Beachfront and delicious!

And the kids? They’re just as well-cared for as the adults. Hualālai offers thoughtful activities and enriching programs for younger guests, blending Hawaiian culture, ocean exploration, and island crafts in a way that makes even screen time take a backseat. Whether it’s making ti-leaf skirts, learning a hula, or joining in a reef walk, there’s always something magical waiting for them, too.

I loved learning to quilt the Hawaiian way

Beyond the resort, the Big Island invites adventure. One day we drove up to Mauna Kea, and yes there was snow! Only in Hawai’i can you go from sea level to snow in a couple of hours. Another day was spent exploring Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, watching steam rise from the caldera and walking across lava fields that looked like the moon. Back at the resort, kids (and curious adults) can take part in a marine biology program with Hualālai’s resort specialists—learning about squid anatomy or phytoplankton through hands-on lessons that make science come alive. You can even join a resort chef for a cooking class, learning how to transform local ingredients into an unforgettable island meal. Whether you’re chasing whales, learning to roll sushi, or simply watching the sun dip behind the palms, Hualālai is where the spirit of Hawai‘i gently wraps around you and never really lets you go.

One of the things I absolutely love about Hualālai is how it connects you not just to the beauty of Hawai’i, but to its heart and history. The Kaʻupulehu Cultural Center is such a gem. Every time I pop in, I learn something new or leave with a lei, a chant stuck in my head, or a deeper appreciation for the island’s roots. The experiences are complimentary (unless you’re doing a private group), and the variety is amazing: I’ve learned to make a ti-leaf lei, swayed my way through a seated hula lesson, and even tried my hand at lauhala weaving and feather art. There’s something magical about learning a few chords on the ‘ukulele in the morning and hearing those same sounds drifting through the resort by sunset. I’ve sat with a cultural ambassador and just “talked story” about the voyage of the Hawaiians, Hawaiian quilting, and how they used stars to navigate the Pacific. It’s meaningful, fun, and honestly makes you feel even more connected to this place. The classes are small and personal and are limited to just four guests, so it feels relaxed and intimate, like you’re being let in on something special. Whether you’re stringing a kukui nut lei (the “lei of enlightenment”) or learning the sacred oli chant, there’s something soul-filling about taking a break from beach time to soak in the cultural richness that makes this island so unique. I always tell clients: don’t skip this part of Hualālai. These experiences are what elevate the resort beyond just luxury. It’s luxury with heart, soul, and stories you’ll carry home with you.

Even if you’re here for golf, the spa, or the sunshine, carving out time for a lei-making class or Hawaiian language lesson adds another layer to the magic. It’s what keeps me coming back. Every visit feels like a new chance to learn something beautiful, to pause, and to connect with the island in the most unforgettable ways.

Beauty at it's finest

One of the best parts? You truly don’t need to pack a thing for poolside. There’s a beach bag waiting in your room, along with everything you might need for a perfect day in the sun. The resort provides complimentary sunscreen, chilled water, snorkel gear, pool toys, and shaded loungers. You just show up, exhale, and let the island take it from there.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Hawai'i page.