It is always a pleasure to return to the Four Seasons Hualalai, but it was a special pleasure to come with my family for a much needed safe getaway during the pandemic. Upon arrival we were greeted by the omnipresent Resort Manager, Sebastian Hinsch. He could not do enough to make our family welcome and comfortable during our stay. I was so impressed to see him at 6:30 am one morning working hands on with and guiding the landscapers to make the pool area perfect after an overnight storm. Sebastian is true leader of his team and highly respected by them for his hard work.
I was blown away by the friendliness and attentiveness of all the Four Seasons Hualalai family, from the moment we arrived they went above and beyond. Tony Cook at the Front desk was a wizard at addressing our various questions and requests through the app and was so good about following up and making sure everything was perfect. The check-in process was quick and private, the staff were cautious about taking guest’s temperature and requiring wristbands once guests have had their temperature cleared — this made us feel safe and comfortable. Everyone visiting the island received a negative genetic Covid test, and another PCR test immediately upon arrival.
Occupancy is being controlled during the pandemic but even when the property is at 100% capacity it always feels very private and calm.
Once checked in we were escorted to our gorgeous entirely renovated guest room. We love both the lava shower gardens with orchids on the first floor rooms and the second floor views. The rooms at the resort are low rise bungalows with views of the beautiful, clear ocean that surrounds the island.
The beaches in this part of Hawaii are my favorite of all the islands — particularly beautiful with long stretches of white sand and framed by lava rock. Turtles come every day to sun on the beaches and feed amongst the coral just off shore. The snorkeling is just fantastic at any point you walk out into the ocean.
On the property, there are five incredible and very distinct pools, perfect for relaxing throughout the day. There is a family pool where the pool attendants go above and beyond, going around with frozen treat for the kids and adults. There is also an adult infinity pool and hot tub for very quiet relaxation. The Kings pond crescent has been entirely renovated and enhanced. There is now a large warm infinity pool which overlooks the Kings pond (stocked with thousands of tropical fish and an eagle ray to snorkel with and feed during feeding times). They also added three hot tubs to this area, with plentiful high quality loungers and shade. If you would like to exercise, there is also a dedicated lap pool next to the gym and spa. Its also worth mentioning that there is a "pool" in the ocean, carved out of the lava rock, the size of an olympic pool, but protected from the largest ocean waves by a natural lava wall. It also has many tropical fish and one day I saw three turtles grazing along the wall, and another day an almost three foot long rainbow colored parrot fish.
Do not miss taking a guided outrigger one morning of your stay (arranged through the incredible concierge). Ask for Chad! If you go anytime between 7:30-8:30 you will very likely see and possibly be able to swim/snorkel with one of the many pods of dolphins which grace the shores of the resort. We also saw a hump back whale family teaching a baby how to jump and flap their tale. It was magical and the memory of a lifetime.
The food at all of the restaurants was very good, but our favorite remains the Beachtree for dinner and Ulu for Breakfast. The food is almost all made by hand at the resort and sourced locally. The team who runs the restaurants, particularly the hostesses Tierra, Kora, and Precious at the front desk are a joy to see every day and do such a good job taking care of everyone.
The resort not only renovated all of their guest rooms, and made a tremendous addition to their pools, but they also have a new incredible General Manager, Charlie Parker, who is always on the move improving the experience for guests and team. He is very hands on and fully engaged with both guests and his new team. He was an absolute joy to see every day.
The Four Seasons Hualalai has been ranked as the number one resort in all of Hawaii for many years, and with the unveiling of this new renovation of rooms and the Kings Pond crescent, and the leadership of Sebastian and Charlie, its crown of true aloha has never shone so brightly.
Thank you Four Seasons Hualalai family for the vacation of a lifetime!