In the heart of the famed Kona-Kohala Coast of Hawaii lies a tropical paradise of immeasurable beauty known as Hualalai. Here, you can achieve the ultimate luxury and big-island lifestyle, where you can swim, play golf or tennis, dine, and relax to your heart’s content. Imagine living the life you’ve always wanted in a place where the true spirit of aloha lies.
Turn that dream into an exciting new reality by checking out some of the properties for sale at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Not only will you get to experience that big-island living, but you’ll also get to be near a world-renowned five-star resort where you can make the most out of your new luxurious life.
To help you out, we’ve collected everything you need to know about living in Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in this guide.
Table of Contents:
An overview of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Hualalai is a place of natural and cultural importance to the people of Hawaii. Apart from its lush tropical foliage, Hualalai also continues to practice traditions that have been passed on through generations. Apart from beachfront views of the legendary Kona-Kohala Coast, visitors can also marvel at the black lava landscapes, a rare sight that can only be found in places like Hawaii.
Inspired by the beauty of Hualalai, the Canada-based Four Seasons Hotel and Resort developed a new luxury resort in the ancient Hawaiian fishing village of Ka’upulehu and opened the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in 1996. It was one of the many hotels and resorts developed by the company as part of its expansion efforts all around the world. Years later, they would become the only Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond-Rated Resort in all of Hawaii.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is perhaps the most famous and sought-after resort among tourists, and for good reason. Apart from the gorgeous beachfront views and experiences that dare to redefine luxury for travelers worldwide, it also respects and promotes Hawaii’s culture. According to David Chai, the resort’s Director of Natural Resources, “It is important that guests understand the value of preserving our land and sea, so future generations may have respect and feel ‘aloha’ for this place.”
Living a luxury life in the resort
Since its humble beginnings in 1961, Four Seasons has continued to bring its brand of excellence and personalized care to all of its resorts and hotels around the world. Of course, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, now co-owned by Michael Dell and Rob Walton, is no exception.
Located seven miles from the Kona International Airport, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai boasts 249 guest rooms and suites, seven pools, and an award-winning golf course.
Here’s what you can expect when you stay at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.
The rooms
Since the resort was built to blend with the natural black lava landscapes, your room wouldn’t be like any other hotel room. Think of it as your very own cozy little bungalow equipped with the must-haves of a modern traveler, like a 42-inch flat-screen plasma TV and an iHome docking station.
Your accommodation will be one of the 249 stunning guest rooms, with designs inspired by Hawaiian culture and art and set against the backdrop of natural wood and neutral colors. The bungalows have slate floors and natural hardwood trims that compliment the location’s natural landscape.
To be exact, there are 196 guestrooms and 53 suites to choose from, all of which offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding white sand beaches and black lava formations.
If you want to experience relaxation without leaving your room, you can simply kick back and relax in the deep soaking tub found inside the granite bathroom.
The Four Seasons Resorts Hualalai unveiled three new villas. Touted as the most luxurious oceanfront vacation villas in Hawaii, these have two levels, indoor-outdoor living spaces, and new private plunge pools. Staying true to the resort’s original look, these villas are decorated with the finest natural materials and the best pieces of local art.
Ocean activities
Of course, there’s the beach itself. Whether you’re relaxing in your room or enjoying a family dinner at one of the resort’s many restaurants, you’ll always have a clear view of the pure white sand beach and the gentle-to-strong waves of the ocean. This view alone beckons you to take a dip and let your worries float away with the waves.
Sure, you can savor the sensation of the ocean’s waves on your skin, but why stop there? At Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, guests can make the most out of the Big Island’s waters with an array of exciting ocean activities.
For starters, you can explore the waters of the Big Island by canoe, paddleboard, or boat. Whether you’re lazily paddling through the ocean waves or watching the majestic views from a boat, you can experience Hawaii’s best views up close and personal.
Dare to explore even further by going to the ocean’s depths through snorkeling or scooter snorkeling. Through this, you’ll get to see Hawaii’s rich and thriving ocean life with your own eyes. Marvel at the island’s variety of fish and corals while you wade through the depths of the ocean.
You can even learn more about local water sports with the help of the Alaka’i Nalu. These “leaders of the waves” are Hualalai’s ocean ambassadors and will be happy to teach you about Hawaiian culture and their love for the sea.
The pools
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai has a total of eight pools, ranging from kids’ pools to whirlpools. Everyone in the family can leisurely swim through the pools’ pristine waters, then kick back and enjoy some refreshing drinks while soaking in the afternoon sun. Most of these pools are open to guests from sunrise to sunset.
The Beach Tree Pool is close to your typical lap pool, except that it’s steps away from the ocean. Still, it’s the perfect place for rest and relaxation, with dozens of shaded lounge chairs and cabanas placed around the pool. Imagine yourself taking a couple of laps in the pool then lounging under the sun on one of the shaded chairs.
For those who want a fun swim with the family, check out the Sea Shell Pool. This infinity-style pool overlooking the ocean is made for an afternoon swim with the kids. If you’d like to take a break, you can sit back on one of the surrounding daybeds and palapas and have an attendant serve you a cool glass of cocktail.
You can even take your kids closer to the ocean by bringing them to the Ocean Pool. Carved out of oceanfront lava rock and with natural breakwater, the Ocean Pool lets you and your kids brave the waters of the ocean while ensconced in the safety of a pool. You might even get a glimpse of the aquatic life that calls the ocean their home, including turtles.
Take the family experience to the next level and swim in the King’s Pond and Kumu Kai Marine Center. This 1.8 million-gallon aquarium stocked with over a thousand tropical fish is one of Hualalai’s top tourist attractions. Apart from swimming, you and your family can also learn more about Hawaii’s marine life. You can even take snorkeling lessons or join the Natural Resources team as they feed the fish.
If you’d rather have some alone time with your significant other, the Palm Grove Pool is the perfect place for two. Apart from leisurely swims and cool glasses of cocktails, you can also enjoy a private spa treatment at the Couples’ Nests. As for the kids, they can be kept busy at the Keiki Children’s Pool, where they can frolic and play with all sorts of water toys.
For the athletic ones out there, test your endurance at the resort’s Lap Pool. This Olympic-sized pool, located at the resort’s Sports Club and Spa, can bring out the inner Olympic swimmer in you. You can even take a water exercise class to help strengthen your endurance.
Dining options
A hearty meal is just what you’ll need after hours of swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Fortunately, the resort has not just one but several restaurants with different specialties for different tastes. These dining spots work with over 160 local farms on the Big Island, and you’re sure to sample dishes made using only the best and the freshest ingredients.
For those who prefer Western cuisines, try out Beach Tree. This restaurant blends Californian cuisine with Italian influences, so you’ll get masterpieces like ahi carpaccio with citrus and avocado and gorgonzola pizza topped with figs and macadamia nuts. Picture yourself feasting on these Italian-inspired dishes with a tropical paradise as your backdrop — it’s definitely an experience like no other.
You can also savor the most delectable dishes made from the best of what the ocean can offer at the ‘Ulu Ocean Grill. Sample some of this restaurant’s best ocean-to-table dishes like the Hawaiian ahi poke, the lobster wonton soup, and a plate of the oven-roasted Big Island wild boar. As with the other restaurants in the resort, ‘Ulu Ocean Grill sources 75% of its ingredients locally.
Fancy dining on the lanai with the lovely beach as your backdrop while feasting on the freshest seafood? Then the Residents’ Beach House is just the in-resort restaurant to visit. Who knows, you may catch a glimpse of a whale on the horizon while sipping on one of this restaurant’s signature cocktails.
For a more casual dining experience, you can visit Hualalai Grille. Here, you and your family can feast on salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Apart from these staples, you can also try out some of their island-style menu items made from fresh local ingredients.
Haven’t got time for a proper sit-down meal? You can enjoy a refreshing cup of fruit smoothie or a piping cup of Kona coffee at the resort’s coffee bar or you can grab a quick bite from the Hualalai Trading Company.
Golfing at Hualalai
Apart from its luxurious pools and amenities, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is also famous for its sprawling golf course. Covering over 7,100 yards of terrain, the 18-hole Hualalai Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus makes the most of Hualalai’s natural landscape.
Golfing at this signature course is a unique experience for lovers of the sport, with its bright green fairways and lush oasis contrasted by the black lava and overlooking the ocean. You can even book private classes with a certified instructor to help improve your game.
Not in the mood for golf? Break a sweat at the resort’s Sports Club and Wellness Center, where you can find five-star tennis facilities. Test your tennis skills at one of the eight Rebound Ace surface courts, or take lessons from members of the resort’s Tennis Club.
Spas
Take your relaxation to the next level by taking advantage of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai’s spa and wellness services. Feel your body relax and heal as attendants use locally sourced ingredients for your bespoke treatment. All the while, you’ll be surrounded by spectacular tropical vistas and the sounds of nature coming alive around you.
There’s a whole range of treatments to try, from massages to acupuncture. All these treatments, according to the resort’s spa director, incorporate Hawaiian elements to embody the island’s healing natural energy and resources.
How to book your stay
Ready for a weekend of blissful relaxation and luxury? You simply need to visit their website and leave a message here. Alternatively, you can call them at 888.340.5662 for reservations, or 808.325.8200 if you have other questions about their rooms and amenities.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a 16-minute drive from Kona International Airport, 30 minutes away from the city of Kailua-Kona, and just under 20 minutes away from Kings’ Shops. You can arrange either an airport transfer or a car rental with the resort, depending on where you’ll be coming from.
Buying a home at Hualalai, HI
There’s no denying that proximity to the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the biggest reason buyers are looking at the real estate market in Hualalai. It also helps that Hualalai enjoys sunny days for most of the year. Temperatures at Hualalai range between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while the total annual rainfall average is a mere 8 inches.
Real estate within Hualalai Resort is offered at price points that run into the millions. Nevertheless, this resort remains desirable and highly sought-after by the affluent. In 2022 properties in the Hualalai Four Seasons neighborhoods were sold at a price range between $3 million and +$30 million.
On top of these prices, new homeowners must also pay a refundable membership deposit of $350,000 plus annual dues.
The perks, however, are worth every penny.
For one, being a homeowner at Hualalai also means gaining an exclusive membership to the Hualalai Club, which comes loaded with benefits. Other than year-round access to the amenities of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, you can also visit two private restaurants and two private swimming pools, all of which are strictly off-limits to hotel guests. You’ll also get to play at the 18-hole Ke’olu Golf Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf. As with the other private facilities, this course is strictly for members only.
Everything, from buying groceries to cleaning the house, can be arranged with the Hualalai Villas & Homes, a property management service that takes care of all the things you need. That’s just the cherry on top of the whole homeowner experience at Hualalai — all you need to do is to buy your own slice of paradise here in Hualalai and the rest will be taken care of on your behalf.
How to enter the Hualalai real estate market
In a competitive real estate market like Hualalai, you’ll need expert advice from professionals with years of experience in the area. For this, you can count on Pinkert & Loratta Hawaii Luxury Properties. With nearly 40 years of collective experience at Hualalai Resort, this team has established a formidable reputation for providing first-class service to its clients.
With the help of Tony L. Pinkert and Thomas Loratta, you will get exclusive and in-depth knowledge on everything there is to know about the Hualalai real estate market, along with some insider tips on adjusting to your life in your new neighborhood.
Pinkert & Loratta Hawaii Luxury Properties’ partnership with Compass, the biggest independent brokerage in the country, gives the team’s clients an even better level of flexibility compared to other brokerages around.
Get in touch with Pinkert & Loratta Hawaii Luxury Properties by calling 808.989.4900 (Tony) or 808.895.5548 (Thomas). You can also send a message here.
