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Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Introduction
If you’re planning a luxury vacation to Hawaii, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai should be at the very top of your list. In October 2025, we traveled to the west (Kona) side of the Big Island and stayed at this iconic oceanfront resort—and without hesitation, this is the place to stay on Hawaii Island.
From the moment we landed at Kona International Airport, we were immersed in effortless, elevated luxury. Because we booked a suite, we were greeted with complimentary private car service, transporting us directly to the resort’s stunning open-air reception pavilion—an architectural treehouse-style bungalow that instantly sets the tone.
Our suite concierge was waiting to whisk us away to a serene seating area where we refreshed with cool towels, a perfectly crafted Mai Tai, and traditional Hawaiian leis. After a long transpacific flight, it was the most gracious and luxurious welcome imaginable.
Accomodations:
★★★★★
We stayed in a One-Bedroom Golf View Ocean Suite, and it was an ideal fit for our family of four. Spacious, private, and beautifully appointed, the suite felt more like a luxury residence than a hotel room.
The primary bedroom featured a plush king-sized bed with cloud-like linens, fluffy pillows, and cozy comforters. The en-suite bathroom was equally impressive, with a large jetted soaking tub, walk-in shower, dual vanities, and—because we were on the first floor—a fabulous outdoor shower, which felt wonderfully indulgent.
The walk-in closet offered ample storage, while the living area included a comfortable pullout sofa, large flat-screen TV, and dining space. A second full bathroom with a steam shower added even more convenience.
Outside, our private lanai was a tropical oasis, complete with lounge chairs, a dining table, and a chaise—honestly, you could spend the entire day right there.
Although our golf view suite offered only a distant ocean view, I loved the location. Being situated along the golf course meant it was incredibly quiet and secluded. Oceanfront and poolfront rooms are closer to restaurants and pools, which also means more noise. I much preferred being slightly off the beaten path—but if you want to be in the heart of the action, a golf view suite may not be the right choice.
Cuisine:
★★★
The dining at Four Seasons Hualalai was solid—but not standout. We never had a bad meal, but we also never had a memorable one. Additionally, the resort felt somewhat understaffed during our stay, and because the property is very remote, dining options outside the resort are extremely limited.
This creates high demand for on-site restaurants, so dinner reservations are absolutely essential. Even if you’re unsure about your plans, make the reservation and cancel later if needed.
We made the mistake of assuming we’d want something casual after our 12-hour travel day—but there isn’t a true bar-style restaurant, and guests without reservations were not seated. This led to a disappointing situation with a hungry, exhausted family.
To complicate matters further, Miller & Lux, the resort’s high-end steakhouse, was closed for renovations during our stay, increasing demand across the remaining restaurants and leaving a gap in elevated dining options.
That said, where the dining scene truly shines is the setting—every restaurant is oceanfront, offering breathtaking sunset views and the soothing sound of waves along the shore.
Breakfast Options
- ‘Ulu Ocean Grill – Buffet breakfast
- The General Store – Quick-service breakfast
- In-Room Dining
Residents’ Beach House
Open for lunch and dinner. Our dinner was fine, but lunch was excellent, with standout appetizers and entrées.
Beach Tree
Open for lunch and dinner. Lunch offers great poolside bites, while dinner transforms the space into a romantic Italian bistro. Sip Tuscan wine while watching the sunset behind the iconic Beach Tree—this is your quintessential Four Seasons photo moment.
Miller & Lux
Closed for renovations during our stay.
‘Ulu Ocean Grill
Open for breakfast and dinner. A beautiful al fresco restaurant specializing in fresh seafood.
Noio
Open select nights for dinner. Unfortunately, this was our least favorite dining experience. The menu felt limited, overpriced, and underwhelming in both flavor and presentation. It wasn’t particularly family-friendly and missed the mark for us.
Spa & Wellness:
(unrated)
Unfortunately, the Hualalai Spa was undergoing renovations during our stay. However, that led to a once-in-a-lifetime experience: VIP access to the Maluhia (Presidential) Villa—and if you have that kind of budget, it is truly exceptional.
This private spa villa is essentially a luxury home, complete with its own pool, hot tub, sauna, outdoor shower, fire pit, grill, and sweeping ocean and marsh views. Spending the day there felt like a dream.
I enjoyed the 80-minute Island Glow treatment, which included a coconut scrub, soothing body wrap, steamy rinse, and rich moisturizer application. The spa experience was rounded out with tea and light snacks enjoyed in total tropical serenity.
Activities:
★★★★★
Kids for All Seasons
This might be the single best amenity at Four Seasons Hualalai. We initially planned for our children to attend Kids Camp for one day—but they insisted on going every single day.
The program is complimentary (aside from lunch and optional tips), and no reservation is required unless you need guaranteed childcare. Daily activities vary, include pool time, and there’s an additional hangout space with games and activities. This was an incredible value add and a major highlight of our stay.
Private Snorkeling Excursion
The resort arranged a private snorkeling trip with Kona Adventures aboard the Mega Bite. The adventure begins with an exhilarating speedboat ride to calm snorkeling waters near ancient Hawaiian burial cliffs and the site of Captain Cook’s historic landing.
After snorkeling, we enjoyed a luxury charcuterie lunch onboard with beer, wine, and soft drinks. This experience was true luxury—so much so that Michael Phelps had taken the same private boat out the day before.
I strongly recommend the private excursion over group tours, which can be overcrowded and chaotic.
Manta Ray Night Swim
We didn’t realize this excursion was available during our stay, but it’s high on our list for next time. Book through Kona Adventures or the Four Seasons concierge.
Volcanoes National Park
Visiting Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is certainly an option while staying at Four Seasons Hualalai; however, it requires a very long drive to the opposite side of the Big Island. Given the distance, we chose not to include it in this trip. On a future visit, we plan to spend a few nights on the Hilo (often called the “rainy”) side of the island to be closer to the national park and prime stargazing locations, before finishing the trip with a few luxurious days at Four Seasons Hualalai.
Golf:
★★★★★
Golf on the Big Island of Hawai‘i is world-renowned, and during our stay we played several top-rated Hawaii resort golf courses across the islands. While each course offered its own appeal, the clear standout was the Hualalai Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, one of the best luxury golf experiences in Hawaii.
Golf on the Big Island of Hawai‘i is world-renowned, and during our stay we played several top-rated Hawaii resort golf courses across the islands. While each course offered its own appeal, the clear standout was the Hualalai Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, one of the best luxury golf experiences in Hawaii.
Hualalai Golf Course – Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
The Jack Nicklaus–designed Hualalai Golf Course is consistently ranked among the best golf courses on the Big Island, and it’s easy to see why. The course is visually dramatic, impeccably maintained, and uniquely integrated into its volcanic surroundings. Lava rock comes into play on nearly every hole, creating a layout that is as beautiful as it is challenging.
Errant shots often find the lava fields, resulting in unplayable lies and penalty strokes—demanding accuracy and thoughtful course management. One especially memorable par five narrows significantly as lava rock encroaches into the fairway, forcing players to thread a narrow 20-yard landing area to maintain a clear approach to the green. Miss that window, and you’re left with a blind shot over lava rock—an unforgettable test of confidence.
The course features mild elevation changes, making it walkable compared to other Big Island golf courses, but wind is a constant factor, adding difficulty to nearly every shot. Hole #17, a spectacular ocean-view par three with the Pacific as its backdrop, was our favorite. Strong coastal winds made club selection tricky, but the setting was nothing short of breathtaking.
A notable luxury touch that sets Hualalai apart from other Hawaii championship golf courses: all food and beverages are included with the green fees—a rare and welcome amenity that perfectly aligns with the Four Seasons experience.
The course was in excellent condition, with pristine fairways, fast greens, and top-tier maintenance throughout. There is also a private members-only course at Hualalai that we did not play, reserved exclusively for residents and club members.
Mauna Kea Golf Course – Big Island
The Mauna Kea Golf Course offers a very different experience and is often mentioned among the top golf courses on the Big Island. Lush, green, and dramatically hilly, this course is defined by significant elevation changes that create both exhilarating downhill tee shots and demanding uphill approaches.
The most memorable hole was Hole #3, a par three requiring a shot directly over the ocean—one of the most photographed golf holes in Hawaii. Combined with persistent wind, the elevation changes make club selection especially challenging. While the views were spectacular, the course conditions felt average relative to the premium price point.
Ko Olina Golf Course – O‘ahu
We also played Ko Olina Golf Course on O‘ahu, a well-known resort golf course in Hawaii. While it offered pleasant scenery and a few nice ocean views, it felt more like a traditional resort course compared to the dramatic layouts found on the Big Island. A solid round of golf, but not particularly memorable.
Overview on Golf in Hawaii
All of the courses we played were very windy, which is typical for coastal golf in Hawaii and adds a strategic layer to every round. None of the courses offered caddies. Despite their differences, we would gladly play all three again.
That said, Hualalai Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai was the standout. With its striking lava-rock design, ocean views, championship layout, exceptional course conditions, and luxury inclusions, it easily ranks among the best luxury golf resorts in Hawaii. For golfers planning a stay at Four Seasons Hualalai, this course alone is reason enough to bring your clubs.
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Final Thoughts
We absolutely loved our stay at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai and would return without hesitation if visiting the Kona side of the Big Island again. With unparalleled service, exceptional accommodations, outstanding family programming, and a breathtaking oceanfront setting, this resort remains one of the best luxury resorts in Hawaii.
If you’re looking for refined relaxation, effortless service, and true Hawaiian luxury—this is it.
