BIG ISLAND HOTELS

The Big Island, also known as the island of Hawaii, is one of contrasts.  When you land in the Kona airport, you might think you made a major mistake deciding to visit this island but don't fear.  The Big Island is just as wonderful as the other Hawaiian islands with much more diversity in the landscape. 

The Kona side is western side of the island.  It is stark, dry and filled with dried lava fields that look like black or brown piles of rock.  The weather is typically sunny here.  There are some great beaches with some of the best snorkeling and diving in all of the Hawaiian islands  This is also the side with the fabulous resort hotels.

The Hilo side is lush and tropical and reminded me of the Costa Rica rainforests.  It rains a lot of this side of the island so scenery is full of tropical forests, waterfalls and, of course, the volcanos.

On our last visit, we visited a good number of hotels on the Big Island and here are some of our thoughts about them.

Fairmont Orchid

This was our hotel for 5 nights during our stay on the Big Island and it has quickly become one of my favorites.  We arrived at night and couldn't see the absolutely stunning grounds that we passed on our way to our room in the North (Kohala) Tower.  When we woke up the next morning, we were WOW'ed. 

The Fairmont Orchid lives up to its five star status, providing outstanding service, gorgeous grounds, spacious rooms and suites and their best feaure, their Spa With Out Walls and health and wellness concept, Paradise Within.   For more information on the Fairmont Orchid, take a look at our review.

Take a look at this slide show and see what you think.

Four Seasons  Hualalai

When you enter the lobby of the Four Seasons, you know why this resort is consistently ranked among the top 10 hotels in the world.  Is it that you are greeted with a lei, mango rum drink, scented towels and pineapple upon arrival?  That could be part of it but it is more the beauty, tranquility and serenity of the property that makes this hotel stand out.

The Four Seasons is not a huge resort, just 243 rooms and suites spread out within 2 story bungalows through out the property.  The rooms are decorated with island inspired décor, with bathrooms that are to die for.  Many of the first floor rooms and suites have private outdoor showers which are perfect for honeymooners or couples looking for romance.

Five pools include a sandy bottom kids pool, Kings Pond which is their natural aquarium and is perfect for snorkeling, the seashell pool, adults only pool and a lap pool.  Lounge chairs and cabanas surround the pools.  The beach is just beyond and turtles will rest right on the sand.  The Kids for All Seasons program is a complimentary camp designed for kids 5-12.  There is a basketball court and rock climbing wall on site.  A great fitness center is complimentary to guests but some fitness classes have additional fees.

The biggest draw to the Four Seasons Hualalai is the spa.  Probably the best on the Big Island, the spa is 28,000 square feet including outdoor hales.  What makes the spa so unique is that you can customize the ingredients in your spa treatment. 

Between the great golf courses surrounding the Four Seasons, the spa, the rooms and suites and the attentive but unobtrusive service, this property justly deserves the ranking of one of the 10 best hotels in the world. 

We took these pictures on our last visit.  Enjoy!

Mauna Lani Bay Resort