Which hotel is best, Four Seasons Hualalai on Big Island or Four Seasons Maui? We think Four Seasons Hualalai is a more unique resort than Four Seasons Maui, because of its Kings Pond where you can swim and snorkel with fish, its lengthy beachfront which is not shared by any other hotel, and its numerous secluded pools so you can find a spot to yourself.
If you book an oceanfront suite, your accommodations will be right on the beach, because of the extensive waterfront offered by this hotel. We also love the stunning ground-floor rooms at Four Seasons Hualalai with terraces and outdoor showers.
That said, Maui is also a brilliant beachfront resort with the most wonderful setting and pools, so both are included in the best Four Seasons in Hawaii and are both incredible resorts.
Four Seasons Maui feels more “happening” being in the lively but sophisticated resort area of Wailea. Guests from the other hotels in the area come and use the bars and restaurants at Four Seasons Wailea and equally, guests of Four Seasons can use the bars and restaurants at the other hotels if they are looking for a different experience.
We outline the differences between these two hotels in more detail below. Book your stay at either hotel via our luxury travel concierge for extra benefits and perks at both of these hotels, including free breakfast, resort credit, and a prioritized room upgrade.
What Is The Best Four Seasons Hotel In Hawaii?
Four Seasons has four hotels in Hawaii: Four Seasons Hualalai (on Big Island), Four Seasons Lanai, Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, and the Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina, which is the newest of the four. They are all gorgeous, and they are all pretty expensive. They all feature in our picks of the best Four Seasons hotels in the world. Four Seasons is a particularly outstanding hotel brand, and Four Seasons hotels are usually the best option in any resort area. My reviews of the Four Seasons hotels in Hawaii can be found below.
1. Location
Four Seasons Maui is a most resort based Four Seasons hotel on the Hawaiian Islands in the exclusive resort area of Wailea. It is just down the coast from Fairmont Kea Lani, Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, and the Wailea Beach Hotel by Marriott. You can walk between these hotels along an oceanfront boardwalk.
We have compared Four Seasons Maui and Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort separately as these hotels are next door to each other and clients often have trouble choosing between these resorts.
Four Seasons is brilliantly located if you want to walk to the Wailea Shopping Center or eat and drink at a different resort. You can easily pop over to the Grand Wailea for a bite or even the Wailea Beach Resort by Marriott if you fancy a bite elsewhere.
When traveling as a family, we found the Wailea shopping mall very handy for picking up snacks during the day. It was good to have that close by.
Four Seasons Hualalai Vs. Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort. Which Is Best?
Which is the best hotel? Four Seasons Hualalai or Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort? The ultra-luxury hotel group Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® now manages the newest luxury resort on Hawaii’s big island, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, which reopened in 2022 after a complete renovation of the property. Located on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawai’i, luxury travelers will be curious to compare this newly refurbished resort to the unique and highly rated Hualalai, a Four Seasons resort.
The Four Seasons Maui is also easy to get to because so many international flights fly directly into Maui, so you don’t need to island hop to get to this island.
Four Seasons Hualalai is located on the Kona-Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Hawaiian archipelago. Situated on the island’s western side, the resort enjoys a prime oceanfront setting, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and easy access to pristine beaches and coastal landscapes.
The Kona-Kohala Coast is renowned for its sunny weather, clear waters, and abundant outdoor recreational activities, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. From the resort, guests can explore nearby attractions such as historic sites, volcanic landscapes, and cultural landmarks while enjoying the tranquility and seclusion of the resort’s private enclave.
The Kona coast also hosts the Rosewood Kona Village, which is just up the coastline, minutes from Four Seasons Hualalai.
Four Seasons Hualalai consequently feels more remote and hidden away as this resort area has more space to breathe when compared to Wailea and is more challenging to get to as comparatively few international flights fly into Big Island when compared to Maui.
Four Seasons Maui Vs. Grand Wailea: Which Is Best?
Which is the best hotel in Maui? Four Seasons Maui Vs. Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort? The good news is that we have stayed at both of these hotels, and I have outlined the pros and cons of each hotel below. If you don't have time to read this article in detail, the Four Seasons Maui is the best hotel, far better than the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, in our opinion. It is more glamorous and more beautifully decorated. It even smells better due to the deliciously scented extravagant flower arrangements dotted all over the hotel.
2. Style & Character
Four Seasons Maui is a U-shaped building around 7 storeys high. The interior is refined and luxurious, with an open-air design where halls lead to the open side of the building. From here, you can enjoy ocean breezes and panoramic vistas.
When we arrived, we were greeted by name with leis (how do they do that!). The open-air marble foyer is just stunning and adorned with sweet-smelling flowers. You can smell the luxury when given a tour around this beautiful resort, where the cream hues and intricate marble pillars form a backdrop to the magnificent ocean views.
The large lobby has a glorious open design that brings the tropical outdoors in. Communal areas are also always immaculate, and the staff are always welcoming and often address you by name. Four Seasons Maui also houses hundreds of incredible art pieces by Hawaii-influenced artists throughout the property.
The Four Seasons Maui has a wonderful garden stretching to the beach. The entire resort is beautiful. The hotel is built in a U shape around numerous pools and fountains, framed by beautiful Wailea Bay. It reminds me of a giant creamy wedding cake with a frothy fountain filled with white icing. You certainly can’t fault the look of the grounds and will find an array of loungers and pristine white cabanas to choose from for your days lazing.
The style and setting at Four Seasons Hualalai is a harmonious blend of contemporary luxury and authentic Hawaiian charm, reflecting the Big Island’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The resort buildings are only two floors in height, so they are even lower than the seven-story Four Seasons Maui buildings. The resort’s architecture and design draw inspiration from traditional Hawaiian elements, seamlessly incorporating natural materials such as lava rock, wood, and thatch roofs with modern amenities and elegant furnishings. It feels far more Hawaiian than Four Seasons Maui.
Set amidst lush tropical gardens and overlooking the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, the resort exudes a sense of tranquility and serenity. Guests are surrounded by stunning landscapes, including pristine beaches, swaying palm trees, and dramatic lava formations, creating a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and exploration.
Review: Four Seasons Maui
We have reviewed the best Four Seasons hotels in Hawaii, which includes the stunning Four Seasons Maui in the most exclusive resort on Maui, Wailea. Four Seasons Maui is the most resort-based Four Seasons hotel on the Hawaiian Islands, in the exclusive resort area of Wailea. I reviewed the best way to get deals and special offers at Four Seasons Maui. The key is to book your next Four Seasons stay via our luxury travel concierge, as we can give you free loyalty-style benefits, room upgrades, and perks while matching the rates on the Four Seasons Maui website.
3. Beach & Pools
The pools at Four Seasons Maui are beautiful. Some are for kids and families, and the stunning infinity pool with a bar is for adults only. We used the loungers on the beach and around the pools (spritzer anyone? Don’t mind if I do) and the snorkeling equipment. Although the feel around the pool is very casual, the men, in particular, were wearing a lot of Rolex watches, so do remember your designer swimwear and accessorize with watches and all your other finery.
There are three separate pool areas at Four Seasons Maui. The resort’s central pool is called the fountain pool because a giant picturesque fountain emerges from the heated waters. This pool, which has two whirlpools at both ends, is surrounded by plenty of cabanas that can be used free of charge (one per room). This pool area is open 24/7 and very popular with kids, but it opens up to a more tranquil lawn with plenty of loungers overlooking the beach.
The waterfall pool is a free-form lagoon-style pool next to the fountain pool. It draws its inspiration from the ponds of Maui. Two parts of the waterfall pool are linked together with a short slide. This pool mainly attracts families with younger children, and parents can relax in one of the cabanas while keeping an eye out for their kids. Food and drinks are also available at the poolside, both here and around the fountain pool.
The fountain and waterfall pools can be crowded during school holidays, so for adults, there is a third pool area, the serenity pool. This pool is located one level above the other two pools at the resort’s southernmost edge. It has two hot tubes and four bubble loungers on its side. It is an infinity pool offering panoramic ocean and beach views and plays underwater music.
10 Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts In Hawaii
Hawaii offers a landscape straight out of Jurassic Park (it was filmed there, after all!), and if you want to get a true feeling of the island and its beaches, watch the box set of LOST, and you will see what you are missing out on. Towering jungle-covered peaks rise from the deep blue Pacific Ocean, and palm-fringed beaches give way to glorious surf and quiet bays. The islands of Hawaii are simply spectacular. The islands belong to the United States of America as the 50th and most recent state to have joined the USA. Luxury resorts here are large, and most sit right on the beach.
For a complete splurge, you can pay for one of six private luxury cabanas (around $500 USD per day). While this might not be the best deal on the island and is certainly not a way to save money, these cabanas offer a great place to relax if your budget will stretch that far.
Let’s not forget that this resort is also right on a beautiful beach in Wailea, which is also kitted out with luxury padded loungers and Four Seasons service. Paddling here is a dream!
Four Seasons Hualalai boasts a picturesque oceanfront location with pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing under the Hawaiian sun. The coastline which aligns with this resort is much longer and the beaches thinner than the Wailea Maui main beach but the fact that the resort meanders for miles along the shoreline means that there are plenty of quiet areas of beach to try.
Guests at Hualalai can also choose from multiple pools, including a serene adults-only pool, a family-friendly pool with a sandy bottom and waterfalls, and a lap pool for fitness enthusiasts. Each pool area is beautifully landscaped and offers luxurious amenities such as cabanas, loungers, and attentive poolside service.
Guests at Four Seasons Hualalai can enjoy Kings Pond, a spectacular 1.8-million-gallon saltwater swimming lagoon carved out of natural lava rock and filled with colorful marine life. This unique oasis allows guests to snorkel, swim, and interact with over 4,000 tropical fish, including rays and green sea turtles, in a protected and controlled environment.
The pond features a sandy bottom and is surrounded by lush vegetation, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Guests can enjoy complimentary snorkeling equipment and guided tours of the pond, making it a memorable experience for all ages. With its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine biodiversity, Kings Pond is a one-of-a-kind attraction at Four Seasons Hualalai, offering guests the chance to connect with nature in a truly immersive way.
The pools and beach are more unique and special at Four Seasons Hualalai.
Review: Four Seasons Hualalai, Hawaii
We have reviewed the best Four Seasons hotels in Hawaii, which includes the stunning Four Seasons Hualalai on Big Island, Hawaii. It may not be one of the cheapest Four Seasons hotels in the world, but it is one of the best! Four Seasons Hualalai is located on Big Island, Hawaii, the one with the big and active Kilauea volcano, which means that the whole resort is built on the dramatic black rock and that you can take a trip to the live volcano if you like. It's worth bearing in mind that this island is pretty big, so the drive to see the volcano is lengthy if worthwhile.
4. Rooms
All the Four Seasons Maui rooms here are similarly good size (600 sq.ft.) and have the signature Four Seasons bathroom and a large balcony. The view is the deal-breaker here. The cheapest rooms are the rooms with Mountain views. These rooms are the same size and quality as the Garden View rooms. Mountain view rooms are outside the U, overlooking the car park and mountains behind.
The Garden view rooms sit towards the back of the inside of the U with very distant sea views. Your lanai (large balcony) looks over the garden in these rooms.
The Partial ocean rooms and Ocean view rooms are also identical. The rooms and their beautiful lanai are virtually identical. It is the view that varies, and you pay more for a better view.
It’s worth mentioning that even the cheapest room at the Four Seasons Maui is a great room. You are facing the wrong way so you won’t hear the crashing waves as you fall asleep, but I’m sure you will have a similarly great holiday, whichever room you choose. If you book via our concierge, we can bump you up a room level for free, subject to availability (and we offer other free benefits!). My main tip is to ask for a high floor for better views.
Review: Club Lounge At Four Seasons Maui
Four Seasons Maui is one of the best luxury hotels in Maui and has one of the best club lounges in Hawaii. This beachfront hotel has lawns running down to the sand, stunning restaurants, including Spago, Maui by Wolfgang Puck, and a wonderful restaurant on the grounds where you can eat under the stars. If you book a club-level room, you can access the club lounge at Four Seasons Maui. These rooms are on the eighth floor, and when you book these rooms, you get a private key that will enable you to access the elusive club lounge.
Rooms at Four Seasons Hualalai are elegantly designed havens of luxury, blending contemporary comfort with authentic Hawaiian elements. Guests are greeted with spacious accommodations featuring upscale furnishings, plush bedding, and private lanais or terraces offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean or lush tropical gardens.
If you are looking for a room with a terrace and an outdoor shower, Hulalalai offers both, while Four Seasons Maui offers more traditional rooms arranged in one building with generous balconies. The Ocean Front rooms at Hulalai really are on the edge of the ocean and are much closer to the beach and the water than those in Maui, as Four Seasons Maui is set quite away behind the beach and grounds. The Hualalai rooms feel more secluded, while the Four Seasons Maui rooms feel more in the center of the action.
We love the outdoor lava rock showers at Four Seasons Hualalai. Choose a ground-floor room with a terrace and these beautiful showers and for quick access to the pools and beaches.
5. The Club Floor
One particularly attractive feature of the Four Seasons Maui is that the property is that guests who book into a Club room or Club suite enjoy complimentary access to the hotel’s exclusive Club Floor Lounge. Four Seasons Hualalai doesn’t have a club lounge.
Four Seasons Hualalai Vs. Fairmont Orchid. Which Is Best?
Which hotel is best, Four Seasons Hualalai or Fairmont Orchid on Big Island? Four Seasons Hualalai is one of the best Four Seasons in Hawaii. It feels exclusive, and the setting of this hotel is otherworldly. Fairmont Orchid is situated just up from the Mauna Lani. It is a beautiful resort hotel set around a tropical free-form pool and, in most ways, falls below Four Seasons Hualalai for luxury. Fairmont Orchid does have the major advantage of being cheaper than the Four Seasons Hualaai. Four Seasons Hualalai offers many secluded coves that no other hotel shares.
The ‘hotel within the hotel,’ Club Floor in Maui, has its own concierge team dedicated to the 26 rooms and suites on the top level. Here, guests enjoy complimentary all-day refreshments, a full-service bar, and other appealing extras. Once you have entered the Club Lounge, everything is free, which brings down the cost of your vacation.
Club floors often offer the best possible deal because, although the initial price is higher, you do not need to pay resort rates for food and drinks, which can save you hundreds of dollars daily.
There is no club lounge or floor at Four Seasons Hualalai.
6. Food & Drink
The best restaurant at Four Seasons Maui is Master Chef Wolfgang Puck’s Hawaiian outpost (a Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond restaurant). Sit down to a fusion of Hawaiian and California cuisine paired with panoramic ocean views. I recommend booking this restaurant before your stay. Our concierge team can connect you to the concierge at Four Seasons Maui to do this, as it can be fully booked.
I also particularly like Ferraro’s Bar E Ristorante, which is alfresco, and right on the waterfront. This is Wailea’s only oceanfront restaurant, and you can dine under the stars, perfect for special occasions. Savor contemporary Italian dishes featuring fresh Maui ingredients and artisan pizzas from the wood-burning oven.
There are also more bars and eateries, including the poolside restaurant, to keep you topped up wherever you are in the resort.
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai boasts an exceptional culinary experience. One standout dining venue is ‘ULU Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge, which offers a contemporary, oceanfront setting where guests can indulge in fresh, locally sourced seafood dishes infused with global flavors and an impressive selection of sushi and sashimi. For those seeking a taste of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, ‘ULU’s Sunday Brunch showcases an extravagant spread featuring island-inspired specialties and decadent desserts.
Meanwhile, Beach Tree offers a casual yet elegant dining experience with open-air seating overlooking the resort’s stunning beach. Here, guests can savor Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with seasonal ingredients, complemented by an extensive wine list and creative cocktails.
Other dining options at the resort include the Hualalai Grille, which specializes in prime steaks and fresh seafood served in a sophisticated atmosphere, and the Beach Tree Bar & Lounge, perfect for enjoying sunset cocktails and light bites.
Both resorts offer exceptional dining experiences, each reflecting the unique culinary heritage and ambiance of their respective locations in Maui and Hualalai.
7. Price
The best time to visit Hawaii is the off-season when the rates are cheaper and the islands are less crowded. Ideally, travel is in spring (April to June) and fall (September to November, excluding Thanksgiving).
Winter in Hawaii can be slightly cloudier and wetter from December to March, but it is a popular time to travel simply because the rest of the Northern Hemisphere is so miserable and cold. If you stay in Wailea on Maui, you have the most chance of sunshine as Wailea is on the sunniest coastline on Maui.
Pricing is reduced at all the hotels in the lower season. November and early December often offer the cheapest time of year to visit. I reviewed the best way to get deals and special offers at Four Seasons Maui. The key is to book your next Four Seasons stay via our luxury travel concierge, as we can give you free loyalty-style benefits, room upgrades, and perks while matching the rates on the Four Seasons Maui website.
When comparing pricing, both hotels are similarly priced.
8. Resort Fee
Unlike some nickel-and-diming resorts across these islands, Four Seasons does not charge a resort fee.
9. Conclusion
Four Seasons Maui offers a vibrant atmosphere with ample water sports, dining, and entertainment opportunities. Four Seasons Hualalai, situated on the Big Island of Hawaii, provides a more secluded and serene experience amidst lush tropical gardens and volcanic landscapes.
Four Seasons Hualalai offers exclusive amenities such as intimate beach coves, cultural activities, and exceptional golfing opportunities. Guests seeking a tranquil escape focusing on relaxation and rejuvenation may prefer Four Seasons Hualalai for its peaceful ambiance and secluded setting. We like their outdoor showers too, so pick a ground-floor room for that.
Ultimately, Four Seasons Maui and Hualalai are gorgeous, so why not island hop and stay at both?
Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.
Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.
