Nestled between ancient lava fields and the Pacific Ocean on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, Four Seasons Hualalai offers bungalow-style accommodations and the King's Pond, a natural lava rock pool filled with tropical fish and rays.
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai occupies a singular setting on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii's Big Island, nestled between ancient lava fields and the Pacific Ocean at 72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive in Kailua-Kona, approximately 30 miles north of Kona International Airport. The surrounding landscape of black lava rock, formed by Hualalai Volcano's historic flows, creates a dramatic contrast with the resort's lush tropical gardens and turquoise waters. Opened in 1996, the resort was developed in harmony with ancient Hawaiian cultural sites on the grounds, incorporating halau gathering places and heiau temples as meaningful features of the property. Architecture follows a low-rise bungalow style with clusters of individual cottages and suites set amid 865 acres of preserve land. The 243 guest accommodations—ranging from ocean-view rooms to four-bedroom ocean estate residences—average over 1,000 square feet per unit, making them among the most spacious in Hawaii. The property's signature feature is King's Pond, a 1.8-million-gallon naturally filtered lava rock pool fed by the ocean and home to tropical fish, green sea turtles, manta rays, and over 80 species of marine life. Daily guided snorkel tours of King's Pond are among the most memorable resort experiences in the Hawaiian Islands. Six additional pools, including a lap pool, a family pool, and oceanside pools, complete the aquatic offerings. Beach 1, a secluded white-sand cove at the south end of the property, provides the resort's best ocean swimming. Four dining venues include the signature 'Ulu Ocean Grill with a celebrated wine program, the elegant Beach Tree restaurant, and Pa'iea for Hawaiian-focused casual fare. The 25,000-square-foot Hualalai Spa draws from ancient Hawaiian healing practices using local ingredients, and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus championship golf course winds through the lava landscape exclusively for resort guests.
Amenities
- King's Pond snorkel pool
- 6 pools
- Hualalai Spa
- Jack Nicklaus golf course
- Beach club
- 4 restaurants
Location
72-100 Ka'upulehu Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Highlights
- King's Pond—a 1.8-million-gallon ocean-fed lava rock pool with daily guided snorkel tours among sea turtles, rays, and 80+ fish species
- Jack Nicklaus signature golf course exclusive to resort guests, set dramatically across ancient lava fields with ocean views
- 25,000 sq ft Hualalai Spa incorporating traditional Hawaiian healing practices and locally sourced ingredients
- Six pools plus a secluded white-sand beach cove offering extraordinary snorkeling and calm swimming conditions
- Cultural programming rooted in ancient Hawaiian sites and heiau preserved on the 865-acre property
Tips for visiting
- Register for the King's Pond guided snorkel tour immediately upon check-in—daily capacity is limited and sessions fill quickly.
- Beach 1, the quieter southern sand cove, offers calmer swimming than the main beach area and is ideal for families with young children.
- The Jack Nicklaus golf course is exclusive to resort guests; tee times book out weeks ahead during holiday periods.
- Manta ray night snorkel tours can be arranged through the activities desk—this Big Island experience is considered unmissable by many guests.
- Request an early evening walk with the cultural ambassador to hear the history of the ancient heiau preserved on the resort grounds.
Accessibility
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai provides ADA-accessible rooms with roll-in showers, lowered countertops, and grab bars. Pathways between resort facilities are paved and navigable by wheelchair despite the volcanic terrain. Beach wheelchairs are available through the activities desk for access to the resort's sand cove.
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Frequently asked questions
What makes King's Pond different from a regular hotel pool?
King's Pond is a naturally filtered lava rock enclosure fed by ocean water, home to over 80 species of fish, green sea turtles, manta rays, and eels. Daily guided snorkel sessions are led by marine biologists and naturalists, making it one of the most distinctive resort experiences in Hawaii.
Is the golf course at Hualalai open to non-guests?
The Jack Nicklaus course at Hualalai is private, accessible only to Four Seasons Hualalai guests and members of the Ka'upulehu community. Non-guests cannot book tee times.
How far is the resort from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is approximately 100 miles south of the resort, a drive of roughly two hours. The concierge can arrange guided day excursions to the park.
What dining options does the resort offer?
The resort has four venues: 'Ulu Ocean Grill for signature fine dining, Beach Tree for oceanside meals, Pa'iea for Hawaiian-focused casual fare, and a poolside grill. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for 'Ulu.