Island of Hawaii - Marriott and Four Seasons hotels

I was on the island of Hawaii at the end of January. During that time I had the pleasure of staying at and inspecting a few hotel properties. Here are some details.

I stayed in a moderately priced, clean, comfortable and central hotel: the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha. The room rate included free wifi - there is a business centre with computers if you forgot yours, eco-conscious bath amenities and room cleaning options and some added value bonus offers. The rooms are nicely decorated - the decor is bright and fresh with Polynesian accents. There is a small beach between the wharf on one side and a sacred Hawaiian site on the other, an oceanfront pool and restaurant/bar. the hotel Luau's are set up on the grassy area next to beach. There is a great little coffee (expresso) and smoothie shop located in the building - bonus!

As we were traveling for a month we had to watch our costs and so this place was a good choice. It is close to the airport (7 miles) in the heart of Kailua-Kona. This is something worth considering if you will arrive in the evening, because it is so dark on the island and the signage on the highway is hopeless. Also, as it is centrally located, you can walk to many restaurants and shops as well as the main historical sites. It is easy access to the highway to drive around the island to all the sites of interest as well. I would recommend this for a few nights starting in Kailua-Kona area.

Next I did a site inspection of, but did not stay at, the Four Seasons Hualalai. It is in a completely different ballpark from a price and luxury standpoint, but it offers so much in added value and amenities for those who can afford it. This is a lovely property with everything you could possibly want in a vacation resort and as a Four Seasons preferred partner agent you will get VIP treatment and added amenities.
It was recently voted #1 hotel in Hawaii by in Conde Nast and #1 in the world on Trip Advisor lists.

It is impossible to list everything about the property here, but I hope I have captured the main highlights.

It is located within the Hualalai Golf and Residence resort area which offers extensive fitness and golf facilities: eight tennis courts (2 night lit); a basketball court with 2 hoops; a rock climbing structure; a 25 metre lap pool; indoor and outdoor fitness rooms and cardio machines; a weight room, and a snack shop. A varied schedule of free and for fee classes is on offer. All are available for Four Seasons guest use.

The hotel is made up of four ocean view crescents - each with their own character built around a water feature.
The King's Pond Crescent is a unique area where all the luxury and comforts of Four Seasons are offered, but which incorporate important environmental initiatives which reduce the carbon footprint of your stay. The pond is filled with reef fish, a few sharks and rays - snorkel with them if you dare.

King's Pond Lagoon

The Seashell Crescent is good for families - there is an adult as well as a kiddy pool with surrounding man made beach, water and beach toys and kiddie size beach chairs (although I spotted some Dad's making use of them). Baby swim diapers are supplied. There is a children's program offered daily from 8 am to 5 pm
year round (ages 5 to 12 years). There is also a teen activity and games room.

Adult Pool

Kiddy pool and beach

The Beach Tree Crescent has a large contemporary style pool - this is the quiet pool -children are allowed but no toys.
The Palm Grove Crescent pool with a swim up bar . This is the adults only area and in this location only, the Bali beds may be pre-reserved and are rented at a cost for half or full day use.

Palm Grove Pool

The Ul'u Crescent is a crescent of four buildings around the 18th green of the golf course.

There are several different room and suite categories which can be combined for families or couples sharing. Suites come with complementary transfers from and to the airport.

one bedroom connector can be combined to make 2 or 3 bedroom suite

Palm Grove ocean view from room

There is a 28,000 sf spa with 21 indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, showers and relaxation rooms; hot and cold plunge pools; wet and dry saunas, an apothecary and boutique.

Although the beach access is next door at the Kona Village Resort (all ocean sports go out from here), there is an onsite beach activity centre and surf shack (drinks and snacks) between the SeaShell and BeachTree Crescents.

There is a large swimming area in front of the main restaurant. This is a large saltwater pool blocked off from the surf to make for safe swimming.

There are several shops onsite, a cultural centre where you can learn about the Hawaiian history, culture and language through various activities and tours, and an artist in residence program. An amphitheatre is used to show outdoor movies and host weddings and group events. Full laundry rooms with top quality machines, sinks and ice machines are located in each crescent.

The hotel uses about 90% local ingredients from local suppliers in their award winning Pahu i'a restaurant. Wine tastings, coffee tastings, demonstrations, visits to market with chef are some of the food and beverage based activities offered.


With so many great things to see and do on this island I would highly recommend a stay at either of these properties depending on your budget. See my upcoming posts for more on this island and others, hotels and a great all-inclusive small ship cruise option - American Safari Cruises a.k.a the Un-Cruise.