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Four Seasons Hualalai (part 1)

© Lottie Tagupa

The 10-minute drive from the Keahole Kona airport northward along Queen Kaahumanu Highway is relatively short one. The scenery is filled with great expanses of sloping terrain dominated by acres of undeveloped ancient lava fields and shrubbery that continue to the shoreline far beyond.

The setting along this lonely stretch of unlighted highway is serene and secluded. A simple lava rock sign with the word "Hualalai" on the left of the highway marks the turn-off to the hotel entrance. The two lane road cuts through the lava field and snakes slowly toward the ocean. The treeless and seemingly lifeless terrain reveals clues of life, luxury, and relaxation up ahead.

Upon arrival at the hotel's porte cochere, the baggage and automobile is swept away by parking valets compliments of the hotel. Eager to please attendants offer fresh flower lei, chilled tropical juice, and oshibori or hot towels to welcome and refresh.

The main lobby is quiet, airy and intimate, done in tropical woods and accents where cool scented sea breezes fill the air and panoramic views of the magnificent West Hawaii landscape is the backdrop for the hotel's registration desk.

The 243-room Four Season's Hualalai is not the largest nor the flashiest nor currently the most popular of Hawaii's hotels. However, this resort certainly has all the makings of what will surely become one of Hawaii's most revered destination experiences.

If you can imagine the richness of Hawaii's cultural history, warm Hospitality, and the secluded, natural oceanfront setting on the Big Island's sunny Kohala Coast combined with the personalized service of what the Four Seasons is internationally known for, then you may have a glimpse of what awaits you at the Hualalai.