Exploring the Luxury Resorts: A Personal Guide to Exclusive Communities

Living on Hawaii’s Big Island, often referred to as paradise, offers an unparalleled luxury resort experience. With stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and peaceful surroundings, it’s no wonder that some of the world’s most exclusive resort communities are nestled here.

Let me take you on a personal exploration of five premier luxury resorts: Mauna Kea Resort, Mauna Lani Resort, Waikoloa Beach Resort, Kukio, and Hualalai Four Seasons Resort. Each community offers a unique blend of amenities, lifestyle, and natural beauty, catering to discerning individuals seeking an exquisite island lifestyle. Let’s discover which one might become your favorite.

Mauna Kea Resort

Mauna Kea Resort, one of the island’s first hotels on the west side, was built in 1965 by Laurance S. Rockefeller for $15 million, making it the most expensive hotel ever built at the time. Spanning 1,800 acres, the resort offers guests and residents a tranquil escape with luxurious accommodations, breathtaking ocean views, and lush tropical landscapes. The hotel is currently undergoing a $180 million renovation, scheduled for completion in 2025, to modernize guest suites and restaurants and add an infinity pool. I am excited to see the transformations and looking forward to their re-design in 2025.

Highlights:

1. Golf: The Mauna Kea Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. It offers challenging play with undulating greens and dramatic elevation changes, making it a favorite among golf enthusiasts.
2. Beaches: Kauna’oa Beach, also known as Mauna Kea Beach, is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful white sand beaches. It is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Parking is limited and on a first-come basis for those who want to enjoy a day at the beach. There is limited shade, so we recommend bringing an umbrella.
3. Dining: Enjoy world-class dining at Manta, Copper Bar, Hua Tree, and Meridia. Each offers fresh, local seafood with panoramic ocean views. Viewing the nightly manta ray from the shore is a unique experience.

Mauna Lani Resort

Overview: The resort has over 3,200 acres and encompasses two world-class hotels, the Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection and the Fairmont Orchid. In 2018, the Mauna Lani Hotel closed its doors for a $200 million renovation. When it reopened, Mauna Lani Resort, now the Auberge Resort, was a place to escape with its modern luxury, promoting relaxation and being a show-stopper. The resort is surrounded by ancient fishponds, petroglyphs, and historic trails, offering a rich cultural experience.

Highlights:

• Golf: Home to the North and South Courses, Mauna Lani offers exceptional golfing experiences amidst lava rock fields and coastal views. Both courses are known for their challenging layouts and breathtaking scenery.
• Spa and Wellness: The Mauna Lani Spa is a sanctuary for rejuvenation, offering treatments inspired by ancient Hawaiian healing traditions. Guests can enjoy a range of therapies, including massages, facials, and body treatments, all designed to promote relaxation and well-being.
• Dining: Both hotels feature their signature restaurants and more casual dining options. Auberge has two main restaurants: a relaxing lunch at HaLani and an elegant dinner at Canoe House. Fairmont Orchid is known for Browns Beach Restaurant. My nephew’s favorite restaurant is HaLani, because of its casual luxury environment.

Waikoloa Beach Resort

Overview: Waikoloa Beach Resort is a vibrant community that balances convenience, shopping, and family-friendly amenities. Covering 1,350 acres, the resort features two main accommodations: the Hilton Waikoloa Village and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. The resort is designed to offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for families and couples alike. With events happening weekly, this is where the action happens!

Highlights:

1. Family Activities: The resort offers many activities, including dolphin encounters, water slides, and a saltwater lagoon. The Hilton Waikoloa Village is particularly known for its extensive recreational facilities, including swimming pools, a lazy river, and a lagoon where guests can paddleboard and kayak.
2. Shopping and Dining: The Kings’ Shops and Queens’ MarketPlace provide a range of high-end boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options. Guests can enjoy shopping for luxury brands, dining at multiple choices of restaurants, and attending cultural performances. Make sure to check out their calendar of events. There are always free shows upcoming, such as farmers market, lei-making, Hula dancing, and much more.
3. Golf: The Waikoloa Beach and Kings’ Golf Courses offer stunning fairways framed by volcanic landscapes.

Kukio

Overview: Kukio is an ultra-exclusive private residential club and beach community. Known for its extensive privacy and bespoke services, Kukio is the epitome of luxury living on the Big Island. The community is located on 1,500 acres of prime oceanfront property and is designed to offer residents privacy, security, and luxury. Kukio’s residences are some of the most luxurious and private on the island, with custom-built homes and estates that feature stunning architecture and state-of-the-art amenities. Some of the most exclusive billionaires, such as Michael Dell and Matthew McConaughey, own second homes here.

Highlights:

• Custom Homes: Kukio features custom-built homes and estates that offer unrivaled luxury and privacy, each designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The homes are characterized by their exquisite design, spacious layouts, and panoramic ocean views.
• Golf: The Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole Championship Course and a 10-hole short course cater to golf enthusiasts. Both courses offer a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience, with spectacular views and meticulously maintained greens.
• Beach Club: Members enjoy access to a private beach club with gourmet dining, a full-service spa, and a fitness center. The club offers a range of amenities, including a beach bar, swimming pool, and water sports equipment.

Hualalai Four Seasons Resort

Overview: Hualalai Four Seasons Resort is a prestigious hotel and community offering world-class amenities and impeccable service. This resort is synonymous with sophistication and relaxation, providing guests and residents an unparalleled luxury experience. Set on 865 acres of stunning oceanfront property, Hualalai offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and modern luxury.

Highlights:

1. Accommodations: The resort features luxurious villas and suites with oceanfront views and elegant interiors. Each accommodation is designed to offer comfort and style, with spacious living areas, private lanais, and upscale amenities. You will find not only the hotel, which is open to the public, but private homes with their own ultra-luxury lifestyles.
2. Golf: The Hualalai Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, hosts the PGA Tour Champions’ Mitsubishi Electric Championship. The course is known for its challenging layout and stunning ocean views, making it a favorite among professional and amateur golfers. As an amateur golfer, I enjoy daily shopping at the golf shop, which is open till 5:00 pm.
3. Dining: One of my favorite places to spend time is enjoying a day at one of Four Seasons’ restaurants. The resort’s restaurants offer multiple options, from fine dining at Ulu Ocean Grill to casual beachside fare at Beach Tree. They use locally sourced ingredients to create delicious and innovative dishes.

Luxury resort living on Hawaii offers a diverse range of experiences, each community providing its unique blend of elegance, comfort, and natural beauty. It’s a joy to enjoy these amenities even when I am not living in those communities. When family or friends are on the Islands, it’s a fun adventure to explore these resorts with them, eat great food, and enjoy their amazing landscapes.

Whether you’re drawn to the timeless charm of Mauna Kea Resort, the eco-conscious luxury of Mauna Lani, the vibrant atmosphere of Waikoloa Beach Resort, the exclusivity of Kukio, or the sophistication of Hualalai Four Seasons Resort, the Big Island has something to offer every person living on the island or the discerning traveler. Embrace the aloha spirit and discover the epitome of island living in these exquisite resort communities.

Do you have a favorite resort?