South Kohala Area

(800) 845-9905 or (808) 885-2000
1 N Kaniku Dr, Mauna Lani

We try not to blather on about a resort—it hurts our credibility. But when it’s right, it’s right. The Fairmont Orchid has an intoxicating richness that permeates everything. The lush grounds have a very sculpted and precise feel. Nothing is out of place. The inside is just as flawless. The lobby, halls and rooms are all richly furnished with lots of wood and fine carpets—even the elevators are paneled in koa with crystal chandeliers. The overall effect of the resort’s rooms and common areas is European-Hawaiian elegance. The entire staff seems obsessed with pleasing you. Restaurants are what you’d expect, on the higher end with delicious results. They have their own garden and bees on property and use items they grow for their recipes. The manmade beach is usually calm and protected; it’s also one of the only beaches in Hawaii you may (legally) enjoy a beverage, making it prime for weddings. Lots of activities are available, including a sunrise canoe paddle and professionally-led stargazing.

(800) 688-7444 or (808) 886-0036
69-200 Pohakulana Pl, Waikoloa

This gated condo property is located close to the Kings’ Shops with decent golf course views and some pleasant lake views from buildings I–O. This resort is a combination of condos with two-story townhouses on the end of each building. Furnishings vary drastically from unit to unit. Some are very nice, others not so much. Overall, the building quality feels cheap to us. There’s optional housekeeping for a fee. 1/1s (850–925 sq. ft.) are $195–$319, 2/2s (1,100 sq. ft.) are $215–$610, 2/2s plus loft (1,250 sq. ft.) are $235–$638, 3/3s (1,730 sq. ft.) are $315–$957. 2-night minimum. The agent listed below has cheaper prices and overall, their units actually seemed nicer. 5-night minimum for their units.

To view more agents’ units see:

(800) 367-5004 or (808) 886-4307
69-1029 Nawahine Pl, Waikoloa

Hali‘i Kai is a long, narrow, gated condo property. Some units are two-story townhouses. Buildings 13–15 directly face the ocean. (A narrow lava field separates you and the ocean, but you can’t climb over the lava to get to it.) Buildings 10, 11 and 12 have more distant ocean views over a golf course. If you prefer greener views, pick those, though we don’t mind looking at black lava rock when the blue ocean is right behind it. Other buildings are less desirable to us because they are too far away from the pool and the water. The condos are lovely with comfortable layouts and upscale furnishings. Many master baths have a separate shower and tub. The second bedroom is a generous size, which makes it good for two couples traveling together. The ocean front unit lanais have a wet bar. There are BBQs available by the pool (if your lanai does not have one) and by a grassy area with hammocks. The meandering pool is great with an ocean view, fitness room, spa and cushy deck chairs.

(800) 221-2424 or (808) 886-1234
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa

Where do we start? How about wow! This is the one you’ve probably heard about. This resort spread over 62 acres, is the most elaborate of them all. (By the way, despite its name, it is not located in or next to the town of Waikoloa Village.) Three separate towers are joined by a tram and boat network right out of Disneyland. One swimming pool has a pounding waterfall and an Indiana Jones-type swinging bridge overhead. There is a dolphin pool where lucky guests can get in the water with dolphins. The whole experience is described in Adventures. More than 1,800 pieces of artwork are spread all over the resort and they do tours once week. Parrots and exotic birds are also scattered about. There are multiple concierge desks around to assist in booking activities, making reservations or pointing the way to a particular part of the resort. Large groups will find the meeting facilities superb—from conference rooms to a ballroom the size of Waikiki.

(855) 235-0806 or (808) 885-5022
68-1375 Pauoa Rd, Mauna Lani

Even with all the new area condos that went up after its construction, this continues to be a stunning property. The two-story townhouse-type units have high-end amenities (like Sub-Zero refrigerators), large bathrooms, bathtubs with bay windows, private garages (which you may or may not be able to use, depending on the owner), etc. This very quiet and secluded gated property is located on the Mauna Lani North Golf Course. (Not oceanfront—hey, you can’t have it all.) These condos are huge. Two-bedroom units are 2,100 sq. ft., 3/3s are 2,500 sq. ft. The grounds are manicured, and the pool area with a dashing waterfall is inviting. There is also a full kitchen there. If you are looking for privacy and the feel of an upscale home, look no further. Some privileges at Mauna Lani Beach Club and discounts on golf. Room rates are $311–$400 for a 2/3, $446–$500 for a 3/3. 3-night minimum.

(808) 987-4519
69-1000 Kolea Kai Circle, Waikoloa

It’s hard to imagine being unhappy here. These are some of the most impressively appointed condos we’ve seen, and it’s the only gated complex in Waikoloa that’s next to a beach. Rooms are richly furnished with high-end appliances in the gourmet kitchens, African mahogany trim and high ceilings throughout, travertine floors, granite countertops, a wall of glass that’ll fold away from the large lanai (and its separate kitchen), making it part of the living space, large soaking tubs and separate showers in the master baths and so much more. Even the closets light up automatically when you walk in. Although decor varies from unit to unit, we didn’t see any that weren’t outstanding. The pool area has a sand bottom children’s pool with its own waterfall, but it can get crowded during busy seasons. (The main agent listed has an agreement with Hilton Waikoloa Village that guests may use the pools there—which are much bigger but probably just as busy.

(808) 880-3490
Lolii Pl, Kohala

These low-rise condo buildings in a gated complex house four units each. This was one of the earlier condos finished in the area, and it is very similar to Wai‘ula‘ula at Mauna Kea from the outside, but inside the finishes are not as upscale in these 2/2 units. Between the two, we preferred Wai‘ula‘ula. Don’t get us wrong—we do think the units are nicely furnished and you will be comfortable here, but they lack some of the wow factor of other condos in the Mauna Kea area. The master baths do have large oval tubs and separate showers. From your wraparound lanai the ocean views are distant but pleasant. The pool area is not much to speak of, but the BBQs are located there. You are not on the beach, but about a mile away, and you will want to drive there. Luckily, you may use all the facilities at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, and sign for anything you do or eat at either resort. When you book through the agent we list, you are treated as any other guest would be at these two hotels.

(866) 977-4589 or (808) 882-7222
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Kohala

This was the first resort to grace the Kohala lava desert area, and a large part of their business is repeat customers. Built by Laurance S. Rockefeller in 1965, it set the standard for all that came afterward. The Mauna Kea has traditionally been one of the most popular resorts on the island, and it’s a grand place to stay. The resort is very restful and pleasing, and the staff is top-notch. Many people like the slow pace here. They are now getting fourth-generation guests who often have such an affection for the place that before the hotel remodeled the rooms, they asked the guests for input about what they would like to keep and see added. There are 1,200 pieces of art from the Asia-Pacific region, and tours are given to learn about the outstanding collection. The rooms in the main tower are modern and clean with the touches of teal and orange, the hotel’s trademark colors. Bathrooms in the deluxe units in this tower are smashing with a deep soaking tub and open shower next to a full glass window looking at the ocean.

(800) 367-2323 or (808) 885-6622
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Mauna Lani

Note: This hotel will close Oct. 1, 2018 for 14 months for renovations.

This is one of those resorts that is hard for us to review without sounding like a drooling commercial. If you read our other reviews, you’ll see that we’re not shy about finding fault with resorts. But this one’s different. In short, this is one of our favorite resorts in Kohala. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by the magnificent atrium around which the building is centered. Palm trees and flowing pools stocked with fish create an instantly calming atmosphere. It’s open air, yet shielded from the sun. Right away, you notice something different. The staff here is exceptionally accommodating. Instead of standing at the counter to check in, you have a seat at one of the desks and sip fruit juice while all the particulars are handled by the staff. Then it’s off to your room, which is on the small side but immaculate and smartly designed with bold island prints in browns and creams. Oceanfront rooms have dazzling views.

(855) 235-0806 or (808) 885-5022
68-1050 Mauna Lani Point Dr, Mauna Lani

This condo property consistently looks pristine on our visits. The interiors have nice furnishings, huge master bathrooms, pleasing layouts, good location and relaxing views across the golf course with some decent ocean views. Many of the units have been nicely updated at this gated property, so ask for one. Some have very good ocean views. Some privileges at Mauna Lani Beach Club and discounts on golf. 1/2 units (1,100 sq. ft.) are $260–$600, 2/3 units (1,700 sq. ft.) are $300–$870. 3- or 5-night minimum.

(800) 822-4252 or (808) 883-8500
68-1399 Mauna Lani Dr, Mauna Lani

Most of these condos overlook the ancient fishponds, creating an amazingly tranquil setting. Some units have ocean views as well. Buildings J, K and L often have nice sunset views. Many contain higher-end furnishings and some have been updated. Two- and three-bedroom units are better. Most units have stairs leading to them—either up or down. There are two units available without stairs—one in building F and the other in building G. Master bathrooms are large. The complex is right next to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel. Grounds are nicely groomed and mature but have been under some construction maintenance. Even though this is an older property, it has been very well cared for, and we still like it. 1/2 units (1,058–1,150 sq. ft.) are $395–$425, 2/3 (1,407–1,481 sq. ft.) units are $495–$595, 3/3 (1,941 sq. ft.) are $750–$1190. 5-night minimum. Below agent has similar offers.

To view more agents’ units see: