Four Seasons Hualalai

Recently revitalized resort in dramatic grounds along a half-mile rocky shoreline on the north Kona Coast, adjacent to Kona Village. Four lodging crescents house 243 stylishly appointed accommodations featuring lanais and lavish baths, many with soaking tubs and indoor/outdoor garden showers; avoid less desirable units fronting the snorkeling lagoon (Buildings #1-#9) and the small palm grove pool (Buildings #26-#33). Dining venues include romantic Pahu i`a oceanfront pavilion, for contemporary European/Pacific cuisine; Beach Tree, featuring California/Italian- influenced food; and Hualalai Grille, for innovative Hawaiian regional cuisine. Upgraded spa (the island’s best) for alfresco massage treatments, top-notch fitness center with lap pool, eight-court tennis club, beautifully manicured Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole championship golf course, children’s programs; ocean swimming very limited because of sharp close-in reefs.