"The ancient lava fields and low-lying scrub of Hawaii's Big Island make it feel more like Namibia than Hawaii sometimes. But as soon as your driver pulls off Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway and onto a private lane, the landscape shifts from Martian to tropical—lush with palms, canary-yellow hibiscus and musk ferns. Inhale the plumeria-infused cold towel, bowing to receive the simple kukui nut lei, and you know exactly where you are. Creating this distinct sense of place without employing gimmicky tropes is what makes Hualalai stand out on an island of upscale hotels." - Caitlin Morton
Courtesy Four Seasons Resort Hualālai