Frommer's Hawaii 2013 by Jeanette Foster

Author:Jeanette Foster
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published: 2012-04-05T04:00:00+00:00

Very Expensive

The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii Located on 32 acres of oceanfront property, the Orchid is the place for watersports nuts, cultural explorers, families with children, or anyone who just wants to lie back and soak up the sun. This elegant beach resort takes full advantage of the spectacular ocean views and historic sites on its grounds. The sports facilities here are extensive, and there’s an excellent Hawaiiana program: The “beach boys” demonstrate how to do everything from creating drums from the trunks of coconut trees to paddling a Hawaiian canoe to strumming a ukulele.

All rooms in this luxury hotel underwent complete renovation in 2006 (to the tune of $9.3 million) and sport new carpets, paint, artwork, lanai furniture, and amenities. Every unit has a big lanai, sitting area, and marble bathroom with double vanity and separate shower. I recommend spending a few dollars more to book a room on the Fairmont Gold Floor, which offers personalized service, complimentary Internet access, a lounge (serving continental breakfast, finger sandwiches in the afternoon, and appetizers in the evening), and exquisite ocean views. The Spa Without Walls allows you to book a massage just about anywhere on the property—overlooking the ocean, nestled deep in the lush vegetation, or in the privacy of your room.

The Orchid’s four restaurants are all wonderful, with a casual, relaxed atmosphere. The award-winning Norio’s Sushi Bar & Restaurant has expanded, with three sushi chefs chopping, rolling, and performing magic at the sushi bar. The recently opened luau and Polynesian revue (“Gathering of the Kings”) is making a big splash, with everything from fire-knife dancing performances to culinary creations from Samoa, Tahiti, and New Zealand. The Keiki Aloha program, for kids 5 to 12, features watersports, Hawaiian cultural activities, and other supervised adventures. Some special money-saving family packages are also available.

I applaud the Fairmont Orchid for dropping the obnoxious “resort fee” and allowing guests to pay for the extra services they want. Hot tip: Before you arrive, sign up online for the Fairmont President’s Club (which is free); you’ll get lots of benefits, including free Internet access.

At the Mauna Lani Resort, 1 N. Kaniku Dr., Kohala Coast, HI 96743. www.fairmont.com/orchid. 800/845-9905 or 808/885-2000. Fax 808/885-5778. 540 units. $419–$719 double; $719 Gold Floor double; from $1,049 suite. Extra person $75. Children 17 and under stay free in parent’s room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $22; self-parking $17. Amenities: 4 restaurants (including Norio’s Sushi Bar & Restaurant, and Brown’s Beach House); 5 bars seasonal entertainment at night in the Luana Lounge); luau and Polynesian revue; babysitting; bike rentals; year-round children’s program; concierge; concierge-level rooms; 2 championship golf courses; well-equipped fitness center; 2 lava-rock whirlpools; large outdoor pool; room service; outstanding spa; 10 award-winning Plexipave tennis courts (7 lit for night play); watersports equipment rentals. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, Internet ($15 per day), minibar.

Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel ★★ If you have ever dreamed of staying in a luxury “Prince” hotel, now is your chance, as rates have dropped considerably this year.

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