Last month, I had the chance to stay at the Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. If I could sum it up in a word, it’d be magic. This is a place where Hawaii’s aloha spirit and natural beauty just envelop you. It’s right on the ocean, surrounded by 32 lush acres, and I felt both far away and right at home from the moment I arrived.
One of the most awe-inspiring parts? The views. On one side, there’s the seemingly endless Pacific, shimmering in every shade of blue. On the other side, the landscape rises toward five mountain peaks, including Maunakea, considered the world’s tallest mountain when measured from the ocean floor. Standing there, gazing out at these mountains, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of wonder and respect for the land. The area was once known as Kalāhuipua‘a, now called Mauna Lani, which translates to “heavenly mountain.” This is a place with a deep history and a spiritual energy that’s hard to miss; I felt it with every sunrise and sunset.
For someone who doesn’t naturally know how to "chill out," this was a game-changer. Relaxing doesn’t come easy for me—I know it’s a thing people do, but it’s just not really my thing. If this sounds familiar to you, and you’re looking for a place that will help you unwind, Hawaii is it. If you’re looking for a vacation destination to unwind, the Fairmont Orchid is as good as it gets. The property itself is stunning. The guest rooms all have private lanais, giving you a front-row seat to incredible ocean views or lush garden scenes. I loved starting my day out there with a cup of local coffee, soaking in the sounds and scents of the island. Between yoga on the beach and a 10,000-square-foot heated pool that seems to stretch into the horizon, relaxing here felt natural—even for someone like me who rarely slows down.
Fairmont Orchid has this incredible blend of luxury and laid-back island vibes. Nothing felt stuffy or too formal. It’s all about comfort and true Hawaiian hospitality here, and the staff go out of their way to make you feel like you’re part of the island community.
The highlights? There are so many, but here’s what really stuck with me:
Unmatched Relaxation and Wellness
Fairmont’s Spa Without Walls blends the best of both worlds. It allows you to indulge in a Hawaiian-inspired massage in an open-air oceanfront cabana or private waterfall hale (hut) flanked by waterfalls. The experience felt perfectly aligned with Hawaii’s natural beauty. And if you’re up for it, they offer complimentary yoga and meditation classes, which felt like the perfect start to each day.
A Taste of Hawaii
The dining here is next level. At Brown’s Beach House, we savored Hawaii Regional Cuisine, right by the water, with live Hawaiian music adding to the ambiance. The island-inspired menu is beautifully fresh and full of local flavors.Binchotan: Bar & Grill was a wonderful surprise—a blend of Hawaiian and Japanese robatayaki cooking, all family-style.
For anyone who loves sushi or hand-crafted cocktails, Luana Lounge is the spot, while Hale Kai serves up fresh favorites right on the beach, perfect for grabbing lunch with your toes in the sand.
Immersed in Hawaiian Culture
One of my favorite parts was connecting with the culture. Fairmont has a Director of Hawaiian Culture who leads hands-on experiences like lei making, hula, and palm frond weaving. I even went out in a traditional Hawaiian canoe on Pauoa Bay, which was both calming and exhilarating. The staff, known as Hui Holokai Beach Ambassadors, are fantastic at bringing Hawaiian culture to life, sharing the history and spirituality of this ancient land in such a fun and welcoming way.
For adventurers, the Fairmont Orchid offers snorkeling right off the beach and unforgettable whale-watching, with peak sightings in March. But honestly, any time of year is perfect to experience this island paradise.
If you’re craving a getaway that combines luxury, rich culture, and Hawaii’s breathtaking beauty, the Fairmont Orchid is a dream. For the best rates, I recommend booking 10-11 months in advance.
MAHALO
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