This is our first time on this island.Staying 4 nights.Can not decide between Four Seasons,Hapuna Prince,Mauna Lani or the Fairmont Orchid.Have two teenagers.Would appreciate opinions. Willing to spend money since it is our 25th anniversary.

They are all lovely--I have only stayed at the Mauna Lani and the Fairmont, though.

The Four Seasons Hualalai is reputed to be one of the top resorts in its chain...it's very pricey but it's also just gorgeous.

If you're looking for (slightly) cheaper I'd recommend the Mauna Lani over Fairmont or Hapuna. As stated I haven't stayed at Hapuna, but have been in the area and prefer the Mauna Lani area better (the area includes both the Mauna Lani resort and the Fairmont).

Both the Mauna Lani and Fairmont are great, but I honestly just love the Mauna Lani's "vibe" more. The Fairmont has a better pool if that's important to your teenagers.

The same topic comes up in this forum at least once or twice a month. Search for past discussions and you'll find lots of good info.

If a spectacular beach is a priority the Hapuna Beach Prince (and Mauna Kea) blow away the other resorts. The FS is best in terms of room and resort amenity quality (such as pools and spas), but its beach is rocky and nothing to write home about -- you need water shoes just to go in the ocean. The Mauna Lani and Orchid are good all-around choices, with the ML having better service (at least in our experience), and one of the best golf courses on the island.

If you stay at the Mauna Lani, ask for the Pick Your Passion special.

Great deals!!!!!

Four Seasons Hualalai - in my mind - there really is no other choice. We hav been here a few times (adults though) - so I don't know how the "teenagers" would feel. It is though "THE BEST" .

Just returned from 8 days on the Big Island, spilt stay between Hapuna Beach Prince and the Four Seasons. Also visited the Mauna Kea and Fairmont.
Hands down if you can afford it, stay at the Four Seasons, there is no comparison between this resort and any other on the island.

The room may be expensive, but we found that there were many other complimentary ammeneties that you will be paying for at other hotels, and suprisingly we found that the food, drinks were not that overprices (of course you expect some crazy prices!). But it did seem that our meals were cheaper at the 4S than at Hapuna Beach!

The 4S is fabulous. Be sure to schedule a treatment at the spa. We enjoyed private tennis lessons by the pro. The teens may enjoy the snorkeling lagoon or just hanging out by one of the pools or the beach.

We got a room reserved for 3 nights at the FS for $580 per night and another 3 nights of room at the Hapuna for $219 a night. We decided to save the HUGE amount of money difference $361 a night and cancelled the 4S and are ONLY staying at the Hapuna now. Hey, if you got the bucks, go for the FS. For us, we'll out most of the day touring the island so we're going to use that $361 a night difference of fancy meals out and side trips.

Instead, we're doing the FS in Maui for 6 nights as it's ALOT less, and yes, I know it's not near as nice as the BI but we don't care. We just can't rationalize spending our hard earned money on a room that's almost $600 a night if we're out touring the island and going to the top of Mauna Kea one whole day into the evening.

Have fun,
Steve R
Maryland

I agree, if you are not going to spend some time at the 4S enjoying the facilities, you shouldn't stay there. The days we were there, we were sure that we planted ourselves poolside, snorkeled in the lagoon, etc.

I agree as well. We spent a week at the Hilton first and spent that time touring the island, including an overnight at a B&B at Volcano. Needless to say, I was at the Hilton on points.

So, when it came to the 4 days at the Four Seasons we stayed on the resort and enjoyed it to the fullest!

Dont shell out the money for the 4S unless you plan on staying mostly there and not venturing off all day. Would be a waste to spend 600+ anight if you will be exploring most of the time. If you are looking to do only alittle bit of exploring and alot of time relaxing then its well worth it to pay for the 4S. I did alot of exploring last year and stayed at the Mauna Lani. This year I want to kick back more and just go do a few things i liked most. So we r staying at the 4S. Either way, you will have a awesome time.