The island of Hawaiʻi is larger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined. As such, Known as the Big Island, its landscape is markedly different from the verdant environs of its neighboring islands. It features eight distinct climate zones, ranging from lush rainforests to vast stretches of black lava desert. The Big Island’s major draws include Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, night snorkeling or scuba diving with manta rays, and the famed Kona coffee, along with a vibe that’s quieter and maintains a grounded feel defined by large open spaces and pristine coastlines.
Photo: Fairmont Orchid Hawaiʻi
This Hotel Offers a Sun-Soaked Retreat on Hawai’i Island’s Kohala Coast
The Fairmont Orchid Hawaiʻi, situated on 32 acres of oceanfront property along the island’s northwest coast, embodies the spirit of the island and makes access to the diving and vibes effortless. It’s one of only two Fairmont properties in the state. Fairmont is a world-renowned luxury hospitality brand that blends historic grandeur with purposeful travel, and the Fairmont Orchid is Hawaiʻi’s expression of that model, infusing the Aloha spirit into its signature elegance. I visited recently and experienced the property first-hand. Here’s what it’s like.
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Island-inspired interiors at Fairmont Orchid Hawaiʻi
Photo: Fairmont Orchid Hawai’i
Reaching the resort takes about 30 minutes from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) takes about 30 minutes by ride share or via the resort’s shuttle. Once onsite you’ll stay in one of 540 newly refreshed guest rooms and suites, categorized by view: garden, partial ocean, ocean, and oceanfront. Accommodations also include the exclusive Fairmont Gold floor, which offers enhanced amenities and lounge access, as well as one-bedroom, luxury, and presidential suites.
During the low season from mid-March to June and September to mid-December, rooms start at around $640 per night, including the $59.36 per-room, per-night resort experience fee. The fee covers amenities such as beach access with loungers, the fitness center, Wi-Fi, in-room coffee, and shuttle service. During the high season from mid-December to mid-April and mid-June to August, standard rooms start at approximately $958 per night, with the same resort experience fee.
Guest rooms feature clean, relaxing lines with wood accents and calming color palettes. Upscale finishes include a 45-inch HD flat-screen TV, a media hub, plush bathrobes, a full-size hair dryer, and a Nespresso coffeemaker. Spacious bathrooms feature marble countertops, along with separate showers and soaking tubs.
Big Island flavors
Photo: Fairmont Orchid Hawai’i
Fairmont Orchid offers 10 dining experiences, including in-room dining, a grab-and-go deli, private dining (honeymooners and celebrities love this option), and fine dining. Brown’s Beach House, a AAA Four Diamond award-winning restaurant, highlights locally inspired fare such as watermelon poke bowls and macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi. Located just steps from the beach, it’s an ideal setting for sunset views paired with indulgent meals.
Orchid Court serves a generous breakfast buffet, though it’ll set you back $53, featuring made-to-order omelets, fresh bread, tropical fruits, doughnuts, eggs, salmon, charcuterie, and a Hawaiian specialty dish of the day. A wide selection of beverages is available, including Kona Coffee, smoothies, and breakfast cocktails. The restaurant accommodates dietary restrictions, with options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diners. The à la carte breakfast menu includes pineapple pancakes, lobster Benedict), and a smoked pork skillet.
The property also features three bars for guests. Kahakai Bar serves wine, beer, and tropical cocktails directly on the beach. Binchotan Bar and Grill offers craft cocktails, sake, and an extensive whiskey selection. Luana Lounge features indoor-outdoor seating, island-inspired cocktails, and fresh sushi.
An island retreat that doesn’t skimp on tranquil spa experiences
Photo: Fairmont Orchid Hawai’i
The Spa Without Walls offers a unique open-air setting with thatched tropical huts, koi ponds, and manicured gardens. Guests can book massages, facials, and manicures, or opt for the full Hawaiʻi Spa Day, priced at $1,116.50. The experience includes a 90-minute hydrafacial, a 120-minute Waterfall Aliʻi Royal Experience — a detoxifying body treatment incorporating warm coconut oil applied to the forehead and scalp with a neck and shoulder massage, a 60-minute Milk and Honey manicure, a 60-minute Milk and Honey pedicure, and a spa lunch.
The main pool is a 10,000-square-foot heated, free-form pool accented with lava rock. Amenities include two whirlpool hot tubs, a large sundeck with cabanas, and a separate adults-only pool. Towels, water, sunscreen, and chair covers are complimentary.
The resort also has a 1,700-square-foot fitness center equipped with stationary bikes, treadmills, and free weights. Complimentary 50-minute seaside yoga classes are offered daily at sunrise, and an all-levels vinyasa yoga class is available for $10.
Lūʻaus and lagoons
Photo: Fairmont Orchid Hawai’i
Fairmont Orchid offers numerous opportunities to engage with Hawaiian culture through on-site activities such as a lūʻau feast, lei-making classes, hula dancing lessons, guided botanical garden tours, bamboo stamping, and Hawaiian language basics.
The resort is also a popular destination for golfers, thanks to its reliably pleasant weather and access to the award-winning 45-hole Mauna Lani Golf Course, which includes two 18-hole championship courses. Ocean lovers can enjoy snorkeling, fishing, paddleboarding, canoeing, and surfing.
On Wednesdays, the hotel hosts a complimentary discussion about the protected honu — Hawaiian green sea turtles, which use the lagoon at Fairmont Orchid Beach as a habitat. The turtles are protected under U.S. federal law and Hawaiʻi state law. While it is illegal to touch them or approach within 10 feet, guests are permitted to photograph these local celebrities. In addition to ocean and marine life education, as part of its sustainability initiatives, Fairmont Orchid has eliminated single-use plastics, made efforts to reduce food waste by donating scraps to local farmers for animal feed, and prioritized locally sourced ingredients, a company-wide commitment that in this case also sees the Fairmont Orchid partnering with the island’s food bank, The Food Basket, to distribute unused food.
Whether guests venture out to explore Kona coffee farms, experience manta ray night diving, or visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — or choose not to leave the resort at all, Fairmont Orchid delivers a memorable stay in one of Hawaiʻi’s most desirable settings. 