| See our List of:
Favorite Overall Resorts |
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| Our FAVORITE RESORTS for: |
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| BEACHES |
| SPAS |
| SERVICE |
| ROOMS |
| GOLF |
| SNORKELING |
| DINING |
| SHOPPING |
| NIGHTLIFE |
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
The Fairmont Orchid features thirty two gorgeous acres located on the stunning Kohala Coast of Hawaii's Big Island. With a white sand beach, small bay, lush gardens and an oceanfront pool, this amazing resort offers many ways to relax the spirit. Four restaurants and three lounges with gorgeous views of the Kohala Coast allow each guest to experience all the tastes and aloha that Hawaii has to offer. The renowned "Spa without Walls" is the perfect way to rejuvenate the soul and pamper yourself with soothing body treatments. The Fairmont Orchid provides limitless ways to experience luxurious seclusion and Hawaiian hospitality.
When we arrived at the Fairmont Orchid, we were struck by the luxurious feel of the property. This resort blends aloha spirit with a gracious sense of refinement that we found throughout the property. The experience of the beach, pool and lush grounds is undoubtedly Hawaiian. But we were struck by the combination of casual Hawaiian culture and refined luxury. While The Fairmont offers all the customary tropical resort options from golf to spas to relaxation in the Hawaiian sun, there is a special sense of luxury that we experienced at this resort. The Fairmont Orchid offers a unique blend of Hawaiian spirit and classic luxury that make this a distinctive resort on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Here's our lowdown on The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
- Our Favorites -
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| Spa Without Walls Relaxation Area |
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| View from Oceanfront Massage |
SPA - The spa at the Fairmont Orchid is truly a tropical paradise. Named "The Spa Without Walls", after visiting you will see the name fits this unique spa experience. The garden area of this spa is really something special; what you imagine tropical Hawaii would look like. The women's lounge and locker have everything you might need, but it's when you step outside that your adventure into relaxation really begins. The spa offers a wide variety of treatments (in addition to my massage, I experienced the signature Big Island Kona Coffee/Ka'u Orange/Vanilla exfoliation which left my skin ever so soft and with the fragrance of Hawaii) and standard treatment rooms, but I strongly suggest you opt for one of the outdoor cabanas for your massage. I decided to take my massage in one of the oceanfront cabanas and was I happy I did! Somehow I thought the cabana might not be as relaxing or that I would be disturbed by outside noise, but this was not the case at all! I enjoyed my treatment while listening to the ocean lapping on the shore of the beautiful Kohala Coast. Whatever treatment experience you choose, you will feel the ultimate sense of relaxation at The Spa Without Walls!
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| #9 North Course - Oceanfront! |
GOLF - During your stay at the Fairmont Orchid you will have access to Mauna Lani Golf Resort's two beautiful 18-hole championship golf courses. Of the two courses, the South is the more famous with its dramatic holes over the ocean, but the North is also an awesome track. Both courses were in immaculate condition and the visuals are stunning as you wind through the ancient lava fields on a carpet of emerald green.
The South Course, the more celebrated of the two courses, snakes through the stark, a'a lava fields and presents a demanding test of golf. Numbers 7 and 15 are amazing par 3's that utilize the pacific ocean on what can be intimidating tee shots. The course's signature hole is #15 and features a forced carry over the crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean. This is definitely a hole where I brought out the camera as the views are amazing. Overall the course is an awesome experience and playing among the lava fields is a unique feature of Big Island golf. I love golf that utilizes the ocean whenever possible and Mauna Lani Golf course has two of the best holes in the world for this.
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| #14 North Course |
The North course, built on lava beds, is an interesting blend of ocean, lava and Kiawe (mesquite) trees that form a unique golf experience. While not as famous as the South with its par 3's over the ocean, the North Course is no less of a Big Island golf jewel. On this course I got different feels on different parts of the course. Among the Kiawe trees, I felt an upcountry vibe and then the next two holes felt like a traditional Hawaiian course with its incredible ocean views. I loved the variety of that this golf course had to offer. Add the variety to the lush fairways and manicured greens and Mauna Lani North is a must play on the Big Island.
DINING - At the Fairmont Orchid, you will be treated to a wide variety of dining options. Whether you are looking for a casual pool front deli or fine dining overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Fairmont Orchid has you dining needs covered!
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| Brown's Beach House Oceanfront Dining |
Fine Dining
Brown's Beach House
is our favorite dining experience at the Fairmont Orchid. Located oceanfront, this magnificent open air restaurant has amazing service and exceptional fare featuring seafood options from the local waters. We loved the fresh fish but there are many non seafood options available as well. Enjoy the live entertainment as you gaze at the ocean only steps away, all under the bright stars of the Big Island night. Be sure to experience Brown's Beach House during your stay at the enchanting Fairmont Orchid.
Norio's Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar - located alongside a serene koi pond, Norio's offers incredible sushi and Japanese cuisine. The perfect place if you are looking for something different during your stay. We found the sushi very fresh and exceptional, but don't think of this as just sushi. Norio's has a menu that features meats and fish from the grill and pan, all prepared with a unique blend of Far East tastes and Hawaiian style. A fun, unique experience along with exceptional tastes makes Norio's a must try at the Fairmont.
Casual Dining
Looking for more casual dining options? The Fairmont Orchid offers guests several options. Brown's Deli is a terrific option that allows you a quick breakfast and Kona coffee in the morning or a sandwich on the go in the afternoon.
Orchid Court offers great breakfasts served in a serene, open air environment.
Hale Kai is our favorite lunch hangout. This sand floored restaurant is located just steps from the shoreline. The food was tasty and the views are to die for. Remember to come back at sunset for a tropical drink and all the astounding views of the Pacific.
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| Sunset at Hale Kai Restaurant |
DON'T MISS
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Sunset at Hale Kai Restaurant
- Who doesn't love a great sunset? At Hale Kai, we believe this is the perfect place to enjoy a wonderful Big Island sunset. This location really has a great island vibe to it. Perched just steps from the shore with its sand floor, Hale Kai is a casual oasis, perfect to experience a tropical drink and take in all the colors of the sunset. Be sure to journey to the Hale Kai at sunset for an experience you will not forget.
- Other Good Stuff -
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| Snorkeling Bay at The Fairmont Orchid |
Snorkeling - At the Fairmont Orchid, there is a small bay with rock formations just off the beach that makes for an incredible snorkeling experience. You can swim just a short distance and see many of Hawaii's colorful fish as well as the majestic sea turtles. The snorkeling environment is very calm and is a great way to get out among nature even if you are not very comfortable in the water. If you are looking for a little help in getting started, the excellent staff at the Fairmont will get you set up in no time.
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| Beach at The Fairmont Orchid |
Beach - The beach at The Fairmont Orchid is a small bay that is perfect for sunning or snorkeling. There are many lounge chairs to choose from and plenty of space to relax in the sun and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Since the coastline of the Big Island is generally rocky due to the ancient lava flows that formed the island, it is nice to have a sand beach area. At the Fairmont Orchid, you will be able to get more than you share of sand and sun just steps from you room. If you need any assistance while enjoying the beach, the Fairmont Orchid Beachboys and Beachgirls are available all day to help.
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| Pool at The Fairmont Orchid |
Pool - The pool at the Fairmont Orchid is good sized with many lounge chairs to choose from as well as plenty of room to spread out and get comfortable. We felt the pool had a laid-back vibe that led to a comfortable, relaxing environment. We enjoyed the amazing views at the pool as the Pacific Ocean was just steps away. Staff was available to help us get set up for our day in the Big Island sun. If we wanted a tropical drink or light snack, wait staff was there to help, but at times the service was a little slow. No worries as we were just steps from Hale Kai and we could get a drink with no problem. The pool was quiet and did not have a lot of commotion which is exactly what we look for in a luxury resort. Stop by the pool to relax and enjoy the views and sunshine at the Fairmont Orchid.
- And Our Not So Favorite Things -
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| Partial Ocean View Room |
Hawaiian feel to the Room - Now we are not here to say the rooms at the Fairmont Orchid are not luxurious, they are. What we thought was missing was a certain Hawaiian flair that we feel at many of the resorts in Hawaii. The rooms are well appointed and very comfortable. The soaker tub is a big plus and there is a nice lanai to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian weather. We like the rooms and thought they were well appointed, we just would have liked to have seen a little more Hawaiian style.
Resort Information
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii - [Link to Hotel Website]
1 North Kaniku Drive
Kohala Coast, Hawaii, Hawaii
United States, 96743
Hotel Photos
Standard Room Rates
Room Descriptions
Package Rates
Resort Room Prices
When we travel, we always look for the best deal and do not mind traveling during the off season to get the lower prices. This means you may not get to travel at the optimal times based on Temperatures and Rainfall
(see charts below). At The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, the rates are consistent throughout the year, but during the lower seasons we were able to find some very good deals. During the summer months and holiday seasons, we expect to pay more (as is the case for most of Hawaii).
Packages - Many times you can save some money by taking advantage of packages that The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii offers. To see the latest packages that the resort is offering, please click the following link: Package Rates - The Fairmont Orchid.
Map of The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii on The Big Island
View Larger MapWeather on the Big Island of Hawaii
The weather on the Big Island is diverse. There can be snow on Mauna Kea, a downpour in Hilo and dry weather on the Kohala coast. Fortunately, if you like beautiful, dry weather, The Fairmont Orchid is located on the leeward side of the island that gets the least rain. You get some of the best weather in the world on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. The deep, warm ocean keeps the temperatures very stable year round. The Big Island is big ... as big as all other Hawaiian islands combined, so you can get different weather in different parts of the island. Lucky for us that The Fairmont Orchid sits in an area that gets the best weather year round!
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| Click to See Larger Chart |
Rainfall - Whenever we go on vacation, trying to avoid rain is always high on our list. My husband is especially fanatical about this. As the chart at the right shows, you get the least amount of rain in the summer months. This is the high seasons so prices may be a bit higher and it may be a little more crowded, but if you want to avoid rain, this is your best bet. Keep in mind that the Kohala Coast does not get a lot of rain regardless of the time of year. So if avoiding rain on your luxury tropical vacation is high on your list, The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii is a great option!
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| Click to See Larger Chart |
Temperature - The weather on the Big Island, like all of Hawaii is moderate and gorgeous the entire year round. The chart at the right shows the average temperatures for Puako (which is very close to The Fairmont Orchid). As you would expect the average temperatures (as well as the humidity) increase in the June-October time frame. The trade winds that blow from the northeast are a welcome relief to the summer heat. If you are looking for sensational tropical weather whenever you choose to take your vacation, the Kohala Coast of the Big Island is a perfect choice.
Before you go The Big Island, or anywhere in the Hawaiian Islands, it is always wise to keep a watch on the weather.
Check out the latest weather for Kailua Kona on the Big Island:
Hurricanes are not common for the Hawaiian Islands. Still, it is always good to keep watch on the weather before you leave for your tropical vacation.
To check for storms around Hawaii and the Central Pacific, please click the following link: National Hurricane Center: Central Pacific.
Or check the Accuweather Hurricane Center
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