Big Island Lodging Part 3: The Fairmont Orchid

From intimate B & B’s to mega hotels, Hawaii Island, the largest in the state chain, is home to an abundance of accommodations. The lodging possibilities on this lava-rich island are just as exotic as its evening manta ray tours and trips to the active Kilauea Volcano.
Here, we present the third of four intriguing properties, each packed with personality. You’ll get so stoked about your next Hawaiian adventure that you’ll be rummaging for your vintage Hawaiian shirt before you can say “Hang loose, bruddah!”

OPTION 3: FOR THE LUXURY RESORT ADDICT, SPA BRAT or CULTURE MAVEN

For a certain type of visitor, bigger is ALWAYS better. The Fairmont Orchid, with 540 rooms, five restaurants, a 10,000-square-foot pool, spa, tennis courts, and nearby golf, is just the ticket for those who require five-star service and every amenity at their disposal. The property’s coveted location location led King Kamehameha I, the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii in the 1700s, to save 32 acres of this prized shoreline just for himself and his family.

Situated on the northern Kohala coast, the Fairmont Orchid just celebrated its 30th birthday. The property reopened November 13, 2020, after a “temporary suspension” begun last April due to Covid-19. Today, the property is alluring guests with irresistible promotions and reminding folks they can get away and be pampered to the hilt.

The Spa Without Walls & Nature Vistas

Unique here is the Spa Without Walls, consisting of eight outdoor hales or huts. These are built with wood and natural fibers and nestled among lily pads and rock waterfalls, a harkening to ancient days. Oceanfront cabanas allow massage enthusiasts to relax to the sound of the waves and feel the gentle breezes during their Lomilomi.

Nature embraces you the minute you pull up to the entrance. An open-air pavilion lobby presenting dueling vistas to the pool, gardens, and sea. Hawaiian paintings, sculptures, and orchid arrangements remind you that you are in a tropical haven.

The grounds cradle fishponds, tidepools, endless plants, waterfalls, and exotic gardens. A morning stroll along one of the winding, paved paths takes you among the flora and fauna. Any traces of mainland stress vanish with every step you take.

The Fairmont Orchid Delivers Luxury  & Culture

Frequent Fairmont guests attest to the brand’s luxury standards. That said, visitors can expect an accommodation that is 522 square feet minimum. Suites run from 1,050 to a spacious 3,736 square feet! White bedding, white duvets, and white marble baths exude peace, a departure from the fears and anxieties of the previous year. Rounding out the stress-free vibe is a soothing neutral palette of creams and beiges for walls and floors.

Once guests pry themselves away from their quarters, they can check out its cultural classes. The hotel boasts an expanded menu of offerings so folks can learn more about the island’s history and early inhabitants. Weekly complimentary classes include tide pool education, turtle talks, coconut frond weaving, haku lei making, botanical and bee tours, Hawaiian language basics, history walks, and more.