Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Opened in 1996, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a beautiful luxury property set a quick 15-minute drive from the airport. The expansive grounds are laid out in five main crescents, each of which have their own feel and appeal. The Golf Crescent is self-explanatory, while Seashell Crescent attracts families with its kid-friendly pools and Beach Tree Crescent lures honeymooners with its quiet pool. The various areas are spread out and connected by gently winding verdant paths, creating a calm, relaxed atmosphere.

An array of amenities (including fine dining, several uniquely constructed pool areas, first-class spa and athletic facilities, cultural center activities, and lovely beach) all reinforce a low-key feel you'd expect in Hawaii. The lush grounds complement and highlight the beauty of the natural Hawaiian landscape, and this localized focus on natural resources is carried through in the dining experience, which is almost entirely reliant on local food sources.

This is undoubtedly the most luxurious resort on the island, with prices to match. On the downside, the entry-level units are a bit underwhelming given the high rates. For a luxury experience at lower prices, consider the Fairmont Orchid or Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai sits along the Kohala Coast, which is in the northwestern region of the Island of Hawaii (Big Island). The Big Island is packed with natural wonders, including active and dormant volcanoes (Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea), where visitors can see lava flows, numerous beaches, and rainforests. It's by far the largest of the Hawaiian islands, so be prepared to drive to experience some of the top attractions. The Four Seasons Resort is a convenient 15-minute drive from Kona International Airport, and 30 minutes to the restaurant- and shop-filled Kailua-Kona area.

• 15-minute drive to Kona International Airport
• 30-minute drive to Kailua-Kona
• 2-hour drive to Hilo International Airport
• 45-minute drive to Waimea
• 2-hour drive to Mauna Kea Observatories (at the summit)
• 4-hour drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the island's most popular volcanoes

The careful attention to design at the Four Seasons extends to the comfortable rooms and suites, which are contemporary, spacious, and bright. Locally inspired accents include canopy headboards (in suites), earth-toned fabrics, and Hawaiian artwork, but overall, the lower-category rooms are underwhelming and a bit simple for the price. Nevertheless, they all have furnished balconies or patios -- some with lovely ocean views. Additionally, swish marble bathrooms come with tubs and separate showers. Oceanfront rooms add an outdoor lava rock shower.

Dining tables and chairs, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and closets with robes, slippers, and electronic safes come standard, as well as iHome clock radios. Bath salts, aromatherapy candles, and upscale toiletries are also provided.

Certainly the most popular features at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai are the seven pools and stretch of beach -- all of which are lined with comfy shaded loungers. Each pool is uniquely designed and constructed, and offers a different atmosphere to appeal to the various guests here. They range from the central and quiet Beach Tree Pool that attracts honeymooners; the Ocean Pool filled with seawater and known for green sea turtle sightings; the Sea Shell Pool with its kiddy pool and hot tub; the adults-only Palm Grove is a 21-and-over pool with a swim-up bar; and the King’s Pond, which is a natural rock aquarium for snorkeling with a spotted eagle ray and thousands of colorful fish.

There are many choices for fitness activities, including a standard gym, rock climbing, and separate rooms for yoga, Pilates, and spin classes. There are eight tennis courts, two of which are lit for evening play, and a full-service tennis pro shop, plus a basketball court.

The first-class spa has many options for relaxing before and after treatment, including a unique water garden and saunas, which are spread out among lush pathways. Guests receive free access to saunas, whirlpools, showers, and steam rooms, and the spa has a boutique for apparel, toiletries, and more. A host of wellness treatments and therapies include massages, body scrubs, hair services, guided meditation, and acupuncture.

The Cultural Center provides a variety of classes, a kid-friendly pool, and a full-day activity program for ages 5 to 12, along with a teen-oriented game and activity center. The kids' club is free.

Wi-Fi is free across the property. Wedding ceremonies can be arranged, with multiple packages to choose from.

Although there are technically only three restaurants, the dining options still feel plentiful (and they're all top-notch). The full menus of Beach Tree are available for in-room dining. Plus, guests can opt to reserve a special dinner on the beach for one or two couples, or up to 12 people for a family setting, featuring private servers, your own exclusive oceanfront location, and floral centerpieces or leis.

Beach Tree is a casual indoor/outdoor beachfront restaurant focusing on California-Italian fare, and cocktails mixed with fresh, local ingredients. It's open for lunch and dinner.

Hualalai Grille is a classic American steakhouse with Hawaiian flavor, overlooking the Hualalai Golf Course. It's only open for dinner.

'ULU Ocean Grille and Sushi Lounge is the fine-dining fish and seafood restaurant, with open-air seating and stunning views. It serves a choice of a la carte or buffet breakfasts, and food across the board is excellent.

Beach Tree Bar is just 20 steps from the ocean, featuring a signature tropical cocktail menu.

Hualalai Trading Company is like a general store, offering a counter for coffee, smoothies, and more, as well as a variety of snacks, souvenirs, and locally made handicrafts. It's open from morning until 8 p.m.

A big draw for some guests is the 18-hole private Hualalai Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus, which has striking greens amid black lava, set against a lovely ocean backdrop. A 1,400-square-foot clubhouse and driving range are available.