Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii | One Bedroom King Suite | Breakfast | 7 nights
Protected by five sacred mountains, graced by sunshine, seashore and sea turtles, The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, offers elegant accommodations and a variety of fine dining options amid the natural beauty of the Island of Hawaii. Relax around the oceanfront pool or enjoy an outdoor massage at the Spa Without Walls. And for the more energetic traveler, the Hui Holokai Beach Ambassadors share an intriguing culture of outrigger canoes, surfing, snorkeling and adventures on a sheltered white-sand beach, while dramatic black lava frames 36 holes of championship golf.
The One Bedroom Suite Ocean View offers luxurious accommodations and views of the Pacific Ocean from the lanai. A private bedroom closes off from the living room with French doors and includes a spacious marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub, water closet in addition to WiFi access, 45” (bedroom) and 55" (living room) LCD HD flat screen televisions with built in media hub and iPod adapter, chiller and Nespresso coffee maker. There are two large closets, a television and private lanai with patio furniture. The Hawaiian resort suite features a sectional sleeper, accent and coffee tables as well as a half bathroom off the living room and a second private furnished lanai.
Big Island, Hawaii Island, Orchid Isle, Volcano Isle . . .
Most commonly known as the Big Island, Hawaii Island is also known as the Orchid Isle and the Volcano Isle. Twice as big as all the other islands of the Hawaiian archipelago combined, Hawaii Island's size does not necessarily mean crowded and busy. Most of the island of Hawaii retains a rural flavor, and many residents are grateful to be removed from the urban bustle.
Most visitors to the Big Island congregate on the west side, primarily in sunny Kailua-Kona and along the majestic Kohala coast, but on the east side, in tropical Hilo, you will find a number of attractions and activities of interest as well. The landscape is varied, too, changing from beach to mountain and from dry desert to moist upland rain forest. Eleven of the world's 13 climate zones can be found there.
Visitors determined to see an active volcano will find one of the best bets on the Big Island: The world's most active volcano, Kilauea, has been erupting almost continuously since 1983. (You can watch the flowing lava safely, but the best viewing spots change daily.) You'll also find colorful beaches—golden, green, gray, black and white—and even a beach that disappears seasonally (between Keauhou and Kona, it is claimed temporarily by the tide). The deep-sea fishing and snorkeling are both great, and in some places excellent.
The Big Island also boasts Mauna Kea (the world's tallest mountain, if you count the portion below the surface of the sea); numerous large cattle and horse ranches (the Parker Ranch is the largest ranch in Hawaii); and more gorgeous flowers than you can imagine—most of the orchids for the leis made in the state are grown there. All of this peace and nature means that nightlife and shopping are limited to a few areas. Most visitors, if they go to the Big Island at all, stay for only a few nights, although those captivated by the island's low-key charm could stay much longer.
Private Tour | Ultimate Circle Island Explorer from Kona
Travel south into Kona coffee country for the first stop at Bay View Farm, a working 23 acre coffee farm nestled on the slopes of Maua Loa Volcano just above beautiful Kealakekua Bay and known for the best Kona coffee since 1984. Here you’ll see coffee growing on the trees and learn about the various steps and processes in making coffee, all of which happen right here on the farm.
The adventure continues as you head through the South Kona and Ka’u Districts. Stunning views, alternating between stark lava flows and Hawaiian dry forest are visible through the huge picture windows of your tour vehicle. We stop briefly at picturesque Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Lined with swaying coconut palm trees, this is one of the best black sand beaches on the island.
Next travel to the crown jewel of Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visit the Kilauea Visitor’s Center, the Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook, and Steaming Bluffs. Take a walk through the famous Volcano House to view the smoking and steaming Kilauea Caldera. Dropping down into the lush eastern side of Kilauea Volcano and our next stop Big Island Candies where you will sample and explore Hawaii Islands best chocolate factory.
The last stop is the lookout in Waipio Valley, known as the Valley of Kings, is a place of impossibly steep cliffs carved by plunging waterfalls cascading more than a thousand feet to the valley floor below. Waipio Valley is still home to taro farmers as it has been for a thousand years. Look closely from the overlook and glimpses of the wild horses that roam the valley floor might be possible.
Private Tour | Ohana Kohala Waterfalls Adventure
Experience the Hawaiian beauty of the Kohala Waterfalls on this Kohala Waterfalls adventure tour. Drive along the Kona coastline and explore the areas where lava flows from Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and the Kohala Mountain. You'll also learn about Hawaii's countryside - a place of old sugar plantations, ancient legends and extraordinary natural beauty. Explore a private nature preserve as your interpretive guide brings you to explore streams, waterfalls and bridges. Soak in the amazing view from a private picnic area overlooking a remote valley. Easy walks, gorgeous countryside views and a chance to cool off in a mountain stream make the Kohala Waterfalls Adventure the ideal private family adventure in Hawaii!
Small Group Tour | Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure
This Kona whale watch departs from the Kailua-Kona area, in the direction of Waikoloa. As you scour the coastline in search of a spout, your captain will discuss everything from Hawaiian history to the island’s unique geology, all while scanning the cobalt horizon for signs of a breach or a splash. In winter, humpback whales travel here to these waters to mate and give birth to their young. The captain also serves as a naturalist and has a wealth of info on the whales, and also carries a hydrophone on board so you can hear the haunting and eerie song of whales singing underwater. In addition to pods of humpback whales, there’s also the chance you could see turtles, dolphins, manta rays or other marine life, and the Kona coast is also home to some lesser-known species of whales. Depending on where the whales are spotted, you’ll also have the chance to see coastal sea caves and small, volcanic lava tubes, and hear some tales about how the island is still continuing to grow. Since the boat only holds up to 16 passengers you’re guaranteed a personalized experience. Although the smaller Zodiac raft can be bouncy, and isn’t recommended for anyone pregnant or with back or neck problems, it's able to cut through the water without the stomach-churning rock. Many say it navigates the waters of the Kona coast better than any other style of boat.
Small Group Tour | Mauna Kea Arnott’s Adventures
Rainbow Falls - Visit Hilo's Rainbow Falls and monkeypod tree (Hilo departures only). If you're lucky you'll see Anuenue (rainbow). Onizuka Astronomy Complex - Visit exhibits in this cozy station and acclimate at the elevation of 9,000 feet/2743 meters before ascending to the summit of Mauna Kea. Stargaze with our local tour guide at night. Mauna Kea – Ascend to the summit of Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet/4205 meters to arrive above the clouds and watch the sunset (weather permitting). See international telescopes along the way on this sacred mountain.
Fairmont Orchid Hawai‘iloa Lū‘au
An evening at the beautiful Fairmont Orchid enjoying the elegance and beauty of the South Kohala Coast and the ambiance of the land area known as Kalahuipuaa. Steeped in tradition and history, Kalahuipuaa is known as a gathering place for Alii (royalty) and special visitors. An evening at the Hawaiiloa Luau is full of this same tradition of Hawaiian culture and hospitality. A hosted bar and a spectacular dinner offer the freshest and finest ingredients found in the islands.
There’s no better way to spend your Saturday evening than basking in beautiful hula performances that tell the story of the Hawaiian Islands while enjoying the scenic land area known as Kalāhuipuaʻa. Steeped in tradition and history, Kalāhuipuaʻa is known as a gathering place for aliʻi (royalty) and special visitors.
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