We just got back from a trip to our favorite resort, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the island Hawaii and it was one of the best vacations we’ve had. We first went to the resort last year, but since we were island hopping, we only got to spend a couple of nights there. Out of all the islands we visited (Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii), the island of Hawaii was the one island that we both said we had to come back and spend more time at sooner rather than later. We thought it’d be years before we came back, but we were both craving a beach vacation and we decided on a whim to go back to the island of Hawaii. When I say we decided on a whim, I mean we booked the week of! Luckily, they were able to accommodate us and we were able to find great flights on Alaska Air.
We booked this trip with the intention of having a little getaway before the busy fall season kicked off and I can’t think of a better place to unwind. Last time we were there, we thought Four Seasons Resort Hualalai might just be our new favorite place to vacation, but after a second time there, I can say without a doubt that it is. We ended up staying at the resort for our entire trip and we really didn’t feel like we were missing anything. The island of Hawaii is where the volcano is erupting, but you’d never know it from where we stayed. The volcano that is erupting is called Kilauea, 100 miles from the Resort and it’s the most active volcano in the world (it’s been erupting for the past 35 years). The weather was actually better than the last time we were there and the sunrises and sunsets were even more magical. We didn’t intend to, but after getting up for sunrise the first day we were there, we decided to get up every morning for the sunrise because we didn’t want to miss it.
Outfit Details: Majorelle Floral Top (wearing an XXS) // Levi’s Denim (similar here) // Madewell Sandals // Cult Gaia Bag
Our room overlooked King’s Pond – which is basically a large aquarium (1.8 million gallons of water) with over 4,000 fish in it including a spotted eagle ray named Kainalu. We had so much fun snorkeling in it last time we were there and we ended up snorkeling in it every day while were there this time. Surrounding the pond is all of this beautiful lava rock.
Outfit Details: Rococo Sand Floral Dress (wearing an XS, budget version here and here) // Rag & Bone Hat (budget version here) // Schutz Heels (runs TTS, better for budget here) // Mar Y Sol Handbag // Stila Lip Gloss (in ‘Bacca’ shade)
My favorite meal of the day is breakfast and the breakfast buffet at ‘ULU Ocean Grill at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai did not disappoint. I forgot how amazing it was! Since we got up so early every day the restaurant was mostly empty and we always got a table right on the boardwalk overlooking the ocean. There’s no better way to start the day!
Outfit Details: Hello Molly Romper (wearing an XS, also love this one and this one) // Schutz Heels (runs TTS, better for budget here) // Saint Laurent Bag
How fun is this pink embellished romper? It’s super affordable and perfect for tropical evenings.
Outfit Details: For Love & Lemons White Lace Dress (wearing an XS, better for budget here and here) // Cult Gaia Bag // Rag & Bone Panama Hat (budget version here) // J. Crew Earrings (similar here) // Steven White Sandals (run TTS)
I loved getting dressed up for dinner every night. It was an opportunity to pull out some of my favorite pieces from my summer wardrobe again – like this lace dress.
Outfit Details: Everything But Water Swimsuit (wearing a size 2) // Mar Y Sol Pom Pom Bag // Hello Molly Hair Scarf (under $20) // Hello Molly Layered Coin Necklace (under $20) // Quay Sunglasses
We spent most days hopping from the pools to the ocean which are just steps away from each other. As much as I love the ocean, it was so relaxing to sit poolside and order cocktails and food. Phil and I were obsessed with the signature drink – the Lava Flow (pictured). It was the best tropical drink I’ve ever had!
Outfit Details: Majorelle Floral Top (wearing an XXS) // Levi’s Denim (similar here) // Madewell Sandals // Cult Gaia Bag
When you first check into the hotel, you are greeted with a Mai Tai drink and a lei – the perfect Aloha!
Outfit Details: Tularosa Bikini Top (wearing a medium – size up) // Tularosa Bikini Bottom (wearing an XS – runs TTS) // Gorjana Crescent Necklace
Hakus by Ki also made this traditional Haku for me. It was stunning! I can’t believe the craftsmanship that went into it.
Outfit Details: Rococo Sand Floral Dress (wearing an XS, budget version here and here) // Rag & Bone Hat (budget version here) // Schutz Heels (runs TTS, better for budget here) // Mar Y Sol Handbag // Stila Lip Gloss (in ‘Bacca’ shade)
This is one of my favorite outfits that I brought on the trip. I tried to pack as many floral print pieces as I could because I figured this trip was one of the last opportunities to wear them before summer ends.
Outfit Details: Hello Molly Rose Gold Dress (wearing an XS, also love this one and this one) // Schutz Heels (run TTS) // Saint Laurent Sunset Bag
I love this affordable statement dress. It just lit up in the sunset.
Outfit Details: For Love & Lemons White Lace Dress (wearing an XS, better for budget here and here) // Cult Gaia Bag // Rag & Bone Panama Hat (budget version here) // J. Crew Earrings (similar here) // Steven White Sandals (run TTS)
This outfit screams resort wear to me. White is always so chic and classic.
The spa was unlike any spa I’ve ever been to. It’s a very zen experience with traditional hales as massage rooms and a lush tropical garden surrounding the entire spa. Phil and I got a couple’s massage which was so relaxing. Afterward we were escorted to the Waiea garden – which features a stream that you can walk through for a reflexology experience. It was so refreshing and relaxing.
Outfit Details: Rag & Bone Panama Hat // Vitamin K Rose Gold Bikini Top (wearing an S or 6) // Vitamin K Rose Gold Bikini Bottoms (wearing an XS or 4)
When I was shopping for new swimsuits for the trip, I fell in love with this rose gold bikini. It’s so beautiful in person and I love the fit. I also own it in blue.
Outfit Details: H:OURS Pink Dress (wearing an XXS, better for budget here) // Schutz Heels (run TTS) // Saint Laurent Sunset Bag
This trip was honestly one of our best yet. Aside from our honeymoon which was special in its own right, we haven’t really taken any trips that are quite this relaxing. We honeymooned in Bora Bora (which was a dream), but we both agreed that we actually found this resort and island to be more magical. The pink skies are unlike anywhere else in the world. I’ve always thought Hawaii sunsets were magical, but seeing them again just makes me appreciate them more. Every sunrise and sunset was different, yet so beautiful.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is easily the best property that we’ve ever stayed at. The food is amazing, the staff are so accommodating and there is always something happening on the resort. We listened to some of the best music (one performer sounded just like Brian McKnight) and had a chance to experience a taste of the local culture with hula dancers performing and even a luau taking place one night. Besides having amazing grounds that kept us busy each day, the restaurants are some of the best in the world. From a local Kanpachi dish (which we’ve been craving since we last had it a year ago) to homemade spaghetti that was out of this world, I can’t wait to go back just to eat!
If you’re looking for a place to honeymoon, celebrate a special occasion or just unwind, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the place to go. You won’t regret it.
Outfit Details: Yumi Kim Dress (wearing an XS, better for budget here) // Cult Gaia Bag // Schutz Heels // Stila Lip Color (in shade ‘Bacca’) // Shashi Necklace
xo, Maria
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