From Sunrise to Sunset: A Perfect Day of Activities at Four Seasons Hualalai

At the Four Seasons Hualalai, time seems to move differently. Days are shaped not by urgency, but by opportunity—opportunity to explore, unwind, and truly connect with the beauty of Hawai‘i. Whether you’re staying for the week or considering a long-term investment in the community, getting to know the daily rhythm of Hualalai and its activities is the best way to understand what makes life here so exceptional.

There’s nothing quite like an early morning paddle on the Kona Coast. At Hualalai, the day often begins at the Canoe Club, where members and guests can join an outrigger canoe excursion just as the sun begins to rise over Hualālai volcano. The water is glassy, the winds are calm, and the only sounds are your paddle dipping into the Pacific and seabirds overhead.

If you prefer to ease into the morning, head to 'Ulu Ocean Grill—the view is unbeatable, and the breakfast buffet offers everything from fresh island fruit to house-made granola with Big Island honey, all paired perfectly with a cup of Kona-grown coffee that might just become your new morning ritual. Many residents and guests also take part in beachside yoga near Kumukea Beach, where the sunrise shines through palms, and the session ends with a few quiet moments listening to the waves.

By 9 or 10 a.m., Hualalai begins to buzz—but never loudly. The Hualalai Sports Club offers a full schedule of fitness classes, from high-intensity interval training to barre and mat Pilates, many led by top-tier instructors who work with professional athletes and weekend warriors alike. The club also includes a lap pool, open-air strength-training pavilion, and tennis/pickleball courts.

For those drawn to nature, a guided walk through the Ka‘ūpūlehu Dryland Forest—located just mauka (mountain-side) of the resort—is a fascinating experience. The area is home to dozens of native species, and the tour highlights the resort’s efforts to restore and preserve this rare ecosystem.

One of the most unique Hualalai activities is snorkeling in King’s Pond, a 1.8-million-gallon swimmable aquarium carved into the lava rock and filled with over 1,000 tropical fish and a spotted eagle ray named Kainoa. With natural sunlight filtering through the surface and an underwater viewing window carved into the rock, it’s unlike anything else you’ll find on the island.

Lunch at Beach Tree Restaurant is relaxed but refined. Located directly on the sand, it offers dishes like grilled Mahi Mahi tacos, super green salad, and thin-crust pizzas fresh from the brick oven. Pair it with a chilled glass of rosé or a lychee lemonade and enjoy the breeze coming in off the ocean.

Afterward, claim a lounger under a thatched umbrella at the Beach Tree Pool, or for a quieter scene, retreat to the Palm Grove Pool, which is adults-only and features in-water loungers and poolside service. If you’re feeling active, pick up a stand-up paddleboard and cruise the shoreline just off Kukio Bay—or borrow one of the resort’s electric bikes and explore the coastal pathways that run through the resort’s 865 acres.

For families, the Kids For All Seasons program offers half-day and full-day sessions that include Hawaiian storytelling, tide pool exploration, and ukulele lessons, making it easy for parents to enjoy some downtime or a round of golf.

Late afternoon is the perfect time to visit the Hualalai Spa. Choose from a full menu of services, including the signature Lomi Lomi massage, which uses rhythmic, flowing motions passed down through generations of Hawaiian healers. The spa also features outdoor garden showers, a lap pool, and a “remedy bar” where you can create your own scrubs and oils with local ingredients like kukui nut oil, hibiscus, and volcanic salt.

For those inclined toward the green, the Hualalai Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus signature design, offers 18 holes of oceanfront golf—one of the few places where you can tee off surrounded by black lava fields and finish with a view of whales breaching offshore (in season). The 17th hole, set directly against the water, is a favorite among both amateurs and PGA pros.

Cultural programming is also a strong part of late-day life at Hualalai. At the Ka‘ūpūlehu Cultural Center, guests and members can take part in lei-making, hula dancing, or Hawaiian language sessions. These experiences offer meaningful connection to the culture and history of the island—something that deeply enriches the Hualalai lifestyle.

As the sun begins its descent, there's no better place to take it all in than NOIO, the resort’s new omakase and sushi lounge overlooking the Pacific. Featuring freshly caught fish and a curated selection of sake, it offers an elevated yet relaxed setting for sunset dining. With views of the ocean framed by swaying palms and the sky glowing in shades of orange and pink, it’s a memorable way to wind down the day in true Hualalai style.

After dinner, you might head to the bar for a handcrafted nightcap or stroll back to your private residence to savor a glass of wine from your lanai. Whether you’re surrounded by quiet breezes at home or enjoying the last glow of the evening from the resort, the transition into night feels easy, elevated by the calm, luxurious rhythm that defines Four Seasons Hualalai.

What makes Hualalai’s activities so special isn’t just their variety—it’s how thoughtfully they reflect the spirit of Hawai‘i. Whether you’re enjoying an early-morning paddle, an afternoon at the spa, or an evening filled with music and sunset views, each experience is carefully designed to blend comfort, culture, and nature.

There’s a reason Hualalai has become one of the most sought-after resort communities in the world. It’s not just about the amenities—it’s about how every moment, from sunrise to sunset, feels effortless and enriching.

If you’ve ever imagined waking up to canoe paddles at dawn or spending your afternoons snorkeling in King’s Pond, it might be time to turn that vision into your reality. Frank and Nic of Schenk Properties are resort property specialists with deep expertise in Hualalai real estate, offering personalized guidance on homes and villas that embody this lifestyle. With their local knowledge and strong connections within the community, they’ll help you find a property that aligns with your pace, your priorities, and your love for the island.