The Fairmont Orchid has honestly become an annual tradition for me, and at this point I don't see…read morethat changing anytime soon.
The resort itself is absolutely stunning. It feels like full luxury from the moment you arrive. As soon as you walk into the open air lobby, you can see straight through the entire property, the pool, the palm trees, and the ocean views all lined up in front of you. That first impression really sets the tone and is one of the standout features of the resort.
Another major highlight is the private lagoon beach. It is calm, swimmable, and perfect for all ages. They provide complimentary snorkel gear, and you will almost always see sea turtles in the water, which makes it feel like a true Hawaii experience. Poolside service is also great, with drinks and snacks available, and there is even a taco truck that is perfect for kids or a quick casual bite during the day.
Located on the Kohala Coast, the views are some of the best in all of Hawaii. Whether it is sunrise walks or sunsets by the water, the setting alone keeps me coming back year after year.
The rooms are clean, comfortable, and well done. Not overly flashy, but they do not need to be because the environment does most of the work. The resort layout flows really nicely, from the open air lobby to the oceanfront paths.
Dining is a big plus here. Brown's Beach House is the main restaurant and definitely a highlight, great food, right on the water, and an amazing sunset vibe. For breakfast, Orchid Court has a daily buffet that is consistently solid and easy. There are also a few other options on property, so you are not limited.
Amenities are strong across the board. The gym is 24/7, which is a big plus. The spa is great and adds to the overall experience. If I remember correctly, even the pool runs 24/7, which is rare and makes late night swims a nice option.
What really stands out is the value. It is definitely on the higher end price wise, but still not as expensive as places like the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. If you time it right, Costco Travel sometimes has great deals, like pay for four nights and get the fifth night free packages that can also waive resort fees, and provide some additional resort credit.
I have so many great memories here, which is a big reason why I keep coming back.
The only downside is that in recent years they have started charging for parking, which feels unnecessary at this level.
Overall, I love this place. The setting, the consistency, and the overall vibe make it somewhere I look forward to returning to every year. Easily five stars for me because of the memories, although the parking would probably bring it down closer to a 4.5.
Overall one of the best resorts in Hawaii, just keep in mind about the resort fees and parking!