The Resort Lifestyle – South Kohala Big Island

Seventeenth in a series

Hawaii’s newest resort-residential community with one of the world’s most acclaimed hotels as its centerpiece, Hualalai is defined by luxury, privacy, harmony with the unique environment, and a strong focus on the historic features of the South Kohala site.

The Four Seasons Hualalai and the 865-acre masterplanned community set their official opening date as 1996, and, in 2016, celebrate 20 years of success in attracting upscale visitors and home buyers. Located on the coast at the base of Hualalai mountain, the resort was developed on the remains of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. Belt Collins & Associates, credited with creating the masterplan for several of Hawaii’s most successful resort destinations, discovered numerous signifi-cant historic sites on the property, including saltwater pools and an ancient Hawaiian shoreline trail, which have been restored and emphasized as an attraction. The developer, Kaupulehu Makai Venture, added the Kaupulehu Cultural Center, which offers educational programs on Hawaiian culture recognized by the Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau with its prestigious Kahili Award.

Numerous and varied opportunities for outdoor recreation are among the attractions that have contributed to the success of Hualalai, not the least of these the resort’s two top-rated golf courses. The Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, hosts the annual Mitsubishi Electric at Hualalai Champions Tour, and is available for hotel guest and member play. The private members-only Keolu golf course is a Tom Weiskopf design. Together they have elevated Hualalai to the status of one of the nation’s elite golf resorts.

Purchasers of real estate at Hualalai have the opportunity to join The Hualalai Club. Membership offers access to the amenities at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, including the award-winning Hualalai Sports Club and Spa with a variety of fitness and wellness programs, the Tennis Club with seven courts and instruction by top tennis pros, five restaurants, four swimming pools, and Alakai Nalu ocean activities. In addition, residents have a private golf course, the Keolu clubhouse with restaurant, workout facility and pool, and the Canoe Club, a beach club with restaurant and pool.

According to Hualalai Realty Principal Broker Rob Kildow, development of for-sale properties at the resort continues. “We currently have 145 single family dwellings and 190 villas completed and sold. We just released the first six of 12 custom lots that will be the last of the golf course-fronting, oceanview lots at Hualalai. The current inventory of available villas ranges from $1,415,000 for a two bedroom unit to $3,000,000 for a three bedroom. Single family homes range from $4,250,000 to $30,000,000.

“Our membership is comprised of people from 27 states and six countries. I think we can attribute Hualalai’s success to a combination of amazing year-round weather, an unequaled amenity package, activities for the entire family, and its true sense of place. There’s nothing like it.”

Currently available at Hualalai is a luxurious residence designed and furnished by Long & Associates AIA, an award-winning firm known for high-end custom homes throughout Hawaii. Situated on a 1.4-acre landscaped lot overlooking the resort and ocean, the home is a spacious 4,243 square feet augmented by a 577 square foot lanai and 786 square foot garage area. Designed with an open floor plan that flows out to the swimming pool and gardens, it incorporates features such as grand ceilings and cornerless, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that bring in natural light. In addition to four bedrooms and four baths, the home includes a large kitchen with a wine closet and butler’s pantry. Three lushly landscaped, lava rock outdoor shower gardens contribute to the oasis-like ambiance. Conceptual plans are available for the addition of a detached guest house on the property. The home is priced at $5,250,000 and shown by appointment with Hualalai Realty.