Hale Hualalai

Hale Hualalai Overview

You know what caught me off guard about Hale Hualalai? It’s technically a 3-star place, but honestly, it feels like they just don’t care about those arbitrary rating systems – this spot punches way above its weight class. I mean, when you’re pulling a 9.7 rating, you’re clearly doing something right that the star counters missed.

The first thing that hits you when you walk in is how genuinely local it feels. Not in that forced, touristy “authentic Hawaiian experience” way that makes you cringe, but actually authentic. The staff here – they’re not just going through hospitality motions, they actually seem to know the island and care about whether you have a good time. I had this long conversation with someone at the front desk about the best time to hit the farmer’s markets (apparently Thursday mornings are where it’s at), and it felt like talking to a neighbor, not a hotel employee reading from a script.

What really sets this place apart is the attention to those little details that actually matter when you’re traveling. The rooms are clean in that deep-clean way where you can tell someone actually cares, not just surface-level housekeeping. The beds are comfortable enough that you don’t spend your first night tossing around trying to get used to hotel pillows. And here’s something I loved – the place is quiet. Like, properly quiet. You’re not dealing with ice machines clanking at 2 AM or hearing every conversation in the hallway. For a 3-star property, that kind of peaceful sleep situation is honestly pretty rare.

The location works really well too, though you’ll want a car to get around properly – but that’s just Big Island life, really. You’re positioned where you can actually experience the island without being stuck in one of those resort bubbles where everything costs three times what it should. There’s this great little coffee spot about ten minutes away that locals actually go to, and you’re close enough to both the touristy stuff and the real Hawaii that you can balance your trip however you want. Check-in was smooth, parking’s not a hassle, and they genuinely seem happy to help with recommendations that go beyond the obvious tourist traps. Sometimes you find these places that just get it right without making a big show of it – Hale Hualalai is definitely one of those.

Hale Hualalai Accommodations

Reviews of Hale Hualalai

• Colin from Canada (10/10)

  Finding Hale Hualalai for our last two days on the big island was a stroke of luck. The facility is tucked away off a mountain road surrounded by coffee plantations and endowed with a panoramic view. It was a distinct pleasure to have conversations with Ricky, who is an excellent host and cook. We particularly enjoyed eating his delicious breakfasts while gazing out at the beautiful view and watching the hilarious antics of the geckos. Ricky is also a great source of information about the island and Hawaii in general. The location is great for coffee tasting. (Be careful about getting over caffeinated and driving on the winding mountain roads!). We initially chose to stay at Hale Hualalai because of proximity to the airport, which is only 15 minutes away by car.

• Helena from Italy (10/10)

  We had an amazing stay and highly recommend this place! The host was incredibly kind and attentive from the very beginning, making us feel right at home. Every morning, he prepared delicious breakfasts for us, and the experience was made even more special by the stunning views.
  
  We enjoyed our meals surrounded by his beautiful plants, with a view of his cow and the chickens that provided the fresh eggs we ate. It was such a unique and wonderful experience! The place itself is charming, and the host’s hospitality truly made our stay unforgettable. If you’re looking for a relaxing and memorable getaway, this is the perfect choice!

• Katherine from United States (10/10)

  The accommodations were spacious, clean and provided amazing views. We loved being in the county and listening to the birds and animals.

• Luyao from United States (10/10)

  Very friendly host and spacious room with private balcony. Beautiful sunset view from the balcony. You can not miss the delicious farm to table breakfast prepared by the hosts. Every morning, we enjoyed eating breakfast overlooking the bay and the hosts' farm.

• Paul from United States (10/10)

  Property exceeded expectations and photos from the listing. Stunning location and sunset views over the ocean. Ricky is also such a fantastic host, he spent time to chat with us after making a fantastic breakfast each day. Breakfast was a highlight with ingredients from his own farm on the property, served with a view out over the ocean. Truly a special experience and couldn't recommend enough!

• Dave from United States (9/10)

  Owners were fabulous and welcoming. Very helpful with info about the island. The breakfast was fresh and healthy. The room was spacious with a great view from the hill towards the coastline and Kona. Close proximity to everything. You did not need air conditioning, and it was not available because you were in the perfect elevation to have great days and evenings for the temperature.

• Nadia from United States (10/10)

  It's a very comfortable space, with fantastic views of the coast and sunsets. The breakfast was delicious, but too plentiful for us to have every day. Ricky is a great host, and we loved having a long, wide-ranging conversation with him one morning before heading out for the day. The farm-surrounded location really put us back in touch with nature.

• Ryan from United States (9/10)

  All was as advertised.

• Madison from United States (10/10)

  I loved the location for the beautiful views and being surrounded by nature! It was a great change in environment since I’ve been around lots of city noise in my prior stay. Not only a great location for the views but for the nice cool temperatures at night, which made for a comfortable nights rest.

• Alice from France (10/10)

  We had a great stay. The room was spacious and comfy. Ricky was really nice and helpful about what to do on the island.
  Best breakfast we've ever had.

Surroundings

Facilities