As Hawai’i’s famed King Kamehameha grew up along the Big Island’s Kohala Coast two centuries ago, he scarcely could have imagined the incredible transformation that was to grace the Kalahuipua'a region. But he likely wouldn’t have objected to the results either. The Fairmont Orchid Resort has established a retreat that would please even the most demanding Hawaiian monarch, let alone today’s travel connoisseurs.

To share the story of the resort’s achievements and its never-ending quest for cutting-edge Ali’i luxury, Hawaiian Style and the Fairmont Orchid are pleased to partner on a special two-issue feature.

As part of this undertaking, we are also offering readers the chance to win a regal vacation for two at the Fairmont Orchid including five nights in a deluxe ocean view room with daily breakfasts and a spectacular dinner at the Orchid’s weekly Polynesian feast and performance known as the "Gathering of the Kings." The getaway also includes two 50-minute lomi lomi massage treatments and a deluxe Big Island adventure with Hawaii Forest and Trail.

In our next issue we’ll elaborate on this exquisite resort with historical background, descriptive detail, and perspectives from the professionals who designed and built the property. We’ll also reveal insights on the resort’s current and future offerings by general manager Ian Pullan and other key staff members.

For now, however, here’s a brief glimpse behind the scenes of one of the world’s great resorts. Designed in the late 1980s by architects Wimberly, Allison, Tong and Goo, the Orchid was officially unveiled on December 15, 1990. It immediately began pampering guests with its 32 acres of oceanfront splendor and 540 elegant guestrooms, each with Island-inspired furnishings, marble bathroom and private, spacious länai.

In 1996, The Orchid received $13 million in improvements and renovations and became part of the Fairmont family, joining 54 other distinctive properties including iconic resorts like The Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Monte Carlo and New York's The Plaza. 

Today the resort handily earns its AAA Four Diamond rating, with a 10,000-square-foot freeform pool, 24-hour fitness center, championship golf courses, tennis courts, boutique shopping and an inspired “Spa Without Walls.” It also boasts a bevy of restaurants and bars where the Orchid’s culinary team draws from abundant local seafood and produce to conjure up fresh, authentic and innovative Big Island cuisine.

Whether starting the day at the Orchid Court’s extensive breakfast buffet; afternoon noshing with the family at the Ocean Bar Restaurant; dipping into sushi at Norio’s Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar; or enjoying the perfect ocean-side sunset at award winning Brown’s Beach House, guests of all tastes can meet their match. And for luxury liquidity, the Orchid offers thirst-slakers venues like the Kahakai Bar on the beach and the Luana Lounge, located next to the lobby.

New embellishments continue to grace the resort, as our next full feature on the splendid Fairmont Orchid (coming in the January 2009 issue). If King Kamehameha magically returned to his Kohala Coast birthplace today, he might not recognize his childhood grounds -- but he certainly would have no problem adopting the luxurious lifestyle that now makes every visitor feel like Hawaiian royalty.

The Fairmont Orchid
1 North Kaniku Drive
Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawaii
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web Site: www.fairmont.com
Phone: (808) 885-2000
Fairmont Reservations: (800) 257-7544