Overview

Located on the Big Island's sun-drenched Kohala Coast, Fairmont Orchid is an oceanfront haven where volcanic landscapes meet soft white sands. Couples are drawn here for its relaxed glamour — mornings spent snorkeling in the calm Pauoa Bay, afternoons on the fairway, and spa evenings beneath the palms.

  • Best time to visit: December through May for sunny skies and whale-watching season.
  • What to pack: Resort-casual attire, golf-friendly polos, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and a light jacket for breezy nights.

Where to Stay

The resort's 540 rooms and suites are spacious, airy, and infused with tropical textures — koa wood, coral stone, and wide lanais framing the Pacific. Couples can opt for Oceanfront Rooms with panoramic views or upgrade to the Fairmont Gold Experience for personalized concierge service, daily breakfast, and sunset hors d'oeuvres in a private lounge. For honeymoon-level privacy, the Executive Suites come with large lanais and deep soaking tubs made for two.

Golf

Just minutes away lies the acclaimed Mauna Lani Golf complex, featuring two championship courses — the North Course, with its rolling fairways through kiawe forests, and the South Course, home to the famous over-water 15th hole that ranks among Hawaii's most photographed. Both players and spectators are treated to sweeping ocean views, black-lava backdrops, and the gentle hum of trade winds. Golfers can enjoy early tee times while partners relax at the spa, or plan a shared twilight round when the sky glows gold.

Day Spa

The Spa Without Walls is one of Hawaii's most unique sanctuaries — open-air treatment cabanas set beside waterfalls and ocean breezes. Couples can book the Lomi Lomi Massage, a traditional Hawaiian healing ritual, or the Island Journey for a full-body renewal with volcanic stones and tropical oils. Between treatments, guests float through garden paths or dip into the oceanfront whirlpools — it's relaxation woven right into the island's heartbeat.

Dining

Dining at Fairmont Orchid celebrates Hawaii's natural bounty. Brown's Beach House offers fine dining with toes-in-the-sand elegance — perfect for sunset dinners with local seafood and live Hawaiian music. Hale Kai delivers casual oceanfront lunches and island cocktails, while Binchotan: Bar & Grill brings Japanese robata-style cuisine to the islands. Start your mornings with Kona coffee and tropical fruit under palm-shaded terraces, and end your evenings with champagne by torchlight.

Nearby Attractions & Activities

The Big Island's diversity means adventure is always close. Whether you crave cultural immersion, ocean thrills, or tranquil exploration, there's something for every couple:

  • Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve: A glimpse into Hawaii's past with over 3,000 lava-etched carvings, just a short walk from the resort.
  • Waipiʻo Valley: Lush green cliffs, black-sand beaches, and hidden waterfalls — ideal for a guided hike or scenic helicopter tour.
  • Night Manta Ray Snorkel: Experience the surreal beauty of gliding alongside giant mantas under the moonlight.
  • Kona Coffee Belt: Visit local farms for tastings and learn the island's coffee-growing story.
  • Hapuna Beach: One of Hawaii's most beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming and picnicking nearby.

Why It Works for Couples

  • Balance of leisure and adventure: Golf, spa, snorkeling, and sunsets all in one place.
  • Romantic setting: Palm-lined lagoons, private cabanas, and starlit dinners.
  • Authentically Hawaiian: From local music to island-inspired wellness traditions.
  • Seamless luxury: Every detail — from turn-down treats to beach service — feels effortless and intimate.
  • Endless variety: Couples can golf together, unwind separately, or explore hand in hand — no compromises, just connection.