Four Seasons Hawaii: Comparing Maui, Hualalai, Lanai & Oahu
Four Seasons Hawaii: Comparing Maui, Hualalai, Lanai & Oahu
Which Island Paradise Is Right for Your Next Luxury Escape?
Hawaii is one of the world’s most sought-after luxury destinations—and for good reason. Each island brings its own blend of natural beauty, culture, adventure, and serenity. But when it comes to elevating your Hawaiian vacation to something truly exceptional, few brands compare to Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. With four iconic Hawaiian properties—Maui, Hualalai, Lanai, and Oahu—each delivers an entirely different experience, making the choice both exciting and challenging.
As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, we offer exclusive benefits such as resort credits, daily breakfast, VIP status, and priority upgrades that enhance every stay. In this guide, we’ll compare each property in detail—location, vibe, who it’s best for, dining, activities, and room categories—so you can choose the perfect Four Seasons for your next Hawaiian getaway.
Why Four Seasons Hawaii?
Four Seasons stands out in Hawaii for many reasons—personalized service, stunning architecture that honors local culture, world-class dining, curated activities, and immaculate accommodations. Guests consistently praise the feeling of effortless luxury, where every detail is anticipated and every itinerary is tailored.
No matter which island you choose, you’ll enjoy:
Signature Four Seasons service
Authentic cultural programming
Resort-style amenities and incredible pools
Elevated dining
Ideal beachfront or oceanfront locations
Exclusive experiences unique to each island
But each property offers a distinct flavor of Hawaii—adventurous, glamorous, refined, secluded, or family-forward. Let’s break them down.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Best For: Couples, luxury travelers, spa lovers, foodies, whale watchers (winter), beach lovers
Vibe: Polished, glamorous, iconic Maui luxury
Four Seasons Maui is the flagship of Hawaiian glamour—a sophisticated, beachfront playground in Wailea that consistently ranks among the world’s best resorts. Known for its stunning crescent beach, open-air lobby, elevated pool decks, and exceptional dining, this property blends modern luxury with a relaxed island flow.
Highlights
• Prime Wailea Beachfront Location
You’re steps from one of Maui’s best beaches with swimmable water, golden sand, and perfect sunsets.
• Adults-Only Serenity Pool
An Instagram favorite—this infinity pool has panoramic ocean views and impeccable service.
• Elite Dining Program
Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, Ferraro’s, and DUO Steak & Seafood offer some of the top dining on Maui.
• Spa & Wellness
One of Hawaii’s leading luxury spas; don’t miss the oceanfront couples’ massages.
• Whale Watching Capital
From December to April, you can spot migrating humpbacks right from the beach or your lanai.
Who Should Choose Four Seasons Maui
This is the ideal choice for travelers who want:
A lively but refined social scene
Walkability to restaurants and shopping
A world-class spa and culinary program
Effortless luxury with impeccable service
It’s also Four Seasons’ most upscale Hawaiian property—and excellent for celebrations, anniversaries, and honeymoons.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Best For: Families, golfers, multigenerational trips, wellness travelers
Vibe: Exclusive, residential, nature-centric
Located on the Kona-Kohala coast of the Big Island, Four Seasons Hualalai blends understated luxury with the island’s rugged lava landscapes, creating a one-of-a-kind setting. This resort is known for its extraordinary service, spacious rooms, and strong sense of place.
Highlights
• Championship Golf Course
The Jack Nicklaus-designed Hualalai Golf Course hosts celebrity tournaments and offers oceanfront holes that wow even seasoned golfers.
• King’s Pond
A massive, spring-fed aquarium pool where guests can swim with thousands of tropical fish—even manta rays.
• Multi-Pool Paradise
Seven pools including a family-friendly pool, adult pool, oceanfront saltwater pool, and the iconic Palm Grove Pool.
• Cultural Programming
An expanded Ka‘ūpūlehu Cultural Center lets guests experience ancient Hawaiian traditions, crafts, and storytelling.
• Residential-Style Suites & Villas
Perfect for extended stays or families wanting privacy and space.
Who Should Choose Hualalai
Choose Hualalai if you’re looking for:
The best service of any Four Seasons Hawaii property
Excellent family amenities
Superb golf
The most spacious rooms and suites
A luxurious, peaceful atmosphere
Hualalai offers a quiet, polished luxury—less flashy than Maui and more residential.
Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Best For: Honeymoons, couples, privacy seekers, ultra-luxury travelers
Vibe: Exclusive, secluded, sophisticated, privately-owned island escape
Lanai is unlike any other Hawaiian destination—quiet, exclusive, and drenched in natural beauty. The resort sits on a cliffside above Hulopoʻe Bay, offering sweeping ocean views, a private-island feel, and a genuinely intimate experience.
Highlights
• True Seclusion
Only 3,000 residents live on Lanai. There are no large crowds, no chaos, and no urban landscape—just serene coastline, hiking trails, and island charm.
• Adults-Oriented Luxury
While family-friendly, the resort has an unmistakable honeymoon and couples vibe.
• Nobu Lanai
Oceanfront Nobu—this alone is a reason many guests choose Lanai.
• Championship Golf with Unreal Views
The Manele Golf Course is carved into cliffs with sweeping ocean vistas.
• Unique Island Adventures
Off-roading through the red-dirt roads
Snorkeling in protected marine sanctuaries
Sailing and whale watching
Horseback riding
Private beaches and hidden lookouts
Who Should Choose Four Seasons Lanai
Lanai is for travelers who want:
Ultimate privacy and exclusivity
Romantic settings
Unique eco-adventures
Ultra-luxury service
A private-island atmosphere
This is one of Hawaii’s most luxurious resorts and a dream honeymoon destination.
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
Best For: Families, beach lovers, active travelers, resort-style vacations
Vibe: Modern, social, energetic, family-friendly luxury
Just 30 minutes from Honolulu, Four Seasons Oahu offers the best of both worlds: resort serenity in Ko Olina and proximity to Oahu’s vibrant culture, shopping, and dining.
Highlights
• Ideal Lagoon Setting
A calm, swimmable lagoon perfect for families and water activities.
• Cultural Experiences
From hula workshops to outrigger canoeing, the resort’s cultural program is exceptional.
• Five Restaurants and Bars
Including Mina’s Fish House, Noe, and the popular La Hiki.
• Adult Pool + Family Pool Zones
Perfect for travelers wanting both relaxation and family fun.
• Easy Access to Excursions
Pearl Harbor
Kualoa Ranch
Waikiki
North Shore surf culture
Who Should Choose Oahu
Pick Four Seasons Oahu if you want:
A balanced itinerary of relaxation + adventure
Easy access to cultural sites
A family-friendly resort with luxurious comforts
Lagoon beaches ideal for kids
Oahu offers the most activities of all islands and is perfect for first-timers.
Comparing the Four Seasons Hawaii Properties
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you choose.
1. Overall Vibe
Maui: Glamorous, social, sophisticated
Hualalai: Natural, serene, ultra-high service
Lanai: Exclusive, secluded, private
Oahu: Active, family-friendly
2. Best for Couples / Honeymoons
Lanai
Maui (especially the Serenity Pool)
3. Best for Families
Hualalai
Oahu
4. Best Beaches
Maui – Wailea Beach
Oahu – Ko Olina Lagoon
5. Best for Golfers
Hualalai
Lanai
6. Best Spa Experiences
Maui
Hualalai
7. Best for Adventure & Activities
Lanai
Oahu
8. Most Exclusive Experience
Lanai
Hualalai
Which Four Seasons Hawaii Should YOU Choose?
If you’re still undecided, here’s a quick guide:
Choose Four Seasons Maui if…
You want classic, glamorous Hawaiian luxury, excellent dining, and a beautiful beach with lots of activity options.
Choose Four Seasons Hualalai if…
You want top-tier service, exceptional golf, spacious accommodations, and a peaceful, nature-forward atmosphere.
Choose Four Seasons Lanai if…
You want privacy, seclusion, romance, and a luxurious private-island feel with exclusive experiences.
Choose Four Seasons Oahu if…
You want an activity-heavy itinerary, cultural excursions, and a family-friendly lagoon setting.
Why Book Through a Four Seasons Preferred Partner
As a Preferred Partner advisor, we extend exclusive benefits that enhance every stay—at no additional cost.
Preferred Partner Benefits Include:
Daily breakfast for two
Resort credit for dining, spa, or activities
Priority upgrades (based on availability)
VIP welcome
Personalized pre-arrival planning
Early check-in / late checkout when available
These perks apply on top of Four Seasons' best available rates, and they guarantee that your reservation receives the highest level of attention.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Four Seasons Maui, Hualalai, Lanai, and Oahu is less about which resort is “best” and more about which experience aligns with your travel goals. Whether you’re seeking romance, family bonding, adventure, or pure serenity, each property delivers the refined luxury Four Seasons is known for—combined with the magic of Hawaii’s diverse landscapes and culture.
As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, I can guide you to the perfect resort, secure the best accommodations, and unlock VIP perks that elevate every moment of your stay.
