This resort in Hawaii takes the marine experience up a notch

For a lot of people, traveling to Hawaii is as much about experiencing nature as it is relaxing on the beach and drinking a Mai Tai. And there are more than a few ways to experience wildlife there, mostly in the ocean.

But the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai has found a way to take this whole concept to another level thanks to an on-site 1.8-million-gallon swimmable aquarium. And that is something you absolutely need to check out on your next Hawaiian vacation.

Hualalai in Hawaii

Saying there are a lot of resorts across the Hawaiian Islands is an understatement of Olympic-level proportions. Yet, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai certainly manages to stand out among them for some incredible reasons.

Located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, Hualalai is surrounded by black-lava landscapes as well as contrasting white sand beaches. The Pacific Ocean is right on your doorstep, with numerous opportunities to get out and enjoy it.

Like most resorts, Hualalai has a variety of stunning rooms, suites, and more. And there are several in-house dining experiences to try out. But that’s not what makes this place stand out. No, that swimmable aquarium is something special.

Spending time in King’s Pond

Without question, King’s Pond is the signature experience of Hualalai and is unique in Hawaii. As previously mentioned, it’s quite impressive at a size of 1.8-million-gallons. Even more impressive are the 4000 tropical fish in it from a diverse range of species.

The resort has on-site marine biologists who care for the aquarium as well as develop and implement a wide array of educational programming opportunities. It is a place to have fun while secretly learning, all on your vacation.

King’s Pond has gone through a rather extensive revamp. It now has features like a lounge deck, an elevated swimming pool, and the Marine Activity Center. Plus, the ocean is also literally right there, meaning you can enjoy it at the same time.

Stepping out from Hualalai

Part of the appeal of Hualalai is the fact that it’s in Kailua-Kona, which is on the drier west side of the Big Island. This is a prime tourist destination since the weather is almost always fantastic and the ocean is calmer there.

Going on a night swim tour to check out feeding Manta Rays is highly recommended. Captain Cook /Kealakekua Bay is also a popular destination. On top of that, nearby Honua’ula Forest Reserve is certainly worth a visit, not to mention the fun shopping and dining options in town.

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a unique and memorable experience for families as well as anyone who enjoys viewing marine life. If you’re planning a trip to the Big Island, this is a spot to definitely keep in mind.