Planning Your Fairmont Orchid Stay: Everything You Need to Know
If you are interested in booking at one of our favorite hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii, you came to the right place! This is our quick planning guide to help make the most of your stay at the Fairmont Orchid.
Still considering and want a full review of our experience and take on the Fairmont Orchid? Check out our full spotlight guide where we break down why we like the Fairmont Orchid, what we would do differently, and what type of travelers should book this resort.
Booking Strategy:
The Fairmont Orchid can be booked through several channels, and choosing wisely can significantly impact your experience and cost.
Booking.com: Generally offers competitive rates with their loyalty program benefits (Genius discounts, free cancellation options). We've found good deals here, particularly during non-peak seasons.
Third-Party Travel Sites (Expedia, Hotels.com, etc.): Sometimes feature package deals combining flights and hotel, which can save money if booking both. Check out Hotels.com or Expedia to find deals.
Credit Card Travel Portals: This is where things get interesting for points enthusiasts.
The American Express Platinum Card Advantage
We typically book the Fairmont Orchid using our American Express Platinum Card through their travel portal (specifically Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program), and the additional perks genuinely elevate the experience:
Room upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability): we've been upgraded from a standard room to a partial ocean view room twice.
Daily breakfast for two (valued at $100+/day): that extensive buffet we loved becomes complimentary, and can really save you money if you plan on eating breakfast at the resort
$100 property credit per stay: you can use this for spa services, dining, or beach activities
Early check-in and late checkout (subject to availability): maximizes your time at the property, and comes in really handy for arriving earlier in the day or if you have a late afternoon or evening flight back home
Noon check-out guarantee—especially valuable on departure days, but we’ve always been successful in getting a 4 PM checkout, which is a huge benefit because we feel like we get a whole extra full day at the resort
These benefits can really justify the cost if you plan on using them. For a four-night stay, between the breakfast savings and property credit, you're looking at $500-700 in added value. When you're already carrying the Amex Platinum for its other travel benefits (airport lounges, statement credits, travel insurance), this makes it the clear booking choice for us.
Other premium credit cards offer similar programs:
Chase Sapphire Reserve through Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
Citi Prestige through Prestige Hotels & Resorts
Capital One Venture X through Capital One Travel
The specific benefits vary by card, but the principle remains: booking with the right credit card transforms a standard reservation into a VIP experience.
Not a holder of one of these credit cards and don’t want to pay the premium fee? In that case we highly recommend booking through Booking.com or Hotels.com.
When to Book:
Peak Season (December-March, July-August): Book 3-6 months ahead for best room selection and rates - yes rooms do sell out!
Shoulder Season (April-June, September-October): Book 1-3 months ahead, often finding better deals and promotions
Off Season (November?, though Hawaii doesn't really have one): More flexibility, potentially last-minute deals
Pricing Expectations:
Rates fluctuate significantly based on season, day of week, and room type:
Garden View Rooms: Generally $400-600/night
Partial Ocean View: $450-700/night
Ocean View: $550-900/night
Deluxe Ocean View & Suites: $700-1,500+/night
Monday tends to be the most expensive night (normally due to business travel), while Thursday and Tuesday often offer better rates.
The Resort Fee:
Yes, there's a mandatory resort fee of $50/night (plus tax). While resort fees are a subject of contention for many, this one provides legitimate value:
Snorkel equipment rental (one hour per guest per day)
Beach equipment and water activities
Fitness center access
Wellness classes (yoga, guided meditation, etc.)
Shuttle service within Mauna Lani Resort
Hawaiian cultural classes and activities
Reusable water bottles for each guest (refill stations throughout property)
Coffee and tea service
Golf valet and club storage
Wi-Fi (both standard and premium speeds)
Considering what you'd pay for snorkel rentals alone ($25-30/day elsewhere), plus cultural activities, fitness classes, and shuttle service, the fee becomes reasonable, plus might as well take advantage since it is a sunk cost.
Getting There:
Most guests fly into Kona International Airport (KOA), about 30 minutes south. The drive to the resort is straightforward: take Highway 19 north and signs clearly mark the Mauna Lani area.
Car rental is highly recommended if you're planning to explore beyond the immediate resort area (which you absolutely should). While the Fairmont offers concierge services and can arrange tours, having your own car provides flexibility for spontaneous adventures, grocery runs, restaurant options, and exploring the island at your own pace. We highly recommend it — book your rental car here.
Parking at the resort is complimentary (both self-parking and valet available).
What to Pack:
Beyond typical Hawaii vacation items:
Reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen is banned in Hawaii to protect coral reefs), while the resort does provide reef-safe sunscreen, we know that some people prefer to bring their own. So, look for mineral-based options with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Good snorkel mask (the resort provides basic equipment, but if you have a favorite that fits perfectly, bring it)
Water shoes (lava rock can be sharp, and they're useful for tide pooling)
Light layers (restaurants and indoor spaces can be heavily air-conditioned)
Comfortable walking shoes or Sandals (for exploring the property's extensive grounds and Big Island hikes)
Reusable water bottle (the resort provides one, but bring your favorite if you have one)
Waterproof phone case or action camera (you'll want to document those turtle encounters)
Pre-Arrival Tips:
Make dinner reservations for Brown's Beach House before arriving—it books up quickly
Consider pre-booking any special activities (spa treatments, golf tee times, cultural tours)
Join Fairmont's loyalty program (Accor Live Limitless)—it's free and offers benefits even at lower tiers
Book the free Outrigger experience at the Fairmont as it can fill up fast!
During Your Stay:
For your first time, attend the resort orientation tour (often offered at check-in), you'll learn about property history, hidden gems, and activity schedules
Ask the concierge about current ocean conditions, they track turtle sightings, water clarity, and best snorkeling times
Try the daily Hawaiian cultural activities, they're complimentary and helps connect you to the Hawaiian culture
Take advantage of the Hui Holokai beach ambassadors' knowledge—they're excellent resources for ocean activities and Big Island recommendations
Don't skip exploring the gardens, allow time to wander without a specific destination
Big Island Day Trip Suggestions:
From the Fairmont Orchid base:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (2 hours)—full day trip to witness active volcanism, steam vents, and dramatic landscapes
Consider booking a tour if you want someone else to do the driving, so you can enjoy the views
Waipio Valley Lookout (1 hour north)—stunning valley views, black sand beach (4WD required for valley floor)
Akaka Falls (1.5 hours)—easy loop trail to impressive 442-foot waterfall
Book a Waterfall tour if you prefer to sit back and enjoy the views driving across the island.
Kealakekua Bay (1 hour south)—excellent snorkeling, Captain Cook Monument, spinner dolphins
Don’t miss the Manta Snorkel Experience! Definitely book this tour - it is truly incredible!
Mauna Kea Summit (1.5 hours)—stargazing at world-class observatories (requires 4WD and altitude acclimatization)
Kona Town (40 minutes)—historic sites, coffee farms, restaurants, shopping
Short on Time? Check out this Big Island in a day tour!
Money-Saving Tips:
Book through credit card travel programs for added benefits
Stock your room mini-fridge from the grocery store (shuttle available)
Take advantage of included breakfast if your booking or credit card includes it
Prioritize the included activities (snorkeling, cultural programs, fitness classes)
Look for package deals that bundle breakfast and resort credits
Consider shoulder season visits for lower rates without sacrificing weather
Use the water refill stations rather than buying bottled water
Final Thoughts
The Fairmont Orchid is an incredible hotel and one of our absolute favorites to stay. From the moment a lei is placed around your neck upon arrival, you will instantly feel the stress leave your body and prepare you for an amazing Big Island Hawaii vacation. Whether your coming with your family or visiting as a couple, the Fairmont Orchid has something for everyone. The vibes are incredible and the property is absolutely beautiful. We hope you enjoy staying and exploring at the Fairmont Orchid!
Looking for more? Check out our more detailed guide to the Fairmont Orchid!
Still planning your Big Island Hawaii adventure? Check out our ultimate guide on the Big Island of Hawaii!
Ready to plan your own Hawaii Big Island escape?
Check prices for the Fairmont Orchid or browse tours around Big Island in Hawaii to get started!
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