Spotlight: Swimming With Sea Turtles - Why the Fairmont Orchid Became Our Hawaiian Happy Place
The water was still cool in the early morning as I adjusted my snorkel mask and waded into Pauoa Bay. Twenty feet from shore, I spotted the first one—a Hawaiian green sea turtle or Honu, gliding effortlessly beneath me, completely unbothered by my presence. Then another. And another. Within minutes, I saw three sea turtles, watching them graze on algae and occasionally surface for air, their wise faces breaking through the water with that characteristic expression that somehow manages to look both stern and serene.
This wasn't some far-flung snorkeling excursion requiring boats, guides, or early morning drives. This was literally steps from our room at the Fairmont Orchid on Hawaii's Big Island. This became a daily ritual for us while staying here, wandering through the lush gardens on our way to jump in for a morning snorkel in the calm bay, enjoying the variety of fish and sea turtles, going out for an easy stand up paddle board session in the lagoon, lounging by the pool, and then grabbing a great dinner and a mai tai.
That quiet, unforgettable moment of snorkeling with sea turtles perfectly captures why this resort has become our favorite place to stay on the Big Island, a rare blend of wildlife, beauty, and unrushed luxury that feels deeply Hawaiian rather than manufactured.
Looking for a quick guide with just the essentials rather than a full review? Head over to our Planning Guide to start planning your Fairmont Orchid escape!
We can’t recommend staying here enough. And if you are already ready to book, book it here.
Is the Fairmont Orchid Right For Your Big Island Adventure?
Before we dive deeper into our experience, let's help you figure out if this resort matches what you're looking for. The Fairmont Orchid might be perfect for you if:
You want a good mix of let’s go explore, but also, let’s enjoy our property. The Fairmont Orchid is perfect if you're seeking that elusive balance between activity and relaxation. You want beachfront access and water sports right outside your door, but you also want a serene pool area where you can relax and read a book. You're planning to explore the Big Island, but you want a resort beautiful enough that you won't feel guilty spending a full day just enjoying the property.
You appreciate when nature steals the show. If your perfect Hawaiian vacation includes snorkeling with sea turtles, walking through meticulously maintained tropical gardens, and watching sunsets that make you put your phone down, you're in the right place.
You value location flexibility. You want to be on the sunny Kohala Coast (not the rainy Hilo side), with easy access to both Kona's restaurants and shops but don’t mind driving to some of the Big Island's natural wonders of volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, and historic sites.
You don’t mind paying more to have it all. With everything from cultural activities to golf, spa treatments to water sports, and dining options ranging from casual to upscale, there's something for everyone here, if you’re traveling as a couple, with a young family, extended family, or with a group.
This might not be your match if you're looking for an ultra-exclusive, adults-only sanctuary (this is a family-friendly resort), prefer small boutique properties to larger resorts (540 rooms), or want that ultra-modern, minimalist aesthetic (this leans traditional Hawaiian luxury). Additionally, if you are looking for something more budget conscious, this may not be the best fit as rooms during high season can reach over $1,000 a night during high season. While we think its worth it, if price is very important to you, you may want to consider other options.
Why We Chose the Fairmont Orchid (And Why We Keep Going Back)
We've been to Hawaii multiple times, and the Big Island just keeps calling our name. After extensive research and probably too many hours comparing properties, we landed on the Fairmont Orchid for several compelling reasons.
First, the location. Situated on the Kohala Coast on the island's dry, sunny side, it's about 30 minutes from Kona International Airport. This matters more than you might think, while Hilo gets significant rainfall, the Kohala Coast has abundant sunshine. The resort sits within the Mauna Lani area, which meant we'd have access not just to the Fairmont's amenities but also to nearby shops, restaurants, and that all-important grocery store for stocking our mini-fridge.
Second, we saw pictures of people snorkeling right off the resort in Pauoa Bay which really piqued our interest! As amateur ocean enthusiasts we have snorkeled everywhere from the Galapagos to the Caribbean and the promise of swimming with sea turtles right off the resort beach was too tempting to pass up.
Third, the property itself looked stunning in photos, 32 oceanfront acres with gardens, waterfalls, and that signature manicured Hawaiian landscape we'd been dreaming about. But we've learned that photos can lie. In this case, the pictures didn't do it justice.
Fourth, we loved the conveniences. Having both a great pool and a beach on the resort with plenty of space to spread out was important to us. Making it easy from laying on the beach chairs, to then go snorkel, to paddle boarding, to then lounge by the pool and grab a snack and a beer. Plus the onsite restaurants are all really great and offer everything from casual burgers, to buffets, to nice upscale dining outside with local music. Even with the great restaurants, we were also close to the Tommy Bahama restaurant and bar among others in the nearby Shops at Mauna Lani, only 4 minutes away by driving.
Lastly, the Fairmont Orchid is a top employer of local residents and Native Hawaiians. Hawaii is simply not Hawaii without the Natives, so we appreciate the focus on staffing locally for many positions.
Too Long, Didn’t Read - the Highlights
Beautiful property with plenty of gardens and green space
Good sized pool with smaller pools where you can lounge and relax
The beach and bay - truly the highlight! Incredible sea life (abundant fish and sea turtles!)
Great variety of restaurants - from upscale to a deli, plus a nice pool bar
Location is great, tucked away and private, but near local amenities like restaurants, shopping, and golf
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Consider these day trips
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Arriving in Paradise
Pulling up to the Fairmont Orchid, we were immediately struck by the open-air lobby that frames a perfect view of the Pacific. Hawaiian music drifted through the space as we were greeted with warm alohas and, yes, actual leis. It's touristy, sure, but there's something about that lei around your neck that just puts you into instant vacation mode.
Check-in was efficient, and within minutes we were being directed to our room. But not before getting our first glimpse of the property—that central courtyard with its koi ponds, the pathways disappearing into lush tropical gardens, and that massive pool complex that somehow manages to look both impressive and inviting.
The Rooms: More Space Than Expected
We've always booked the partial ocean view rooms and have loved the space and views each time. You have a wonderful view of the property, gardens, mountains behind the Fairmont, and of course, the ocean view. If you are looking for more of a look straight out and gaze at the vast, blue ocean, then the Ocean Front room is for you.
The room itself was spacious with plenty of room to sit, relax, and enjoy the ambiance. A comfortable king bed, a proper sitting area with a sofa and pull-up table (not just a sad chair in the corner), and a lanai (outdoor deck) where we spent our mornings with coffee, listening to the birds and waking up to nature. The bathroom was equally generous with both a shower and separate soaking tub with plenty of space to spread out toiletries plus a double sink which is clutch for us.
Overall, it felt upscale Hawaiian with plenty of comfort, great artwork, and room to spread out.
The Property: Where Gardens Become Art
Here's where the Fairmont Orchid truly distinguishes itself. This isn't just a resort with some nice landscaping. This is 32 acres of meticulously designed tropical paradise where every pathway feels artfully crafted with a hidden waterfall, an unexpected orchid display (they're everywhere, hence the name), a koi pond reflecting the swaying palms, or a sculpture emerging from the greenery. The Fairmont Orchid truly took landscaping seriously and we constantly saw landscapers tending to the property.
We found the resort fantastic for morning and evening walks, plus the gardens make for some incredible photo backdrops. For us, the gardens bring the whole experience together and makes it feel like a vacation oasis.
Pauoa Bay: The Star of the Show
Let's talk about what became the absolute highlight of our stay: Pauoa Bay and its resident sea turtles.
The bay itself is protected by natural lava rock formations that create calm, clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s a great place to snorkel for both kids and adults. It's not a massive beach (nothing like Waikiki) but its much more smaller and intimate. The white sand curves gently around the bay, palm trees provide ample shade, and beach chairs are readily available (we never had trouble finding a spot).
The variety of marine life is stunning. We saw rainbow-hued parrotfish, bright yellow tangs, schools of surgeonfish, Ash’s favorite the Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, and countless other species we tried (mostly unsuccessfully) to identify.
And then there are the honu, the Hawaiian green sea turtles. We snorkeled with them multiple times during our stay, and each experience felt equally magical. They seem to be accustomed to snorkelers and were truly unbothered as they go about their turtle business (just remember do NOT touch the sea turtles!).
The best time for turtle spotting? Early morning, around 7-8 AM, when the water is calmest and the bay is less crowded. We'd grab coffee, walk down to the beach, and spend an hour snorkeling before most other guests had finished breakfast.
While we brought our own snorkel gear (we really like Tusa!), the water adventure shack on the beach has plenty of items to rent, including snorkel gear. They also offer Stand-up paddle boarding, outrigger experiences, kayaks, beach toys, and free sunscreen! They have plenty of other items to purchase if you need them. If that doesn’t sell you on the beach and bay, there is also a small beach bar, which trust me, they make a really good mai tai.
The Pool: A Tropical Oasis
After several active ocean mornings, we'd often spend afternoons at the pool, and this is where the Fairmont's design really shines. The 10,000-square-foot freeform pool meanders through tropical landscaping, creating different zones that feel surprisingly intimate for such a large resort.
There are quiet corners with clusters of loungers tucked between palm trees, perfect for reading and napping. There are more social areas near the swim-up bar where you can order tropical drinks without leaving the water. There are shallow areas where families congregate and deeper sections for actual swimming.
The pool never felt overly crowded, even during peak hours. The abundance of loungers and the sprawling layout meant we normally found a great spot. Towels are plentiful, and there's no shortage of staff circulating to take drink orders or clear empty glasses.
We really liked the small grottoes as well, which added a nice secluded layer, if you wanted to tuck away into a smaller, more intimate pool area. We felt that we could always find a place to lounge and relax.
Dining: More Than We Expected
For a resort with multiple dining options, quality can be hit or miss. The Fairmont Orchid avoids that trap with consistently solid restaurants.
First off, the breakfast buffet is fantastic with plenty of options, including a build your own omellete station, rotating hot items from typical American breakfast to Japanese style foods, plus a smoothie bar. The breakfast is definitely worth it, but can be a bit pricey if you aren’t booking through AMEX or another site where breakfast is included. If breakfast isn’t your thing, consider heading out to a cafe down the street or picking up some croissants or pastries for your room from the grocery store. If you are a breakfast person, then this one won’t disappoint!
Pro Tip: Make sure to get to breakfast early and snag a table on the outdoor lanai. The garden views and morning breeze will instantly put you in the feel good Hawaiian mood.
Brown's Beach House is a nice splurge restaurant. We liked the feet-in-the-sand dining steps from the ocean, innovative Hawaii-inspired cuisine, great service, and the sunsets are beautiful. The macadamian crusted mahi mahi is definitely worth a try! Plus, the wine list is extensive, cocktails were great (try the Brown’s Old Fashion) and the staff's recommendations were spot-on.
Binchotan Bar & Grill surprised us. Billed as the more casual option, the food was anything but casual in quality. The Asian-fusion menu offered creative dishes with bold flavors. The outdoor patio seating meant we could enjoy the evening air, and the atmosphere struck a perfect balance between relaxed and refined.
For lighter options, Brown's Deli offered grab-and-go breakfasts, acai bowls, and lunches with island flair. Perfect for days when we wanted to get an early start exploring or needed something quick before afternoon activities.
Luana Lounge, the lobby bar, became our late afternoon ritual. We'd return from Big Island explorations, head straight to Luana Lounge, order craft cocktails or a beer, and claim spots on the lanai to watch the sunset. Live Hawaiian music several evenings a week added to the ambiance. It was a great place to grab some sushi after a long day exploring the Big Island.
The variety meant we never felt trapped eating the same things, and the quality meant we never felt disappointed.
Beyond the Beach: Activities and Amenities
While we could have happily spent our entire stay alternating between the beach, pool, and various dining venues, the Fairmont offers extensive activities and amenities.
The Spa Without Walls is unique, outdoor massage cabanas and waterfall huts where treatments incorporate the natural beauty and healing properties of Hawaii. We didn't try it this trip (budget priorities went elsewhere), but watching other guests emerge looking blissfully relaxed made us add it to the next-visit list.
Tennis courts, golf access (the resort sits adjacent to two championship courses), fitness center, complimentary yoga, cultural activities ranging from lei making to hula lessons to tide pool tours, there's plenty of variety here for both couples and families.
We particularly enjoyed the daily torch lighting ceremony at sunset, where the Hui Holokai beach ambassadors light torches around the property in a traditional Hawaiian ritual. It's brief but meaningful, marking the transition from day to evening with intention and beauty.
Location, Location, Location
The Fairmont Orchid's position on the Kohala Coast proved ideal for exploring the Big Island.
Kona (officially Kailua-Kona) is about 40 minutes south, offering excellent restaurants, shopping, historic sites like the Hulihee Palace, and that energetic beach town vibe. We drove down for dinner several evenings, enjoying the change of scenery while appreciating that we'd be returning to the quieter, more serene Kohala Coast. I really enjoyed the Kona Brewing Company and is a great place to grab a beer and some delicious food!
Heading north, the charming town of Waimea (about 20-30 minutes) offers farmers markets, local boutiques, and cowboy culture that surprises most Hawaii visitors. The cool, misty upcountry climate provides a stark contrast to the sunny coast.
The famous black sand beaches, dramatic valleys, waterfalls, all accessible as day trips while returning each evening to your comfortable Fairmont base. The location makes the Big Island remarkably accessible without requiring you to change hotels mid-trip.
Day Trips
Volcanoes National Park
For day trips, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is about two hours southeast—absolutely worth the drive to witness the power and beauty of active volcanism. The drive itself along the Hamakua Coast is stunning, with countless waterfalls, botanical gardens, and scenic viewpoints.
Another option is taking a guided day trip to check out this amazing National Park. We recommend booking this one.
Rather explore on your own? Check out our full guide to visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Exploring the Coffee Belt
Another one of our favorites was exploring the famous Hawaiian coffee belt. Starting about an hour south of the Fairmont, the famous Kona coffee belt contains hundreds of small, family-owned farms serving up delicious Kona coffee. Many of which you can visit, take a tour of the facility and farm (our favorite is Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation!), and try out the different types of coffee.
You can Book a tour like this one to get a taste of the coffee belt or explore on your own!
Manta Night Snorkeling
If you do ONE thing on the Big Island, make it the Manta night snorkel. We absolutely loved this excursion. Book it here and make your trip unforgettable!
Chase Some Waterfalls
The Big Island has some incredible waterfalls to explore, so be sure to lace up your hiking shoes and bring your swimsuit. If you want to visit the beautiful waterfalls on the Big Island, then you are going to have to make a trek over near Hilo on the other side of the island. If you are making the trip over to Hilo, don’t miss Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls, two of our favorites!
If you prefer to take a tour, book this one to check out both waterfalls and Volcanoes National Park!
If you are looking for other epic things to do while visiting, check out our ultimate guide on the Big Island of Hawaii!
Convenience: Details That Matter
The practical stuff just makes the experience better. When you don’t have to worry about the small stuff, it makes your experience that much better.
Parking is complimentary and plentiful. You won't circle endlessly searching for spots or worry about your car.
Water refill stations throughout the property mean you can stay hydrated without contributing to plastic waste or paying resort markup for bottled water.
Sunscreen stations on the beach are both environmentally friendly (reef-safe sunscreen only) and practical.
The resort shuttle service within the Mauna Lani area means you can easily access the grocery store (crucial for stocking snacks and drinks), neighboring restaurants, and nearby shops without driving.
The beach gear, chairs, umbrellas, towels, is abundant and accessible. You don't need to stake a claim at dawn or navigate complex rental systems.
These aren't sexy details, but they create a friction-free experience where you can focus on enjoying yourself rather than solving logistical problems, which to us just makes the experience that much better.
What We'd Do Differently
No experience is perfect, and a few things we'd approach differently next time:
While the partial ocean view was lovely, watching other guests on their oceanfront lanais as the sun set made us slightly envious. It's a splurge, but for a destination like this, waking up to unobstructed ocean views seems worth it.
We'd allocate more lazy days to just enjoy the beautiful property. We like to pack in activities during our travels, but this is one resort where we always wish we would have spent an extra day or two just enjoying the full range of amenities. The property deserves multiple full days of doing nothing but alternating between beach, snorkeling, and pool.
We'd make dinner reservations earlier. Brown's Beach House books up, especially for prime sunset seating times. If you wait, you may not get a dinner reservation until after 8 PM.
We’d book the free outrigger experience in advance. They book up quickly since there are only a few seats on the outriggers, so be sure to book as soon as you check in. There are limited spots and times available for this unique Hawaiian experience.
We'd try the Spa Without Walls. Having now seen the space and talked to people who experienced it, we regret skipping it for budget and schedule reasons. Next time, it's happening.
Who Should Stay Here (Real Talk)
The Fairmont Orchid is ideal for:
Couples seeking romantic escapes who want both adventure and relaxation. The property provides enough activities to stay engaged while offering ample opportunities for quiet connection. The sunset dinners, private beach moments, and garden strolls create plenty of romance.
Multi-generational families who need activities for various ages and energy levels. Grandparents can relax by the pool while kids snorkel and parents try Stand-up Paddleboarding. The mix of restaurants, location, and activities make it a great place for families.
Active travelers who want a beautiful home base between Big Island adventures. The location and amenities mean you can hike volcanoes in the morning and return to luxury in the afternoon. This was one of the many things we loved about the Fairmont Orchid.
Ocean lovers and snorkelers who prioritize marine life encounters. If swimming with sea turtles is on your bucket list, Pauoa Bay delivers reliably. Plus you really can’t beat snorkeling with a variety of fish right on your hotel property.
People who appreciate gardens and natural beauty as much as beaches. If you're the type who stops to smell flowers and photograph interesting plants, you'll love wandering these grounds.
This might not suit:
Budget travelers—this is luxury resort pricing. There are more affordable Big Island options if budget is the primary concern. While we think the price is worth it, if price is your primary concern when traveling, consider looking elsewhere.
Party seekers—this isn't a spring break destination or a bar-hopping hub. The vibe is relaxed and refined. While the pool bar and the lounge are great for beers and cocktails, the evenings wind down pretty quickly here.
Travelers who prefer small, intimate properties—with 540 rooms, this is a good-size resort, not a boutique hideaway.
Travelers who want a mega-resort that has it all — While the Fairmont Orchid has plenty of amenities, if you are looking for a mega resort then we recommend heading over to the Hilton Waikoloa Village, that 62 acre property is massive, with its own tram that runs amongst the various pools, restaurants, hotels buildings, and lagoons. If you want more of a Disney Resort experience, this may be a better choice for you, but for us we preferred the more intimate feel without feeling like we were on a mega property.
If You Get the Chance: The Floating Lantern Festival
We timed our visit to coincide with something we'd heard about but never experienced: the Fairmont Orchid's Floating Lantern Festival. This annual event, held in partnership with North Hawaii Hospice, is one of the most moving ceremonies we've ever attended. This traditional Japanese tradition honors ancestors by decorating paper lamps and floating them across the Pauoa Bay. The Fairmont is committed to sustainability—all lanterns are collected after the ceremony, bases are saved for future festivals, and papers are disposed of respectfully.
Standing there, watching those lanterns drift across the bay as darkness fell, feeling the collective emotion of everyone gathered, it was one of those rare travel moments that transcends tourism and touches something deeper. If your visit can align with this annual event (typically held in August), we can't recommend it enough.
The Verdict: Worth Every Cent (And Wave)
Would we return to the Fairmont Orchid? Honestly, it’s our go to resort!
It's not just that the property is beautiful although we absolutely love the gardens and the the layout. It's not just the incredible snorkeling, but it’s hard to beat those epic moments of seeing fish and sea turtles. We love the Fairmont because it's the complete package: the location balances tranquility with convenience, the variety of activities has something for every age, the quality that justifies the price, the staff that makes you feel genuinely welcomed, and those small moments that make your vacation memorable like turtle swims, sunset cocktails, garden discoveries, floating lanterns on the bay. The Fairmont is worth the price to make the most of your Big Island experience!
Looking for planning tips and tricks? Head over to our much shorter planning guide to create and book your Fairmont Orchid Escape!
Final Thoughts:
The Fairmont Orchid is hands down one of our favorite hotels in Hawaii, possibly our favorite. Book your vacation now and enjoy one of the best properties the Big Island has to offer. We hope you enjoy the Fairmont as much as we did!
Looking for more tips on visiting the Big Island? Check out our ultimate guide on the Big Island of Hawaii!
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