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Four Seasons Hotels are known for their luxe accommodations, top-notch service, and one-of-a-kind experiences. But the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai has an activity available to guests you’re not likely to find at other properties: a 1.8-million-gallon swimmable aquarium.
The five-star resort, located on the stunning Kona-Kohala coast, recently announced a multi-million dollar renovation slated to roll out over 2021. And one of the first to debt was a new pool and Kumu Kai Marine Center at the property’s famous King’s Pond, including an update to the 1.8-million-gallon swimmable aquarium carved into the lava rock. To honor the renovation, the hotel created complementary new experiences led by a team of six on-site marine biologists.
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Guests can now head into the semi salt-water pool with a bottom and explore 3,000 tropical fish. The new experiences available include Ocean Life Exploration, a Private Eagle Ray Feeding, Tide Pool Tour, Fish Derby, Jr. Marine Biologist Experience, and Turtles and Tales. There’s also a touch tank and digital educational displays, allowing Chai and his team to expand the resort’s already robust marine life experiences.
“King’s Pond was born from the concepts of marine and ocean preservation and education,” Charlie Parker, general manager, Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, told Departures. “Our hope is that guests will spend the day enjoying the entertaining features of King’s Pond while learning about our native Hawaiian sea life and habitat.”
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There is now a new elevated infinity-edge swimming pool and lounge deck perched above it for those who wish just to enjoy the view of the beachfront pond. The pool features art sculptures by local artist Alex Gupton on the bottom, adding another layer of underwater exploration to the property.
Of course, there are plenty of other swimming options available to guests. There are five additional pools on-site and the ocean “pool” that’s carved out of the oceanfront lava rock. The spot lets you access the ocean while still having protection from the waves.
