Fairmont Orchid

I've been to the top Resorts on Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island and the Fairmont Orchid is at the top. From the manicured grounds to the outstanding accommodations, it is all comfort and beauty. Not to overlook the wonderful staff from wait help to supervisors . They are more than willing to assist you or tell you of insider stories if you ask. With the expansive grounds with rolling lawns and crashing waves, there is a serenity that is not found in other Hawaii resorts. I have been coming back every year for a number of years and it hasn't changed, except for the better. Amazing sunsets, perfect temperatures, crystal clear air and water backed up with the balmy-est of breezes makes this resort a favorite.

We were at the Fairmont orchid for a Mayo Clinic conference in March 2026. The resort is dated but worst thing was on day two first we saw a huge road crawling in the lobby by the elevator on the 5th floor of the North Tower. Next thing we see another roach is our bathroom!! This is unacceptable. When we called front desk someone came and took it away and said “have a good day”! This totally ruined our experience in the Big Island, Hawaii.

Family vacation + work meeting. Hotel recently renovated, very nice decor, outdoor/indoor Hawaiian vibe, outdoor lawn and terrace. 30 min from airport on Kona coast; quiet and somewhat secluded in the Mauna Lai resort development (Auberge next door), many private homes/ condos. Very safe and clean. Rooms: clean, well decorated. Nice marvel bathrooms. Spacious. Small sofas and patios w table/chairs. Pool: beautiful, but cold, heater appeared to be broken. Food: very expensive, not great value. Breakfast buffet was good, but $55. Fancy restaurant is Brown’s- recommend sunset dinner. Pool cafe food is quite good, but pricey. Self serve deli at the pool has fresh sandwiches etc and expensive but better value. Taco food truck by beach is meh. Ocean/beach: beautiful sunsets, nice calm cove / beach. Free snorkel and paddle board rental. Free on demand shuttle around resort development including a shopping center w restaurants and grocery store. Free laundry machines w detergent. Staff: hit or miss. Some fantastic, wry friendly, make effort to help relax. Some disinterested and slow.

First visit to the Big Island but we are regular Fairmont guests. The hotel and grounds were lovely. Stayed on the Gold Floor and very happy we did. Rooms have been refurbished and, although a few points show the age of the facility it was overall well done and enjoyable. Staff were lovely, friendly and happy to help. Self parking is easy but they charge for it. A car is a must have for this island. Hale Kai is the casual beachside restaurant and was consistently excellent. As others have noted, the Lobster Fried Rice is a must try. Browns is the premier restaurant and was very enjoyable. Particularly excellent staff. Binchotan restaurant was so so. Laura lounge was perfect for a sunset cocktail. My wife gushed over the pedicure at the Spa. Rated the experience amongst her best. For a really exceptional dinner off site I highly recommend booking Merrimans in Waimea, about a 25 minute drive. Book early as it is very popular and full every night.

This is our third trip to the Fairmont Orchid. And the most disappointing. The location, the grounds, the water, the sunsets - beautiful. Kudos to the beach staff and housekeeping staff - they were excellent. If not for these things, the rating would have been a 3. When we pulled up to check in , the valet staff did not approach us, they stood by the stand talking and laughing. Only when we asked for help, did they approach. Our partial ocean view room was very clean - but the shower did not have hot water. We notified the front desk two days in a row, it was never fixed. On the third day, we asked for the manager. The shower was not fixed. The next day they moved us to a so called "better" room on a higher floor and gave us a small credit to our bill, But...the shower did not work in the better room - the shower head only dribbled water. The manager, whom we are now on a first name basis, had the shower head fixed that night and gave us a restaurant credit. The manager did a great job of staying in contact with us but given that this is an expensive hotel, the hassle of four days of dealing with this and changing rooms, the credit was not up to the inconvenience. It seems that the upkeep and maintenance of the rooms is not being attended to. We previously stayed on the Gold Level on two occasions - maybe these rooms are maintained. We loved staying here - have to say that after this visit, we are disappointed that things have been allowed by managment to slip and not up to the expectations of guests who will pay to stay at the Orchid.

First class resort. Stunningly beautiful. Shout out to Samson; what a true ambassador of the Aloha spirit! I can’t imagine staying anywhere else.

The grounds were beautiful. This Fairmount lacks service. Gym was not clean; when we asked for wine glasses they never showed up. Housekeeping did not replace glasses when they cleaned. Front desk has to be the worst; One person at the desk; long line-ups. We had gold status and were never advised regarding concierge service on the 6th floor or the room until we checked out. Room had nice view; breakfast was excellent. Spa service was good; Spa itself very small and amenities not the same as other Fairmounts considering we paid $1500 for treatments.

Beautiful resort & grounds. Enjoyed the gold breakfast (only went once for the night experience). Snorkeling was great in the cove on a clear day (better than our excursion to the "best" area). Sam in gold concierge was especially helpful with planning & recommendations. Did the photography session & it was a great experience. Photos turned out great. Very polite & professional photographer. Quick response time.

This is our 3rd time to the Fairmont Orchid. The property needs a refresh, but it is still very nice. Special thanks to Lynn Abella, who helped us navigate some check in issues and service issues. She was professional & accommodating.