A QUICK SWING THROUGH THE LATEST NEWS, VIEWS, AND HAPPENINGS AT HUALĀLAI

ALOHA ALAKA‘I NUI

Hualālai’s new private charter boat has docked in time for summer. The Resort’s Members, as well as guests of the Four Seasons, can charter Alaka‘i Nui —a 46-foot center console catamaran powered by a quadruple 425-hp XTO outboard—for a wide range of personalized expeditions and experiences, from offshore fishing and snorkeling trips to underwater-scooter riding, with a twohour minimum. “A catamaran handles Hawaiian waters much better than a monohull; this boat is capable of providing longrange ocean adventures,” says Trent Fischer, director of Hualālai’s

Alaka‘i Nalu (Leaders of the Waves). “While our Ribcraft has capacity for up to 14 guests, it’s best suited for short-range outings. Aboard Alaka‘i Nui, up to 6 guests—all part of the same family or group—will enjoy an intimate VIP experience.” The boat, which includes a restroom and other convenient amenities, can cruise from the Resort to points as far south as Miloli‘i and as far north as Kawaihae, with nearly every ocean activity available for the group’s enjoyment. “Guests get to determine their own special itinerary for their day charter,” says Fischer. 808.325.8490

Regatta Redux

Though the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai OC-1 & OC-2 Canoe Regatta made its muchanticipated debut in 2022, this year’s race, held April 8, made an even bigger splash, drawing in 100 paddlers from the state of Hawai‘i and the U.S. mainland. The regatta was open to elite paddlers, and the race’s first-, second-, and third-place finishers won cash and prizes, including stays at the Four Seasons. The racecourse was extended from 2022’s 10 miles to 14 miles and had its starting and finishing lines in Uluweuweu Bay fronting the Hualālai Canoe Club. “Our goal is to host one of the most prestigious oneday paddle events in the state,” says Hualālai’s Alaka‘i Nalu director, Trent Fischer. “As the state team sport of Hawai‘i, outrigger canoe paddling deserves to be elevated.” So far, so good: Word of this newbie regatta has reached far beyond the Hawaiian Islands, according to Fischer, with paddlers as far away as Tahiti asking to be included in future events. 808.325.8490

5 Only at Hualālai

Those who stop in at Hualālai’s Seaside boutiques will fi nd madefor-Hualālai must-haves from top designers. James Perse created the now-iconic Hawai‘i “names” logo T-shirt years ago (the shops have offered distinctive apparel, jewelry, and accessories for nearly two decades), and names such as Sol Angeles and the Lady & the Sailor also make fashions that are exclusive to the Resort. Hawai‘i’s Mālie Organics—known for its fragrances using local botanicals—created a signature scent for the Hualālai Spa, while Shylee Rose Jewelry produces pieces for Seaside Beach that feature 14-karat yellow, white, or rose gold and incorporate the Resort’s name or Hawaiian words. Luxe candles from Voyage et Cie are also on hand. 808.325.8549

Teacher Of The Year 8

A golf instructor par excellence, Hualālai’s own Scott Bridges is the Aloha Section PGA’s Teacher of the Year. A golf professional and staff member of Hualālai’s golf operations team, Bridges received the organization’s annual award, for 2022, at Oahu’s

Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi early this year. Originally from Dallas, he moved to Hawaiʻi in 1990 and has more than 30 years of experience as a teaching pro. Prior to joining Hualālai Resort in 2016, he taught at other resorts on Hawaiʻi Island, as well as on Maui. To be named Teacher of the Year, Bridges needed both the nomination and the votes of teaching pros in the Aloha Section PGA—his colleagues and peers. “It’s wonderful and a great honor,” he says. 808.325.8000

Plein Air Provisions 9

Sought-after local goods are in store more and more at Hualālai, thanks to the expanding program known as the Hualālai Trading Company’s Vendor on the Porch . Seasonal open-air marketplaces now set up shop both at the boccie ball courts, which tend to hold 10 to 12 local vendors, and at tented stations in the parking lot fronting the Hualālai Realty o ce, where there may be as many as 30 vendors, including food trucks. Over spring break and during the summer and festive seasons, these outdoor markets take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with popular food trucks such as Sugar’s Hawai‘i and Califas Mexican Food serving up their signature dishes. Big Island Provisions & Sundries has wowed with bao buns and smoked meats, while Jaw Jacker Grindz has delighted with mixed plates, burgers, and salads. “It’s a great venue,” says Patti Stivers, club purchasing manager at the Four Seasons, about the alfresco setting. “It allows us to feature many more of our Hawai‘i Island artisans than is possible within the Hualālai Trading Company space itself.” 808.325.8515

SECTION BY MARGARET KEARNS