An adults-only paradise perched above a 100-foot cliff along Hawaii’s stunning Hāmākua Coast, Hamakua Hotel is the Big Island’s first luxury boutique property. The eight-room property is located on 25 acres of lush grounds 20 minutes from Hilo, paired with welcoming ocean views and world-class hospitality. Hamakua Hotel takes the place of the beloved Palms Cliff House, which spent 25 years as an award-winning bed and breakfast before its closure in 2020.
The newly opened boutique property, which celebrated its grand opening in early July after a $1.5 million renovation, is home to eight luxurious rooms with king-sized beds, oversized walk-in stone-and-glass showers, private oceanfront lanais, and, in some instances, soaking tubs that overlook the sea. The Hawaiian-inspired accommodations offer guests modern elegance, private grounds, and open-air common spaces for enjoying the luxe-meets-laidback island retreat.
“We are extremely excited to welcome visitors to the finest hotel experience on the Hāmākua Coast,” says Eric Lochtefeld, proprietor, in a press release. “We have assembled an incredibly talented and hospitable team whose priority is providing an exceptional stay for our guests filled with seamless services and Aloha spirit.”
Hamakua Hotel’s exceptional culinary program is led by chef/owner Edward Delling-Williams, who has created six-course seasonal menus for the boutique property. The menus spotlight a French cooking style infused with Hawaii’s local land-to-sea ingredients. Chef Delling-Williams is the proprietor of the Michelin Bib Gourmand award-winning The Presbytere in Heugueville-sur-Sienne on the Normandy coast.
The newly opened hotel also becomes the first to have Proto mini hologram units in every room, which will beam in renowned coaches and experts from around the globe. Guests also have exclusive access to a professional production studio to capture their own storytelling creations in The Story Studio. Guests are also invited to indulge at Yurts Spa, where a variety of body and wellness treatments are on deck, including unique sound healing sessions. Come October, Hamakua Hotel’s oceanfront infinity pool will open, which will be suitable for both sunny day lounging and lap swimming.
In addition to access to some of the area’s most stunning beaches (the hotel is even the kickoff point for a one-mile hiking trail that leads to the ocean), activities near Hamakua Hotel include visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, horseback riding, surfing, zip-lining, hiking, helicopter tours, and much more.
Nightly rates include fresh breakfast treats, tequila tastings, sunset happy hour with craft cocktails and mocktails, and six-course, wine-paired gourmet dinners.
For more information, visit www.hamakuahotel.com.