If you’re visiting Hawaiʻi this fall, you’ll find a string of new resorts, refreshed properties and memorable dining experiences to enjoy. Kīlauea’s ongoing activity keeps lava tourism in the spotlight, but there’s plenty of cooler pursuits: Merriman’s Honolulu in Ward Village has opened a 6,000-square-foot restaurant led by Executive Chef Jon Matsubara, and Oahu’s Waialua Estate Chocolate offers factory tours and tastings made from cacao grown on its 20-acre estate.
On Hawaiʻi Island, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers hands-on culinary experiences tied to the landscape. Guests can hike the nearby salt flats to harvest their own sea salt, then use it during a cooking class led by Executive Chef Thomas Bellec.
Among newly opened and newly refreshed properties, Timbers Kauaʻi at Hokuala features a double-tiered infinity-edge oceanfront pool, oceanfront residences, an award-winning golf course, cultural and adventure programming, and the tranquil Hokuala Spa.
The Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel reopened after a $35 million renovation that added a new fitness center and an 8,000-square-foot third-floor lanai and pool. Dining options now include craft cocktails and locally sourced fare at a new culinary concept called DECK space. On Maui, Montage Kapalua Bay Resort completed an extensive makeover, updating 50 luxury, residential-style accommodations with décor inspired by the colors and spirit of Hawaiʻi and Maui.
See the islands from a fresh perspective with the new 30-minute Pali Makani tour from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. The Oahu route highlights Honolulu Harbor, Aloha Tower, downtown Honolulu and ʻIolani Palace—the only royal residence in the United States. New private daily air charter service between Honolulu and Lānaʻi is now available through Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi, operated by Mokulele Airlines. If you prefer the ocean, Maui-based Redline Rafting offers adventurous snorkel tours around Molokini’s back wall and swims in a submerged volcanic crater where green sea turtles are often encountered.