Pauoa Bay Underwater Ballet
Aloha from Hawaii!
I embarked on an unforgettable adventure in Hawaii with Fairmont Orchid. I visited this luxurious hotel to explore the stunning beauty of the island on a one-week PR trip filled with breathtaking experiences, including the highly-anticipated first-ever Underwater Ballet, a thrilling helicopter ride along the Kohala Coast, and a mesmerizing night snorkel with the majestic manta rays!
TikTok Mini Vlog Recaps → Day 1 Recap | Day 2 Recap | Day 3 Recap | Day 4 Recap
We arrived at the beautiful Fairmont Orchid on Sunday, January 8th, 2023, after a quick taxi ride from the Kona International Airport. The hotel welcomed us with leis and a complimentary Fun & Sun Activity Pass, which provided access to various beach and cultural activities on the property for the duration of our stay. There was an incredible chocolate statue in the room which was such a fun surprise.
Chefs Isabel Chung and Brian Hirata
The evening was kicked off with a private welcome dinner at the Kilohana Banquet Space. Chefs Isabel Chung and Brian Hirata treated us to a six-course dining experience that showcased their passion for preserving Hawaii's food culture and taking local cuisine to the next level. It was an unforgettable meal that set the tone for the rest of our trip.
Pauoa Bay Underwater Ballet
Monday morning started with an early wake-up call for the Underwater Ballet Performance. We met at the Beach Shack at Pauoa Bay where we hopped in to a traditional Hawaiian Canoe and paddled out into the bay. We were amazed by the live ballet show under the sea. The performance by Kristina Makushenko was simply breathtaking. The gentle and flowing movements in the depths of the water left us in awe and we couldn't believe we got to witness such a unique and captivating experience. After the performance, we enjoyed breakfast and a hula lesson with the Director of Hawaiian Culture, Ka‘iulani Blankenfeld. We learned the basics of hula and got a taste of Hawaiian culture.
You can learn more about the limited-time experience on the Accor website. They describe the event as so:
“Ready to take the plunge? You’re invited to witness our must-see live ballet beneath the sea.
In the depths of the water, at the mercy of the ocean and the elements, time stands still, as a dancer sways with gentle precision and peaceful, flowing movements. A spectacular dance very few people in the world have ever seen live. Get ready for a captivating and tranquil performance so awe-inspiring, you may need to catch your breath.”
Book your tickets for $175 USD per person, limited to 7 guests per day.
Fun & Sun Activity Pass
The rest of the day was spent exploring the resort with our Fun & Sun Activity Pass. We took advantage of the complimentary snorkels, paddleboards, and kayaks at the Beach Shack and ventured out into the private Pauoa Bay. There were also a variety of select complimentary resort activities offered daily that we could explore, from Hawaiian culture and adventure to wellness.
Manta Night Snorkel
In the evening, we snacked at Brown's Deli before departing for the Manta Night Snorkel Excursion. The excursion was operated by Adventure X and we got to witness the incredible Manta Rays feeding on plankton under the bright lights. It was an unforgettable experience. After the excursion, we ended the night with sushi and cocktails at the Luana Lounge. We shared delicious hand-crafted sushi rolls and island-inspired cocktails in a dedicated and intimate lounge space, perfect for special celebrations and romantic dates.
Lei Making with Ka’iulani Blankenfeld
The next day we started by indulging in a delicious breakfast spread at the Luana Lounge Gallery while learning the art of haku lei making with the Director of Hawaiian Culture, Ka‘iulani Blankenfeld. We couldn't help but feel inspired and rejuvenated after making our very own haku lei to wear for the rest of the trip.
Waipi’o Valley & Kohala Coast Heli Ride
Next up, we embarked on a helicopter excursion that took us on a journey to witness the breathtaking Kohala coast of Big Island’s North Shore. Add this to your bucket list right now! As we soared above the sea cliffs of Waipi’o Valley and the meandering valleys of the Kohala Mountains, we were treated to a bird's eye view of cascading waterfalls and ancient Hawaiian settlements. This scenic adventure was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will never forget! Follow along with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters on Instagram.
Binchotan: Bar & Grill
Later in the evening, we gathered for a group dinner at Binchotan: Bar & Grill, Fairmont Orchid’s newest restaurant. The restaurant's atmosphere was warm and cozy, with a blend of fireside cooking and modern flair. The meal was a shared platter of succulent seafood, wagyu beef, and crisp seasonal vegetables, all fire-roasted to perfection in the time-honored tradition of robatayaki grilling. The aroma was divine and the company even better.
Hawaii Forest & Trail Excursion
On our last day, we started our day with a breakfast box in the hotel lobby, fueling up for our Hawaii Forest & Trail excursion. Our adventure led us to a Hawaiian Waterfall tour, unlike any other, where we took a relaxing, guided walk through a private nature reserve, went for a swim under one of seven cascading waterfalls, and even enjoyed a private picnic lunch with views of soaring sea cliffs and remote valleys.
Seaside Lomi-Lomi Massage
Later, we made our way to the Spa Without Walls for a 50-minute signature lomi-lomi massage. Our journey to bliss began in one of the outdoor thatched hales, surrounded by orchids, lily ponds, and streams. The deep relaxation from the lomi-lomi massage, a royal tradition designed to restore one’s mana, left us feeling relaxed from head to toe.
Coconut Grove Finalé Dinner
Tonight, we will be ending our trip with a finalé dinner at Coconut Grove. We are looking forward to feasting on fresh Hawaii Island-inspired cuisine, enjoying live Hawaiian music, and taking in the spectacular sunset panoramas while surrounded by breathtaking ocean vistas. This dining experience promises to be a feast for all of our senses and a fitting end to our Hawaiian adventure.
Stay tuned for more adventures in Hawaii!
