Sometimes you do get what you pay for—and that’s just about anything you could desire at this serenely welcoming resort, only a 15-minute drive from the airport but worlds away from anything resembling hustle and bustle. Rooms in the small clusters of two-story guest-room buildings and villa start at 635 square feet, with private lanais and large bathrooms outfitted with glass-walled showers and deep soaking tubs; ask for one with an outdoor lava-rock shower. All have views of the ocean or one of seven swimming pools; the adults-only Palm Grove Pool offers a swim-up bar and daybeds, but snorkeling in Kings’ Pond amid rays and tropical fish remains a top draw. Dinner at Ulu Ocean Grill or the Beach Tree is consistently excellent, if costly; it can be hard to tear yourself away in search of cheaper options nearly a half-hour away. Kudos to the Four Seasons for bucking the resort-fee trend, for not charging for its children’s or cultural programs, and for numerous environmental measures, including support for the Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods’ koa reforestation.

Note: The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, excellent spa and huge fitness center are open only to hotel guests and members.