Club Cisco on the Big Island: Lava Landscapes & Luxe Living
A Work Trip Like No Other
Let’s be honest: this wasn’t a normal work trip. Instead, it was the stuff of dreams. Chris had earned his spot in Cisco’s top 200 global performers, and as a reward, we were invited to Club Cisco, a fully hosted luxury experience on Hawaii’s Big Island.
After a short flight from Honolulu to Kona, we were greeted at the airport with fresh leis, hot towels, and ice-cold water bottles. Our luggage disappeared as if by magic into a waiting transfer bus as we settled in for a scenic drive through the lava fields to what would be our base for the next few days: The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.
Welcome to Paradise: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Our room was a Prime Ocean-View King in a two-storey bungalow, complete with hardwood trim, slate floors, and a Pacific-facing balcony that turned every sunrise into a moment worth waking early for.
From the very first minute, every touch point was thoughtful and intentional. Twice-daily housekeeping. Custom bath and spa products by Makana Honua. A beach tote to borrow. Complimentary laundry facilities (yes, luxury can be practical). It felt effortless, and that’s a rare thing when travelling long haul.
Quick Tip: If you’re dreaming of a Big Island splurge, the Four Seasons Hualalai is worth serious consideration. Book early and ask for a room in the Palm Grove for maximum privacy and direct beach access.
Pool-Hopping and Eagle Rays
The resort has eight pools, each with its own vibe. These were our top three:
- The Ocean Pool – Carved into lava rock, with a natural breakwater, the ocean pool is great for land dwellers like me who love the idea of open water but need the security of a pool – plus there were turtles!
- King’s Pond – A saltwater lagoon with over 1,000 fish and a resident eagle ray. Chris swam with it. I watched and filmed from the waters edge.
- Beach Tree Pool – Poolside massages, cold towels, frozen grapes, sunglasses cleaning. No, really. That happened.
No kids. No noise. Just attentive staff, perfect weather, and a sense of being fully taken care of. It was everything a reward trip should be.
Lomi Lomi Massage & A Gym That Felt Like Home
I treated myself to an 80-minute Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage at the Hualalai Spa. Think: essential oils and the subtle scent of warm coconut oil all set against individual hardwood treatment bungalows in a lush tropical garden. It was restorative in a way I didn’t know I needed. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
And because I love a bit of routine even while away, I was thrilled to find Peloton bikes in the gym, complete with chilled towels and fully stocked fridges. Familiar, in the best possible way.
Food Highlights: Ceviche, Tacos & Bananas Foster
We dined at all four resort restaurants, with a mixture of formal meals and casual snacks delivered poolside. A few standouts include:
- Beach Tree: Fresh fish tacos and scallop ceviche.
- Noio Sushi Lounge: Tuna toro tartare and smoked pork bao.
- Miller & Lux: A cowboy rib-eye and Bananas Foster flambéed at the table, with a perfect sunset as the backdrop.
- Poolside Delivery: Chips, guac, and poke bowls — best eaten horizontal, in a cabana.
Club Cisco Activities: Foodie Tour
We spent one whole delicious day on the Kona Foodie Tour, arranged especially for us by Club Cisco. Stops included:
- Big Island Abalone Farm
- The Vanillerie – my favourite stop of the day – where the vanilla plant is the princess of her own story
- Puna Chocolate – Honey Wine Berry 70% Dark Chocolate Bar for the win!
- Kona Brewing Co. – for cold beer and even colder aircon
The smells, the textures, the way vanilla, ground coffee and chilli flakes somehow work on ice cream…it was a feast for the senses in every way.
The night Katy Perry played just for us
This part still doesn’t feel real.
On our penultimate night, we were ushered into a decadent marquee on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The food was beautiful, the breeze was warm, and then the lights dimmed and Katy Perry walked out.
A private concert. Just for us and the other Club Cisco attendees.
Was I a Katy Perry fan before? Not really. But the moment she started singing, with free flowing negronis and the crowd dancing under the stars, I was all in. A magical ending to a magical trip.
What This Trip Meant
This wasn’t just a holiday. It was a celebration; of Chris’ hard work, of pushing through a long year. Of a company that truly recognises its people not just with words, but with experiences they’ll remember forever.
I felt lucky to be there, to witness and share in it.
How you can experience the Big Island in style
You don’t need to be part of a corporate incentive trip to enjoy the best of the Big Island, but planning ahead helps. Here’s how:
- Where to Stay:
- Four Seasons Hualalai for high-end luxury
- Mauna Kea Beach Hotel for a slightly more accessible splurge
- What to Do:
- Swim in King’s Pond (available to resort guests only)
- Book a Lomi Lomi massage at the Hualalai Spa
- Explore Kona’s foodie scene or take a vanilla/chocolate farm tour
- When to Go:
- Late November to early December offers sunshine without peak season crowds
A Word of Thanks
We left the Big Island feeling deeply grateful, not just for the experiences, but for the people who made them all possible. Huge thanks to the Cisco leadership team for recognising and rewarding hard work in such a meaningful way, and to the Club Cisco events team, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, so we didn’t have to (for a few days at least!). Every detail was thoughtful, every moment considered… moments we will be talking about for a long time to come.
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