See Also
Hawaii Hotels – Tips & Advice
- Notable Hotels in Maui: Four Seasons • Montage Kapalua Bay
- Top Hotel on the island of Oahu in Honolulu: A luxury beachfront resort
- Top Hotel in Kauai: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
- Premier Hotel on the Big Island: Four Seasons Hualalai
- The Best Hotel in Hawaii for Families: Turtle Bay Resort (Oahu)
- Best Boutique Hotel in Hawaii: The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club (Oahu)
- Best Secluded Establishment in Hawaii: Hana Maui Resort (Maui)
- Top Honeymoon Lodgings in Hawaii: Hotel Wailea (Maui) • Holualoa Inn (Big Island)
- Weather conditions in Hawaii are suitable year-round, but ocean activity does vary. Waves tend to be larger in the winter, particularly on the northern coasts of the islands – sometimes reaching up to 50 feet. This is excellent for professional surfers, but not ideal for beginning swimmers. Calmer waters can be found in the summer.
- Whale watching is best in winter. Though you can sometimes spot whales from the shores, taking a boat tour is preferable. Travelers prone to motion sickness should opt for a larger vessel for a smoother ride. (Remember, in winter waves will be greater.)
- The Hawaiian islands best suited for food enthusiasts are Oahu and Maui; the best for natural scenery are Big Island and Kauai. For honeymoons and romance, Maui provides a great mix of beaches, resorts, cuisine, activities, and peaceful escapes.
- Inter-island flights usually cost under $100 and take around 30 minutes, except to and from Lihue. It’s worth considering a flight to Hilo on the Big Island just to see the volcano, even if staying on another island.
- See Also: Best Activities on Hawaii • Finest Beaches on Hawaii • Where to Reside in Honolulu • Where to Reside in Oahu • Where to Reside in Maui • Where to Reside in Kauai • Where to Reside on the Large Island
Table of Contents
The 19 Best Hotels in Hawaii
1. Four Seasons Hualalai • Big Island
Hotel phone: 808-325-8000
Situated along the shoreline of a pristine beach, this resort features elegantly-appointed isolated cottages and more lavish suites or villas, all with private outdoor spaces taking in the natural surroundings. Sprawling tropical gardens incorporate several swimming options, one allowing the observation of indigenous marine life. The property provides an oasis of relaxation against the backdrop of the sparkling ocean and secluded coves. A selection of refined yet relaxed dining establishments spotlight the sunsets.
2. Four Seasons Wailea • Maui
Hotel phone: 808-874-8000
Situated along Wailea Beach with oceanfront and indoor pools and spas, the elegant Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea presents luxurious accommodations and amenities for guests. Spacious rooms and suites include private lanais, air purification, and marble bathrooms with double vanities and separate bath and shower areas. Dining and drinks are exceptional at the resort`s four eateries and two lounges, with room service available around the clock.
3. Halekulani • Oahu
Hotel phone: 808-923-2311
Offering tranquil, spacious white accommodations alongside luxurious amenities, Halekulani is an elegant oceanfront high-rise resort nestled on Waikiki Beach. Attentive hospitality and upscale boutiques complement world-class culinary experiences and close proximity to Honolulu`s premier attractions. Guests benefit from complimentary access to various cultural programs, including those at the Honolulu Museum of Art, Iolani Palace, and performances by the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.
4. Grand Wailea • Maui
Hotel phone: 808-875-1234
Neoclassical luxury with tropical touches provided an excellent retreat for families seeking relaxation and rejuvenation on the sandy beaches. Spacious rooms, generously appointed suites, and villas contained private balconies and comfortable furnishings ideal for unwinding. Its location on the beach granted easy access to swimming in the cove as well as a charming pool complex interconnecting multiple placid water features and offering complimentary scuba lessons. Outstanding cuisine and libations particularly at Humuhumu’s signature bistro nourished visitors. The pleasant Wailea walking trail wound directly past the front of the hotel encouraging recreational exploration connecting several excellent eateries and sublime stretches of shoreline.
5. Turtle Bay Resort • Oahu
Hotel phone: 808-674-6200
My preferred family-friendly resort locale in Hawaii. Marvelously placed among the north shore hamlets and boasting a secluded beach plus expansive pool area. Options abound like surf lessons to suit all ages, a golf course, bicycle rentals, and easy access to snorkeling. Spacious family suites or more lavish 3-4 bedroom villas with ocean vistas are on offer. Roy`s Beach House serves up top-notch fare, refreshments, desserts, and enjoys a lively beachfront atmosphere. An exceptional kid-accommodating beach getaway for those seeking an authentic island experience rather than typical large-scale resort amenities.
6. Montage Kapalua Bay • Maui
Hotel phone: 808-662-6600
This all-suite beachfront luxury resort epitomizes modern elegance with subtle island nuances. Gracefully appointed suites vary from one to four bedrooms, all with fully equipped kitchens, private lanais and marble bathrooms. On-site gourmet dining, multi-tiered infinity pool and spacious guest rooms render this an ideal locale for any visit.
7. Moana Surfrider • Oahu
Hotel phone: 808-922-3111
This historically distinguished resort embodies timeless luxury. Graced by stately pillars, sumptuous hardwoods, and graceful arcades, the Moana Surfrider stands in striking contrast to encircling skyscrapers. Constructed in 1901 and situated at the heart of Waikiki, this unique gem resides just feet from the ocean and within easy walking range of Honolulu’s premier attractions for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
8. The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club • Oahu
Hotel phone: 808-923-8882
A new boutique hotel embraces a fashionable surfer theme through stylish rooms and suites, fusing modern Honolulu flair with nostalgia for the 1960s surf scene. Vivid murals and graffiti art installations alongside a vibrantly hand-painted swimming pool infuse the compact property with local flair and vibrancy, regularly hosting live music, DJ events, children`s parties and thought-provoking guests. Exquisite Hawaiian-inspired cuisine further enhances the experience at Chef Ed Kinney`s acclaimed on-site restaurant.
9. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort • Maui
Hotel phone: 808-573-1234
Displaying imaginative design elements and laidback island spirit, this beachfront resort features sliding glass doors framing ocean perspectives from polished rain showers and four expansive rimflow pools descending toward the Pacific. On-site, quality craft cocktails are concocted daily using hand-squeezed nectars and infusions amid shops and eateries within short stroll.
10. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa • Kauai
Hotel phone: 808-742-1234
This expansive oceanfront resort blends classical architecture with plantation motifs. Chandeliers hang from vaulted ceilings with visible wooden beams, and the breezy rooms feature coral and gemstone-colored accents along with marble bathrooms. Abundant flowers bloom around freshwater pools and saltwater lagoons extending to the sparkling white sands of Shipwreck’s Beach. Some of the finest cuisine on the island is available on-site.
11. Holualoa Inn • Big Island
Hotel phone: 808-324-1121
This estate situated in the mountainous Kona region offers various lodging choices, from private rooms to suites to a standalone cottage showcasing a blend of Pacific Island and Southeast Asian design motifs. Amenities include a tile-lined pool and outdoor hot tub providing ocean vistas. The expansive grounds cultivate thousands of coffees, nuts, and fruits which feature prominently in the thoughtfully prepared daily breakfast buffet. Guests can anticipate an intimate ambiance paired with exceptional hospitality in walking distance of art galleries, coffee farms, local produce stands, and a short drive from the coastline.
12. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa • Oahu
Hotel phone: 808-674-6200
This family-oriented Hawaiian themed Disney resort provides opulentroom accomodations like suites and private villas equipped with special bedding fr younger visitors. A highlight involves the expansive pool complex with dual waterslides, lazy river, water play area, and private snorkeling spot. Young children love te character meals and daily kids` club offered complimentarily.As a beachfront propery, it also hosts first-rate dining and socializing.
13. Hana Maui Resort • Maui
Hotel phone: 808-359-2401
Nestled at the end of the famed Road to Hana, the gated Hana Maui resort provides secluded accommodations amid natural tropical beauty. Suites and bungalows situated along the coast rely on ocean breezes and expansive sliders rather than mechanical cooling, cultivating a serene ambience. Families in particular tend to frequent this exclusive facility, as its grounds allow young visitors freedom to play without concern for their safety. As the sole luxury resort in Maui offering all-inclusive package deals covering meals, spa services and activities, it appeals to leisure travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation away from crowds.
14. Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort • Kauai
Hotel phone: 808-828-8888
While smaller in scale compared to larger resorts, this boutique property similarly offers high-end amenities through thoughtful interior design that skillfully combines modern sophistication with beach-inspired accents. Guest rooms and suites showcase the island scenery through see-through curtains and private outdoor areas, with view accommodations adding telescopes. Considered one of the top dining establishments on the island, the on-site Red Salt restaurant complement the organic spa, pool, and hot tub that contribute to an idyllic beachfront experience.
15. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina • Oahu
Hotel phone: 808-679-0079
A newly established luxurious resort harmonizing classical elegance with modern Pacific Island influences. Decor highlights include plant-inspired headboards. This picturesque oceanfront property boasts man-made lagoons, four pools, and two heated outdoor relaxation areas. Complimentary beach services incorporate non-motorized water craft. Highly-rated on-site dining options are plentiful, with one eatery especially praised for its affordable pre-dinner appetizers and drinks and another commended for its diverse Asian-fusion cuisine.
16. Hotel Wailea • Maui
Hotel phone: 808-874-0500
This exclusive resort caters solely to adult guests seeking relaxation and exploration of the island`s natural beauty. Amenities include curated activities like sampling the surroundings on foot or by electric bicycle, dining al fresco suspended among the trees, and regularly-scheduled mixology and aerial yoga classes. The well-appointed one-bedroom suites themselves offer tasteful design elements highlighting the local geology and flora. Transportation around the locale and coastal areas is conveniently handled via roadster convertible or luxury sedan.
17. Fairmont Orchid • Big Island
Hotel phone: 808-885-2000
This resort combines timeless elegance in communal spaces with modern, crisp decor in rooms and suites. Accommodations are spacious and family-oriented with a wide range of sizes and amenities. An extensive 10,000 square foot pool faces the ocean. Situated at the northern end of Waikoloa Village, this resort is near dining and shopping areas yet removed from the busy downtown core.
18. The Lodge at Kukui’ula • Kauai
Hotel phone: 855-939-3131
A collection of newly constructed luxury private residences nestled within expansive pastoral lands including working orchards and farms utilized for both guest amenities and an on-site restaurant. Spacious one to four-bedroom homes offer seclusion and accommodations for groups of varying sizes. Resort grounds incorporate multiple pool designs, a water slide, and an indoor recreational area equipped with billiards and other activities. The lodge is a brief drive from Kukui’ula Bay, Poipu Beach, and premier shopping and dining available on Kauai.
19. The Modern Honolulu • Oahu
Hotel phone: 808-943-4161
A cosmopolitan high-rise on the harbor epitomizes contemporary design. On the northwest end of Waikiki, within steps of the beach, as well as some of Hawaii’s best shopping. Stylish accommodations are available here, with textures echoing the coast worked into their aesthetic: weathered wood, earthy tones, and sailing rope. A concealed bar hides behind a bookshelf in the lobby and the nightclub stays open until 3 a.m.
Staying on Maui
Maui, an island consistently ranked amongst the best worldwide, offers a variety of activities making it a great choice. It is renowned for its lengthy, white sand beaches, each with their own mood, ranging from big wave surfing to coral reef snorkeling to beaches packed with partiers or secret coves where travelers can swim alone. This island is ideal for whale watching in winter, as humpback whales especially enjoy the channel between Maui and Lanai – sometimes visible from shore but boat tours allow for closer observations of these magnificent creatures. Fantastic hiking and biking trails explore remote waterfalls, ancient petroglyphs, or crater rims. Dining on Maui emphasizes locally sourced, fresh ingredients found island-wide but concentrated in Paia, Lahaina, and surprisingly Kahului where Chef Simeon`s Tin Roof and Sam Sato’s, originator of the island’s dry mein craze, are located. Luxury resorts and boutique lodging spread across the island though each area offers a distinct atmosphere, and the best place depends greatly on personal tastes: Kaanapali, Kihei, and Wailea bustle with activity, Lahaina retains historical and hip charm, Paia maintains surfy and artistic style, while Hana and Upcountry region exude rustic allure
The Best Maui Hotels
- Four Seasons • Hotel phone: 808-874-8000
Fantastic luxury hotel steps from Wailea’s beaches, shops, and restaurants. - Hotel Wailea • Contact number: 808-874-0500
Luxurious adult-only resort focused on unique experiences. - Dreamcatcher of Zeus
- Andaz Maui at Wailea – Hotel phone: 808-573-1234
Trendy resort with clever architectural elements and a fantastic bar. - Paia Inn – Hotel phone: 808-579-6000
- Over 6,000 square feet of meeting and event facilities, including a ballroom accommodating up to 150 people.
- Hana Maui Resort – Establishment telephone: 808-359-2401
Item: Remote resort renowned for its spa facilities, with all-inclusive options. - Ka’anapali Beach Hotel – Hotel phone: 808-661-0011
Family-friendly hotel emphasizing Hawaiian traditions.
Village Hotel – Phone: +44 141 375 9266
Family friendly classical resort, a water-lover’s paradise with easy access to the sea
Modern luxury with outstanding food and pools.
Staying on Oahu
The city of Oahu, largest and most densely populated of the Hawaiian Islands, provides an lively and vibrant environment most fitting for vacationers who favor occupied, energetic holidays over tranquility and calmness. Tall structures stand aligned on the busy Waikiki Beach, where Duke Kahanamoku ushered in the modern era of surfing. Honolulu, the state’s funding and cosmopolitan center, bustles with a wide range of arts, culture, eats, shopping, and nightlife. Those interested in culinary items will especially enjoy Honolulu’s areas, which showcase an eclectic variety of cuisines from numerous cultures. The Kaimuki and Kapahulu locations overflow with some of the region’s most thrilling local farm-to-table bistros, while Downtown houses the premier high-class dining. Economical, tasty food trucks are ubiquitous, but among the best can be found at the Pau Hana Market in Waikiki. Live music is accessible every night of the week, and DJs keep the clubs invigorated. Shop or view shop in upscale row or Ala Moana. Despite all this action, vacationers are never remote from nature. Diamond Head park offers fun hiking with perspectives of the city from the peak. Less than an hour`s drive north in Hale’iwa are the globe`s most famed surf destinations, Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay. This laid back, casual seaside town serves as a relaxed, informal contrast to the fast-paced southern section. Honolulu
The Best Oahu Hotels
- The Modern Honolulu – Telephone number for the hotel: 808-943-4161
Chic, cosmopolitan luxury on the harbor. - The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club • Hotel contact number: 808-923-8882
Mecca of cool in the heart of Honolulu. - Aulani • Hotel phone number: 808-674-6200
Luxury, family-centric, Disney resort. - Halekulani – Hotel phone number: 808-923-2311
Elegant oceanfront luxury on Waikiki Beach. - Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina • Hotel contact number: 808-679-0079
Stunning luxury resort on Oahu’s leeward coast. - Moana Surfrider – Hotel contact number: 808-922-3111
. - Shoreline Hotel – Hotel phone number: 808-219-0674
Retro, hipster atmosphere in the heart of Waikiki, next to an outstanding eatery. - Coconut Waikiki Hotel • Hotel phone: 808-219-0728
Sunny, family-friendly hotel overlooking Ala Wai Canal in Waikiki.
Historic, plantation-era glam on Waikiki Beach
Staying on Kauai
For authentic charm and remarkable scenery, Kauai can`t be surpassed. The earliest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is home to stunning landscapes formed over millions of years of erosion. This is the best island for nature lovers. Miles of coastline circle the island, many of them accessible only by hiking the steep cliffs of the Na Pali coast or paddling around by kayak. Verdant rainforest and thick clouds cover the peak of Mount Waialeale, the globe’s rainiest spot, while only a few miles west, colorful Waimea Canyon opens up, arid and dusty. Its breathtaking terrain has long attracted Hollywood’s attention: about 80 movies have been filmed here, including Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Nearly three-quarters of the land is inaccessible on foot and can only be seen by helicopter, which makes helicopter tours the most popular attraction island-wide. There are no freeways on Kauai, and much of the island is rural or undeveloped. Chickens are omnipresent, and the feral rooster has become the unofficial state bird here. A few luxury resorts can be found in the Po’ipu and Princeville areas, but most of the accommodations here are boutique inns, B&Bs, and affordable hotels concentrated on the eastern Coconut Coast. The island is small, though, so no matter where visitors stay, the farthest attractions are only about an hour’s drive away.
The Best Kauai Hotels
- Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa – Hotel phone: 808-742-1234
Item: Classic luxury style with plantation atmosphere on sunny Po’ipu Beach. - Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort • Hotel phone: 808-828-8888
Boutique luxury resort with an excellent restaurant. - The Lodge at Kukui’ula – Hotel phone: 855-939-3131
Sprawling resort with a top tier spa and golf course. - Fern Grotto Inn • Hotel phone: 808-670-1336
A boutique inn along the Wailua River, featuring fruit trees and excellent facilities.
Staying on the Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii is the youngest in the volcanic chain and alone has functioning volcanoes. Due to this, it has a very diverse vibe than the rest of the islands. The landscape is rough and meager on much of the island with lava stones stretching for miles below a layer of volcanic fog (“vog” briefly). There are less beaches here, and many of them are rocky; in any case, some of the clearest water in all of Hawaii can be found off its western coast. Because of this, the majority of the island’s resorts are positioned here, in Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa Village. The Big Island, though, is big! It is larger than all of the rest of the islands joined together and home to eight distinct microclimates. In around 90 minutes, visitors can exit the arid western coast behind for the lush rainforests of the east, nearby Hilo and Volcano. The east side offers some amazing boutique lodgings, as well as some budget hotels, but no luxury resorts. While Hilo is the biggest city on the island, it retains a small-town feel and is a wonderful spot for biking, as long as you aren’t deterred by rain. Lots of volcano tours start here, specifically to Kilauea, the most functional volcano on earth, which erupted nonstop from 1983 to 2018 and again in December 2020.
The Best Big Island Hotels
- Four Seasons Hualalai – Hotel phone: 808-325-8000
Refined luxury bungalows on the Kona coast. - Holualoa Inn • Hotel phone: 808-324-1121
Luxury B&B in the Kona mountains. - Fairmont Orchid • Hotel phone: 808-885-2000
Graceful design in a quieter part of Waikoloa. - Lotus Garden of Hilo • Hotel phone: 808 936-5212
Funky, bohemian boutique stay in downtown Hilo. - Lava Lava Beach Club • Hotel contact: 808-769-5282
Surfer friendly cottages with an excellent bar and nightly live performances.
