Hawaii’s 18 Best Resorts and Hotels

Hawaii offers a diverse range of experiences, from the sleek modernity of some resorts to the timeless charm of others that evoke “old Hawaii.” Each island presents its own unique character, and even the accommodations vary widely in style and price. With so many options, it’s easy to find the perfect escape, whether you’re looking for prime beach access or year-round postcard-perfect views.

Oahu Adventures

Turtle Bay Resort Overview

On Oahu’s North Shore, the Turtle Bay Resort, a sprawling 1,300-acre property, provides a luxurious escape. After a significant renovation, it blends laid-back vibes with enhanced dining experiences. The resort’s natural setting is central, with many of its rooms and suites designed to complement the lush surroundings and waterfront views. The beachfront bungalows offer a secluded splurge.

I always find that arriving at a place like this, where the outdoors is so prominent, makes me want to slow down immediately. The sounds of the ocean and the scent of tropical flowers can really set the tone for a visit. It’s a good reminder to just breathe and take it all in, especially after a flight.

The spa here is an expansive 11,000 square feet, featuring glass walls that offer peaceful views. It provides a full menu of treatments, including traditional Hawaiian massages, using sustainable ingredients. Dining is also a highlight, with a focus on ingredients from the resort’s own farm. Local seafood and farm-fresh produce are featured across its eight dining outlets, including a signature restaurant and a lobby bar.

One of the unique dining experiences is the Paniolo Luau, an outdoor dinner series that pays homage to Hawaiian cowboys with roasted meats and cultural activities like hula lessons and storytelling. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the local culture through food and entertainment.

Waikiki’s Iconic Hotels

In the heart of Waikiki, Halekulani Hotel stands as an oceanfront sanctuary known for its world-class cuisine, wellness offerings, and gracious hospitality. Its serene white-on-white interiors and distinct turquoise ocean panoramas create a timeless atmosphere. The 453 guest rooms and suites are appointed with thoughtful amenities, including house-made chocolates.

It’s easy to get caught up in the energy of Waikiki, but places like Halekulani offer a sense of calm. I remember noticing how the staff seemed to anticipate needs before I even voiced them. That kind of intuitive service makes a big difference, especially when you’re trying to relax.

The hotel boasts robust culinary options, including the romantic French-influenced La Mer and the coastal Italian restaurant Orchids, which offers stunning Waikiki Beach views. House Without A Key provides nightly local music and a brick oven, complemented by a new pool bar. The integrated spa offers a comprehensive menu of healing services and mindfulness practices.

Just a short distance from the bustle of Waikiki, The Kahala Hotel & Resort offers a luxurious yet secluded experience. This resort is known for its discreet service and celebrity guest roster. Many rooms offer views of a lagoon where bottlenose dolphins swim. Its 338 residential-style accommodations feature soothing pastel hues and island-inspired views. The resort’s dining venues are overseen by an acclaimed executive chef, offering everything from fine dining to casual beachfront options.

For those who appreciate midcentury modern design and a lively atmosphere, The Laylow, Autograph Collection, in Waikiki is a great choice. This boutique hotel boasts an Instagrammable design, tech-friendly amenities, and a saltwater pool. Complimentary cultural lessons, like ukulele, are offered daily. The hotel’s greenhouse-themed restaurant, Hideout, serves modern Hapa Hawaiian cuisine and features live entertainment nightly. Its pet-friendly policy also makes it welcoming for travelers with their furry companions.

Family Fun at Aulani

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, caters to families with its immersive Hawaiian culture experiences enhanced by Disney magic. Located on Oahu’s leeward coast, the resort offers a range of accommodations, including hotel rooms, suites, and Disney Vacation Club units. Aunty’s Beach House, a 5,200-square-foot kids club, provides supervised activities for ages 4 to 12, including Hawaiian arts and crafts, hula lessons, and lei making.

When traveling with young children, knowing there are dedicated spaces and activities for them is a huge relief. I’ve seen how children light up at places like this, and it allows the adults to enjoy some quiet moments too, perhaps at the spa or simply by one of the pools. It makes the trip much more enjoyable for everyone.

Evening entertainment includes fireside storytelling and outdoor movie nights, along with Disney character appearances. Dining options are plentiful, ensuring everyone in the family will find something to enjoy. Beyond the natural lagoon, the resort features six pools and multiple waterslides. Laniwai – A Disney Spa is available for parents seeking relaxation.

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki, is a historic landmark known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific.” Built in 1927, it retains its opulent Spanish-Moorish style and offers a sense of old Hawaii glamour. The resort provides refined hospitality and elegant accommodations, with rooms in the Historic Wing leaning into their traditional charm and the Mailani Tower offering more contemporary style.

Maui’s Coastal Charm

Wailea Beach Resorts

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort offers direct access to Mokapu Beach on Maui’s southwestern coast. This family-friendly resort sits within the 1,500-acre Wailea development, providing easy access to dining and shopping. The resort features 320 rooms and suites, including oceanfront villas, all with private lanais. The design is a minimalist-modern beach aesthetic, with bathrooms accented by Hawaiian lava stone.

I appreciate resorts that blend beautiful design with effortless access to the beach. At places like Andaz Maui, you can start your day with a swim in the ocean and then easily transition to lounging by the tiered infinity pools. It’s that seamless flow between natural beauty and resort amenities that makes for a truly relaxing vacation.

Multiple infinity-edge swimming pools overlook the ocean, perfect for enjoying frozen cocktails and poke bowls from the beach bar. The resort also has a 24-hour market for convenience. Morimoto Maui, from chef Masaharu Morimoto, is a highlight for fine dining, offering Japanese cuisine. The resort also offers a unique luau experience with unlimited craft cocktails.

Montage Kapalua Bay offers an intimate, luxurious experience with spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites that feel more like private villas. Situated on a turquoise bay in northwest Maui, the resort emphasizes balance and harmony. It provides complimentary activities such as cultural storytelling, guided tidepool excursions, and hikes through its tropical landscape.

For younger guests, the Paintbox program offers themed days of games and crafts, including Mermaid Academy. While children are engaged, adults can enjoy treatments at Spa Montage or play golf on the nearby championship courses. The resort’s residences feature kitchens, and its two restaurants, Cane & Canoe and The Hideaway, focus on local Hawaiian flavors. Hana Hou Bar is an idyllic spot for cocktails with views of Molokai and Lanai.

Kapalua Bay Luxury

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, underwent a $100 million reimagining, completing in 2022, to enhance its luxury and service. This 54-acre resort reflects its surroundings with dreamy white interiors featuring pops of blue and green. The 466 rooms, suites, and residences each have a private balcony and large bathrooms with high-end toiletries. The resort offers six dining outlets, emphasizing Maui-sourced ingredients and local flavors.

When you’re looking for impeccable service, resorts like The Ritz-Carlton often deliver. I’ve learned that taking advantage of the resort’s programs, like the Ambassadors of the Environment, can really enrich a family trip. It turns the resort grounds into a classroom, making learning fun for kids without feeling like a chore.

The spa is a destination in itself, offering saunas, whirlpools, and steam rooms. Outdoor activities include a vast three-tiered swimming pool with cabanas, kayaking, and tennis. The resort is one of few Ritz-Carlton properties with a Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program outpost, offering family-friendly educational experiences focused on nature.

Grand Wailea Maui offers a large-scale resort experience with 776 rooms and villas, notable for its voluptuous Fernando Botero sculptures. Its spa is the largest in Hawaii, and the kids club is extensive. The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is a multi-level water park with slides, a river with rapids, waterfalls, caves, and a water elevator, making it a huge draw for families. For adults seeking tranquility, the Hibiscus Pool is a serene option.

The resort provides various water-based activities, including scuba instruction and paddleboard rentals. Outrigger tours for turtle watching and snorkeling are available. A daily resort fee covers numerous extras, such as a photography session, yoga classes, and beach cruisers. Dining options range from sushi and piña coladas to wood-fired pizzas and a signature restaurant serving Hawaiian-caught seafood overlooking the Pacific.

Hawaii Island’s Cultural Heart

Mauna Lani’s Traditions

Mauna Lani, an Auberge Resorts Collection property, combines luxury with an authentic appreciation for Hawaiian culture, cuisine, and landscape. Reimagined in 2020, this resort balances romance and family fun. Its 334 rooms and suites are curated with chic details that reflect Hawaii Island. An impressive outrigger canoe in the atrium is a striking visual element.

Experiencing local culture is what makes a trip memorable for me. At Mauna Lani, I was impressed by the willingness to share traditions, like the welcome from the elder storyteller. It’s these authentic connections that make you feel like you’re truly experiencing the place, not just visiting.

The resort engages guests with cultural activities, including those inspired by traditional local practices for children. Guests can join sunrise outrigger paddles, with potential sightings of humpback whales and turtles. Surfing, spearfishing, and snorkeling are also offered. The spa features traditional treatments using local botanicals. The signature restaurant, CanoeHouse, is renowned for its Japanese-inflected preparations of Hawaiian seafood, offering exceptional dining experiences with sunset views.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, the first resort on Hawaii Island, offers a storied experience, particularly for golfers and beach lovers. Kaunaoa Bay, directly in front of the property, is considered the island’s best beach. The resort’s 252 accommodations include beachfront options with furnished lanais and vibrant suites. Guests can engage with the resort’s cultural ambassador for a sunrise chant or explore the island’s offerings with assistance from concierges.

The hotel features nearly a dozen dining options. Manta, an al fresco restaurant, offers stunning views and Hawaiian fish dishes, while Meridia serves Mediterranean cuisine. Copper Bar is known for its mixology and panoramic views, and Hau Tree is a beloved beachside spot. The resort also provides a beach club, tennis courts, and children’s programming.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is an expansive 865-acre property offering a wide array of activities and dining experiences, particularly for active families. Its dining outlets are spread along the beachfront, providing ocean views from most tables. Restaurants like Ulu Ocean Grill and Beach Tree serve hyper-locally sourced ingredients and Italian-inspired dishes. The resort features four swimming pools, including those for children and quiet zones, as well as a 1.8-million-gallon swimmable aquarium inhabited by tropical fish and a spotted eagle ray.

The 243 suites and rooms, recently updated, offer lush landscaping and outdoor showers. The resort provides a kids club with an exhaustive array of complimentary activities from morning to evening. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, sailing, golf, and spa treatments. Marine biologists are on hand to educate visitors about the marine life.

Fairmont Orchid, situated on the sunny Kohala Coast, offers an oceanfront location with a private bay. The resort engages guests with Hawaiian culture through activities like outrigger canoe paddling and hula lessons. Friday nights feature torch-lit luaus. The resort’s rooms and suites incorporate rattan and bamboo motifs, fitting the island’s aesthetic. Restaurants like Brown’s Beach House serve fresh seafood and local produce, accompanied by live music and sunset views. The Spa Without Walls has oceanfront cabanas and offers therapies using local ingredients like Kona coffee and Hawaiian sea salt.

Kauai’s Lush Landscapes

Garden Isle Resorts

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa lives up to Kauai’s “garden island” reputation with its low-rise design, lush landscaping, and waterfalls. The 605 rooms and suites, each at least 500 square feet, incorporate native foliage and flora into their cheerful decor. The resort’s aquatic offerings rival nature’s beauty, featuring a 1 1/2-acre saltwater lagoon, multilevel pools, a lava-rock lazy river, and a waterslide.

What I love about resorts with extensive water features like the Grand Hyatt is the sheer variety of ways to enjoy the water. Whether it’s the thrill of a waterslide, the calm of a lazy river, or a quiet moment at an adults-only pool, there’s an option for every mood and every member of the family.

The resort also boasts an 18-hole championship golf course and the Anara Spa, which focuses on healing customs and therapies inspired by the Hawaiian philosophy of lokahi, aiming for balance and harmony. Dining options are diverse, including Tidepools, set on a lagoon, showcasing Kauai-grown ingredients. Stevenson’s Library offers sushi at a koa wood bar, and biweekly luaus are available, alongside private starlit dinners and other food and beverage outlets.

Koa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach offers an intimate and romantic escape on Kauai’s South Shore. This resort, with 121 rooms and suites, recently underwent a $5 million renovation in 2022, refreshing its furnishings, including carved wood headboards and artwork by native Hawaiians. All rooms feature a private balcony or lanai with ocean views.

Red Salt restaurant serves brunch and dinner daily, using locally sourced ingredients. The chef’s tasting menus highlight Kauai-born executive chef Noelani Planas’s culinary expertise. A small sushi bar is also available. Guests can enjoy smoothies and cocktails at the pool bar before relaxing in the lava-rock hot tub. The resort offers sunrise yoga, fire pits near the surf, and massages in open-air cabanas.

Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences provides private residences within a full-service resort setting, ideal for multigenerational groups. The two- to four-bedroom accommodations are stylishly serene, blending rustic materials with chic finishes. Each residence on the 450-acre resort has an ocean view and multiple lanais, with some featuring private plunge pools. The property is conveniently located about a 10-minute drive from Lihue Airport.

The Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course offers oceanfront holes. Dining experiences are notable, with Hualani’s serving farm-to-table prix fixe dinners on Tuesdays, utilizing harvests from The Farm at Hokuala. Active guests can explore 13 miles of rainforest trails or enjoy sailing and surfing. Nanea Spa offers organic treatments, and the resort features a fitness center, yoga classes, and a two-tiered infinity swimming pool with ocean views.

Lanai’s Exclusive Retreat

Secluded Luxury on Lanai

Four Seasons Resort Lanai provides a chic and secluded tropical experience on one of Hawaii’s less-visited islands. With 168 guest rooms and 45 suites, this beachfront resort specializes in exclusive experiences. Lanai is largely privately owned, offering a virtually private island feel. The resort serves as a base for exploring the island’s diverse topography, from misty forests to cloudless beaches.

On islands like Lanai, you get a different sense of peace. It’s quiet, and the natural landscapes feel incredibly raw and untouched. I found that taking outrigger canoes offered amazing opportunities to see marine life up close in a way that felt very respectful of the environment.

Activities include exploring secluded beaches, sailing with dolphins and humpback whales, and zip lining or horseback riding. The spacious guest rooms and suites offer comfort and luxury without being overdone. Guests can relax by the lagoon-style pools or visit the botanical garden. Hawanawana Spa offers treatments inspired by local traditions, including lei-making and lauhala-weaving sessions.

The resort’s Nobu Lanai restaurant, by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, offers a 15-course teppanyaki experience and signature dishes made with local fish. An experience in the new observatory, with instruction in astronomy and Hawaiian wayfinding, provides a unique way to end the evening.

Hawaii offers a multitude of experiences, each island and resort providing a unique perspective on paradise. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, these destinations cater to a wide range of preferences.