Whether you’re looking for the best ocean views, a secluded getaway, the most delicious restaurants, or the most relaxing spas, each of these hotels has something unique to offer. Modern or historic, elegant or laid back, these hotels will have what you need for the perfect respite. Here are the best hotels in Hawai‘i for your home away from home.
Hana-Maui Resort has rolled out a dedicated Family Travel Expert to create curated itineraries and plan your family adventure. As part of Hyatt’s Roots to Reunion campaign, guests can book their next multi-gen escape with a click of one button and feel assured that their vacation will be seamless. PHOTO COURTESY OF HANA-MAUI RESORT
The Kahala Hotel & Resort This picturesque property celebrates its 60th anniversary. Book a spa treatment that employs Hawaiian healing techniques to rejuvenate your soul or swim with dolphins at Dolphin Quest. Room to request: Say aloha to resident dolphins in the lagoon below the Dolphin Lanai rooms. kahalaresort.com
Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina The sprawling property has five restaurants, including Michael Mina’s Fish House and Noe, as well as artisan workshops and a multilevel fitness club and spa. Room to request: The penthouse suite features an expansive wraparound 800-square-foot lanai overlooking the Pacific Ocean. fourseasons.com/oahu
The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay This action-packed resort in the quiet town of Kahuku boasts two world-class golf courses, the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience (and a local favorite wave!), horse-riding trails, jogging paths, a tennis center and so much more, including a wide variety of health and wellness offerings at Nalu Spa—ask for an outdoor treatment room. Room to request: Book oceanfront bungalows or ocean villas, featuring deep soaking tubs tailored in marble and glass. turtlebayresort.com
‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach The 280,000-gallon oceanarium in the lobby is a must-see, and don’t miss the two restaurants conceived by internationally acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto. Consider the Longboard Club for an elevated relaxation experience. Room to request: The one-bedroom premier oceanfront suite offers unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and Waikīkī Beach with extended double balconies. alohilaniresort.com
ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki From Aqua-Aston Hospitality comes this all-suite hotel with bespoke services ranging from luxury cars to shopping sprees at your beck and call, and on-site dining via Mugen, a Japanese-French concept. Room to request: Any—the nine suites each take up one floor. espaciowaikiki.com
Halekulani One of the first properties in Waikīkī, Halekulani has spectacular views of Diamond Head and incredible sunsets. It also offers exclusive events and a newly renovated spa. The hotel’s For You, Everything program gives guests full access to O‘ahu’s most prestigious museums. Room to request: The one-bedroom Halekulani suite offers privacy, with a personal butler. halekulani.com
Ka La’i Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts This luxury resort brings comfort and style with residential-style suites. Relax at the spa or infinity pool or explore Waikīkī with the hotel being less than a mile from Luxury Row shopping. Room to request: You can’t go wrong with an ocean or city view suite, each granting beautiful views. hilton.com
Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head Located at the end of the Waikīkī strip, enjoy serenity in this boutique hotel tucked away from the busyness of the city. Enjoy contemporary Hawaiian cuisine crafted with care at Arden Waikiki. Room to request: Ask for the ocean view room and bask in the views of the Pacific Ocean from your private lanai. lotushonoluluhotel.com
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa Since opening in 1901, the historic Surfrider has drawn guests from all over the world. The hotel values sustainability, and a long-standing tradition is Afternoon Tea at the Veranda, served on an oceanfront lanai shaded by a banyan tree. Room to request: Reserve a penthouse ocean suite and stay on one of the top floors of the Tower Wing. moana-surfrider.com
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort With beautifully renovated guest rooms and suites with idyllic ocean views embrace the Hawaiian lifestyle, which includes live nightly Hawaiian music and island cuisine at the renowned Kani Ka Pila Grille. Room to request: The Grand Navigator suite on the 18th floor of its Pacific Tower. outriggerreef.com
Prince Waikiki This oceanfront hotel offers a picture-perfect marina setting and easy access to Honolulu’s trendiest neighborhoods, city street art and progressive shops and restaurants. Indulge at its award-winning 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar that brought back its iconic buffet service. Room to request: The Lanai suite boasts its own private rooftop terrace and the feeling of home. princewaikiki.com
Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador This welcoming neighborhood hotel provides easy access to the beaches as well as island exploration. Check out laidback dining options with Favorite Son and Waikiki Swim & Social Club, a full-sun pool deck offering small bites and drinks. Room to request: Stay in any of the neighborhood view suites and be embraced by a Waikīkī sunset with soft palettes and wood detailing. romerhotels.com
Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel: Where Diamond Head meets Waikīkī, expect unbeatable ocean and mountain views, delicious American Pacific-inspired dishes at the open-air restaurant DECK., fresh pineapple soft serve at Alola Whip, and specialty coffee, cocktails and grab-and-go items at Knots Coffee Roasters. Room to request: The Grand Leahi suite with an extra-large lanai. queenkapiolani.com
Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa This hotel boasts relaxation from the curated art and photography collection to the spa, which has Ofuro Soaking Baths and Himalayan Salt Saunas, to the Sky Deck, the perfect place to lounge. Room to request: A pinnacle of luxurious living, the Premier Ocean View is a studio that provides stunning ocean and city views. marriott.com
Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club Head to this boutique hotel with a laid-back 1960s surf vibe for nightly live music, weekend pool parties, cultural workshops and events, Jack the hotel dog, unique cocktails and Mahina & Sun’s, the in-house restaurant featuring funky local fare by chef Erik Leong. Room to request: The two- and three-bedroom suites. surfjack.com
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach The second tower of this award-winning swanky condominium residence boasts luxurious penthouses. Foodies will adore the second-floor wine bar that overlooks Waikīkī beach at the Dean & DeLuca store and world-class Japanese resto, Sushi Sho. Room to request: For spacious accommodations with oversized lanais, book the two-bedroom premier ocean-view suite. ritzcarlton.com/waikiki
The Royal Hawaiian Resort The legendary Pink Palace of the Pacific is a landmark destination, standing out with its extraordinary hue along Waikīkī Beach. The resort’s 528 rooms and suites combine vintage motifs with modern interiors and consider taking a historical tour. Room to request: Reserve an oceanfront suite in the Mailani Tower and revel in the views. royal-hawaiian.com
The Wayfinder Waikiki A self-proclaimed celebrator of the “B-side” of Waikīkī, the newly reimagined hotel offers a more authentic local experience. Room to request: Each has a lanai and features bright colors, and aloha- and palaka-print quilted headboards—a nod to Hawai‘i’s plantation-era past. wayfinderwaikiki.com
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i This 32-acre oceanfront resort comprises six restaurants (including Binchotan, serving locally sourced seafood and meats cooked on white charcoal), 540 rooms, an award-winning spa and some of the finest golf and tennis facilities in the region. Room to request: The Fairmont Gold Ocean View suite houses a parlor separated by French doors and fully equipped entertainment centers. fairmontorchid.com
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel The first property built on the Kohala Coast continues its 56-year-old legacy with beach-friendly vibes. Enjoy the resort’s expansive art collection, which features hundreds of museum-quality pieces collected over the decades by hotel founder Laurance S. Rockefeller. It is undergoing renovations that will finish in 2025, set to include fresh redesigns to the guest rooms, dining and spas. Room to request: Reserve the Mauna Kea suite on the top floor to enjoy panoramic views of the Kohala Coast. maunakeabeachhotel.com
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection Visitors call the Mauna Lani home for chic design and comfort, stunning scenery and incredible amenities. Dine at CanoeHouse, where locals have savored the island’s bounty for decades, and check out the resort’s new oceanfront Beach Club. Room to request: The private residences at Mauna Lani are secluded yet conveniently located within a minute’s walk of the resort. aubergeresorts.com/maunalani
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort The property puts wellness and relaxation at the forefront with a CrossFit studio and adults-only infinity pool—a sanctuary for those seeking serenity—as well as the Meridia Restaurant with innovative Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Room to request: One-bedroom suites afford ocean or garden views from private furnished lanais. marriott.com
Nestled on 25 acres of lush grounds is Hamakua Hotel (hamakuahotel.com), a new adults-only haven perched high above a 100-foot cliff along the 50-mile stretch of the stunning Hāmākua Coast of Hawai‘i Island. PHOTO COURTESY OF HAMAKUA HOTEL
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Located in cozy two-story bungalows, the 243 guest rooms and suites at this property reflect nature-inspired decor. Reserve the Beach Tree Barefoot Table for a private, beachfront dinner. Room to request: Choose a room in King’s Pond Crescent, made even better with fresh renovations, and enjoy gorgeous views of the resort’s 1.8 million-gallon lava rock aquarium right from your lanai. fourseasons.com/hualalai
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort Sitting on 81 acres of stunning volcanic landscape, this revived retreat reopened its doors last year. Discover the traditional hospitality steeped in Hawaiian heritage. Room to request: Echoing traditional Hawaiian hale, the bungalows’ soaring windows and expansive lanais showcase ocean views. rosewoodhotels.com
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Start the morning with scenic back-nine holes at Po‘ipu Bay Golf Course, followed by an afternoon in the pools—including 1.5 acres of saltwater swimming lagoons. Room to request: For whale-watching during the winter months, the Royal suite is a must. kauai.hyatt.com
The Lodge at Kukui’ula This hotel is a haven of barefoot luxury, where guests can enjoy exclusive access to the sprawling amenities of The Club at Kukui’ula with nightly luxury vacation rentals in Poipu Kaua’i. Three Club Neighborhoods with elegant homes featuring authentic plantation-style architecture meander down a tree-lined drive towards The Club. Room to request: The third enclave of contemporary Hawaiian villas overlooks the private golf course and provides perfect ocean views. lodgeatkukuiula.com
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay This flagship property of 1 Hotels and Resorts features 252 rooms and suites—all with views of the bay. Central to the hotel experience is the Bamford Wellness Spa and Anatomy fitness studio. Room to request: Any of the suites, as they all offer ocean views. For those seeking a pure wellness sanctuary, ask for a specialty suite featuring wellness amenities. 1hotels.com/hanalei-bay
Hana-Maui Resort This boutique property, located on the rolling hills of east Maui, offers unique programs to help you truly relax, including removing clocks and other electronics from your room. Room to request: Enjoy the private lanai at the Oceanfront Bungalow Deluxe Suite. hanamauiresort.com
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows One of the first Kā’anapali resorts, Royal Lahaina is a place to reconnect with nature. From a luau show for exploring the myths of Maui to a taste of Hawai‘i at Lahaina Noon, all its offers focus on sustainability and the island. Room to request: The newly refurbished Royal Bungalow room king offers breathtaking views of the resort’s gardens. royallahaina.com
Montage Kapalua Bay This luxury resort is the epitome of leisure and quiet seclusion. All 70 residential-style accommodations—ranging from 1,250 to 4,000 square feet—have gourmet kitchens and spacious living and dining areas. Room to request: For a group living arrangement, reserve a three-bedroom premier ocean-view residence. montagehotels.com/kapaluabay
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Nestled on 54 acres, this stunning property has a world-class spa and seven on-site restaurants with the recent addition of a luau and dinner show. Room to request: Ask for the sixth floor, where the Royal Pacific suite boasts unobstructed views of Honokahua Bay. ritzcarlton.com/kapalua
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort Spend an afternoon at one of three infinity pools and indulge in handrolled sushi at Morimoto Maui, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s Japanese fusion restaurant. Room to request: The Andaz Poolside Suite offers direct access to the resort’s tranquility pool. maui.andaz.hyatt.com
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui The only oceanfront resort in Hawai‘i with all suites and villas, the Fairmont completed a multi-year renovation that includes a brand-new lobby plus a Native Hawaiian cultural center. Sample the award-winning Hawai‘i regional cuisine at Kō. Room to request: The Kilohana Corner suites feature oversized wraparound corner lanais and panoramic views. fairmont.com/kealani
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea Luring guests away from the spacious suites here are the hotel’s three award-winning restaurants: Ferraro’s Restaurant & Bar, DUO Steak & Seafood and Wolfgang Puck’s famed Spago. With a stay here, guests can participate in the Resort’s Mālama Hawai‘i experience which allows visitors to give back to the island in a meaningful way. Room to request: For quiet rooms with easy access to recreational areas, stay in the Oceanfront Prime suite. fourseasons.com/maui
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort Find relaxation at the Grand Wailea, from five dining experiences, the latest being the seafood restaurant Humuhumunukunukuāpua’a, to the Kilolani spa, inspired by the tranquility of the stars, to eleven newly launched wellness rooms. Room to request: The Napua suites, located on exclusive private upper floors, make for the ideal tropical retreat with access to the Napua Lounge. grandwailea.com
Hotel Wailea The state’s only Relais & Châteaux property, this 72-suite boutique hotel offers an ultraluxury, ultraromantic experience in the posh resort area of Wailea. Room to request: Choose between one-bedroom ocean or garden views; either way you’ll be in the lap of luxury. hotelwailea.com
Wailea Beach Resort Nestled between two of Maui’s best beaches, you won’t run out of things to do at this family-friendly resort. Three distinct pools spanning 22 acres include the longest resort waterslide in Hawai‘i. Relax with the recently added Olakino, a rejuvenating wellness sanctuary. Room to request: Ask for the oceanfront Sundeck Collection, but all oceanfront accommodations are so close to the water’s edge that you can hear Wailea’s waves crashing. marriott.com
Four Seasons Resort Lana‘i One of the most tranquil resorts in Hawai‘i makes a splash with waterfalls and koi ponds overlooking Holupo‘e Bay. Try its Zen Sports Wellness experiences (golf, horseback riding, yoga and other activities) to amplify your relaxation. Room to request: The most sought-after units are the Ohana Ocean-View suites. fourseasons.com/lanai
Photography by: Opener image: Montage Kapalua Bay Beach Club. PHOTO COURTESY OF MONTAGE KAPALUA BAY
