The 10 Best Resorts in Hawaiʻi

Travelers are consistently lured back to the Hawaiian islands for numerous reasons, including the stunning beauty of the beaches and rainforests, as well as the rich cultural tapestry that spans centuries. The finest resorts here provide visitors with countless opportunities to engage more deeply with the islands' cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes.

As part of our Hotels We Adore series, we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 favorite accommodations in the Hawaiian islands. In the collection of retreats below—presented in no particular order—you’ll discover resorts that shine in various areas, from wellness to family-friendly experiences.

1. Turtle Bay Resort

Located on Oʻahu’s North Shore, Turtle Bay Resort features 408 guest rooms and suites along with 42 private Ocean Bungalows, all adorned in light wood and earthy tones with breathtaking ocean views. The essence of sea and land permeates the hotel experience: Participate in a surfing lesson at the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience, embark on a kayak tour to spot sea turtles, tee off on the championship 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf course, or ride horses along the shore. Guests can easily access seven secluded beaches and three on-site pools within walking distance.

The staff’s dedication to environmental sustainability is evident throughout the resort: Dishes are crafted using fresh greens, beets, and other produce from the resort’s own Kuilima Farm, located just five minutes away, while the golf course is maintained with gray water processed by the resort’s facility. Starting from $779

2. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort

Constructed during the Roaring Twenties and affectionately known as the “Pink Palace” for its pink Spanish Moorish architecture, the Royal Hawaiian heralded a glamorous era for Waikīkī Beach. Situated on what was once the playground for royalty like King Kamehameha I, this oceanfront resort remains a cherished fixture in the neighborhood. Its inviting portico lined with rocking chairs and torch-lit garden pathways serves as a testament to the enduring romance of old Waikīkī.

The resort features 528 rooms, including 33 luxurious suites, adorned with vintage koa furnishings and historic photographs of Waikīkī. Begin your day with the iconic Pink Palace Pancakes at Surf Lanai before unwinding by the pools, or opt for a private chaise lounge and umbrella on Waikīkī Beach. As night falls, enjoy a drink at the lively Mai Tai Bar, followed by a seafood-centric four-course tasting menu at the beachfront restaurant Azure. Starting from $459

3. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Nestled on the sun-drenched Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani offers 333 guest rooms, including 36 luxurious suites, featuring hardwood floors, natural fabrics, and private lanais with breathtaking views of either the mountains or the ocean. For those seeking cultural insights, the resort’s Hale ʻI’ike (house of knowledge) showcases traditional Hawaiian artifacts such as shark tooth weaponry and hosts regular ukulele jam sessions.

Guests can embark on a family-friendly guided petroglyph hike at the nearby Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve or immerse themselves in the Pacific Ocean through snorkeling or deep-sea fishing adventures. Golf enthusiasts flock to Mauna Lani’s renowned North and South courses, while three pools provide perfect lounging spots. Dining options abound with five on-site restaurants and lounges, ranging from the beachfront CanoeHouse, offering Japanese-inspired cuisine, to the laid-back Surf Shack for poke and fish tacos. Starting from $1,099

4. Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort

Situated along the tranquil shores of Kahuwai Bay on the Kona Coast, Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, has recently reopened after being devastated by a tsunami in 2011. The resort honors the long-standing tradition of local land stewardship with the guidance of a cultural committee. A cultural center celebrates sacred archaeological sites and anchialine pools, which are enclosed ponds connected to the ocean below.

The resort features 150 guest hales, or rooms, ranging from one to four bedrooms, each boasting spacious lanais and outdoor showers. Home to the largest privately owned microgrid in the state, Kona Village operates entirely on renewable energy and solar power. With an on-site farm supporting its four bars and restaurants, the resort showcases Hawaiian and Pacific Rim cuisine. Guests can indulge in wellness programs at Asaya Spa or relax in any of the four outdoor pools. Don't miss the enriching cultural experiences offered, such as a sunrise outrigger canoe paddle and sailing lessons from contemporary Polynesian navigators. Starting from $1,800

5. Fairmont Kea Lani

Among the accommodations in Maui’s Wailea resort area, Fairmont Kea Lani stands out as one of the most family-friendly choices. The resort boasts 413 one-bedroom suites and 37 two-story villas, making it one of the largest properties on the island, with suites starting at 860 square feet and villas beginning at 1,800 square feet. Family-oriented amenities include separate living and sleeping areas, furnished outdoor spaces, sleeper sofas, and kitchen facilities, while villas promote group gatherings with plunge pools and barbecue grills.

In December 2023, the resort unveiled the open-air Hale Kukuna, developed with input from its cultural advisory board. Situated prominently near the lobby, this center is now the largest resort-based cultural facility on the island, hosting events such as lei-making workshops and showcasing the artistry of Native Hawaiian artisans.

Two lagoon-style pools are linked by a 140-foot waterslide, while an adults-only pool provides a more serene atmosphere. Guests can partake in outrigger canoe excursions and experience locally inspired treatments at the Willow Stream Spa. The five on-site dining options include a newly opened oceanfront bar and lounge, Pilina, known for its sustainably sourced sushi. Starting at $1,149

6. Montage Kapalua Bay

Nestled on an oceanfront cliff along the northwestern coast of Maui, Montage Kapalua Bay makes a striking first impression with its serene koi ponds leading to a central area featuring an array of pools and waterfalls. The 70 residential-style accommodations are equipped with kitchens adorned with marble countertops and wine refrigerators, deep-soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and in-unit washers and dryers.

Guests can engage in tropical hikes and paddleboarding adventures, while Spa Montage provides an extensive selection of treatments, including a marine-based body exfoliation experience in an outdoor pavilion. One of four dining options, Cane & Canoe, specializes in a seafood-focused menu that highlights mostly local ingredients, such as Kauai prawns, hamachi aguachile, and vadouvan curry made with island-grown vegetables. Starting at $1,500

7. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Perched on cliffs overlooking Honokahua Bay, the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua spans 22,000 acres of lush landscape and towering trees. Each of the 468 guest rooms, suites, and residences features private terraces and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, decorated in soft sand tones with blue and green accents, complemented by custom wood finishes. Newly introduced in 2023, the 33 Fire Lanai Collection rooms and suites boast larger lanais equipped with private firepits and spacious dining tables.

During whale season, from December to April, guests can observe these magnificent creatures from the resort grounds throughout the day. Options for adventure include family-friendly coastal hikes, snorkeling excursions, or e-bike tours through Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment educational program, or simply relax in a cabana by the impressive three-tiered pool. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy two 18-hole courses located on a historic pineapple plantation. Starting at $899

8. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Nestled by the ocean and overlooking Kauaʻi’s North Shore, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is dedicated to sustainable practices. The resort features roofs designed to minimize and filter stormwater runoff, has replaced invasive plant species with native and Polynesian vegetation, and incorporates furniture made from reclaimed wood.

With 252 accommodations (including 51 suites), the resort boasts handcrafted local black basalt flooring, furnished with reclaimed teak and abaca pieces, and equipped with traditional punai daybeds. The extensive Wellness Center includes an 18,000-square-foot Bamford Wellness Spa alongside a 10,000-square-foot Anatomy fitness center. Guests can enjoy meals at any of the seven restaurants that emphasize sustainable sourcing, such as Welina Terrace, which offers Japanese-inspired shared dishes like chili hamachi and shrimp tempura. Starting at $1,200

9. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Nestled among lagoon-style pools and lush tropical gardens, the low-rise Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is located on Kauaʻi’s sunny South Shore. Its 605 accommodations are adorned in coral, blue, and sandy tones with generous wood accents, featuring private lanais and spacious marble bathrooms. Guests can enjoy sushi at the bar or dine at an open-air seafood and steak restaurant, as well as partake in experiences like ʻohe kapala (Hawaiian stamping) at the cultural center. The resort's Enrich program also offers opportunities for volunteering, including beach cleanups and walking shelter dogs. Starting at $749

10. Sensei Lānaʻi, a Four Seasons Resort

Set in the serene heart of the island, surrounded by peaceful meditation gardens and an impressive art collection, the adults-only Sensei Lānaʻi, a Four Seasons Resort offers a blend of personalized wellness programs, including consultations, spa treatments, fitness classes, lectures, and island excursions, complemented by daily dining at Nobu.

The 96 guest rooms are adorned in calming creams and tans, featuring views of towering pine trees or lush gardens filled with sculptures. Spa treatments are offered in private hales equipped with indoor and outdoor showers, infrared saunas, traditional Japanese ofuro bathtubs, and private plunge pools. Guests can relax by the pool or engage in island activities, sometimes alongside guests from the sister property, Four Seasons Lānaʻi. At Sensei by Nobu, indulge in dishes that align with the resort's nutritional philosophy as well as Nobu favorites (how about miso-marinated black cod?). Starting at $1,080