The 12 Best Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii

Dreaming of the very best of the Hawaiian Islands? This expertly crafted—and freshly updated!—guide to the best Hawaii resorts was tailor-made just for you!

The Hawaiian Islands are a breathtaking slice of paradise offering an abundance of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. From swimming in the crystalline waters of the Pacific Ocean to exploring lush rainforests, Hawaii is a true vacation paradise.

Lori and I have done the hard work for you, evaluating dozens of idyllic tropical island resorts in Hawaii, from Maui and Oahu to the best Big Island and Kauai resorts too.

We based our findings on over 100,000 reviews across the web—as well as our own Hawaii travel experience—to bring you the 12 very best Hawaii resorts to book for 2024.

From luxurious five-star beach resorts, to cozy oceanfront boutique hotels, your tropical sun-filled happy place awaits!

12 Best Hawaii Resorts & Hotels

Exceedingly wonderful Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux snags the top spot on our list of very best Hawaii resorts for 2024.

Why so wonderful, you ask? Legendary staff and service, tastefully-designed and well-appointed rooms (many with breathtaking sunset views), world-class cuisine, and centrally-located for exploring Maui’s many spectacular natural wonders, are just a few of the reasons Hotel Wailea continues to garner glowing reviews and accolades.

This luxurious adults-only 5-star resort is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, with a wide range of amenities to enjoy at your leisure. Take advantage of the resort’s excellent spa services, and enjoy a variety of activities such as golf, tennis, hiking, and snorkeling.

Hotel Wailea also offers a variety of dining options, including fine dining and casual beachside bars. And if you’re looking for a romantic night out, be sure to head down to the resort’s private beach for a memorable sunset stroll.

Insider Tip It’s probably no surprise that our top pick often fills up fast. We recommend booking well in advance for the best availability.

What’s not to love about the fabulous Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Big Island of Hawaii!?

Luxurious and spacious rooms, five outstanding restaurants using ingredients from 160 local farms, top-notch adventure center and award-winning golf course, AND it’s the only Forbes Five Star resort in Hawaii. And that’s just the beginning!

You want more? How about seven amazing swimming pools, onsite snorkeling, relaxing beach massages and full service spa, an onsite Cultural Center where you can learn all about local Hawaiian culture, and the list goes on!

Including Four Seasons Hualalai on our list of the very best Hawaii resorts was a no-brainer. If you’re looking for as close to a perfect stay in the Hawaiian Islands as you can get, then Hualalai should most certainly be on your short list.

Insider Tip Take a bit of time to familiarize yourself with the different room options before booking to ensure the right fit and the best stay possible.

Nestled on the shores of Wailea’s magnificent Polo Beach, the outstanding Fairmont Kea Lani has proven itself to be one of the top Hawaii resorts for an unforgettable escape to the Hawaiian Islands.

Billed as the only all-suite and villa luxury resort in Hawaii, Kea Lani sets the standard for 5-star oceanfront hotels in Maui.

Feast on a variety of American and International cuisine across four restaurants and two bars, cool off in one of the three swimming pools (or your own private pool in the villas), indulge in sumptuous massages and treatments in their award-winning spa, set out on a snorkel or dive adventure, or explore the many activities and points of interest in the area.

Kea Lani has also been recognized for its sustainability efforts having launched over 50 eco-focused projects since 2001. The resort is Green Key certified and a signatory to the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge.

Insider Tip Before booking your stay at Fairmont Kea Lani, be sure to check out their current offers and promotions, which include deals like seasonal discounts and free nights on longer stays.

Heading back over to the Big Island of Hawaii, The Auberge Resorts Collection Mauna Lani occupies one of the most breathtaking locations on this list.

Described as a sacred oasis situated on a storied coastline, the ruggedly beautiful setting of Mauna Lani has evoked a sense of wonder for ages.

Bask in the comfort and hospitality of Mauna Lani’s luxurious and light-filled residences and suites with mountain and ocean views.

Make new friends in a variety of outdoor venues such as the Great Lawn, Surf Shack, Canoe House, and Ha Bar & Grill. Or, kick back and relax along the idyllic shoreline or in your well-appointed guest room.

Insider Tip #1 If you’re looking for one of the best resort values in the Hawaiian Islands, Mauna Lani is hard to beat. Its resort fee includes more amenities and extras than the lion’s share of other luxury Hawaii resorts.

Insider Tip #2 It’s recommended to make dinner reservations well in advance. If you’re looking the quietest rooms, try and snag one facing away from the pool area.

Montage Kapalua Bay is one of the very best resorts in the Hawaiian Islands largely owing to its grand 1-, 2-, 3-, and even 4-bedroom villa-style suites overlooking lush gardens and the enchanting Pacific Ocean.

Class and refinement flow from every corner of the property, from the large communal living area and kitchen, to the private and inviting lanais (covered outdoor patios).

Indulge in lavish spa treatments at the full-service Spa Montage, savor scrumptious meals at the onsite restaurants, and enjoy a round of golf at two close-by championship golf courses.

Insider Tip Higher level rooms offer the very best views. The rooms farthest from the main lobby (nightly entertainment venue) tend to be the quietest.

Located on the laid-back “Garden Isle” of Kauai, the Autograph Collection Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu is the ideal place to relax, unwind and be treated to superior service.

Accommodation options include studios and villas with 1 to 4 bedrooms, full kitchens and spacious lanais, making it the perfect destination for couples and large families alike.

Explore the 25-acre grounds surrounding the resort, take a dip in the spectacular swimming pool named “Best in America” two years running, or take a short walk down to the renowned Poipu Beach.

Get ready to enjoy award-winning American and Hawaiian cuisine and experience a true paradise vacation!

Insider Tip As usual, higher rooms offer the best views. If you book an Ocean View room, be sure to request one on the 3rd floor or higher.

The superb Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is an amazing beachfront resort widely regarded as one of the top places to stay on the island.

Enjoy impeccable personalized service with comfortable, tastefully-decorated and well-appointed guest rooms and suites.

Pamper yourself with spa treatments and savor delicious cuisine in-room or in one of three excellent restaurants and two poolside bars.

The resort also offers onsite scuba diving and snorkeling and a free Kids Club.

Insider Tip If you’re interested in giving back to the local community, be sure to ask about the Four Season’s Malama program. Guests can earn a $250 credit for participating in select volunteer programs.

Tucked away in Waikiki, Halekulani Hotel is one of those wonderful Hawaii resorts that epitomizes the Hawaiian vacation dream.

What sets it apart? Halekulani boasts unbeatable views of the Pacific and Diamond Head from its oceanfront perch. But the rooms are equally impressive—each offering a spacious sanctuary of comfort and style—enveloping a mosaic-tiled pool that practically begs you to take a dip.

Insider Tip The outstanding Orchids restaurant is the dining venue to set your sights on, especially at sunset. Reserve a table, sit back, and let the combination of delicious bites and jaw-dropping views take you to a very happy place.

Switching things up a bit, for those looking for something more low-key and personal than a big-name resort—yet every bit as memorable—it’s hard to beat Whalers Cove Oceanfront Resort, perfectly situated on the lush Island shores of Kauai.

Soak up spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean (and Humpback whales, of course!) from your luxurious and fully-equipped 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom condo.

Throw open your rear balcony door and let the gentle sea breeze and sound of crashing waves lull you into a heavenly sleep in paradise.

Insider Tip No air-conditioning at Whalers Cove. If you’re planning your stay in the warmer months, upper level rooms reportedly get the best ocean breezes.

Centrally located between Waikiki Bay and downtown Honolulu, Prince Waikiki is one of the very best Hawaii resorts for those looking to spend time in and around the city.

This top-rated, 33-floor, 4-star hotel offers stunning views and numerous upmarket amenities for making your stay in Honolulu exceptional.

Two outdoor pools, two restaurants, poolside bar, and fitness center make Prince Waikiki a comfortable oasis in Hawaii’s bustling capital.

Returning to the Island of Maui, The Ritz-Carlton Maui Kapalua offers a lavish island getaway and endless opportunities for adventure.

Spend your days lounging on golden beaches, snorkeling with sea turtles or exploring the West Maui Mountains on a thrilling zipline.

Test your golf swing on one of two legendary championship golf courses, refresh your mind and body with an indigenous spa ritual or delight your taste buds with locally-sourced fare.

This beachfront resort is nestled on Maui’s gorgeous Northwest shore and is surrounded by some of Hawaii’s largest natural preserves, along with two protected marine sanctuaries.

Bask in the newly-renovated guest rooms, suites, and residences, featuring tasteful decor that honors Maui’s incredible landscape and culture.

This calming haven offers spectacular ocean views and award-winning dining, as well as a variety of exciting activities and eco-adventures.

Located on the Gold Coast of Waikiki, Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head is an outstanding boutique hotel offering peace and tranquility not far from the area’s main attractions.

Highly-rated Lotus Honolulu is an ideal option for visitors looking for a a good number of upmarket amenities in a low-key stay in the Hawaiian capital that won’t break the bank.

Final Thoughts

Lori and I love researching and curating the best guides on the web for the places we love, and this article is certainly no exception.

Lori’s had the opportunity to explore five of Hawaii’s eight spectacular islands over the past two decades (I’m slowly catching up) and it’s safe to say that the USA’s 50th state holds a special place in our hearts.

We hope this Hawaii resorts guide inspires your own unforgettable Hawaiian adventures full of fun, relaxation, and wonder. We’re confident you’ll find something to love in our list of top-rated luxury stays across the Hawaiian Islands.

Cover image: Fairmont Kea Lani