Hawaii
The 10 Best Resorts In Hawaii
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Keri Bridgwater, Contributor
Forbes Vetted
With its palm-fringed beaches, dramatic landscapes and pikake-scented breezes, Hawaii has long lured travelers seeking paradise in the Pacific. The archipelago offers many options for travelers to choose from, each with a unique ambience. Oahu has world-famous Waikiki Beach and the historic Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu, while manicured golf resorts and bucket-list scenic drives along the Hana Highway are major draws for Maui. Active volcanoes and stargazing entice adventurers to The Big Island, while on “The Garden Isle” of Kauai, there are hiking trails, waterfalls and small towns to explore. The sixth largest but remote-feeling Lānai is a haven for anyone looking to unplug in near-privacy.
From sunset outrigger canoe rides and whale watching to savoring a shaved-ice dessert after a day at the beach, when it comes to making memorable moments, hotels and resorts in Hawaii often play a starring role. The state’s hospitality scene offers sophisticated suites, destination restaurants, dreamy spas and even cultural programs honoring the history of Hawaii and its people. If you’re planning a trip in 2023, we’ve selected the best resorts in Hawaii for every type of traveler.
Best Overall Resort In Hawaii: Four Seasons Maui At Wailea
Views at Four Seasons Maui at Wailea.
Courtesy of Four Seasons
Four Seasons Maui At Wailea
Who Will Love It: “White Lotus” fans and seasoned travelers seeking a refined experience
All-Star Amenities: Three pools and cabanas; three restaurants; 24-hour room service; spa and salon; fitness center and beach yoga; tennis courts; sculpture garden; Wailea car service
What Not to Miss: The Complete Suite Experience and exclusive “hotel within a hotel” Club Floor
Location: Kihei, Maui
A regal fixture at the southern end of Wailea beach and a visitor favorite for decades, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea has risen to cult status among some travelers thanks to the HBO series “The White Lotus” filming its first season here. Instagram-perfect views are inescapable from the moment you walk through the grand open-air lobby, especially around the central fountain pool, and every one of its five-star rooms has a private outdoor space either overlooking the Pacific or sacred Haleakalā.
Thoughtful touches abound here, from complimentary poolside snacks and reef-safe sunscreen to a museum-level art collection. A complimentary shuttle service and electric loaner bikes are provided to get out and explore, but it’s easy to spend a day beside one of the three pools: the adults-only Serenity Pool is a particularly lovely place to catch the sunset, and the nightly hula performances are not to be missed. Famous for its commitment to luxury, one of the resort’s best-kept secrets is the Club Floor, where a dedicated team of personal Club Concierge oversees the guest experience from private check-in to check-out for just 26 rooms and suites.
Best Luxury Resort In Hawaii: Four Seasons Resort Hualālai
Suite at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.
Nikolas Koenig
Four Seasons Resort Hualālai
Who Will Love It: Celebrities, families and luxury seekers
All-Star Amenities: Jack Nicklaus signature golf course; seven pools including a swimmable aquarium; gym; tennis club, aquatic center; private beach; three dining options
What Not to Miss: Snorkeling among tropical rescue fish in the King’s Pond
Location: Kailua-Kona, Big Island
Loyal guests return year after year to this elegant A-list favorite that sits on a quiet stretch of coastline framed by white sand beaches and black lava rocks on the Big Island’s western side. Built on an ancient Hawaiian fishing village site, its traditional Polynesian architecture beautifully maximizes indoor-outdoor living while a 2021 multimillion-dollar refresh reimagined guest rooms and suites in a chic, understated style. The perks of staying on the ground floor are the stunning outdoor lava stone showers, while the now two-story villas are fantastic for friend and family groups.
Famed for its seamless service, amenities and experiences impress across the board, from sublime spa treatments to snorkeling among rescued tropical fish in the 1.8-million-gallon King’s Pond aquarium. With an 18-hole golf course, museum, cultural center, Kumu Kai Marine Center and all-day spot Beach Tree Bar and Ulu Ocean Grill for elevated sushi, there’s almost no reason to ever leave this dreamy palm-fringed property. Those looking for an adrenaline rush can sign up for Only at Hualālai adventures, with a variety of adventurous offerings like free diving with ocean conservationist Kimi Werner and a forest tour on the slopes of Mauna Loa.
Best Boutique Resort In Hawaii: Koa Kea Resort On Poipu Beach
Koa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach.
Courtesy of Koa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach
Koa Kea Resort On Poipu Beach
Who Will Love It: Discerning adult travelers seeking privacy, peace and quiet
All-Star Amenities: Pool; spa; fitness center; award-winning Red Salt restaurant; lobby boutique with Kauai-made goods, 24-hour room service; nightly turndown service
What Not to Miss: The sunrise yoga class and nightly tiki torch-lighting ritual
Location: Koala, Kauai
An idyllic oceanfront property with direct access to Poipu Beach on Kauai’s southern shore—one of its closest to the waterfront—Koa Kea is an intimate alternative to larger resorts for travelers seeking peace and privacy. A recent $5 million refresh reimagined its beautiful beachy rooms with traditional Koa wood details, tropical grass-cloth insets with coral and capiz shells and kapa cloth tapestries that nod to a Garden Isle sense of place while still featuring modern comforts like in-room Nespresso machines.
Helmed by Kauai native, executive chef Noelani Planas’ award-winning Red Salt restaurant is a must for dinner during a stay here, as is catching the nightly tiki torch-lighting ritual—with a Hawaiian Mai Tai in hand, of course. If an open-air Pohaku hot stone massage appeals, book one of the Wa Nui Oceanside Cabanas for your treatment at The Spa at Koa Kea, which boasts a lava rock hot tub for unwinding beforehand. Should you wish to venture out and explore, Teslas can be reserved ahead of time.
Best Spa And Wellness Resort In Hawai: Sensei Lānai, A Four Seasons Resort
Suite at Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort.
Robb Aaron Gordon
Sensei Lānai, A Four Seasons Resort
Who Will Love It: Those looking to get seriously pampered; wellness lovers seeking a mind-body reset
All-Star Amenities: Dedicated Sensei guides; spa and standalone treatment hales; onsen gardens; pool; gym; activity calendar; Sensei by Nobu restaurant
What Not to Miss: Forest bathing and riding into the hills around Kōʻele on horseback
Location: Kōʻele, Lanai
A private jet flight from Honolulu and a black car transfer are how guests arrive at this Garden of Eden wellness retreat owned by Silicon Valley billionaire Larry Ellison on Lanai, where days—weeks even—can be filled with sunrise hikes, spa treatments, meditation sessions and onsen soaks. Set among Cook pine tree-covered mountains and lush grounds dotted with large artworks and sculptures, the 24-acre resort is located near Laina City, just 20 minutes from the beach. Personal Sensei guides fine-tune itineraries during an initial consultation, ranging from a high-tech health analyses to thermal body mapping sessions that assist in incorporating suitable massage therapies into guests’ programs. Forest bathing and yin yoga (among many offerings) can be mixed and matched from a weekly activity calendar; however, the hotel will happily arrange a beach day at the sister Four Seasons resort. Factor in menus designed by chef Nobu Matsuhisa using produce from the hotel’s hydroponic farm and idyllic private spa treatment “hales” with ofuro tubs and infrared saunas, and it’s easy to see how Sensei Lanai is considered one of the top destination spa resorts in the world, not just Hawaii.
Best Resort For Golfers In Hawaii: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua lobby.
JASON DEWEY
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Who Will Love It: Couples and families who enjoying teeing off together
All-Star Amenities: Two championship golf courses; The Ritz-Carlton Club Experience; spa; Banyan Tree restaurant; spa; pool deck with cabanas
What Not to Miss: The blissful Awa Nui Journey at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Spa that incorporates Hawaiian herbs and includes a traditional Hawaiian lomilomi massage
Location: Kapalua, Maui
Golfing greats including “The Big Fijian” Vijay Singh have all teed off on the Plantation Course at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, which landed on Golf Digest’s 2022 “Best Golf Resorts in Hawaii” list. While the Arnold Palmer-designed Bay Course is famous for its oceanfront 17th hole and the Kapalua Golf Academy has won awards for its private instruction, there is also plenty to keep non-golfers happy at this stunning resort. Located next to the Honokahua Preservation Site, cultural advisor Clifford Nae’ole is a great resource to learn more about about the sacred ceremonial site of native Hawaiian residents, and the property features one of Hawaii’s largest nature preserves. Guest rooms, suites and residences boast modern island-style decor, while new premium room category The Fire Lanai Collection features shaded lanais, hammocks and fire pits. Private cabanas flank the scene-stealing pool deck and six bays and beaches are within walking distance or just a short drive away. For dinner and drinks, The Banyan Tree restaurant and sunset cocktail spot The Alaloa Lounge are standouts.
Best Resort For Couples In Hawaii: Hotel Wailea, Relais And Châteaux
Pool at Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux.
John Russo
Hotel Wailea, Relais And Chateux
Who Will Love It: Honeymooners and couples sans kids
All-Star Amenities: Bungalow-style suites; pool and deck; wellness studio; complimentary shuttle to nearby beach and shopping; e-bike and vintage car rentals; guest classes and experiences
What Not to Miss: Sundowners at The Birdcage Bar, a private dinner in the Treehouse and sunrise Hawaiian outrigger experience
Location: Wailea, Maui
From the lei greeting and champagne toast at check-in to the panoramic ocean views and tropical gardens, Hawaii’s first and only Relais and Châteaux property is perfection at every turn. Set on 15 acres of lush manicured grounds, this gem of a hotel is adults-only and has a private retreat feel, making it highly desirable among couples seeking romance and exclusivity. Coral fossil stone and sustainably farmed Ohia wood have been used across its seventy-two ocean and garden view suites, which feature intimate outdoor spaces and kitchenettes. There’s a daily social hour on the pool deck and a slew of complimentary classes, including poke making, aerial silk yoga and sound bath ceremonies. At The Restaurant, chef Bryan McMahon uses hyper-local produce across his menus while a private dinner at the Treehouse promises a magical evening to remember. Borrow one of the resort’s three vintage 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster replicas to explore the island or sign up for recreational activities, including a Surf Safari and Hawaiian outrigger cultural and turtle canoe tour. To explore, just hop on the complimentary limousine to reach nearby Wailea Beach (where you can find the hotel’s Beach Club), local golf courses and The Shops at Wailea.
Best Resort For Families In Hawaii: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Guest room at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection.
Courtesy of Auberge Resorts Collection
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Who Will Love It: Well-heeled families (and couples) keen to learn about Hawaiian culture
All-Star Amenities: Three swimming pools; five dining concepts; Auberge Spa; wellness center and tennis club; Goop store; golf course; beach access
What Not to Miss: The MY menu tasting at CanoeHouse and Twilight at Kalāhuipua’a, a live music and storytelling event led by resident historian Uncle Danny
Location: Kohala Coast, Maui
Located on the Big Island’s sunny Kona-Kohala coast, Mauna Lani—meaning “mountain reaching heaven”—has been a beloved getaway since 1983. After being purchased by Auberge Resorts, it reopened in 2020 following a $200 million renovation. With that refresh came new, ample facilities for guests of all ages, but the Holoholo Kids Crew in particular has proven to be a huge hit with families. Activities span art classes to outdoor adventures such as throw-net fishing, all geared towards children between 5 and 12. Surrounded by lava fields and home to the ancient Kalāhuipua’a fishponds, workshops and tours run by the Living Culture team (guided hikes through the Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve, the Mālama Honut turtle rescue program, and lei making classes) are a great way to learn about the history of Hawaii, its people, customs and wildlife. A soulful escape for families, guest rooms, suites, residences, and estates are finished in sophisticated neutrals. The Keikei children’s pool has a sand bottom but there is direct access to a safe swimming beach too—a rarity along this stretch of coastline. Five separate dining concepts include social hub the Surf Shack for all-day eats and sunset hangouts and family-friendly riffs on Japanese cuisine at CanoeHouse restaurant.
Best Resort For Groups In Hawaii: Fairmont Kea Lani
Fairmont Kea Lani exteriors.
Courtesy of Fairmont Kea Lani
Fairmont Kea Lani
Who Will Love It: Multi-generational families and friends traveling together
All-Star Amenities: Three swimming pools and a waterslide; six restaurants and four bars; Willow Stream Spa; gym; kids club; cultural activities
What Not to Miss: A walking tour with artist-in-residence Dale Zarrera and private Hoku Lanai Dinner
Location: Wailea-Makena, Maui
Whether traveling for the annual family reunion or just getting friends together for a well-earned vacation, Fairmont Kea Lani is a solid option thanks to its spacious one and two-bedroom suites whose sleeper sofas can help accommodate up to six people. Also ideal for groups and multi-couples are the two and three-bedroom villas, which feature kitchens, dining areas and private courtyards with plunge pools and barbecues, steps from the protected white sand Polo Beach. Staff are happy to arrange everything for the group, from cultural activities like ukulele and hula lessons to snorkeling and sailing excursions.
Get pampered and stay active at Willow Stream Spa, where yoga and Pilates classes, plus a weekly wellness walk, are offered alongside locally inspired treatments. Poolside loungers get snapped up fast here, so consider reserving a cabana—couples love the adults-only serenity pool and families the lagoon-style pools connected by a waterslide. Multiple restaurants mean plenty of dining options—at flagship Kō, the menu focuses on island family recipes with multi-cultural influences, while Nick’s Fishmarket Maui specializes in local seafood. A torch-lit Hoku Lanai Dinner on the oceanfront Pacific Terrace is magical for guests celebrating a special occasion.
Best Resort For Adventure In Hawaii: Turtle Bay Resort
Ocean View Suite at Turtle Bay Resort.
Turtle Bay Resort
Turtle Bay Resort
Who Will Love It: Travelers looking to surf and spend time on the water
All-Star Amenities: Sunset pool bar and Alaia restaurant; Surf House boutique; Nalu Spa; gym; seven beaches; four swimming pools; two golf courses
What Not to Miss: A Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience and doors-off scenic flight from the hotel heli pad
Location: North Shore, Oahu
After debuting a breathtaking $250 million transformation last year, Turtle Bay became the only luxury resort on Oahu’s North Shore. Set on a 1,300-acre palm-tree-lined peninsula near the “Seven Mile Miracle” (a stretch of famous surf breaks that includes Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline between Haleiwa Beach Park and Sunset), its secluded location allows guests to experience a quieter side of the island. Floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views and large-scale artwork by Hawaiian artists add a wow factor to the lobby while redesigned interiors sport a beachy boho look. Rooms and suites enjoy coastline and ocean views too, but the splurge-worthy 42 beachfront bungalows have access to a shared swimming pool. Founded by a local pro, a private session at the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience is a must, but scheduling a sunset horseback ride or touring the resort’s Kuilima Farm (which grows produce used by chefs) are highlights too. Guests can also hike or bike on more than 12 miles of trails around the property or play a round of pickleball. Eight dining outlets include signature restaurant Alaia and the weekly Paniolo dinner, which pays homage to Hawaiian cowboy heritage with storytelling and hula lessons, among other cultural activities.
Resort With The Best Views In Hawaii: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Adult pool at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.
Courtesy of Avablu
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Who Will Love It: Eco-conscious travelers and design aficionados who appreciate quiet luxury
All-Star Amenities: Two pools; spa; salon; fitness studio; seven dining concepts; unique guest programming and events; kids program; Good Things retail shop; Audi e-tron house car
What Not to Miss: The Intuitive Herbal Healing Ritual, which incorporates native botanicals and a comfrey-noni serum by medicinal herb farm Kauai Farmacy
Location: Princeville, Kauai
The beauty of Kauai’s northern shoreline is on full display at the newest outpost of mission-driven luxury hotel brand 1 Hotels. Located where the St. Regis Princeville Resort once stood on the cliffs of Hanalei Bay, there’s an edge-of-the-earth feel at this design retreat that will restore souls—whether on a multi-day wellness journey at the Bamford Wellness Spa or while surfing, shoreline fishing or paddling the Wailua River. Eco-sustainable, reclaimed and locally sourced materials have been used throughout the property; its 252 nature-inspired rooms and suites feature layered neutral textures and tones that whisper “quiet luxury.”
Looking across Hanalei Bay to prominent Hihimanu, Nāmolokama and Māmalahoa mountain peaks, the adults-only pool is a serene place to unplug or bookend days before exploring the majestic Nāpali Coast, Waimea Canyon or walking to nearby Puu Poa Beach. Shop Kauai-made crafts from the Good Things store and dine at signature restaurant 1 Kitchen, which takes locally sourced to the next level by using veggies and micro-greens from the rooftop chef’s garden and produce from across both Kauai and neighboring islands.
About Keri Bridgwater, Your Hawaii Guide
As a travel reporter, my job has taken me around the world staying at boutique resorts and grand dame hotels from Iceland and Greece to Dubai and Fiji. Closer to home in California, it has included adventures like skiing inside Yosemite National Park, driving Range Rovers around Napa, riding out among wild horses in Arizona, and flying in a USAF trainer jet over Huntington Beach. I first visited Oahu in 2005 on my way home from a year in New Zealand, spending Christmas with a friend and her family at their home in Haleiwa, before chasing waves over on Maui and exploring Haleakalā National Park. I’ve had a soft spot for Hawaii ever since and returned several times over the years, although The Big Island and Lāna‘i are still on my bucket list. Read more of my work in Fodor’s, InsideHook, SFGATE, Marie Claire, Travel + Leisure, Yoga Journal, and more.