Top 12 Resorts on the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian hospitality has a reputation based in island culture, and these resorts embody the best of the aloha spirit. Each property offers an experience above and beyond an umbrella cocktail with an ocean view.

By: Pam Mandel

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The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Thirty miles north of Kona, the Kohala Coast is scrubby and dry, but the natural springs at Hapuna make this location a green oasis — literally. The beach is free from crowds and perfect for swimming, making the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort feel like a secluded getaway in spite of its size. It’s also a favorite among golfers, who come for the 18-hole course designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay.

Hana-Maui Resort

The lush Hana-Maui Resort at the end of the 620-curve Hana Highway offers all-inclusive packages with daily spa treatments of your choice. The Sea Ranch cottages, reached by golf cart from the upper spa and hotel building, have big porches with views of the rugged coastline. Except for special “Family Weeks,” only guests ages 16 and older are allowed in the cottage area, making it an especially private retreat.

The Royal Hawaiian

The elegant pink hotel in the heart of Waikiki is an iconic part of Hawaii tourism’s history and a popular stay for lovers of classic hotels. The Royal Hawaiian offers all the modern amenities you’d expect from a luxury hotel while staying true in style to its 1920s roots. The pink stucco, tile detailing, landscaped grounds and ocean-facing sunsets keep the golden age of Hawaiian travel alive.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

On the soft, gold sand at Wailea, the Four Seasons epitomizes elegant luxury on Maui’s southwest coast. Thatched, oceanside huts are available for spa treatments; chef Wolfgang Puck’s Spago is among the dining choices; and there’s an adults-only infinity pool. It’s also home to a spectacular collection of contemporary Hawaiian fine art. Bring the whole family — the resort offers a Kids for All Seasons program for your little ones ages 5-12.

Turtle Bay Resort (Kahuku, Oahu)

The Ocean Vista Experience — a premium package that makes the picture-perfect sights at Oahu’s only North Shore resort even more relaxing — grants access to the property’s exclusive Vista Gallery and express restaurant seating and includes daily breakfast, all-day snorkeling equipment rental and a dedicated VIP Concierge. Given that Turtle Bay Resort’s grounds include five miles of iconic coastline, 12 miles of hiking and biking trails and more than 1,300 acres of land, it’s well worth flying out for a bird’s-eye view.

Fairmont Orchid Hotel

Guests at the Fairmont Orchid will have to share the beach with the resident Hawaiian green sea turtles that favor these sheltered waters. The resort grounds make the most of the Big Island's nature and culture — the spa has 8 private yet open-air massage pavilions perched over a rocky waterfall, and there are guided hikes through the adjacent petroglyph site. There's an on-site luau — the Gathering of the Kings — every Saturday night, featuring traditional and modern Hawaiian foods. Seven on-site restaurants offer a range of dining, from casual buffet breakfasts to top-notch meals at Norio's Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa

The Grand Hyatt’s elaborately landscaped grounds feature a lagoon and a meandering pool with waterfalls, grottoes, a slide and a volleyball net for games — you may not even make it to Poipu’s beautiful beaches. There’s a Polynesian-style luau 2 nights a week, a full-service spa and 9 on-site restaurants and bars, plus you’re mere steps from the ocean.

Kalaekilohana Inn and Retreat

This tiny hotel/bed-and-breakfast is beautifully removed from it all. Locally grown coffee and produce grace the table during breakfast on the porch, and dinner is available by arrangement in advance. The rooms are beautiful suites with luxury linens and bath products, and the hospitality here is unparalleled. Book the entire house for a truly exclusive get-away-from-it-all vacation.

Napili Kai Beach Resort

The beach at the Napili Kai Beach Resort is perfect for snorkeling or just lounging; there’s live music by some of Hawaii’s most respected musicians; and everything you need — from a morning dive master to a sunset mai tai — is available. The casual décor makes you feel right at home, but the amenities are all luxury, and the resort staff brings aloha to everything it does.

Montage Kapalua Bay (Lahaina, Maui)

Montage Kapalua Bay offers an array of ammenities to suit luxury travelers of all stripes. On site is Cane & Canoe, a traditionally-designed contemporary dining space that overlooks the water and opportunities for ziplining, horseback rides, luaus, whale watching, spectacular sunset cruises and more.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (Coming Soon)

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is bordered by ancient fish ponds, a soft sand beach, and waters with excellent snorkeling and diving. The forthcoming resort at the former St. Regis Princeville will offer a world-class wellness resort and sustainable sanctuary as part of the 1 Hotels chain of eco-friendly luxury hotels.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort (Waikiki, Oahu)

Especially-amphibious vacationers will appreciate Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, which rubs shoulders with Duke Kahanamoku Beach, boasts its own five-acre salt-water lagoon and has six pools (one of which features the longest water slide in Waikiki).