The 10 Best Luxury Resorts in Hawaii
With so many islands to explore, knowing where to go can be overwhelming. We’ve rounded up the best luxury resorts in Hawaii, whether you’re into golf, adventure, or pure relaxation.
The Pacific island idyll of Hawaii has just about every ingredient for the perfect tropical vacation: pristine beaches, verdant rain forests, vibrant flora and fauna, diverse topography, tradition, and, of course, luxury hotels. While there are 137 islands in Hawaii, there are five main islands that travelers frequent. Each Hawaiian island may as well be its own different destination, with varied topography, activities, weather, resorts, and traditions. You may want to explore the islands in one go, but it can get overwhelming. For a week, we recommend a stay in one or two locations. For two weeks, stay on three islands, max. From the Island of Hawaii to Maui to Lanai, here is La Patiala’s curated selection of the best luxury resorts in Hawaii.
In This Article
- The Best Luxury Resorts in Maui
- The Best Luxury Resorts on the Island of Hawaii
- The Best Oahu Luxury Resort
- The Best Kauai Luxury Resort
- The Best Lanai Luxury Resorts
The 10 Best Luxury Resorts in Hawaii
The Best Luxury Resorts in Maui
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is considered a staple on the island. It’s located along the sun-drenched shores of Wailea, a resort community in South Maui known for its many crescent-shaped beaches and incredible golf courses. The property, which features some of the largest suites on the island with ocean, garden, or mountain views, has 383 guest rooms and suites. There’s something for everyone here, and it’s equally as desirable for families with young children or honeymooners alike. Activities include snorkeling, paddleboarding, scuba, pickleball, and tennis. There’s also an adults-only pool and a luxe spa (plus poolside mini-spa treatments). The property has long been an iconic luxury resort in Hawaii, but it hit new heights as the setting for the first season of White Lotus.
Montage Kapalua Bay
Montage Kapalua Bay is situated along the dramatic cliffs of Maui’s northwest coast. It’s a smaller five-star resort within the Kapalua hotel complex located along Kapalua Bay. There are 50 residential-style suites that range from one to four bedrooms. Each stay has an elegant island-inspired design, private lanais with ocean views, and gourmet kitchens. It’s a perfect resort for extended trips.
Kapalua Bay sees more rain than the southern part of Maui, so tropical gardens and towering palms enshroud the entire resort. One of the most spectacular features of the resort is the multitiered lagoon pool that cascades down toward the beach, plus a hot tub. Of course, the culinary delights are second to none. Dining options include Cane and Canoe, serving Hawaiian cuisine; The Hideaway, a cocktail lounge; and Hana Hou Bar and Sunset Patio. The spa is exquisite; it’s perched atop the hills and offers gorgeous views. Be sure to book a treatment in an outdoor hale (hut) for an immersive experience. Another notable five-star resort within Kapalua is the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapaua.
Hotel Wailea
Hotel Wailea is Maui’s only Relais & Châteaux property and Hawaii’s only adults-only, all-suite luxury hotel. Unlike many other Hawaiian hotels, the 72-suite hotel is located on a tropical hillside instead of a beach, though the nearest beach is less than a mile from the resort. The grounds feature natural waterfalls, beautiful gardens, and tropical foliage-flanked pathways that delight no matter how many times you’ve been. The independently operated hotel is also home to a fine-dining Japanese restaurant, The Birdcage Japanese Grill, The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea, and The Treehouse. There’s no spa, but in-room massages are available. Other activities include boating, wellness workshops, outrigger canoe excursions, bird-watching, IV therapies, fitness classes, and adventure experiences.
The Best Luxury Resorts on the Island of Hawaii
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Hawaii’s Kona Coast is one of the state’s most revered spots, brimming with marine life, oceanfront resorts, rich cultural heritage, calm seas, and world-class coffee. There are many sacred sites on Kona Coast, a must-visit destination for intrepid travelers. While here, rest your head at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, which has 243 luxury guest rooms and suites, an award-winning golf course, seven pools, a fitness center, and six restaurants. For golfers, the Kona Coast is brimming with many picturesque golf courses. However, don’t miss the outrigger canoe excursion, led by Alaka’i steersman, who takes you along the Ka’upulehu coast just as Hawaiian Ali’i (chiefs) used to do.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Nestled along Hawaii’s Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection sprawls over 32 oceanfront acres with pristine beaches, rocky outcrops, black lava fields, and tropical foliage. There are 333 guest rooms, suites, and residences, plus large ocean-facing estates for groups. The striking contrast of landscapes is dramatic, tranquil, and jaw-droppingly beautiful. The resort offers plenty of cultural excursions, and the area has a deep connection to Hawaiian history through preserved fishponds, petroglyph fields, and cultural sites. The activities are endless and include training with Kainalu Ocean Sports, art and lei making, surfing lessons, canoeing, live music, shopping, snorkeling, and shopping. The resort always runs pop-up experiences, like a triathlon camp or seasonal turtle releases, that are worth planning a trip around.
Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort
For travelers seeking a more intimate and ultra-luxe experience, Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, also located along the Kona Coast, has 150 well-designed accommodations that blend traditional Hawaiian design with modern luxury. Each room is located in its own hale, which is a traditional Hawaiian house, and has private lanais and either mountain, ocean, or lagoon views. Whether you’re in a standard guest room or suite, each accommodation feels exceptionally private. Soaring ceilings, a warm color palette, and decor crafted by Hawaiian artisans give the resort a sense of place. Pay a visit to the spectacular Asaya Spa or indulge in fresh ocean-to-table seafood and cocktails at one of the five food and beverage outlets. The Shipwreck Bar and Sushi experience is not to be missed.
The Best Oahu Luxury Resort
Espacio The Jewel of Waikiki
This isn’t your typical luxury resort in Hawaii. Espacio, The Jewel of Waikiki, is located on Oahu’s iconic Waikiki Beach. The exclusive, all-suite boutique hotel has just nine multi-bedroom suites. Each suite occupies an entire floor and features massive living areas, gourmet kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, and custom furnishings, like Italian marble finishes. Each has panoramic views of Diamond Head Mountain and the turquoise sea. There’s also the on-site Japanese-French fusion restaurant, Mugen, which is considered one of Oahu’s best dining experiences, with just 34 seats. Despite its position along the white-sand beach, there’s a distinct cosmopolitan flair. There’s a rooftop pool, hot tub, and a globally inspired spa with custom treatments. Still, Hawaii’s natural beauty surrounds you. The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay, formerly the Turtle Bay Resort, is also nearby, should you want to try new restaurants during your stay.
The Best Kauai Luxury Resort
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Kauai is unlike any other place on Earth. It’s the setting for movies such as Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean, among many others. The “Garden Island” has emerald-green rain forests, dramatic mountains, and cascading waterfalls. It also features iconic natural landmarks, like the Nā Pali Coast. It is no surprise then that the eco-luxury 1 Hotels brand, which is committed to sustainability and biophilic design, would land on this particular island. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay’s beachfront location overlooks the Hihimanu, Nāmolokama, and Māmalahoa mountains. It has a swimmable beach, several pools (including an adults-only pool), and several restaurants and bars.
Perhaps the biggest draw to the hotel is its nearby access for exploration, from hiking and bird-watching to helicopters and boat tours. If you’re looking to explore a different side of Kauai, head to Koa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach, which is considered one of the best beaches in the U.S.
The Best Lanai Luxury Resorts
Four Seasons Resort Lanai
In 2012, Oracle founder Larry Ellison purchased 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, including two Four Seasons resorts: Four Seasons Lanai and Sensei Lanai. Lanai is the sixth-largest island in Hawaii and has some of the most diverse topography of any Hawaiian island. There are white-sand beaches, red lava formations resembling Mars, rain forests, and a mountain (an inactive volcano near the island’s center). Four Seasons Resort Lanai is perched just above Hulopoe Bay and Hulopoe Beach, a public beach popular for snorkeling, and Sweetheart Rock, one of the island’s most popular attractions. The hotel honors traditional Hawaiian design paired with contemporary flair. There are several restaurants, including Nobu and Malibu Farm; koi ponds and waterfalls that meander throughout the property; multiple pools; and an incredible observatory.
Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort
Sensei Lanai isn’t your typical Four Seasons hotel; this luxury resort in Hawaii is a one-of-a-kind wellness retreat founded by Larry Ellison. It’s designed for those seeking holistic wellness, fitness, and nutrition programs, backed by cutting-edge science and infused with ancient wisdom. Here, guests work with a dedicated Sensei Guide on one of three pillars: Movement, Nourishment, and Rest. The program, called the Sensei Way, offers a data-driven approach to guests to achieve their health goals or enhance their longevity. The highly trained team puts together a program, which can last a few days up to several months, depending on your goals.
There are private spa halés for treatments with infrared saunas, hot spring baths, and steam rooms, as well as a yoga pavilion, fitness center, and movement studio. There are nightly meditation sessions and a private onsen garden, as well as an on-site restaurant Sensei by Nobu. The hotel is located 20 minutes from Four Seasons Resort Lanai on a hilltop location. There are activities like archery, mini golf, horseback riding, hiking, and art tours on the property.
