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A trip to Hawaii is the vacation of a lifetime. Here are some of the best hotels in the state that will ensure your vacation is the best of the best.
Why You Should Visit Hawaii
You probably don’t need anyone telling you why you should visit Hawaii, as just a look at a few pictures of the tropical paradise is enough to make anyone want to go there.
The spectacular nature in Hawaii is probably the main draw. Every island has miles and miles of stunning beaches, ranging from sandy stretches of shore to volcanic rock beaches.
Head inland, and you’ll encounter tropical forests, volcanoes, and mountains that are just waiting for hiking. Hawaii’s unique culture, unlike anywhere else in the United States, is also a massive draw.
Take in a performance by local indigenous Hawaiian artists showcasing Polynesian arts such as hula. Hawaii is also a melting pot with many immigrants from East Asia and other places that helped create the island’s unique cuisine.
When you’re around, you should also explore the surfer subculture. Hawaii has a lot of sights to explore, but you should also spend lots of time relaxing.
After all, the best thing to do is relax by your resort pool or on a public beach and watch the world go by. To make your dream Hawaiian vacation, check out this list of the best hotels in the state.
The 15 Best Hotels in Hawaii
Here are some of the best hotels in all of Hawaii, hand-picked by our travel experts for all types of travelers and budgets. Let us be your guide!
1. Holualoa Inn
- Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island
- Average Price: $814 a night
The elegant Holualoa Inn is one of the Big Island of Hawaii’s biggest surprises. Tucked away in the hilly Kona region, the simple exterior hides luxurious rooms that have balconies, gorgeous private bathrooms, and some even have hot tubs.
Soak in the pool and enjoy the glorious views of the jungle and ocean below. Previous guests loved this inn as a romantic getaway, especially the delicious free breakfast.
2. The Lodge at Kukui’ula
- Location: Kōloa, Kauai
- Average Price: $3,100 a night
You’ll feel like an aristocrat on vacation at The Lodge at Kukui’ula. Instead of squeezing into hotel rooms, guests at this luxury resort have their own bungalows or cottages complete with kitchens, dining areas, spacious bedrooms, and luxury baths.
Shared amenities include a restaurant, spa center, and organized water sports such as snorkeling. Reviewers had high words for the location, so if you want to venture away from the resort paradise, the beach and shopping are a short way away.
3. Trump International Hotel Waikiki
- Location: Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu
- Average Price: $559 a night
Towering over the famous Waikiki Beach, the Trump International Hotel is a luxurious resort that is a cut above the rest. Shared amenities include a spa with traditional Hawaiian remedies, a pool with poolside service, a restaurant, and a lounge.
All guests stay in suites that boast luxurious touches, such as Italian marble bathrooms. The location can’t be beat — the hotel is right near Waikiki Beach.
4. Hotel Wailea, Relais & Chateâux
- Location: Wailea-Makena, Maui
- Average Price: $1,200 a night
The adults-only Hotel Wailea is perfect for a romantic retreat, solo getaway, or group trip. The property sprawls over 15 acres with spectacular ocean views.
Lounge on the beach, enjoying service directly to your beach chair, or relax in your spacious room with your own deep soaking tub and balcony. Previous guests loved the exceptional service, especially the private dining experience at The Treehouse with your own personal chef.
5. Espacio: The Jewel of Waikiki
- Location: Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu
- Average Price: $3,100 a night
Espacio: The Jewel of Waikiki is a small private luxury hotel that goes above and beyond for its guests. The spacious suites will make you feel more relaxed than you are at home, thanks to the high-end kitchen, smart technology, and even a private sauna.
The hotel goes above and beyond to provide everything guests could want, from free airport shuttles and free museum tickets to on-site amenities such as a rooftop pool, whirlpool, and luxury shopping.
6. Mahana House Country Inn
- Location: North Hilo, Hawaii Island
- Average Price: $274 a night
The Mahana House Country Inn is a retreat in the hills of the Big Island. Make yourself at home in the spacious rooms complete with seating areas, coffee makers, and bespoke private bathrooms.
Some rooms have private lanais, balconies from which you get great views of the Hawaiian countryside.
Above all, you’ll enjoy the spectacular service as the owners go above and beyond to ensure guests have a great stay, from fresh fruit in the morning to sharing beach equipment.
7. The Kulani Maui
- Location: Lahaina, Maui
- Average Price: $651 a night
The Kulani Maui is a great retreat on Maui that will feel like a relaxing off-grid vacation — without any roughing it. The suites and bungalows may look like rustic cottages from the outside.
But they are fitted with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, luxurious private bathrooms, and sometimes kitchenettes with modern amenities. The hotel is near Puamana Beach Park, a great place to relax on the beach.
8. Koloa Landing Resort at Po’Ipu, Autograph Collection
- Location: Po’ipu, Kauai
- Average Price: $701 a night
The Koloa Landing Resort at Po’Ipu is one of Hawaii’s finest luxury resorts. It has so many amenities that you will never want to leave.
These include two stunning pools surrounded by palm trees, a fitness center, and carefully landscaped grounds for pretending you’re in a movie. Previous guests also adored the large, well-equipped rooms with full kitchens and laundry machines.
9. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
- Location: Hilo, Hawaii
- Average Price: $317 a night
The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls boasts landscapes like no other hotel in the world. The inn has 22 private acres, including its own spectacular waterfall, in the jungle on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The hotel is perfect for lovers of nature thanks to its eco-friendly operations, wide airy rooms that blend in with the surrounding nature, and guided activities such as rappelling and kayaking.
10. Embassy Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei
- Location: Kapolei, Oahu
- Average Price: $360 a night
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei is a gorgeous modern hotel perfect for any length of stay. Shared amenities include a pool, hot tub, restaurant, and fitness center.
Every room has air conditioning, a stocked private bathroom, and comfortable beds. Previous guests rave about the location, which is close to local attractions such as the Wet ’N’ Wild waterpark.
11. Kona Seaside Hotel
- Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
- Average Price: $341 a night
The Kona Seaside Hotel is one of Hawaii’s more affordable options without compromising on quality. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned, with balconies overlooking the lawn and some with views of the sea.
The biggest draw for most guests is the location.
Kona Seaside Hotel is close to Kahalu‘u Beach Park, making it easy to spend your days in the water. Plus, it’s a great base for exploring the lush Kona region, including its famous coffee plantations.
12. The West Inn Kauai
- Location: Waimea, Kauai
- Average Price: $364 a night
The West Inn Kauai is a gorgeous, no-frills inn in the historic town of Waimea. Kick back in the comfortable rooms with authentic-style wicker furniture as well as air conditioning.
The location is a great draw as you’re right in the center of Waimea, the epicenter of Hawaiian cowboy culture. Plus, the hotel has barbecue facilities so you can host your own luau.
13. Hampton Inn & Suites Oahu/Kapolei
- Location: Kapolei, Oahu
- Average Price: $331 a night
Wherever you go, the Hampton Inn & Suites provides a reliable place to stay. The outpost on Oahu features a pool, fitness center, and convenient parking. The rooms are simple yet comfortable, with air conditioning and TVs.
Most guests stay here because of the location. The Hampton Inn & Suites is adjacent to the Ka Makana Ali’i, Hawaii’s most famous shopping center, and a short drive away from most Honolulu attractions.
14. The Plantation Inn
- Location: Lahaina, Maui
- Average Price: $309 a night
The Plantation Inn is a great place to kick back and relax in the Hawaiian countryside, far away from the crowds of Honolulu and other popular destinations.
Amenities include a pool, an on-site restaurant with free breakfast, and a great location close to the town of Lahaina. The design is spectacular as well, with an arched façade, traditional lanais for some rooms, and Hawaiian ferns on the grounds.
15. Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant
- Location: Volcano, Hawaii
- Average Price: $384 a night
The Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant is a vintage treasure. Enjoy historic touches such as vintage wood beams, floral linens, and unassuming architecture alongside modern touches such as a hot tub and restaurant with fresh, modern cuisine.
The location is one of the biggest draws. The lodge is located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is a great base for exploring the volcanic nature surrounding it.
Want More Options?
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Making the Most of Your Hawaii Hotel Stay
Here are some tips to make the most of visiting Hawaii.
Getting to the Hotel
How you get to your hotel will depend a lot on where you are located. Hawaii’s biggest airport and where most tourists fly into is Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
Some Honolulu hotels arrange a shuttle pick-up, but you can also take a pre-booked shuttle.
If you’re staying on another island, you will have a connecting flight from Honolulu to that island’s local airport. Then, most visitors recommend renting a car since Hawaii’s public transportation isn’t the best.
Crime and Safety
Hawaii is maybe the safest tourist destination in the United States. The crime rate is very low, and besides some pickpocketing, it rarely affects tourists.
Keep an eye on your valuables and exercise reasonable caution, and you should be fine. The bigger danger is Hawaii’s nature.
Keep an eye out for reports of storms and volcanic eruptions, especially if you’re planning to go on hikes. The beaches are beautiful, but you will be swimming in the open ocean, so check the water conditions and watch what the locals do.
Traveler Tips
Here are some tips to make the most of your Hawaii visit:
- Never turn your back to the ocean, as the rough waves can knock you out and even damage your neck.
- Hawaii’s ecosystem is unique in this world, so show it respect. Stay on marked trails and obey signage telling you not to touch local flora and fauna.
- Finally, get off the beaten path a bit! Most tourists stick to Waikiki and its resorts, but there’s so much waiting for you if you venture into a local restaurant, boutique, or park.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are some of the most common questions other guests in Hawaii had to ask:
Where is the best part of Hawaii to stay?
Honolulu is the best place in Hawaii for major tourist attractions such as Waikiki Beach. Maui is great for first-time visitors as it is smaller and a microcosm of the whole archipelago. For nature lovers who want to get a bit off the beaten path, Hawaii or “the Big Island” is the best choice.
Where do celebrities stay when they go to Hawaii?
Celebrities usually stay in one of Hawaii’s luxury resorts. The most popular resort among the jet set is the Four Seasons Resort Maui or Kahala Hotel and Resort. Of course, many celebrities have their own private homes in Hawaii.
Where do the rich vacation in Hawaii?
Maui is the biggest Hawaiian destination for the glitterati. The island has a reputation for luxury thanks to its many resorts and swimmable beaches.
Where is the best town to stay in Hawaii?
Staying in a small Hawaiian town is a great way to explore what real Hawaiian life looks like. Great towns include Lahaina on Maui, Waimea on Kauai, and Kailua on Oahu.
Where should I stay in Hawaii for the first time?
If you’re visiting Hawaii for the first time, you’re probably going to enjoy Oahu. Oahu is where Hawaii’s major attractions are located, and it is the easiest to reach.
So What Is the Best Hotel in Hawaii?
Hawaii has a number of great hotels spread out across its islands. Maui has the most luxurious resorts, Honolulu has the highest concentration of different hotels, while the big island of Hawaii is a great chance to stay in luxury for a more affordable price.
So, with so much to see and do, and amazing hotels in every town on every island, there’s no reason to delay. See the natural beauty of this amazing tropical paradise yourself — book your trip today!