Jump to:
Hawaii is everyone’s dream vacation, but the perfect getaway requires proper research and planning. Finding the best resort for you and your family is first priority, so we’ve compiled a list of the best resorts in Hawaii.
Different resorts have different priorities and ideal customers, like a couples resort being adults only, a family resort having a kid’s club and waterpark, and even a resort with a library for bookworms.
The resorts of Hawaii cater to all manner of guests, and there’s an ideal resort out there for everyone.
The 25 Best Resorts in Hawaii in 2023
EQRoy/Shutterstock
With over 900 hotels and 70,000 rooms in Hawaii, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say Hawaii is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the world.
However, the cream of the crop always rises to the top, and many major resorts have recently updated their lodges with the latest amenities. Hawaii resorts are favorites among resort enthusiasts, with several brand hotels like Four Seasons, Fairmont, Ritz-Carlton, and Hyatt making this list.
However, several smaller resorts, like boutique hotels and classic hotels, have been around since the beginning of the twentieth century. There’s something for everyone, so scroll through to find your paradise resort.
1. The Halekulani Hotel, Oahu
- Location: Oahu, Honolulu
- Average Price: $830
The Halekulani Hotel tops our list as it has everything you could ask from a resort. It’s located on Waikiki Beach, known for its excellent waves, soft sand, and importance to Hawaiian culture.
It was founded in 1883 as a two-story home fishermen would rest after a hard day’s work. And it’s recently been updated. No 70’s or 80’s style furniture, state of the art technology, the resort has it all.
In addition to the usual spa, pool, and beach amenities every resort has, Hakulani offers free admission to some of Hawaii’s most fantastic attractions, like the Shangri-la Museum of Islamic Art, Iolani Palace, Manoa Heritage Center, and so much more.
If you want to explore Hawaiian culture while enjoying the beach and excellent service, The Halekulani Hotel is your perfect destination.
2. Hotel Wailea, Maui
- Location: Wailea, Maui
- Average Price: $1,499
Hotel Wailea is the best hotel for couples. With their strict 18+ policy, Hotel Wailea is a playground for adults who’re children at heart.
Lauded as one of the most romantic resorts in Hawaii, the ocean views are visible from three sides of the resort, with most of their buildings open air to let those views shine.
The sunset in the gazebo on Sunset Lawn would be perfect for a wedding or proposal! While not on the beach, they have a valet service always willing to take you and provide you with anything you could need, from towels to equipment rentals.
Finally, this resort is comprised entirely of bungalows, giving the guests privacy for honeymoons or weddings.
3. Prince Waikiki, Oahu
- Location: Oahu, Honolulu
- Average Price: $415
Prince Waikiki has you covered if you want to bring along some older kids like teenagers but still want a mostly adult getaway. While it doesn’t sit on Waikiki Beach, it’s only a short walk away.
And this is one of the best hotels for bookworms and culture enthusiasts. The resort has a library-yep, an actual library- as an amenity for guests and lets guests access over 60,000 digital books via Press Reader.
So you can bring a paper or a digital book for some relaxing time at the beach. Or you can check out the art gallery filled with contemporary art.
You also get free access to the Honolulu Museum of Art with the resort fee, making it perfect for those who want to see what the rest of Oahu has to offer. Don’t forget to tee up at one of the best golf courses on Oahu, the Hawaiian Prince Golf Club.
4. Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui
- Location: Lahaina, Maui
- Average Price: $2,090
For families looking for adventure, Montage Kapalua Bay has everything you could ask for. Horseback riding, complimentary guided hikes, renting a catamaran for the day, taking part in the Montage Merits program, and experiencing a luau.
Montage gives every possible Hawaiian experience it can to its guests.
Set on the wilder Maui, Montage is perfect for families who want to see the natural beauty of the Hawaiian islands while still having access to a boatload of amenities and nearby attractions.
5. The Royal Hawaiian, Oahu
- Location: Oahu, Honolulu
- Average Price: $865
When talking about famous Hawaiian resorts, you have to talk about The Royal Hawaiian. This pink stucco building has sat on Waikiki Beach since 1927. However, don’t let its history fool you.
It underwent renovation and restoration in 2008, updating the facilities and restoring the old building.
Staying at the Royal Hawaiian is an experience within itself, its stellar history and pink facade becoming synonymous with Waikiki Beach itself. Old-school rock and Hollywood stars used to stay at this iconic hotel, making it perfect for Elvis and Frank Sinatra fans.
6. Aulani, Oahu
- Location: Oahu, Honolulu
- Average Price: $655
Aulani is a resort owned and operated by Disney. It’s the House of Mouse’s Hawaiian resort for fans of the corporation. If your kids love Disney (and who doesn’t?), this resort is perfect for your family.
Located next to Ko Olina Beach, Aulani has the regular pool, spa, and beach combo, just with a Disney flavor.
Kids will love learning about Hawaiian culture with their favorite characters. Attend a luau with Minnie Mouse, learn the hula with Donald Duck, or get a surprise visit from Goofy.
7. Timbers Kauai, Kauai
- Location: Hokuala, Kauai
- Average Price: $2,395
If you want to enjoy the natural splendor of the Hawaiian islands while enjoying the amenities of a resort, Timber’s Kauai is the perfect resort.
Set on the island of Kauai, you can visit several famous attractions, like Waimea Canyon and Coconut Coast. Often called the “Garden Isle,” Kauai lives up to its nickname with lush jungles, jagged cliffs, and gorgeous wildlife.
Timbers is both a resort and a gated community with 47 residences for sale. The amenities include a golf course, farm-to-table dining (farm tours available), Adventure guides for exploring Kauai, and rentals and equipment for the nearby Kalapaki Beach.
8. Four Seasons Lanai, Lanai
- Location: Lanai, Maui
- Average Price: $1,760
If you want to get away, and we mean really get away, head for Lanai, Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island. It is primarily undeveloped, it looks like something out of a vintage postcard, and the best place to stay on the island is Four Seasons Lanai.
Now Four Seasons is known for quality, so it should be no surprise that their resort is one of the best. They do their best to teach their guests about Lanai’s unique culture and history, letting you experience the island without being touristy.
You can take a 4X4 Jeep, explore Lanai on an off-roading adventure, and take in incredibly diverse landscapes. Or you can pack your golf bags and tee off at their golf course. Or, best of all, grab a towel and sunbathe at an uncrowded beach.
9. Four Seasons Hualalai, Big Island
- Location: Kailua-Kona, Big Island
- Average Price: $1,670
Big Island, officially called the Island of Hawaii, is the biggest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It has black lava fields and white sand beaches and one of the best resorts to stay in Four Seasons Hualalai.
This is another Four Season’s entry, this one doesn’t have as many experiences as the previous one, but it still packs a punch.
Take snorkeling lessons from a marine biologist, hear about the island from a local, r go swimming in a 1.8 million gallon aquarium with 4,000 species of tropical fish.
10. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Big Island
- Location: Muana Kea, Big Island
- Average Price: $1,100
Mauna Kea has a little something for everyone. From a stunning art collection to helicopter tours over the island, it has relaxation, adventure, and Hawaiian culture.
For those looking to explore Big Island and everything it offers, Mauna Kea does not disappoint. They offer luaus, tennis, bocce ball, and a kid’s program so they can play while you relax in the spa.
11. The Laylow, Oahu
- Location: Oahu, Honolulu
- Average Price: $380
If you want to disconnect from the outside world and just chill, The Laylow allows you to do just that. They focus on bringing a low-key, relaxing experience to their guests so they can enjoy the Aloha vibes of Hawaii.
While this hotel is only a block away from Waikiki Beach, they encourage you to explore more of the surrounding area, like Kuhio Avenue, the International Market Place, and Kaimuki, to eat delicious food, enjoy authentic shopping, and just enjoy the city of Honolulu.
That said, they don’t slouch when it comes to experiences either. While the resort itself focuses on relaxation, they partner with local guides for every tour and experience under the sun.
12. Mauna Lani, Big Island
- Location: Waimea, Big Island
- Average Price: $1,180
Mauna Lani sits at the center of five great mountains, in a land once cherished by Hawaiian loyalty. Right on the beach, this resort is the place to go if you’re interested in Hawaiian culture and surfing history.
Mauna Lani focuses on providing guests the full Aloha experience, with lessons on hula, lei stringing, and outrigger canoes.
On the resort is The Surf Shack, modeled after the surfing dens of yesteryear, where you can schedule ocean sports lessons and rent equipment. It puts a classic, tasteful spin on the usual Hawaiian experience.
13. Orchid, Big Island
- Location: Waimea, Big Island
- Average Price: $685
The Orchid is actually called Fairmont Orchid, and it’s owned and operated by Fairmont. It’s located right on the beach in Puako on Big Island, and has some unique experiences to offer.
Their award-winning spa is a big draw, as they have open-air private cabins for massages and spa treatments.
Other activities include a Beach Club for water sports, stand-up paddleboard lessons, learning the hula or how to make lei, tennis, and don’t forget to attend the luau.
14. The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Maui
- Location: Kapalua, Maui
- Average Price: $1,215
When it comes to luxury, The Ritz is second to none. The Kapalua branch of this legendary hotel sits on the northwest shore of Maui and has a plethora of activities to enjoy.
This hotel is a part of a larger resort complex known as the Kapalua resort, with 22,000 acres of adventure and enjoyment.
It includes two golf courses, one nature preserve with two marine sanctuaries, events like the PGA Tour of Champions, and miles of hiking trails and sports.
15. Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, Big Island
- Location: Waimea, Big Island
- Average Price: $1,100
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is owned by Marriott and lies on the western side of Big Island, on Hapuna Beach, one of the best beaches in the world. It has two swimming pools, one for families and one only for adults, and a golf course.
Activities include snorkeling at Turtle Point (a famous snorkeling spot known for tropical fish and sea turtles) and a Manta Moonlight group snorkel where you can swim with the manta rays at night.
And a spa, Hawaiian culture lessons, beach activities, whatever you might need to have fun in the sun.
16. Koa Kea Hotel and Resort, Kauai
- Location: Koloa, Kauai
- Average Price: $830
Koa Kea is another dream destination for couples. It’s known as one of the most romantic resorts in Hawaii, with particular attention given to weddings, honeymoons, proposals, and more.
With all of the charm of the Garden Isle on one of the most unspoiled beaches you’ll ever see, it’s the romantic getaway of a lifetime.
However, the activities offered by the resort are impressive as well, from watersports lessons and equipment to hula lessons, there’s something for all couples to enjoy.
17. Kaimana Beach Hotel, Oahu
- Location: Oahu, Honolulu
- Average Price: $260
Kaimana is on the beach with oceanfront and mountain views. The famous Diamond Head crater overlooks the hotel, offering plenty of adventures.
You have to pay a club fee to get access to most of the hotel’s amenities, but it’s well worth it, and it’s optional, unlike most resort fees. It includes beach rentals, bike rentals, and fitness and culture lessons.
18. Kea Lani, Maui
- Location: Polo Beach, Maui
- Average Price: $1,185
Fairmont Kea Lani is a Fairmont property located on Polo Beach and has three pools (one for adults, one for families, and one for kids), spa cabanas, and excellent service.
Kea Lani has a great all-around resort experience, which may be precisely what you’re looking for. Excellent rooms and service, lessons on water sports and Hawaiian culture, beach rentals, and just a good time.
19. Four Seasons Ko Olina, Oahu
- Location: Oahu, Honolulu
- Average Price: $1,175
Four Seasons Ko Olina falls behind its sister locations, but it’s still well worth your time. It sits on Oahu’s rugged and wild west coast, offering adventure and culture with activities that will delight the whole family.
The western coast is filled with Hawaiian culture and some of Hawaii’s most famous living legends. Storytellers, culture lessons, farm tours, and Kaena Point, a spiritually significant nature reserve.
20. Four Seasons Wailea, Maui
- Location: Wailea, Maui
- Average Price: $2,485
Whale watching in the winter, snorkeling for turtles in the summer, and helicoptering any time, there’s always something to do in Four Seasons Wailea. Wailea is located on the beach in Wailea Makena in southwestern Maui and offers all the usual amenities and some truly unforgettable experiences.
Fire and Wine, Kona Coffee Helicopter Tour, and the Wailea Golf Course are just a sampling of what they have to offer. Taking a helicopter to a local farm might not be what you expected for a beach vacation, but it sure is a fantastic experience.
21. Grand Hyatt Kauai, Kauai
- Location: Koloa, Kauai
- Average Price: $970
The Grand Hyatt Kauai is on Poipu Beach and has everything you could want from a beachfront resort, valet and concierge services, equipment rentals, a spa, and a golf course.
But what makes this resort truly spectacular is the award-winning multilevel pools and saltwater lagoon for families to enjoy.
They take the term “water playground” to the next level with a lava-rock-lined lazy river, quiet nooks for parents, secret caves, and a 150-foot waterslide. This pool could compete with any water park.
22. The Kahala, Oahu
- Location: Oahu, Honolulu
- Average Price: $720
Do you like resorts? Do you like the environment? Well, Kahala has you covered. With all the offerings of a five-star resort, The Kahala Hotel and Resort is environmentally friendly in a way most resorts aren’t.
You can even participate in a local sustainability initiative to reduce the cost of your room, a great way to save some money, help the environment, and have a unique experience!
23. Turtle Bay, Oahu
- Location: Oahu, Honolulu
- Average Price: $1,035
Located on a cliff on Oahu’s North Shore, Turtle Bay is a resort that spiritually engages guests and challenges the preconceived notions of Hawaiian vacations. Take a multi-island helicopter expedition, go horseback riding or surf with a dog.
There’s something offbeat for everyone to enjoy. Their unique experiences really set this resort apart, as they aren’t looking just to entertain you. They are looking to engage with you so that you can have a life-changing experience.
24. Royal Sonesta Lihue, Kauai
- Location: Lihue, Kauai
- Average Price: $630
The Royal Sonesta Lihue is a stand-out resort on the Garden Island, with plenty of ocean, adventures, and sand. They offer everything you want, plus some local attractions that put them over the top.
The resort is beachfront, with equipment rentals and watersport lessons.
You can explore some famous Kauai attractions like Hanalei Bay and Waimea Canyon State Park, or go for some more local attractions like the Kauai museum and community college.
25. Sheraton Waikiki
- Location: Waikiki, Honolulu
- Average Price: $485
Sheraton Waikiki is owned by Marriott and is located right on Waikiki Beach with access to all the amenities, shopping, dining, and attraction in the surrounding area.
Their amenities and experiences are the best the area offers, with a state-of-the-art pool and water playgrounds, freshly refurbished rooms, and an oceanfront Edge infinity pool that looks jaw-droppingly gorgeous.
If you want to experience Waikiki Beach, this hotel is one of the best options available, just for it’s overall quality, incredible location, and great pools.
Things to Consider
WellyWelly/Shutterstock
Before booking your dream vacation, you should consider these resorts carefully. Not all resorts are built the same, and while some provide the basic amenities at a lower cost, other resorts have unique experiences to make your vacation truly unforgettable.
Just remember to check:
- The resort fees
- If they have a Kid’s Club or program
- What amenities are included with the room, and which with a fee
- If they have complimentary breakfast
- How close they are to the beach
- If they aren’t close to the beach, valet service and beach rental locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Sanchai Kumar/Shutterstock
Hawaii is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, but it requires a lot of planning, so here are a few of your burning questions answered:
What island in Hawaii has the best resorts?
Oahu, without a doubt. Other islands have fantastic resorts, but Oahu is the main tourist island, meaning the quantity and quality of its resorts are superior to the other islands.
Which Hawaii island is the most luxurious?
Oahu, probably Waikiki Beach. That is where the most expensive and high-class resorts are, plus Oahu has a good mixture of nature and city to enjoy.
Where is the best part of Hawaii to stay?
It depends on what you want out of your vacation—looking for nature? Kauai. Want to get away from the outside world? Lanai. Want unforgettable adventure? Maui or Big Island. Oahu may be the main island for vacationers, but there’s so much more to explore beyond that.
Where do celebrities stay when they go to Hawaii?
The Royal Hawaiian was known for its old school rock stars and Hollywood idols, and some celebrities keep the tradition up to this day. Other hotspots include the Four Seasons resorts and Halekulani.
Which Hawaii island has the best beaches?
Depends. Oahu and Maui generally have the best beaches, with Oahu having better beach access and crowds, and Maui, being less crowded, has a much chiller atmosphere.
The Best Resorts in Hawaii: Final Thoughts
Hawaii. The dream vacation destination for millions of people. Sunny beaches, delicious food, luxurious accommodations. Hawaii has it all.
So when you’re planning the perfect getaway, pick your resort carefully. A vacation like this may only happen once, or it might be so fun you become a Hawaii loyalist and return to the same resort year after year.
Snorkeling, surfing, horseback riding, helicopter rides, libraries, and the resorts of Hawaii have it all and then some. So pack your swimsuit and get ready to say Aloha to your dream vacation and stellar resort.