Hawaii is one of the most popular destinations in the world. These islands are home to incredible beaches, water sports, national and state parks, surfing, and adventure activities. So I’ve rounded up the best luxury hotels in Hawaii for your trip to paradise.
The Ultimate Hawaii Travel Guide
These hotels are on the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Big Island, and Lanai.
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Here are the best luxury hotels in Hawaii!
Halekulani Hotel
Halekulani Hotel
Oahu
This hotel is perfectly located on Waikiki Beach, and two of the city’s best restaurants are here. You’ll love the views from your window, the upscale and inviting decor, and the pool with an incredible view.
Discover more incredible hotels on Oahu
Turtle Bay Resort
Oahu
Located on Oahu’s more remote and less-visited North Shore, this hotel is perfect for getting off-the-beaten-path. This resort has a beach, multiple pools, hiking trails, horseback riding, multiple restaurants, a spa, and golf courses.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Oahu
The magic of Disney + the paradise of Hawaii = this resort. If you’re traveling with kids or kids-at-heart, then this beachfront resort with every amenity you could think of is for you.
Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort
Maui
This hotel has some of the most spectacular pools you’ll ever find. The four main pools are tiered beneath each other with waterfalls, and there’s an adults-only pool. Plus, some rooms have swim-out pools, and there are villas with private pools. Andaz Maui is also beachfront, and you’ll love the five on-site restaurants.
Check out all the best hotels on Maui
Hana-Maui Resort
Maui
Most people only visit Hāna as a day trip, but this hotel is reason enough to stay on the off-the-beaten-path Hāna side of the island. This hotel has vintage bungalow and cottage-style rooms, two pools, on-site bike rentals, and one of the best restaurants on the island.
The Lodge at Kukui’ula
Kauai
If you want to stay in the island’s most exclusive resort community, then The Lodge at Kukui’ula is for you. This resort has stand-alone villas with private pools and stunning views. Plus, you’ll have access to The Club at Kukui’ula.
Browse more of the top hotels on Kauai
Sheraton Kauai Resort
Kauai
This hotel is perfectly located on Hawaii’s world-famous Poipu Beach – a golden sand beach sprinkled with the island’s iconic volcanic rocks. There are three on-site restaurants, multiple pools, and every room has a garden or ocean view.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Big Island
With ‘Four Seasons’ in its name, you know this hotel will be the epitome of luxury. This resort has an award-winning golf course, seven pools, five restaurants, seven tennis courts, a spa, and a Cultural Center. Plus, every room is a two-story bungalow!
See all of the most incredible hotels on The Big Island
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Big Island
Picture yourself in this magnificent open-air hotel on the best beach on the island. There’s a spa, two pools, a tranquility pond, lush gardens, four on-site restaurants, a fitness center, and incredible views from every room.
Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort
Lanai
Set on 90,000 acres of the remote island of Lanai, this is the place to come if you want to escape it all. You’ll be immersed in an ultra-luxe retreat that focuses on customized wellbeing plans with the hotel’s on-site ‘Sensei Guides.’
Discover more of the best wellness retreats in the U.S.
Recommended Tours in Hawaii
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What do you think are the best luxury hotels in Hawaii? Share with us in the comments!
For Planning The Rest Of Your Hawaii Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I travel between Hawaiian Islands?
The best way to island-hop in Hawaii is to fly. Hawaiian Airlines usually has the cheapest rates and the most flights. You could all take an inter-island cruise, but please ensure you only use sustainable cruise companies.
What is the best time of year to go to Hawaii?
Hawaii is made up of micro-climates, so the weather varies significantly from island to island and from one side of an island to the other. The year-round warm weather (rarely going below the mid-70s or above the mid-80s) means Hawaii is a great destination any time of the year. So Hawaii doesn’t have an off-season.
April – September is the most popular time to visit Hawaii because these are the warmest and driest months. The ocean is calmer, giving you access to more water activities with better sailing conditions. Be prepared to pay the highest prices during these months. The islands will also be crowded, so book accommodation, tours, and rental cars in advance.
The weather in Hawaii is marginally cooler from October – March, and these are the wettest months of the year. Pro Tip: the islands’ west coasts are significantly drier than their east coasts.
October – March is whale-watching season, and the crowds and prices will be lower (though not significantly). These months have some of the largest swells of the year, so surfers will swarm the beaches.
What are the best places to visit in Hawaii?
Oahu: Waikiki Beach, the North Shore, Diamond Head, Kualoa Ranch, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, Pearl Harbor.
Kauai: Wailua Falls, Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail, the Nā Pali Coast, Wailua River, Waimea Canyon.
Maui: Hana, Wai’anapanapa State Park, Haleakala National Park.
Hawai’i (Big Island): Hapuna Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, Waipi’o Valley.
What should I bring to Hawaii?
Hawaii’s climate and culture mean the dress code is very casual. Many visitors to the islands never change out of their swimsuits and sandals. You’ll want a sarong or cover-up for your swimsuit when shopping, dining, or riding in a taxi. And men should always wear a shirt inside.
Bring fast-drying clothes and shoes. If you’re doing any hiking, bring moisture-wicking and UV-protected clothes. For boat tours, bring a hat with a neck strap to keep it from blowing away, and have a strap for your sunglasses.
You’ll also want a lightweight rain jacket. If you’re going to visit Hawaii’s national parks or one of the higher-altitude volcanoes, you’ll want long pants and a jacket.
In addition to your usual travel essentials, you’ll want these items:
Bags for your wet and sandy shoes and clothes. If you’re visiting one of the public beaches, there usually aren’t showers for rinsing off. So always have a bag handy for wet and sandy clothes.
Electrical outlets in Hawaii are Types A and B. So if you’re from the U.S., you won’t need an outlet adaptor. But British, European, and other travelers will need an adaptor.
Sun protection. The sunshine is gorgeous but brutal in Hawaii, and you’ll usually find that there’s minimal shade on the beaches. So bring sunglasses, sunscreen for your skin and lips, a hat, and UV-protected shirts.
What are the best national and state parks to visit in Hawaii?
1. Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu
2. Haleakala National Park, Maui
3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawai’i (Big Island)
4. Heʻeia State Park, Oahu
5. ʻĪao Valley State Park, Maui
6. Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai
7. Waianapanapa State Park, Maui
8. Waimea Canyon State Park, Kauai
What are the best scenic drives in Hawaii?
1. Chain of Craters Road, Hawai’i (Big Island)
2. Garden of the Gods, Lanai
3. Hamakua Coast, Hawai’i (Big Island)
4. Kamehameha Highway, Oahu
5. Road to Hana, Maui
6. Route 560, North Shore of Kauai
7. Summit road to Mount Haleakala, Maui
8. Waimea Canyon Drive, Kauai
How many days do you need to visit Hawaii?
Give yourself at least 3-4 days to explore each Hawaiian island.
Do I need to rent a car in Hawaii?
If you’re staying in a vacation home on any of the islands, then you’ll want to rent a car.
If you’re staying in a resort and planning on leaving your hotel, then a car is essential on all of the Hawaiian islands. You can hire a driver, and taxis and rideshares are common, but these are expensive. So if you’re going to leave your resort more than a couple of times during your trip, you’ll probably save money by renting a car.
Plus, renting a car gives you flexibility and the freedom to set your own itinerary.
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