Best Resorts In Hawaii
- Nick, Editor
- 3 days ago
- 11 min read
The Best luxury 5-Star resorts on the wonderful Hawaiian Islands.
Article summary>>
In this article, we take a look at the best resorts throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
(in no particular order)
Kona Village
Four Seasons Lanai
Four Seasons Hualalai
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Hotel Wailea
Sensei Lana'i
Halekulini
Montage Kapalua Bay
Turtle Bay Resort
Mauna Lani
EspacioWaikiki
Four Seasons Oaho
Kahala Hotel
Hawaii tours & activities
find more hawaii hotels here>>
Kona Village. A Rosewood Resort.
Reborn on a black-lava shoreline north of Kailua-Kona, Kona Village brings back the classic South Kohala hideaway with a touch of thoughtful glam. Standalone hale cottages sit among palms and kiawe, linked by sandy paths and bike lanes; each has a shaded lanai, breezy living space, and outdoor shower, with some adding private plunge pools. Interiors keep it island-calm: natural woods, woven textures, and that blissfully welcome Rosewood signature.
Days settle into an easy rhythm around the saltwater lagoon and pocket beaches: snorkelling over coral heads, paddle boarding at first light, and outrigger outings when the water goes glassy. The spa brings island botanicals and open-air treatment; a good fitness studio, tennis and pickleball keep the pace honest. Families get low-key activities, while adults gravitate to the quiet edges of the coast for sunset.
Dining is local and unfussy: grilled fish and upcountry produce, served in breezy pavilions or under lanterns by the water. Service is warm and relaxed; you feel looked after without any fussy choreography.
The vibe is barefoot luxe and quietly nostalgic, with modern comfort where it matters. Location puts you on the North Kona/Kohala coast, Hawaii Island, a short drive from Kona Airport and neighbouring resorts, coffee country, and manta-ray night swims within easy reach.
Four Seasons Resort Lāna‘i.
Perched above Hulopoʻe Bay, this low-rise resort feels deeply connected to its setting: lava rock, plumeria, and wide lawns that slide toward a marine sanctuary where spinner dolphins make regular cameos. Rooms are quietly luxe without showing off with rich wood, woven textures, intuitive lighting, and lanais that catch the day's breeze. Bathrooms are large with deep tubs and rainfall showers; tech is discreet and useful, not a puzzle.
Days tilt toward the water. Snorkel straight off the beach over coral heads, paddle a kayak along the cliffs, or book a sunset sail from the small harbour below. The lagoon-style pools balance family-friendly and adult calm; cabanas come with shade, chargers, and someone who keeps the ice water topped up. The hawānawana Spa works island botanicals into focused treatments; the fitness centre is serious, and there’s tennis, pickleball, and the cliffside Manele Golf Course with ocean holes that steal your attention.
Dining spans from breezy to polished: NOBU Lanai for pristine sushi, poolside bites done right, and breakfast with island fruit that tastes sublime. Service is warm and tuned-in, the kind that fixes plans before you realise they need fixing.
Location: a short flight or ferry from Maui, quiet roads, red-dirt trails to Pū‘u Pehe (Sweetheart Rock), and a protected bay where the water is the daily headline.
Four Seasons Hualālai.
On the shoreline of the Kona–Kohala coast, Hualālai feels equal parts beach retreat and private club. Low-rise hale and palm-lined paths link rooms that open to lawns or the ocean; interiors lean warm and tactile: koa wood, woven textures, sliding doors to breezy lanais. Bathrooms bring deep tubs and walk-in showers; storage is sensible, tech is discreet, and the soundtrack is surf, not air-con.
The resort’s rhythm is water first. There are seven pools, from the adults-only Palm Grove to the sandy-bottom family pool and the showpiece King’s Pond, a vast, spring-fed aquarium where you can snorkel with reef fish and a resident eagle ray. The Hualālai Spa mixes open-air hales, cold plunge and steam with a massage that actually unkinks travel. Tennis and a serious fitness program sit alongside the Hualālai Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus design that threads lava fields and sea views. Kids disappear happily into the marine centre and beach games.
Eating well is easy: toes-in-sand lunches at Beach Tree, polished island menus at ‘Ulu Ocean Grill, and steaks at Hualālai Grill for sunset. Service is relaxed and on point: anticipatory without the script.
Location puts you 15 minutes north of Kona airport, on a calm, swimmable stretch with tide pools.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Kaua'i.
High above Hanalei’s crescent, 1 Hotel Hanalei turns reclaimed wood, stone, and native planting into a calm, coastal refuge. Rooms are bright and quietly luxe, with sliding doors to lanais that catch the shore breeze and views of the bay and the cliffs of Hāʻena. Bathrooms feel spa-grade, with deep tubs or generous showers, soft towels, and sensible lighting.
Wellness sets the rhythm. Multi-level pools step toward the water, cabanas wait in the shade, and the spa focuses on botanicals and relaxed treatments. The fitness program is serious, with daily classes and trainers who actually pay attention. Paddleboards and reef swims fill clear mornings; sunset brings long laps and an easy drift toward dinner.
Dining keeps flavours local and fresh. Expect line-caught fish, farm vegetables, bright salads, and excellent fruit at breakfast. A terrace bar lines up sushi and cocktails with the evening glow over the bay, while an all-day spot covers coffee, juices, and relaxed plates between swims.
The mood is barefoot luxe. Families settle into the terraces, couples take time hikes and beach hours, and staff stay warm and quietly on point.
Location is great. You're in Princeville, minutes to Hanalei Bay’s beach, the Kīlauea lighthouse, taro fields, and trails that lead into the island’s greenery.
Hotel Wailea, Maui.
Set on a hillside above Wailea, this adults-only hideaway spreads suites through fragrant gardens with long views of Kahoʻolawe and the Pacific. The look is clean and island-modern: warm wood, linen, stone, and light that shifts from gold to blue as the day turns. Each suite brings a living room, kitchenette, and lanai sized for lingering. Bathrooms are generous, with walk-in showers or deep tubs, soft towels, and good lighting.
The pool terrace is the daytime anchor. Cabanas wait in the shade, service is swift, and the water stays inviting from morning laps to late afternoons. A beach valet sets you up at Wailea Beach with chairs, umbrellas, and chilled water. There is a compact fitness room, yoga on the lawn, and quiet pathways for a sunrise stroll. The signature restaurant earns its reputation, and the treehouse dinner for two among palms is worth planning.
The mood is relaxed and grown-up. Couples read on lanais, friends toast the sunset, and staff keep things easy without fuss.
Location works beautifully. You are five minutes above Wailea’s beaches, shops, and golf, far enough for birdsong at night and close enough for quick runs to the coast.
Sensei Lāna‘i.
Set in the cool uplands of Koele, Sensei Lanai feels like a hush above the sea. Tall pines, koi ponds, and sculpture gardens frame low, cedar-accented buildings that glow at dusk. Rooms are simple and calming, with smooth wood, paper-soft light, and lanais that look to the lawn and hillside. Bathrooms bring deep soaking tubs, great showers, and plenty of space to spread out.
Wellness leads the way at Sensai. Private spa hales come with saunas, onsen-style soaking, cold plunges, and treatment rooms that open to the breeze. The gym is serious, classes run from sunrise yoga to strength intervals, and there are miles of walking paths through Cook pines. Add in tennis, archery, horseback rides, and a challenge course tucked into the trees. Dining: Sensei by Nobu is bright and produce-driven, with smart portions and a menu that still feels indulgent. Smoothies, broths, and good coffee keep the day moving just nicely.
The mood is focused but easy. Couples lean into the quiet, solo travellers follow tailored programs, and staff guide rather than choreograph.
Location is part of the reset. You're ten minutes from the island’s town, a shuttle ride from Hulopo‘e Bay and the sister beach resort, yet you wake to birds, cool air, and beautiful, clear skies.
Halekulani Oʻahu.
On Waikīkī’s calmer edge, Halekulani trades flash for poise. Low buildings face the water, palms rustle over courtyards, and rooms are kept in a soothing palette of white and wood. Sliding doors open to private lanais, many with views of Diamond Head. Beds are excellent, and bathrooms have deep tubs and separate walk-in showers.
The mosaic orchid pool is the daytime place to be, with attentive service and ocean views that slow things down in a nice way. Spa Halekulani focuses on clean, effective treatments. The fitness studio is bright and well-stocked, and the beach sits just below for swims when the tide is kind. Dining is a pleasure without pretension. House Without A Key serves island plates to live Hawaiian music at sunset beneath a century-old kiawe tree. Orchids handles polished seaside meals. Lewers Lounge pours classic cocktails with piano and quiet conversation.
The mood is relaxed and grown-up. Couples linger over breakfast, longtime guests greet staff by name, and service feels natural rather than staged. The vibe is nice and laid back.
Location works well. You are a short walk from Kalākaua shops, near surf schools and catamaran sails, and close to Kapiʻolani Park for morning runs.
Montage Kapalua Bay.
Tucked above a calm crescent of sand, Montage Kapalua Bay feels like a refined beach house scaled up. Low terraced buildings look to the Pacific and Molokaʻi beyond. Residences are the draw. Each suite brings a proper living room, full kitchen, laundry, and a wide lanai. Bedrooms are quiet, linens are crisp, and bathrooms have deep tubs, roomy showers, and thoughtful lighting.
Days form an easy loop between sea and pool. Snorkel with turtles in Kapalua Bay, then climb back to the multi-tiered lagoon pools for shade and a cold drink. Spa Montage is spacious and calm, with outdoor treatment hales and a solid fitness centre. The Paintbox kids program runs creative activities, while golfers head to the Plantation and Bay courses, a short shuttle away. The Cliff House hosts private swims and sunset gatherings when you feel celebratory.
Dining stays relaxed and local. Cane & Canoe serves fresh island plates at breakfast and dinner. The Hideaway handles easy lunches, cocktails, and late bites. Service is warm and tuned in, more helpful friend than service.
Location: You sit on the Kapalua Coastal Trail, minutes from ironwood groves and tide pools, with Lahaina’s harbour and eateries a short scenic drive south.
Turtle Bay Resort, Oʻahu.
At the far tip of the North Shore, Turtle Bay fronts miles of shoreline. The resort’s low, airy spaces face the Pacific, with luxe rooms that feel coastal and uncluttered. Expect private lanais and bathrooms with large showers or deep tubs. Ocean bungalows add extra privacy close to the rocks and pools.
Days revolve around the multi-level pools, including an adults-only option, and a calm cove for easy snorkelling on clear mornings. Surf lessons run daily, as do outrigger canoe paddles, horseback rides from the stables, and guided hikes on seaside trails. The spa is relaxed with open-air treatment rooms, while the fitness centre and pickleball courts keep the tempo lively. Golf sits close by, and helicopters lift off for island circuits when the mood strikes.
Dining keeps flavours local. Beachside venues handle grilled meat and bright salads, while the signature room leans into island produce and clean technique. Bars for sunset cocktails with a front-row view of the waves.
The vibe is laid back and confident. Location is the win. You are minutes from Pipeline and Waimea, with Haleʻiwa an easy drive with the ocean always in view.
Mauna Lani.
On the lava-laced Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani sits between ancient fishponds and a calm, reef-sheltered bay. The look is fresh and grounded in place: breezy interiors with warm wood, stone, and woven textures, plus lanais that catch the breeze. Rooms feel practical and polished, with strong showers, sensible storage, and beds that reset jet lag. Suites add living areas for families or longer stays.
Days slide between water and shade. Two main pools set the scene, one family-friendly and one quieter. The protected beach cove is ideal for easy swims, paddleboards, and beginner snorkelling with frequent turtle sightings. Golfers have the Francis H. I‘i Brown courses close at hand, while bikes trace palm-lined paths and trails lead to petroglyph fields. The spa focuses on island botanicals and relaxed treatments. The gym is large and bright, with daily classes that actually challenge.
Dining keeps to clean flavours and good produce. CanoeHouse is the headline for sunset dinners, while the all-day spots cover fresh bowls, grilled fish, and solid breakfasts. Service is warm and on point.
The mood is relaxed and quietly upscale. Location works beautifully: twenty-five minutes from Kona airport, near Puakō’s coastline, with the resort’s historic fishponds and coral shallows just beyond your towel.
Espacio, The Jewel of Waikiki.
Right on Kalākaua Avenue facing the sand, ESPACIO is a small, high-touch hideout that feels discreet even in Waikīkī. Each three-bedroom suite takes an entire floor, so the elevator opens straight into your living room. Interiors are clean and quietly plush, with marble, rich wood, and sliding doors to a wide lanai. Full kitchens, proper dining tables, and laundry make longer stays feel simple. Bedrooms close off well, and bathrooms bring deep soaking tubs and strong showers; many suites add a private hot tub outside.
Up top, a compact rooftop pool and hot tub look over the water, with loungers, shade, and staff who appear at the right moment. The spa handles targeted treatments, and the gym covers essentials. Beach sets are arranged across the street, and a house car solves short hops when needed.
Dining is centred on Mugen, the fine-dining room that keeps portions balanced and service relaxed; in-suite breakfasts and private chef setups are easy to arrange. Pantry stocking is done without fuss.
The mood is polished and private rather than flashy. Couples, families, and small groups settle in and slow down, helped by thoughtful butlers who remember preferences.
Location is prime Waikīkī. Step to the beach, stroll to Kapiʻolani Park, and Diamond Head and Honolulu’s galleries are a short car ride.
Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina.
On Oahu’s sunny west coast, the Four Seasons faces a string of beautiful, calm lagoons. Low, modern buildings step toward the ocean. Rooms are bright and quietly refined in typical Four Seasons style, with private lanais, sensible storage, and bathrooms that earn their space with deep tubs and large walk-in showers. Many rooms look over palm tops to the Pacific; others face the Waianae Mountains.
An adults-only infinity pool watches the reef, while family pools sit closer to the beach. The protected lagoon is ideal for paddleboards and easy snorkelling. Tennis and pickleball are on site, and the Ko Olina Golf Club is minutes away. The Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre brings steam, sauna, a lap pool, and focused treatments; the gym runs daily classes that actually challenge. Kids settle into Kids For All Seasons, leaving adults free for a sail from the marina next door.
Dining covers all bases: Mina’s Fish House grills line-caught seafood by the shore. Noe handles polished Italian. La Hiki keeps breakfast lively, while Hokulea covers coffee and late sweets. Service is warm, welcoming and on the ball.
Location: You're thirty minutes from the airport, near Kapolei shops, the marina, and coastal paths, with the island’s best sunsets staged right outside. Great base location and stunning lagoons steps away.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Oʻahu.
Tucked on a quiet, residential stretch east of Diamond Head, The Kahala feels like a getaway without leaving Honolulu. Low-rise wings open to lawns, palms, and a calm, crescent beach. Rooms are large and airy, with private lanais, ample closets, strong showers, and deep tubs; many look out to the Pacific or the Koʻolau range. The overall tone is laidback luxury rather than showy.
Days settle into an easy rhythm around the oceanfront pool and the sandy cove, where the water is usually gentle enough for paddleboards and long swims. The Kahala Spa focuses on thoughtful, relaxing treatments that borrow island botanicals, while the fitness centre and seaside path make morning runs a pleasant habit. Guests can arrange outrigger canoe outings, surf lessons, or simple beach set-ups that appear exactly when needed.
Dining is a highlight. Hoku’s serves refined, island-driven plates; Plumeria Beach House handles breezy breakfasts and sunset dinners by the water; The Veranda is right for afternoon tea or a nightcap. Service is very good, warm, efficient, and quietly attentive.
The mood is grown-up but not formal: couples, multigenerational families, and longtime regulars who appreciate space and calm.
Location puts you ten minutes by car from Waikīkī’s shopping and Kapiʻolani Park, a nice, quiet and relaxed hotel with the perfect pool vs beach vibe.
Hawaii tours & activities>>
The Best Resorts In Hawaii - Article 2025
All hotels & resorts on The Five Star Edit are independently selected by our editors. However, as an affiliate partner, we may earn small commissions when you complete a booking made through our links. This is paid to us by the advertiser, not by you and does not affect the price of your booking in any way.
Comments