29 Best Hotels in Hawaii

Montage Kapalua Bay

Montage Kapalua Bay is defined by space, privacy, and a slower rhythm that feels increasingly rare in Maui. 

Located in Kapalua on the island’s northwest coast, this low-density, residential-style luxury resort offers an unhurried setting shaped by open landscapes, ocean views, and a lush mountain backdrop rather than crowds or constant activity.

All accommodations are spacious villas and residential-style suites, designed to feel more like private island homes than traditional hotel rooms. 

Full kitchens, expansive lanais, and generous living spaces make the resort especially appealing for longer stays, while amenities such as multiple pools, an oceanfront spa, snorkeling access, coastal walks, and nearby championship golf courses are thoughtfully integrated without overwhelming the experience.

Montage Kapalua Bay is well-suited for families, multi-generational trips, and travelers who value space and privacy over nightlife or a high-energy resort scene. 

Kapalua is a more secluded part of Maui, so a rental car is recommended. The resort is best enjoyed as a peaceful base for comfort, scenery, and relaxed days rather than as a hub for late-night entertainment.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Four Seasons Resort Lanai offers a quieter, more intentional approach to luxury in Hawaii. Set along Mānele Bay on the island of Lānaʻi, this five-star beachfront resort is defined by its sense of seclusion, unhurried pace, and a setting that feels purposefully removed from the crowds of larger islands.

The experience here favors restraint over excess, with slow-moving days shaped by the oceanfront Manele Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus, private spa hale treatments inspired by Hawaiian traditions, and the natural beauty surrounding the property. 

Under the ownership of Oracle founder Larry Ellison, the resort has been thoughtfully reimagined with a contemporary aesthetic that remains rooted in its island setting.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai is well-suited for couples, wellness-focused travelers, and those seeking privacy and stillness over constant activity. 

While families are welcomed through a dedicated kids’ program, the overall atmosphere remains tranquil and refined, appealing to travelers who value space, service, and a carefully considered luxury experience.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Set along a pristine stretch of the Kohala Coast on Hawaii’s Big Island, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers a polished oceanfront luxury experience grounded in natural surroundings. 

The resort feels open and relaxed rather than showy, with lava landscapes, calm coastal views, and a sense of space that sets it apart from busier resort areas across the islands.

Accommodations range from well-appointed guest rooms to spacious suites, many with ocean views, while the resort itself supports both active days and slower moments. 

Multiple pools, a full-service spa, tennis courts, cultural experiences, and thoughtfully curated dining options create a well-rounded stay without overwhelming the overall atmosphere.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is well-suited for families, multi-generational trips, and couples who want a refined resort experience without feeling secluded. 

The property is expansive, so some walking between areas should be expected, and it is best enjoyed as a relaxed, self-contained resort rather than a base for nightlife-focused travel. 

Guests who value space, service, and a calm oceanfront setting on the Big Island will find it a strong fit.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is a polished beachfront classic in one of Maui’s most sought-after resort areas. 

Set directly on Wailea Beach, the atmosphere is refined and resort-easy—ideal for travelers who want ocean views, attentive service, and a location that makes beach time the main event.

Rooms and suites are spacious and well-appointed, many with sweeping views over the water, while the resort experience centers on relaxed days by the pool and a strong wellness offering. 

Guests have access to multiple outdoor pools, a full-service spa, ocean activities such as snorkeling and introductory scuba diving, and a complimentary kids’ club, which makes the property especially well-suited for families.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is well-suited for couples seeking a high-comfort beachfront stay and families seeking a reliable luxury base in Wailea. 

The setting is more “resort promenade” than secluded hideaway, and while there’s plenty to do on the property, the surrounding Wailea area is best enjoyed for beaches, dining, and an unhurried pace rather than nightlife.

Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort

Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, is a wellness-focused retreat set within the uplands of Lānaʻi, offering a markedly different experience from the island’s beachfront resorts. 

Surrounded by forested landscapes and open space, the atmosphere is quiet, private, and intentionally removed from typical resort distractions. The resort is designed around personalized well-being rather than traditional leisure travel. 

Accommodations are serene and understated, while the experience centers on guided wellness programs, private sessions, spa treatments, and movement-based activities tailored to individual goals. Dining, led by Nobu Lanai, aligns with the resort’s overall emphasis on balance and intention rather than indulgence.

Sensei Lanai is best suited for adults seeking a structured wellness escape, solo travelers, or couples focused on rest and personal reset rather than sightseeing or nightlife. 

This is not a casual resort stay, but a purpose-driven environment where privacy, routine, and expert guidance shape the experience.

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, sits along the Kohala Coast on Hawaii’s Big Island, blending beachfront luxury with a strong sense of place rooted in Hawaiian culture. 

The resort’s setting feels expansive and grounded, with lava fields, calm coastal views, and thoughtfully preserved historic sites woven into the landscape.

Accommodations range from guest rooms to private residences, many with ocean-facing lanais, while the resort experience balances relaxation with cultural connection. 

Guests can enjoy a full-service spa, beachfront activities, and dining that highlights local ingredients, alongside opportunities to engage with the area’s history through curated on-site experiences.

Mauna Lani is well-suited for couples, families, and travelers who want a refined resort stay that feels connected to its surroundings rather than purely self-contained. 

While the atmosphere is relaxed and polished, it appeals most to guests who appreciate the Big Island's space, scenery, and slower rhythm over high-energy resort entertainment.

Halekulani Hotel

Halekulani Hotel is one of Waikiki’s most established luxury addresses, known for its calm elegance in the heart of Honolulu’s busiest beachfront district. 

Set directly along Waikiki Beach with views of the Pacific and Diamond Head, the hotel offers a refined, understated alternative to the area’s high-energy resort scene.

The atmosphere here leans classic rather than trendy, with well-appointed rooms, ocean-facing lanais, and service that emphasizes discretion and consistency. 

Guests have access to a full-service spa, an oceanfront pool, and a dining program that focuses on quality ingredients and polished settings rather than spectacle, making days feel relaxed despite the central location.

Halekulani is best suited for couples and travelers who want to stay in Waikiki without sacrificing peace and polish. 

While it sits within walking distance of major attractions, shopping, and dining, the hotel itself feels intentionally serene—appealing to guests who value tradition, attentive service, and a quieter retreat within the city.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort

The Kahala Hotel & Resort offers a quieter beachfront alternative just beyond Waikiki, set along a sheltered stretch of sand in Honolulu’s Kahala district. 

The atmosphere is calm and resort-like, appealing to travelers who want proximity to the city without the constant pace of Waikiki itself.

Rooms and suites are classic and comfortable, many with ocean or Diamond Head views, while the resort experience emphasizes ease and discretion. 

Guests have access to a full-service spa, multiple dining venues, and a relaxed beachfront setting that prioritizes slower days and attentive service over spectacle.

The Kahala is well-suited for couples, honeymooners, and travelers seeking a refined stay away from Waikiki crowds. 

While it’s a short drive from shopping and attractions, the resort works best for guests who value privacy, a calmer beachfront, and a traditional luxury feel over nightlife or high-energy entertainment.

Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux

Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux is an adults-only luxury retreat perched above Maui’s Wailea coastline, offering a secluded, residential-style experience distinct from beachfront mega-resorts. 

Set across landscaped grounds, the atmosphere is intimate and intentionally quiet, with an emphasis on privacy and personalized service.

Accommodations are spacious suites with private lanais, many with ocean views, deep soaking tubs, and refined interiors that feel more like private residences than hotel rooms. 

The resort’s amenities are understated—an infinity pool, a tranquil spa, and curated experiences designed to complement the calm setting rather than compete with it.

Hotel Wailea is best suited for couples and honeymooners seeking a peaceful, adults-only escape in Maui. 

It’s not designed for families or travelers who want immediate beach access or nightlife, but it excels for guests who prioritize seclusion, thoughtful service, and a slower, more romantic pace.

Fairmont Orchid

Fairmont Orchid is a beachfront resort set along the Kohala Coast on Hawaii’s Big Island, known for its relaxed, resort-forward atmosphere and expansive oceanfront grounds. 

The setting feels open and tropical, with a protected bay that creates calmer water conditions and an easygoing pace throughout the day.

Rooms and suites are comfortable and generously sized, many with garden or ocean views, while the resort experience centers on outdoor living. 

Guests have access to a full-service spa, beachfront pools, nearby golf and tennis, and dining options that emphasize casual elegance over formality, making the property approachable to a wide range of travelers.

Fairmont Orchid is well-suited for families, couples, and travelers seeking a dependable luxury resort with ample space to unwind. 

While it doesn’t aim for a boutique or ultra-exclusive feel, it works best for guests who value comfort, scenery, and a laid-back Big Island stay rather than trend-driven design or nightlife.

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina offers a polished beachfront experience on Oahu’s quieter western coast, far removed from the density of Waikiki. 

Set along the calm lagoons of Ko Olina, the resort feels spacious and resort-focused, with manicured grounds and expansive ocean views that shape a relaxed atmosphere.

Accommodations range from guest rooms to suites with private lanais, while the resort itself offers unhurried days by the pool, at the spa, or along the shoreline. 

Dining, wellness facilities, and family-friendly amenities are integrated into the property to encourage guests to stay on-site rather than move constantly between attractions.

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is well-suited for families, couples, and travelers who want a refined luxury resort without the energy of Honolulu’s city scene. 

A car is recommended for exploring beyond Ko Olina, and the experience is best enjoyed by guests who prefer a self-contained beachfront setting over nightlife or urban sightseeing.

Prince Waikiki

Prince Waikiki offers a modern, design-forward stay at the edge of Waikiki, overlooking Ala Wai Harbor rather than the open ocean. 

The location places it slightly removed from the busiest stretch of the beach, giving the hotel a calmer feel while remaining close to shopping, dining, and waterfront walks.

Rooms and suites are contemporary and streamlined, many with wide harbor views, while amenities include an infinity-edge pool, a full-service spa, and an on-site art collection that highlights contemporary Hawaiian artists. 

Dining options range from casual to refined, supporting an easy, urban-resort rhythm rather than an all-inclusive feel.

Prince Waikiki is well-suited for travelers who want a polished city-resort experience in a quieter setting than central Waikiki. 

It works especially well for couples and solo travelers who plan to explore Honolulu during the day and return to a comfortable, low-key base at night, rather than those seeking a classic beachfront resort atmosphere.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua occupies a scenic stretch of Maui’s northwest coast, set above Kapalua Bay amid wide lawns, coastal trails, and sweeping ocean views. 

The atmosphere feels spacious and grounded, offering a quieter alternative to South Maui’s resort hubs while still delivering a full-service luxury experience.

Accommodations range from guest rooms to suites and residential-style options, many with private lanais overlooking the Pacific. 

The resort experience balances relaxation with activity, with access to a full-service spa, multiple dining venues, coastal walking paths, and nearby championship golf courses, all integrated into the natural landscape rather than dominating it.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is well-suited for couples and families who appreciate space, scenery, and a slower pace without sacrificing amenities. 

It’s best enjoyed by travelers who prefer coastal walks, golf, and calm surroundings over nightlife or a highly social resort scene.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is a large-scale oceanfront resort on Kaua‘i’s sunny south shore, known for its dramatic setting and expansive grounds. 

Set near Poipu, the property combines sweeping coastal views with a lively resort atmosphere that still feels open rather than crowded.

Guest rooms and suites are generously sized, many with lanais facing the ocean or gardens, while the resort itself is designed to keep guests engaged throughout the day. 

Highlights include a lagoon-style pool complex, a full-service spa, diverse dining options, and cultural programming that adds a sense of place without overwhelming the experience.

Grand Hyatt Kauai is well-suited for families, couples, and travelers who want a full-featured resort stay on Kaua‘i. 

With plenty to do on-site, it works especially well for guests planning relaxed days around the property rather than frequent island-hopping or nightlife-focused travel.

Ko'a Kea Resort on Poipu Beach

Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach is a boutique beachfront resort on Kaua‘i’s south shore, offering a more intimate alternative to the island’s larger properties. 

Set directly along Poipu Beach, the property offers a relaxed, personal atmosphere, with ocean views and a compact layout that keeps everything within easy reach.

Rooms and suites are well finished and quietly styled, many opening onto lanais with views of the water or gardens. 

The resort experience centers on simple pleasures—beach time, a calm pool area, a small spa, and dining that feels unhurried rather than showy—making days feel easy and unstructured.

Koʻa Kea is best suited for couples and travelers who prefer a smaller, quieter beachfront stay on Kaua‘i. 

It’s less about resort-scale amenities and more about location, walkability, and a laid-back pace, appealing to guests who value intimacy over variety.

Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, stands out in Wailea for its all-suite accommodations and family-friendly approach to luxury. 

Located along Wailea’s southern shoreline, the resort feels spacious and resort-forward, with open grounds and easy beach access shaping the overall experience.

All accommodations are suites with separate living areas and private lanais, making the property especially comfortable for longer stays and multi-generational trips. 

Guests have access to multiple pools, a full-service spa, beachfront activities, and a dining lineup designed to support relaxed days without leaving the resort.

Fairmont Kea Lani is best suited for families and travelers who value space, convenience, and a dependable beachfront setting in Wailea. 

While it doesn’t aim for a boutique or ultra-quiet feel, it excels as a comfortable, well-rounded resort where functionality and ease take priority over trend-driven design.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection is a classic beachfront resort on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, known for its mid-century heritage and one of the island’s most admired white-sand beaches. 

The setting feels open and timeless, with broad lawns, gentle shoreline curves, and a relaxed atmosphere that hasn’t been overmodernized.

Guest rooms and suites are understated and comfortable, many with ocean views, while the resort experience focuses on beach time and outdoor activities. 

Two championship golf courses, seaside tennis courts, and calm swimming conditions define the rhythm of the stay, supported by attentive but unobtrusive service.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is well-suited for couples and families who appreciate classic resort charm and a prime beachfront location. 

It appeals most to travelers who value scenery, history, and easy days by the water over nightlife or trend-driven luxury.

Ka La'i Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts, offers a residential-style luxury stay just steps from Waikiki Beach, blending city convenience with spacious accommodations. 

Set slightly removed from the busiest beachfront stretch, the hotel feels calmer than many central Waikiki properties while remaining close to shopping and dining.

Rooms and suites are generously sized, many with separate living areas, kitchenettes, and ocean-facing balconies. 

Amenities include a spa, fitness center, and dining options designed to complement longer stays rather than short resort visits, creating a more apartment-like rhythm within a hotel setting.

Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach is best suited for travelers who want space and flexibility in Waikiki, particularly couples and longer-stay guests. 

It’s ideal for those who plan to explore Honolulu by day and appreciate a quieter, more residential feel at night rather than a high-energy resort environment.

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort brings a contemporary, design-forward take on luxury to Maui’s Wailea coast. 

Set directly on the beach, the resort feels modern and relaxed, with clean lines, open spaces, and a social atmosphere that contrasts with Wailea’s more traditional resort style.

Accommodations range from sleek rooms to suites and villas, many with ocean views, while the resort experience centers on outdoor living. 

Multiple infinity pools cascade toward the shoreline; the Awili Spa focuses on locally inspired treatments; and dining highlights include Morimoto Maui, alongside venues that emphasize fresh, island-inspired flavors. 

The overall feel is polished yet approachable, making it easy to move between pool time, beach walks, and long, unhurried meals.

Andaz Maui at Wailea is well-suited for couples, design-conscious travelers, and friends traveling together who want a beachfront resort with a lively but controlled energy. 

Families are welcome, though the atmosphere leans more toward adults and socializing, and the experience is best enjoyed by guests who appreciate modern design and a resort scene that feels current rather than classic.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, blends a family-forward resort experience with Hawaiian storytelling on Oʻahu’s Ko Olina coast. 

Set along a calm, protected lagoon, the atmosphere feels playful yet polished, designed to keep families engaged without overwhelming the setting.

Accommodations range from hotel rooms to villas with kitchen facilities, supporting longer stays and multigenerational travel. 

The resort experience centers on Waikolohe Valley’s pools and water features, beach time in the sheltered cove, and cultural programming that introduces Hawaiian traditions in accessible ways, balanced by a full-service spa for adults.

Aulani is best suited for families traveling with children who want a beachfront resort built around activities and ease. 

It’s less about quiet seclusion and more about shared experiences, making it ideal for guests prioritizing kid-friendly amenities and an all-in-one resort environment over nightlife or minimalist luxury.

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort overlooks one of the Big Island’s most celebrated white-sand beaches, offering a relaxed, resort-style stay focused on ocean views and open space. 

Set above Hapuna Beach, the property feels breezy and understated, with the coastline taking center stage.

Guest rooms are ocean-facing with private lanais, while the resort experience revolves around beach access, pool time, and wellness-oriented amenities. 

A full-service spa, fitness facilities, and casual dining options support unhurried days shaped by swimming, coastal walks, and time outdoors rather than packed schedules.

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is well-suited for couples, families, and travelers seeking a comfortable beachfront base on the Big Island. 

It appeals most to guests who prioritize beach quality and a calm resort rhythm over nightlife or highly programmed activities.

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki is one of Waikiki’s most storied beachfront hotels, instantly recognizable for its historic architecture and oceanfront setting. 

Sitting directly on Waikiki Beach with views toward Diamond Head, the atmosphere blends old-world elegance with the energy of Honolulu’s most famous shoreline.

Rooms and suites range from classic to contemporary, many opening onto lanais that face the ocean or gardens. 

The resort experience centers on its prime beachfront location, refined dining, and a relaxed pool area that feels more timeless than trendy, allowing guests to enjoy Waikiki without being swept up by its pace.

The Royal Hawaiian is best suited for couples and travelers drawn to heritage, location, and a sense of place. 

While it sits in the heart of Waikiki’s activity, the hotel itself offers a calmer retreat for guests who appreciate history and direct beach access over resort-scale amenities.

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is a landmark beachfront resort on Maui’s Wailea Beach, known for its expansive grounds and resort-forward approach to luxury. 

Set across manicured gardens along the shoreline, the scale is impressive, with ocean views and open spaces shaping the overall experience.

Accommodations are spacious and well-appointed, and the resort offers a wide range of on-site amenities to keep guests engaged. 

Multiple pools, a large spa complex, beach activities, and cultural programming make it easy to spend full days on the property without feeling confined.

Grand Wailea is well-suited for families, multi-generational trips, and travelers who enjoy a lively, full-featured resort environment. 

It’s less about quiet seclusion and more about variety and convenience, appealing to guests who want beachfront luxury with plenty to do throughout their stay.

The Laylow, Autograph Collection

The Laylow, Autograph Collection offers a modern, mid-century–inspired stay just above Waikiki’s busiest stretch, providing a calmer city-resort balance. 

The atmosphere feels relaxed and design-forward, appealing to travelers who want personality and comfort without a traditional beachfront resort setup.

Rooms are contemporary and streamlined, while the experience is social yet low-key—anchored by an open-air dining space, a compact pool deck, and easy access to nearby shopping and dining. 

Sustainability touches and a smaller footprint give the hotel a lighter, more urban feel than Waikiki’s large resorts.

The Laylow is best suited for couples, solo travelers, and friends who want to explore Honolulu by day and return to a stylish, quieter base at night. 

It’s less about resort amenities and more about location, design, and ease.

Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani

Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani is a contemporary boutique hotel offering a quieter counterpoint to its historic sister property nearby. 

Set just a short walk from Waikiki Beach, the hotel emphasizes clean design, calm interiors, and a more intimate scale.

Guest rooms are thoughtfully designed with private lanais and modern comforts, while amenities include a rooftop pool, wellness-focused facilities, and understated dining options. 

The overall experience feels streamlined and restful, without the bustle typical of larger Waikiki resorts.

Halepuna is well-suited for couples and travelers who want a polished, modern stay close to Waikiki Beach without the crowds. 

It appeals most to guests who value simplicity, comfort, and a quieter atmosphere over extensive on-site entertainment.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, offers a residential-style luxury stay near Waikiki’s Luxury Row, combining hotel-level service with apartment-style comfort. 

Set slightly inland from the shoreline, the atmosphere feels refined and private, appealing to guests who prefer space and flexibility over a classic beachfront resort layout.

Suites are generously sized and designed for longer stays, many featuring full kitchens, separate living areas, and ocean-facing balconies. 

Amenities include an infinity-edge pool, a full-service spa, and multiple dining options, creating a self-contained rhythm that suits guests who want to settle in rather than move constantly.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences is best suited for couples, longer-stay travelers, and families who value room to spread out in Waikiki. 

It’s ideal for guests who want a polished, upscale base close to shopping and dining, without the intensity of a high-energy beachfront scene.

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

ʻAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach brings a modern, lifestyle-oriented approach to Waikiki’s oceanfront, with a focus on design, dining, and a lively social atmosphere. 

Located directly across from Waikiki Beach, the resort feels energetic yet curated, balancing beach access with contemporary amenities.

Rooms are sleek and comfortable, many with ocean views, while shared spaces—such as the rooftop pool and on-site dining venues—encourage guests to linger and socialize. 

A standout feature is the Oceanarium, which anchors the resort’s emphasis on connection to the marine environment without dominating the guest experience.

ʻAlohilani is well-suited for couples, friends, and travelers who want to be at the center of Waikiki’s energy while staying in a stylish, contemporary setting. 

It’s less about a quiet retreat and more about location, atmosphere, and easy access to the beach and surrounding nightlife.

Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui

Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui, sits between two popular beaches on Maui’s Wailea coast, offering a lively, family-friendly take on a beachfront resort stay. 

The setting feels active and social, with ocean views, open-air walkways, and a layout designed to keep guests engaged throughout the day.

Guest rooms and suites are comfortable and contemporary, while the resort experience centers on multiple pool areas, including an adults-only infinity pool and family-focused zones with water features. 

Dining options range from casual to refined, supporting relaxed resort days that balance beach time with on-site activities.

Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott is well-suited for families and travelers who enjoy a high-energy resort atmosphere with plenty to do on-site. It’s less about quiet seclusion and more about convenience, variety, and easy access to Wailea’s beaches and coastal paths.

Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu

Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu offers a contemporary, marina-front stay just outside central Waikiki, appealing to travelers who prefer a quieter, urban-resort hybrid. 

Set near Ala Moana, the atmosphere feels relaxed and stylish, with clean lines and a layout that prioritizes poolside lounging and open views.

Rooms and suites are streamlined and functional, while amenities include multiple pools, casual dining spaces, and easy access to nearby shopping and waterfront walks. 

The experience is less about traditional resort programming and more about flexibility and location.

The Modern Honolulu is best suited for couples, solo travelers, and guests who want a calm base close to Honolulu’s dining and shopping scene without staying directly in Waikiki. 

It works well for travelers who value simplicity, design, and ease over full-service resort extras.

Final thoughts: choosing the right hotel in Hawaii

Hawaii is less about finding a single “best” hotel and more about choosing the right setting for the way you want to travel. 

From quiet, wellness-focused retreats on Lānaʻi to full-service beachfront resorts in Wailea and city stays in Waikiki, each property in this guide stands out for a clear reason—location, atmosphere, or the experience it offers once you arrive.

Use this list as a practical starting point. Match each hotel to the pace you prefer, the island you’re drawn to, and how much you want to do—or not do—once you’re there. 

When those elements align, the hotel becomes more than a place to sleep; it becomes part of your experience of Hawaii itself.

FAQs: Best Hotels in Hawaii

Which island in Hawaii has the best hotels?
Each island offers a different style. Maui is known for beachfront luxury; Oʻahu blends city life with iconic beaches; the Big Island offers space and dramatic scenery; Kauaʻi feels lush and relaxed; and Lānaʻi is best for quiet, high-end escapes.

Are luxury hotels in Hawaii worth it?
They can be, especially if location, beach access, and service matter. Many luxury resorts in Hawaii are destinations in themselves, reducing the need to travel far once you arrive.

Where should first-time visitors stay in Hawaii?
Wailea in Maui and Waikiki in Oʻahu are popular starting points thanks to their beach access, dining options, and wide range of hotels.

Is Waikiki too crowded to stay in?
It can be busy, but choosing the right hotel—slightly removed from the main strip or with a resort-style layout—can make the stay feel far more balanced.

When is the best time to book hotels in Hawaii?
Late spring and early fall often offer fewer crowds and better availability. For popular resorts and peak travel periods, booking several months ahead is recommended.