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With stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and a vibrant culture, Hawaii is one of the top vacation destinations in the world. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and wondering where to stay, this comprehensive guide to the best resort in Hawaii will help you decide.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Big Island is considered one of the best and most luxurious resorts in all of Hawaii.
In this detailed guide, we will cover different top resort options on the various Hawaiian islands. We’ll explore what makes each resort unique, the amenities and accommodations offered, what guest reviews say, as well as pros and cons to help you determine the best fit for your Hawaiian vacation.
Best Luxury Resort in Hawaii: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Overview and Unique Amenities
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious and exclusive resorts in Hawaii. Nestled along the Kona-Kohala coast on the Big Island, this resort boasts an idyllic beachfront setting with stunning views of volcanic peaks and azure waters (https://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/).
What makes the Four Seasons Hualalai truly stand out are its unique amenities geared towards ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can enjoy seven swimming pools, including an adults-only “Serenity Pool” and a fun-filled sandy-bottom pool with a waterslide.
There’s also an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, perfect for avid golfers. The spa is simply world-class, offering Hawaiian-inspired treatments in beautiful thatched roof treatment hales right next to the beach.
Accommodations
This Four Seasons resort features 243 guest rooms, suites and villas designed in a tranquil Hawaiian style with dark wood furniture and creamy white linens. Most accommodations offer furnished lanais with dazzling ocean views.
The one-, two- and three-bedroom suites range from 930 to over 2,500 square feet, making them ultra-spacious by Hawaii standards.
For the ultimate indulgence, guests can book one of the private two- to five-bedroom beachfront villas, which come with personalized concierge service, private plunge pools, media rooms, full gourmet kitchens and more. Nightly rates for these villas can exceed $10,000 during peak seasons!
On-Site Dining
There is no shortage of exceptional dining options at this Hawaiian resort. From beachside tacos and ceviche at Beach Tree Bar & Grill to freshly-caught local seafood at Ulu Ocean Grill, guests can delight their taste buds any time of day.
For fine dining, Pahu i’a Restaurant offers an award-winning menu paired with stunning sunset views (reservations required). And no Four Seasons would be complete without quality in-room dining available 24/7!
Pricing
As one might expect, room rates at this five-star Four Seasons do not come cheap. According to the resort’s website, nightly room rates in January 2023 start at around $895. During the busy summer and holiday seasons, prices for standard rooms can easily exceed $1,200 per night.
The two- and three-bedroom suites typically range from $2,000 to over $4,000 per night depending on the season.
While certainly a splurge, keep in mind that rates are inclusive of a plethora of amenities, activities, wifi access, etc. Considering its prestige as Hawaii’s premier luxury resort, one might say the Four Seasons Hualalai is well worth the premium price.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Ultra-luxurious amenities and facilities | – Very expensive nightly rates |
| – Stunning beachfront setting | – Limited dining options on-site |
| – Exceptional guest service | – Located in remote area far from major attractions |
| – Access to acclaimed golf course | – Can be difficult to book rooms due to high demand |
| – Family-friendly and adult-only pools |
Best Maui Resort: Andaz Maui at Wailea
Overview and Unique Amenities
The Andaz Maui at Wailea is a luxury resort located on Maui’s sunny southwestern shore, nestled between two beautiful beaches. This elegant yet laidback hotel features contemporary-chic decor with Hawaiian accents and provides a wide array of standout amenities, including an award-winning spa, locally inspired restaurants, and complimentary mini-bars stocked with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
What really sets the Andaz apart are its unique cultural experiences that connect guests to the essence of Maui. You can learn to cook regional dishes, attend art classes with local artists, or tour the grounds with a Hawaiian naturalist.
There’s also a tiki bar that hosts nightly music and hula dancers, bringing the party vibe of old Hawaii. With stylish design, great food, cultural immersion, and prime beach locale, the Andaz ticks all the boxes for an exceptional island getaway.
Accommodations
The Andaz Maui features 311 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, most with furnished lanais overlooking the palm-fringed pools or the Pacific Ocean. Accommodations blend contemporary furnishings with traditional Hawaiian elements like woven palm wallpaper, outrigger canoe motifs, and artwork from local artists.
They come equipped with amenities like Wi-Fi, marble bathrooms with rain showers, and iPads for controlling lighting, curtains, entertainment, and contacting the hotel staff.
For more space and privacy, higher-category rooms include the partial ocean view king rooms with deep soaking tubs, the premium vista suites with separate living areas, and the presidential suite spanning over 2,000 square feet.
The Andaz also has exclusive villas steps from Wailea Beach that are perfect for larger groups and come with full kitchens, outdoor showers in private gardens, and infinity pools.
On-Site Dining
Guests at the Andaz have several delicious dining options that capture Maui’s multicultural cuisine and laidback vibe. Highlights include Morimoto Maui, a signature restaurant from the famous Iron Chef that serves Japanese fusion fare like sashimi, lobster pot stickers, and ishiyaki dishes cooked at your table on hot river rocks.
The Ka’ana Kitchen hosts a daily farmer’s market breakfast buffet as well as innovative dinners that weave locally sourced ingredients into contemporary dishes. The Lehua Lounge offers craft cocktails and small plates with a focus on rum, the island’s spirit of choice.
And the Beach House at Wailea Beach features classic Hawaiian plates like spam musubi and shave ice by the oceanfront pool.
Pricing
As one of Maui’s premier luxury resorts, rates at the Andaz reflect the high standard of accommodations and amenities. In the low season between April and December, prices for basic island/partial ocean view rooms average around $650-$850 per night.
During peak times from January through March, rates for the same rooms can range from $900 to over $1,100 per night after taxes and fees. Upgraded rooms with premium views, additional space or private plunge pools cost more. Discounts and packages are sometimes offered.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Elegant contemporary design with Hawaiian cultural touches
- Two beautiful beaches within walking distance
- Unique cultural experiences like cooking classes and art workshops
- Award-winning spa and locally inspired dining options
- Prime location in sunny Wailea
Cons:
- Very expensive, especially for larger rooms during high season
- Extensive resort fees added to room rates
- Not many accommodation choices for families
- Can get crowded around the main pools
Best Kauai Resort: Grand Hyatt Kauai
Overview and Unique Amenities
Nestled on 25 acres of lush gardens along the renowned Poipu Beach, the Grand Hyatt Kauai is undoubtedly one of the top luxury resorts in Hawaii. This spectacular resort features lavishly designed guest rooms, exclusive club lounge, world-class dining options, a huge multi-level pool complex with saltwater lagoons, an open-air spa, and plenty of family-friendly amenities to delight guests of all ages.
Accommodations
The resort offers 602 elegant guest rooms and suites featuring contemporary Hawaiian décor with Polynesian accents. The updated rooms overlook the resort’s gardens, pools or the ocean and come equipped with furnished lanais, rainfall showerheads, and modern amenities like WiFi and smart TVs.
On-Site Dining
Guests can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at the oceanfront Swim restaurant or savor fresh sushi at Japengo. Families particularly love the massive breakfast buffet at Ilima Terrace with cooked-to-order omelets and a DIY acai bowl station.
And no one should miss happy hour cocktails and stunning sunsets on the open-air deck at Stevenson’s Library.
Pricing
As one of the top luxury beachfront resorts in Kauai, rates at the Grand Hyatt can be on the pricier side. Nightly rates average around $600, but fluctuate depending on season and room type. Upgraded accommodations, exclusive club access, and special packages are also available for added fees.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Stunning oceanfront location, luxury amenities, excellent dining options, lush tropical grounds with wildlife |
| Cons | Expensive nightly rates, resort fee charges, limited free parking |
Best Oahu Resort: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Overview and Unique Amenities
Nestled on 21 acres of beautiful beachfront property in Ko Olina, Aulani is a one-of-a-kind Disney resort that offers a magical Hawaiian vacation experience. The resort combines Disney magic and storytelling with authentic Hawaiian culture to create a truly unique family-friendly getaway.
Some standout amenities include the only Disney-operated water park in Hawaii featuring thrilling slides and pools, world-class restaurants led by renowned Hawaiian chef Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, an award-winning spa and fitness center, uniquely themed Disney accommodation buildings, character meet-and-greets, children activity centers and so much more.
Accommodations
There are over 460 rooms and suites at the Aulani resort featuring Hawaiian-inspired decor. Accommodation options range from standard hotel rooms to multi-bedroom villas that can sleep up to 9 guests. Some unique room amenities include in-room tablets with the exclusive Aunty’s Beach House app for kids, free Wi-Fi, mini fridges, luxury bath products and balconies.
The resort also has an adults-only pool area, 17 speciality suites, and various room options catering to extended families or those looking to celebrate special occasions in signature Disney style.
On-Site Dining
There is no shortage of delicious dining options at Aulani. The resort offers 4 table-service restaurants showcasing Hawaiian fusion cuisine, poolside quick bites and snacks, character dining with Disney friends, 24-hour room service and so much more.
The headlining restaurant, ‘AMA ‘AMA, features Hawaiian-inspired seafood and steak cooked over an open wood fire, while Monkeypod Kitchen serves local farm-to-table dishes with stunning oceanfront views.
And no Disney dining experience would be complete without character meals – be sure catch Mickey, Minnie and friends at the family-style breakfasts.
Pricing
As one of Hawaii’s premier luxury beachfront resorts, Aulani is on the pricier side but offers exceptional value given its long list of amenities, dining options and family activities. Nightly rates for standard rooms in 2023 start at around $629 per night during low season, reaching upwards of $859+ during summer and holidays.
Many guests choose to stay in DVC villas which require purchasing a timeshare membership but can dramatically lower accommodation costs in the long run. Overall, travelers agree the price reflects Disney’s high standards of quality, service and magic across all areas of the resort.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| – World class service and amenities | – Expensive nightly rates |
| – Ideal for families and kids | – Timeshare presentation pressures |
| – Hawaiian cultural experiences | – Can get crowded |
| – Luxurious DVC villas | – Limited nightlife |
Best Affordable Resort in Hawaii: Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel
Overview and Unique Amenities
The Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel is a great choice for travelers on a budget looking to stay in the heart of Waikiki. This resort stands out for its prime location right across the street from the famous Waikiki Beach, allowing easy access to the ocean, shopping, dining and entertainment.
The hotel provides unique amenities like a sun deck with panoramic views of Diamond Head and Waikiki, plus complimentary beach chairs, mats and towels for all guests.
Accommodations
The Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel features 635 spacious guest rooms and suites furnished withisland-inspired decor. Standard rooms come with private lanai overlooking the Waikiki cityscape, along with mini-fridges and coffee makers. Upgraded rooms add microwaves and kitchenettes.
For families or groups, the multi-room suites have expanded living space. The rooms aren’t flashy but provide a comfortable base for exploring Oahu.
On-Site Dining
The hotel houses an outdoor poolside restaurant called Tiki’s Grill & Bar which is popular with guests for its Polynesian cuisine, tropical cocktails and beautiful views of Waikiki Beach. Guests praise the friendly service and delicious breakfast options.
There’s also a small coffee bar for quick bites.
Pricing
Nightly rates at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel average around $230, which is very reasonable for Waikiki. The prices don’t rise too high during peak seasons either. This makes it one of the most affordable oceanfront hotels you’ll find in this top Oahu neighborhood.
Pros and Cons
The Aston Waikiki Beach earns its popularity thanks to an unbeatable location, quality amenities given its lower price point, and stellar views. Drawbacks are that some guests report the rooms look a bit worn, and being in the heart of Waikiki means it can get noisy.
Conclusion
With stunning beaches and landscapes, rich culture and adventures galore, Hawaii has something for every type of traveler when it comes to choosing a resort. From luxurious five-star hotels to more affordable options, we covered some of the very best resorts across the various islands.
For a truly indulgent escape with top-notch service and amenities, the Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island takes the title as Hawaii’s premier luxury resort destination. However excellent options exist on each island, like the beautifully designed Andaz Maui or family-friendly Aulani Resort with Disney magic on Oahu.
No matter which Hawaiian island retreat you decide on for your next vacation, you’ll be surrounded by the magnificent tropical paradise that makes Hawaii one of the top getaway destinations in the world.
