
Best Luxury Hotels in Hawaii
This Pacific island idyll has perfect beaches, dramatic surf, colourful flowers, rugged rainforests and soaring volcanoes – it’s the stuff of movies (and has been the backdrop for blockbusters including Jurassic Park, Jumanji and Pirates of the Caribbean). Hawaii has certainly attracted its fair share of stars over the centuries having famously been a favourite of Elvis Presley. Warm all year round and easy to access from the US mainland, it’s packed with rich culture and delicious food. Rather than a single destination, Hawaii is an archipelago, offering a range of different experiences and activities across its eight main islands, so you can pick the spot that suits you best.
Hawaii, Maui, Lahaina
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
(4 stars)Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows brings a classic Hawaiian beachfront stay to Kaanapali Beach with an easygoing, island inspired atmosphere. With 514 rooms, suites and traditional bungalows, the property offers a choice of contemporary tower accommodation or low rise garden retreats set among palms and winding paths close to the shoreline.
Interiors blend soft neutrals with natural textures that draw on Maui’s landscape, creating a relaxed and welcoming feel. Guests can dine at the Royal Ocean Terrace Restaurant and Lounge with its open air setting and ocean views, enjoy light fare at the Beach Bar and stop by casual cafés for coffee and snacks.
The resort features two outdoor pools, a whirlpool, a fitness centre and direct beachfront access, while The Spa provides massages, facials and island themed therapies in both indoor rooms and open air cabanas. Tennis courts, lawn games and the celebrated onsite luau add to the experience. With Whalers Village, Kaanapali golf and Lahaina Town all close by, it is a well placed base for exploring the wider beauty and culture of West Maui.
Hawaii, Maui, Wailea
Wailea Beach Resort Marriott Maui
(5 stars)Wailea Beach Resort Marriott Maui presents 547 rooms and suites beside Maui’s south shore, positioned between two crescent beaches with wide open views across the Pacific. The setting places guests close to the Wailea coastal path and moments from luxury shopping, golf and water based adventures. Interiors lean towards a clean, modern Hawaiian style with light woods, soft blues and an easy indoor outdoor rhythm that suits the island’s warm climate.
Dining spans relaxed poolside venues and ocean facing restaurants serving fresh seafood, Pacific Rim flavours and cocktails. The resort features a spa offering island sourced treatments a private Olakino wellness oasis, a 24 hour fitness centre and multiple outdoor pools including an adults only infinity pool with sunset views. Families benefit from dedicated areas, splash pool, two waterslides and seasonal kids programmes, while recreation includes snorkelling, cultural activities and cinema nights under the stars.
Hawaii, Kauai, Poipu
Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach
(4 stars)Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach is a boutique beachfront hideaway offering an intimate, adults-oriented atmosphere on Kauai’s celebrated southern shore. With 121 rooms and suites, the resort places you steps from a golden crescent of shoreline renowned for calm waters and year-round sunshine. Interiors take cues from the island’s natural palette with warm woods, soft neutrals and ocean-inspired accents that create a calm, contemporary feel.
Dining at Red Salt, where modern Hawaiian dishes are paired with views across the gardens and surf. The outdoor area features a heated pool and whirlpool with direct access to the beach, which includes watersports and access to Poipu’s coastal paths and championship golf.
Hawaii, Lanai
Sensei Lanai, Four Seasons Resort
(5 stars)Another from the Four Seasons portfolio, Sensei Lanai is just for adults. Found in a secluded enclave reached via a semi-private flight from Honolulu, the resort offers a quite unique experience. The wellbeing retreat has developed programmes and journeys, using a blend of science, evidence-based practices and innovative technology, led by expert practitioners. Engage in yoga, meditation, hiking and lectures, surrounded by beautiful artwork, a breathtaking sculpture garden and calming water features that help evoke an atmosphere of self-discovery. Guests staying here dine at Sensei by Nobu in a glass pavilion building, or outside, beside a koi pond.
Hawaii, Maui, Lahaina
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
(5 stars)Enjoy facilities on a large scale at this Ritz-Carlton property on maui’s northwest shore. Flanked by an enormous natural preserve and two protected marine sanctuaries, it’s the place for tropical eco-adventures. Or make the most of amenities across its 54 acres, such as a spa with treatments inspired by ancient Hawaiian traditions, two tennis courts, a kids’ club, 466 bedrooms and a triple-level free-form 24 hour outdoor pool, overlooking the ocean. There are many food and drink outlets too; the Banyan Tree is arguably the highlight, plus there’s a burger shack, a poolside diner and a chic lounge with firepits.
Hawaii, Maui, Wailea
Four Seasons Resort Maui At Wailea
(5 stars)Just 17 miles from the airport and a few minutes walk from the sea, this resort hotel has something for everyone. Choose a room with an ocean, mountain, or garden view, or a presidential suite with up to three bedrooms. Dine on Hawaiian and California fusion cuisine at Chef Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant Spago, Ferraro’s Italian Bar e Ristorante, at sushi in the Lobby Lounge bar, or get a table at DUO Steak and Seafood restaurant, beside one of the three pools. There’s also a spa, a beauty salon and tennis courts.
