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, The Big Island
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
(5 stars)Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, offers 150 free-standing hales and villas along the lava-lined shores of Kahuwai Bay on the western edge of Hawaii’s Big Island. Once a famed barefoot escape in the 1960s, the property has been thoughtfully restored under Rosewood’s stewardship, blending its storied past with contemporary refinement. The setting feels remote and elemental, with volcanic rock, ocean views and swaying palms defining the landscape, while the architecture and design celebrate traditional Hawaiian construction, tactile materials and open-air flow.
The atmosphere is understated and culturally rooted, appealing to families and couples looking for space, authenticity and barefoot sophistication. Each accommodation is an individual structure, with outdoor showers, local artwork, sustainable finishes and indoor-outdoor living as standard. Dining is a highlight, with venues that honour Hawaiian flavours, seafood and regional produce, including signature restaurant Moana and the more relaxed Kahuwai Cookhouse and Market.
Wellness is anchored by Asaya Spa, surrounded by lava and tropical foliage, with treatments guided by Hawaiian healing traditions. Guests can also make use of the yoga pavilion, modern fitness centre and two serene outdoor pools. A robust cultural programme, ocean adventures, and direct access to a private beach complete the experience. Children are welcomed with a nature-forward kids club, and nearby attractions include coffee plantations, historic Hawaiian sites and the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Big Island.