Hawaii Resorts
Six islands, and the resort you want depends entirely on which one you choose. The Big Island's Kohala coast has lava fields and the calmest water in the state. Maui splits between Wailea's big beachfront properties and the quieter north end at Kapalua. Lanai is effectively two hotels on an island most people never set foot on. Oahu has the only real city, and Kauai has the rain that keeps it green. We rank on beach access and whether the sand is sheltered, how a property handles the trade winds, the food beyond the buffet, and what the resort fee and parking add to a week. Ownership changes hands often here, so we say who runs each one now.
- 1
A crescent of Hawaiian-style bungalows on the Kohala Coast, designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill with Jack Nicklaus golf, cultural classes, and no crowds.
- 2
A Four Seasons oceanfront resort on Oahu's leeward coast at Ko Olina, surrounded by four man-made lagoons with calm, sheltered water and positioned away from Honolulu's crowds and city noise.
- 3
An oceanfront luxury resort on Maui's quieter north end, with two championship golf courses, a spa rooted in Hawaiian tradition, and direct access to a sheltered bay ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
- 4
Intimate 81-acre oceanfront village on the Kohala Coast that reopened in 2023 after twelve years closed, with thatched hales, a cultural center, and beach access that feels genuinely private.
- 5
Modernist landmark on Hawaii's most famous golden crescent beach, designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, no resort fee, and newly renovated with an adults-only infinity pool and upgraded spa.
- 6
A century-old Waikiki institution known for refined service, zero resort fees, and direct access to Waikiki Beach with a rigorous design aesthetic.
- 7
Hawaii's only Relais and Chateaux property and an adults-only retreat on Maui's southern coast, with 72 suites, three chef-driven restaurants, and a reputation for intimate, personalized service at luxury scale.
- 8
A Waldorf Astoria property on Maui's southern coast with a Nobu restaurant, multiple pools, and championship-level spa facilities, designed for guests who want their luxury resort all-inclusive with amenities and scale.
- 9
An oceanfront collection of private residences and vacation rooms within the 450-acre Hōkūala resort community on Kauai's south shore, combining resort amenities with residential ownership and chef-driven farm-to-table dining.
- 10
A wellness-focused luxury resort on Kauai's North Shore at Hanalei Bay, emphasizing sustainability and all-around hospitality in an oceanfront setting known for calm summer waters and dramatic coastal scenery.
- 11
An intentionally isolated East Maui retreat without TVs, strong connectivity, or structured activities, built around connection to the landscape and silence.
- 12
A large-scale oceanfront resort on Kauai's south shore at Poipu, operated by Hyatt with a full spa, multiple pools, and access to one of Kauai's warmest, most reliably calm beach zones.
- 13
An Oahu beachfront resort in an exclusive residential neighborhood, known for its secluded sand and a private dolphin lagoon where guests see mammals in natural behavior.
- 14
A modern, adults-preferred resort on Maui's south shore with an emphasis on design, local culture, and innovative cuisine in the quieter Wailea area.
Frequently asked questions
Which resorts are best for travelers looking to avoid crowds and large groups?
You can find more seclusion at the Hāna-Maui Resort, which lacks TVs and structured activities to focus on silence. The Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort offers a private village feel, while the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is designed to avoid crowds. For an adults-only experience, Hotel Wailea is a dedicated retreat on Maui's southern coast.
Where can I find the calmest water for swimming and snorkeling?
The Kohala Coast on the Big Island features some of the calmest waters in the state. On Oahu, the man-made lagoons at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina provide sheltered swimming. You'll also find calm summer waters at Hanalei Bay on Kauai's North Shore or near Poipu on the south shore.
Are there any luxury options that don't charge resort fees?
Yes, both the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Halekulani do not charge resort fees. This makes them distinctive options among the high-end properties listed.
Which properties are ideal for golf enthusiasts?
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai features Jack Nicklaus golf on the Kohala Coast. On Maui, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua offers two championship golf courses.
I'm looking for a wellness or sustainability-focused stay. What are my options?
The 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a luxury resort that emphasizes sustainability and wellness. If you prefer a quiet connection to the landscape without digital distractions, the Hāna-Maui Resort is built specifically for that purpose.