Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world, let alone the United States. Here are the five best luxury hotels in Hawaii.
What Makes a Luxury Hotel?
Before we disclose our list of the 5 best luxury hotels in Hawaii, it’s important to define luxury. More than ocean views, golf courses, fitness centers, and well-equipped rooms and suites, luxury is defined by service. From the moment a guest enters a four or five star hotel, it should be clear that the guest will be taken care of during their visit by the staff.
A well-financed operation can add marble floors, guest rooms with the most beautiful modern amenities, and sweeping sea views but what is far harder to deliver is world class service these hotels and resorts are known for delivering.
Four Seasons Resort Lanai
The Four Seasons Resort Lanai is located in Maui county but Lanai is its own island. Known for its picturesque natural beauty, the property boasts one of Hawaii’s last unspoilt oceanfront properties.
I recommend you book this hotel with a Four Seasons Preferred Partner agency for VIP perks and amenities not offered on regular bookings. I book with Classic Travel for Four Seasons stays.
Oceanfront and secluded, the resort provides intimacy and privacy that’s difficult to find elsewhere in the islands. The property has it all, from a famous Jack Nicklaus golf course, to on-site premium spa, tennis courts and pools to suit every mood and need.
Like others on this list, it’s the service that stands out and it starts with a welcome drink at check in, and lasts until the guest’s bags are loaded into their waiting car to return them to the airport.
Standard rooms start from $1,000/nt with entry-level suites selling for about $500 more in January.
Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – Maui
One of the crown jewels of the Marriott chain is the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Maui. As a member of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, this premium resort is available for redemption of Bonvoy points at no cost to members.
If you are going to pay direct I recommend you book this hotel with a Virtuoso agency that is a part of the Marriott STARS program for VIP perks and amenities not offered on regular bookings. I book with Classic Travel for Ritz-Carlton stays.
The hotel features an 18-hole golf course, multiple pools, cabanas, a cove-style white sand beach, and is surrounded by the lush foliage Maui is known for. But as highlighted previously, it’s not just location, finish, and dining that make a resort our list for the 5 best luxury hotels and resorts in Hawaii.
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua embraces its location with specific design elements, artwork and cultural aspects specific to Maui and the Pacific Islanders that make up its unique culture.
Garden view rooms start from the high $600s and climb accordingly with view, suite and amenities.
The Royal Hawaiian Waikiki – Oahu
I have personally stayed at this property and have a detailed article about my amazing experience here. I also have a full property walk through video so you can get a clear understanding on why this is one of the best luxury hotels in Hawaii.
A Waikiki Beach mainstay, The Royal Hawaiian, is the epitome of the classic Hawaiian experience. Its stucco pink exterior rises from the water’s edge and offers both the luxury and grace that resembles the Hawaiian paradise of our dreams.
Coincidentally, like the Ritz-Carlton Kapalu this hotel is also a member of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, allowing for the earning of points and redemption to offset the cost of a stay.
If you are going to pay direct I recommend you book this hotel with a Virtuoso agency that is a part of the Marriott STARS program for VIP perks and amenities not offered on regular bookings. I book with Classic Travel for Luxury Collection stays.
The signature pink building may have classic Hawaiian charm but has been updated with modern amenities like its stunning spa with massage tables in the garden, half a dozen restaurants, and stunning beachfront views.
Standard rooms can be found as low as $279, suites start at about $600. There’s a nightly resort fee of $42 (some Marriott Bonvoy elites exempt) – a balcony is recommended.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
One of the most impressive parts of the Big Island (Hawaii) is the Waikoloa area north of Kona where the Mauna Lani resides. Past the black dried lava fields along the Kohala Coast is the Mauna Lani. The structure is older but embraces modern amenities like stone showers, upscale dining, and of course, a pristine natural beach.
In addition to golf courses along the coast, suites that provide a true Ohana sense of community and private pools off their patios, the resort also embraces indoor/outdoor living that brings beautiful Hawaiian nature inside.
If you are going to pay direct I recommend you book this hotel with a Virtuoso agency for VIP perks and amenities not offered on regular bookings. I book with Classic Travel for a variety of my luxury stays.
Rooms start at $789, suites considerably more.
Montage Kapalua Bay – Maui
On the quiet Kapalua Bay, this Preferred Hotel and Resorts property is one of the finest in Hawaii. The resort is oceanfront, has a number of private pools, and takes advantage of the distinct beauty Maui has to offer. The property embodies luxury from the very moment guests step on-site and carry it through their experience. One way that the Montage delivers this is through its unique partnership with Cadillac which offers transportation in its latest vehicles to nearby destinations as a courtesy.
Infinity pools, guided hikes, tennis, and luaus are available for guests to arrange through concierge. Sometimes a simply daybed by the pool is all that’s needed. For families looking for an active, upscale vacation, Montage Merits await young explorers who can secure a pin once they’ve completed all 12. This is an engaging way to include children in the exciting offerings of the resort.
If you are going to pay direct I recommend you book this hotel with a Virtuoso agency for VIP perks and amenities not offered on regular bookings. I book with Classic Travel for a variety of my luxury stays.
The all-suite resort offers nightly rates from $1200. Private residences with up to three bedrooms are available as well.
