Hawaii is an archipelago located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It’s the only US state made up entirely of islands. The state’s eight islands are Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawai’i (the Big Island). People worldwide flock to the “Aloha State” to see its unforgettable scenery, top-notch coastlines, and rich cultural traditions.
The Hawaiian islands have seemingly every culture woven into them. While exploring the islands, you can see the Hawaiian, Polynesian, North American, and Asian influences reflected in daily life. There is no scarcity of exciting things to do in Hawaii.
Travelers will encounter everything from active volcanos to exciting city life. Hawaii is surfing’s birthplace, so there are excellent opportunities to try out this sport. Other fun activities include outrigger canoeing, stargazing, hiking, and trying tasty food.
If you plan on visiting the islands, here are the five best luxury hotels in Hawaii!
Kona Village Resort
Kona Village Resort feels like walking straight into a laid-back Hawaiian daydream. It sits on 81 acres of sacred land along Kahuwai Bay and somehow feels both super peaceful and full of life.
The thatched-roof hale, or traditional bungalows, are tucked into lush greenery with lava rock and palm trees everywhere. The resort was rebuilt with a lot of care, keeping its history front and center while adding modern comforts that actually make sense.
When it comes to things to do, you really can’t go wrong. Spend the day lounging by one of the four ocean-view pools, head out on the water at sunrise, or fully unplug at the Asaya Spa, where Hawaiian healing traditions meet relaxed Big Island luxury.
There’s also plenty of culture woven in, like ukulele lessons, storytelling sessions, and even a movie night right on the sand.
And the food and drinks are a highlight too. The menus lean into Pacific Rim flavors and focus on local ingredients, so everything feels fresh, thoughtful, and very island-inspired.
Travel+Leisure review:
“On the resort’s 81 acres are only 150 hale, or houses, decorated with art commissioned from mostly native Hawaiian artists. There are four bars and restaurants, including one made from a sailboat the owners sank nearby.”
Hotel details
Address:
72-300 Maheawalu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States.
Guest rating:
4.6 out of 5
Price per night:
From $1100
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the ultimate Big Island experience. It has an outstanding location that provides guests with quick access to white-sand beaches and black-lava terrain. Everything about this hotel embodies the “Aloha” spirit.
Travelers heading to Hawaii for a resort experience won’t be disappointed here. The hotel has all a guest could want and more. Rooms have a distinctly Hawaiian look, with natural colors that reflect the sea and the trees outside.
Many of these rooms have terraces with golf courses or ocean views. This hotel has superb amenities and activities, including a Jack Nicklaus golf course, a top-rated spa, and a snorkeling-friendly lagoon.
Highlights at this hotel include its cleanliness, above-and-beyond service, and entertaining activities.
Frommers review:
“Sometimes you do get what you pay for—and that’s just about anything you could desire at this serenely welcoming resort, only a 15-minute drive from the airport but worlds away from anything resembling hustle and bustle.”
Hotel details
Address:
72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive, Kailua, HI 96740, Hawaii.
Guest rating:
4.6 out of 5
Price per night:
From $999
Timbers Kaua’i Ocean Club and Residences
Staying at Timbers Kaua’i will make you feel like you’re at your home away from home, except that your home is a luxury resort in Hawaii! The hotel’s unique apartment-like suites make guests feel comfortable and welcome from the moment they arrive.
Rooms here will give you all the conveniences that your home might have, like a kitchenette with an oven, dishwasher, washing machine, and microwave, without the fuss. Everywhere you go here will remind you that you’re on vacation.
There are spectacular views, numerous pools and jacuzzis, and a beach. You can golf with a stunning backdrop or cycle around the grounds to stay active. There is something for everyone at Timbers.
Visitors loved the hotel’s tranquility, amenities, and suites.
Hotel details
Address:
3770 Ala’oli Way, Lihue, HI 96766, United States of America.
Guest rating:
4.3 out of 5
Price per night:
From $999
Montage Kapalua Bay
The Montage Kapalua Bay Resort on Maui might be small –with just 56 rooms—but it is mighty. Many would consider a hotel that size to be a boutique hotel. However, Montage has the amenities of a much larger resort.
You’re going to have an outstanding experience, regardless of which room you choose, because all of their units are suites. Each one has full kitchens, laundry machines, wine fridges, and luxurious soaking tubs.
The hotel is great for groups because there are numerous sleeping arrangements in each space. Onsite, there is a relaxing spa, gym, movement studio, and fitness classes. There are tennis courts, hiking trails, and paddleboarding to keep you moving.
People enjoyed its tasty dining, beautiful views, and superb service.
Lonely Planet review:
“Whoa, nice work Montage Kapalua Bay. Swanky yet inviting, this 24-acre resort, which opened in 2014, takes style and comfort to an utterly pleasing level. The property feels more intimate and less hectic than other resorts across Maui.”
Hotel details
Address:
1 Bay Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761, Hawaii.
Guest rating:
4.7 out of 5
Price per night:
From $1255
Four Seasons Resort Lanai
The Four Seasons Resort Lanai is a former pineapple field turned luxurious resort. It recently reopened in 2016 after a $75 million makeover and is stunning. The hotel perfectly complements the lush greenery and natural beauty surrounding it. It’s everything you’d imagine a Hawaiian resort to be and more.
You can start your vacation immediately with complimentary airport transfers. Its interior and 213 rooms and suites are elegant and contemporary with garden or ocean views.
On its grounds, there is an outdoor pool, 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and diving center set against a beautiful ocean backdrop. Children are welcome here, and there is a kids club to entertain them.
Guests loved the hotel’s outstanding hospitality, striking views, and ample amenities.
Forbes review:
“As you walk toward the deck of Four Seasons Resort Lanai and soak up the stunning view of Hulopo’e Beach and the free-form pools surrounded with palm trees and tropical foliage, you’ll instantly realize that you’ve arrived in paradise.”
Hotel details
Address:
1 Manele Bay Rd, Lanai City, HI 96763, Hawaii.
Guest rating:
4.6 out of 5
Price per night:
From $1000
About our luxury hotel recommendations in Hawaii
We are a travel research company. Our team helps you discover the best luxury hotels in Hawaii by researching the internet for you. We have also visited some of these places.
Hence, it’s not just our opinion, it’s the opinion of many travelers who have been there before you. We make it easy for you to find out about the most luxurious and exclusive 5-star hotels on the islands.
Please note, we only list hotels that have an aggregated guest review rating of at least 4.0 out of 5. We aggregate all reviews from different booking sites and other unbiased review websites. Hence, you can be certain all hotels listed above offer you a great stay in Hawaii.
Best price guarantee
We have partnered with Booking.com and Agoda to offer the best price for your stay in Hawaii! Both sites offer price matching, so you can be sure that you are getting the cheapest rates possible for a luxury hotel in Hawaii.
If you find an even lower rate on another site at least 24 hours before check-in, contact them to claim a refund of the difference!
Best 5-star hotels in Hawaii
Having read this guide, now let’s summarize what we learned. We found the best 5-star hotels in Hawaii thanks to reviews and tips from thousands of guests and travel experts:
- Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
- Kona Village Resort
- Montage Kapalua Bay Resort
- Four Seasons Resort Lanai
- Timbers Kaua’i
More Hawaii recommendations
We hope you enjoy the advice we’ve given to you above. If so, be sure to check out some of our other articles about Hawaii:
