Top 10 Resorts in Hawaii
Hawaii's best resorts span the Big Island's Kohala Coast, Maui's Wailea and Kapalua, Kauai's Poipu and north shore, and Oahu's Ko Olina. The Best Overall pick is the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Big Island, repeatedly rated among the top hotels in the United States, with oceanfront bungalows and rates around $1,500–$3,500+ per night. The Best Value pick is Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort on Maui, where family-friendly inclusions and a famous pool complex deliver strong value at roughly $700–$1,400 per night. Every resort below is real and currently operating, ranked on setting, accommodations, dining, amenities, and value for 2027.
How We Ranked These
We weighed each resort on setting and beach quality, accommodations, dining, amenities and activities, service, and value, cross-referenced against Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Forbes Travel Guide, U.S. News Travel, and official resort sites. Picks span ultra-luxury hideaways and large family resorts across four islands. The weighting:
- Setting and beach quality — 25%
- Accommodations and amenities — 20%
- Dining and activities — 20%
- Service and experience — 20%
- Value for the price — 15%
1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai 🏆 BEST OVERALL
On the Kohala Coast of the Big Island, Four Seasons Hualalai is a low-rise oceanfront resort with seven pools (including a saltwater snorkeling pool), a Jack Nicklaus golf course, and impeccable service — repeatedly named the #1 hotel in the U.S. by U.S. News. Rates run $1,500–$3,500+ per night. It earns the top spot for the best combination of setting, service, and amenities in Hawaii.
Best for: ultra-luxury, couples and families, golf.
2. Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort 💎 BEST VALUE
On Maui's Wailea coast, the Grand Wailea is famous for its nine-pool Wailea Canyon Activity Pool with a water elevator and slides, a top spa, and family-friendly programming. With frequent resort credits and inclusions, it's the best value among Hawaii's luxury resorts at $700–$1,400 per night.
Best for: families, pool lovers, value-minded luxury.
3. Montage Kapalua Bay
An all-suite and residence resort in Kapalua on Maui's northwest coast, Montage Kapalua Bay offers spacious accommodations, a cliffside pool, and the Spa Montage. Rates run $1,100–$3,000 per night.
Best for: spacious suites, families, multi-night stays.
4. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
A perennial favorite on Wailea Beach, this Four Seasons offers adults-only and family pools, oceanfront dining, and refined service. Rates run $1,000–$3,000 per night.
Best for: luxury beachfront, couples and families, dining.
5. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Set on a bluff above D.T. Fleming Beach in Kapalua, this Ritz-Carlton offers a multi-tier pool, a spa, golf, and strong family programming. Rates run $700–$1,800 per night.
Best for: families, golf, Kapalua setting.
6. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
On Kauai's sunny Poipu coast, the Grand Hyatt Kauai features a sprawling saltwater lagoon and pool complex, the Anara Spa, and oceanfront grounds. Rates run $600–$1,500 per night.
Best for: families, pools and lagoon, Poipu beaches.
7. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
On Kauai's lush north shore overlooking Hanalei Bay, this nature-forward luxury resort offers dramatic mountain-and-ocean views, multiple pools, and excellent dining. Rates run $900–$2,500 per night.
Best for: scenery, couples, sustainable luxury.
8. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
At Ko Olina on Oahu's west side, Aulani delivers a family resort with elaborate pools, a lazy river, a snorkeling lagoon, and Disney character programming. Rates run $650–$1,500 per night.
Best for: families with kids, pools, Disney experiences.
9. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
A refined oceanfront resort at Ko Olina on Oahu, offering multiple pools, the acclaimed Mina's Fish House, and a quieter alternative to Waikiki. Rates run $800–$2,500 per night.
Best for: Oahu luxury, couples and families, dining.
10. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
On the Big Island's Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani by Auberge offers oceanfront grounds, ancient fishponds, two championship golf courses, and a relaxed luxury feel. Rates run $800–$2,500 per night.
Best for: Big Island luxury, golf, oceanfront serenity.
Related on PULSE
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Insider Tips for Booking Hawaii Resorts in 2027
Booking a top Hawaii resort at a reasonable price requires strategy, especially given the continued popularity of the islands in 2027. Here are honest, actionable tips that can save you hundreds or even thousands per stay:
- Book 6–9 months in advance for peak seasons (mid-December through March, and June through August). For shoulder seasons (April–May, September–November), 3–4 months ahead is usually sufficient. Last-minute deals are rare at top-tier resorts, though you might find 10–20% discounts 2–3 weeks out if occupancy is low.
- Consider resort credit packages – many luxury properties offer "Stay & Play" or "Resort Credit" promotions that include $200–$500 in daily credits for dining, spa, or activities. These effectively lower your nightly rate by 10–25% depending on how you use the credits.
- Join hotel loyalty programs even if you don't plan to be loyal. Programs like Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt often offer member-only rates 5–15% below standard prices. Some also waive resort fees (typically $40–$65 per night) for elite members.
- Avoid booking through third-party sites for Hawaii resorts. Booking direct often gives you better cancellation policies, room upgrades, and access to special packages. Price-matching guarantees are common, but you must request them before booking.
- Watch for "resort fee" disclosure – these mandatory fees (ranging from $35–$75 per night at most luxury resorts) cover amenities like pool towels, fitness center access, and Wi-Fi. They're rarely waived, so factor them into your total cost.
Top 10 Resorts in Hawaii: What Makes Each Unique
While the full list of top resorts is covered in the main answer, here are the standout features that make each property worth considering for your 2027 Hawaii vacation:
- Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Big Island) – The only resort with a private oceanfront golf course and a 1.8-million-gallon saltwater lagoon for snorkeling with native fish. Its cultural center offers free hula lessons and Hawaiian language classes.
- Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort (Maui) – Features the largest pool complex in Hawaii (over 2,000 feet of waterways, including a 260-foot water slide and nine interconnected pools). The spa is 50,000 square feet with 40 treatment rooms.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua (Maui) – Set on 54 acres of former pineapple plantation, it offers guided cultural hikes and a 10,000-square-foot spa. The Honolua Store on-site sells local poke and plate lunches.
- Halekulani (Oahu) – Known for its signature "Seven Pools" swimming area and the award-winning La Mer restaurant (one of only two Forbes Five-Star restaurants in Hawaii). Rooms start at $800–$1,200 per night.
- Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort – A modern, adults-friendly property with no resort fee (rare for luxury resorts). Its four pools include an infinity pool overlooking the Pacific.
- Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach – Offers the only full-service spa on Kauai's east side and a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. Rates are more moderate at $400–$700 per night.
- Fairmont Orchid (Big Island) – Features a 10,000-square-foot spa and a protected lagoon for swimming. The resort's Hawaiian cultural program includes outrigger canoe rides and hula lessons.
- Montage Kapalua Bay (Maui) – All suites and residences with full kitchens, perfect for families or extended stays. The resort has a 24-hour fitness center and a 5,000-square-foot spa.
- Turtle Bay Resort (Oahu) – The only resort on Oahu's North Shore, offering horseback riding on the beach and a 36-hole golf course. Rates are $500–$900 per night, with significant seasonal variation.
- Sheraton Waikiki (Oahu) – The most centrally located resort in Waikiki, with a 2,000-foot-long infinity pool and direct beach access. Its Helumoa Playground offers free cultural activities for kids.
Hawaii Resort Alternatives: Condos, Vacation Rentals, and Boutique Hotels
If the nightly rates of top resorts feel out of reach, or you prefer more space and privacy, consider these alternatives that still deliver a luxury Hawaii experience:
- Luxury vacation rentals – On Maui, properties in Wailea or Kapalua can be rented for $400–$1,200 per night, often with full kitchens, private pools, and ocean views. Sites like VRBO and Airbnb have verified listings, but be cautious of hidden cleaning fees ($200–$500) and security deposits.
- Boutique hotels – Properties like the Hotel Wailea (Maui) or the Lotus at Kukui'ula (Kauai) offer resort-level amenities (spa, pools, concierge) at rates 20–40% lower than major chains. Hotel Wailea, for example, is adults-only and starts around $500 per night.
- Condominium resorts – Places like the Kaanapali Beach Hotel (Maui) or the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel (Oahu) provide resort services (housekeeping, pools, activities) with condo-style layouts. Rates range from $300–$600 per night, and many include free parking and Wi-Fi.
- Timeshare rentals – Owners often rent unused weeks at properties like the Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club (Oahu) or the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas (Maui). These can be found on sites like RedWeek or TUG for $200–$500 per night, significantly less than direct bookings.
When choosing an alternative, check for mandatory resort fees (common at condo-resorts), parking costs ($20–$50 per night), and whether daily housekeeping is included. Many vacation rentals now require minimum stays of 3–7 nights, especially during peak season.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit a resort in Hawaii? The best time is generally between April and June or September and November, when weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. Rates can be lower than peak winter and summer seasons, but expect higher prices during holidays.
Are all-inclusive resorts common in Hawaii? No, true all-inclusive resorts are rare in Hawaii; most properties offer European Plan (room only) or modified American Plan (breakfast included). Some resorts have dining credits or packages, but full all-inclusive options are limited compared to Mexico or the Caribbean.
How much should I budget per night for a top resort? You can expect to pay roughly $700 to $3,500+ per night, depending on the resort, room category, and season. Mid-range luxury options often start around $700–$1,400, while ultra-luxury properties like the Four Seasons Hualalai can exceed $3,500.
Which island has the best resorts for families? Maui is widely considered the most family-friendly, with resorts like the Grand Wailea offering extensive kids’ programs and large pool complexes. The Big Island and Kauai also have excellent family options, but Maui tends to have the widest range of amenities.
Do these resorts charge resort fees? Yes, most top resorts in Hawaii charge daily resort fees, typically ranging from $40 to $70 per night. These fees often cover amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness classes, and pool access, but they are not always included in the advertised rate.
Can I find a resort with a private beach in Hawaii? Many resorts are located on or near beaches, but true private beaches are rare due to Hawaii’s public shoreline laws. Some resorts have exclusive access to certain coves or man-made lagoons, but all beaches are legally open to the public.
Sources
- Four Seasons Resort Hualalai — official site
- Grand Wailea — official site
- U.S. News Travel — Best Hawaii hotels
- Condé Nast Traveler — best Hawaii resorts
- Hawaii Tourism Authority — official site
*Hawaii resorts review — best resorts in Hawaii, where to stay, ratings, family resorts, luxury picks, and a review of the top Hawaii resorts 2027.*
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