Guest writer, Alicia Lawrence, highlights Hawaii’s top luxury hotels and resorts. These properties and their amenities will wow you. Even if these resorts may be outside of your budget, Alicia suggests ways visitors can enjoy the luxurious surroundings. You don’t have to be a hotel guest in order to enjoy the spas and restaurants at high-end Hawaii resorts.
No Hawaiian vacation – or vacationer – is the same. However, all share the common goal of exploring, relaxing and embracing the island lifestyle. This can all take place at one of Hawaii’s several luxurious resorts, and finding the perfect fit for your vacation is essential for a great experience. Each palatial resort will leave you feeling pampered and royal with its own unique flare. Even if you can’t afford to stay at these top-of-the-line digs, you can still enjoy some of the services they offer. Walk around in their gardens, take part in a Luau, or play a round at their golf-course, enjoy an authentic Hawaiian meal or simply soak your feet in the ocean on the private beach. Read on to learn about the most luxurious resorts Hawaii has to offer.
Halekulani
Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu
Just steps away from the beach of Waikiki, the Halekulani resort is a top choice for travelers visiting Hawaii. Guests will enjoy the fabulous service as well as the newly redesigned luxury rooms and the incredible tropical atmosphere.
Amenities and activities:
– A private beach for guests
– A large, crystal-blue pool with bar and food service
– Fine, authentic dining on property
– Snorkeling
– Sailing and boating
– Spa services
– Nightly entertainment including Hawaiian music and dancing
Even if you can’t afford to stay at the Halekulani but still wish to take in the atmosphere, you are able to make reservations to dine on the property or enjoy a sunset drink to the nightly Hawaiian music.
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Kapalua, Maui
If you’re looking for a family-friendly (yet still luxurious) hotel with lots of outdoor activities to choose from, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua may be for you. Situated by DT Fleming Beach in Kapalua and surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns, gardens, and even a golf course, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua has lots of options for the active guest. Newly renovated, guests will adore the variety of accommodations, all authentically designed and equipped with state of the art technology.
– A three-tiered pool connected by waterfalls
– Tee-time at the on-property golf course
– Beachfront tennis courts
– Luxurious, relaxing spa experiences
– Beautiful walking paths leading to Fleming Beach Park
– Hiking
– Snorkeling
Even if you’re not a guest, you can still enjoy the ocean at DT Fleming Beach Park or make dining reservations at restaurants on the resort.
Four Seasons Lana’i at Manele Bay
Manele Bay, Lana’i
This resort offers guests a relaxing Hawaiian vacation with spectacular beach-views, and much to do. Four Seasons Lanai guests will enjoy time by the pool or on the golf course, or simply roaming the grounds. The property itself is beautifully maintained with comfortable and calming lounges and rooms.
– Golfing on-site
– Tennis courts
– Horseback riding
– Spa services
As a non-guest, feel free to check out the Lodge or gourmet dining options to enhance your Hawaiian getaway!
Grand Wailea
Wailea, Maui
The Grand Wailea is part of the Waldorf Astoria resorts and is sure to impress any guest on a Hawaiian vacation. Picture a pool surrounded by palm trees with a “water volcano” as well as several waterfalls, slides and a lazy river as your swimming hole during your stay. Swimming can’t get much more elaborate! Guests also have access to the beach from the hotel. The grounds, buildings and rooms have been designed down to every minute detail to awe vacationers.
Amenities and activities:
– 9 pools with food and drink service
– Scuba-diving and snorkeling available
– A spa with hydrotherapy treatments
– A top-notch children’s camp
– Access to the Wailea Beach
– A wide choice of restaurants on-site open to guests and non-guests
Although you can’t use the pools unless you are a guest, the beach is public and can be accessed by anyone.
The Four Seasons Hualalai
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (Big) Island
The Four Seasons Hualalai is different from any other located in Kona, as it offers a much more private atmosphere. Guest accommodations include private bungalows and suites that are accessed by way of a winding landscaped trail that encircles the property. All seven pools offer a serene sitting area as well as calming views. While not lounging poolside, guests can choose to play tennis or golf or go to the cultural center to participate in a free class or activity.
Amenities and activities:
– High-class dining
– Access to a stunning beachfront
– Activities for children
– Several retreats and camps throughout the year, including yoga, cycling, windsurfing and tennis
Even if you choose not to stay overnight, come enjoy the beachfront, a spectacular meal, or a spa treatment (however the golf course is exclusively for guests).
The Royal Hawaiian
Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu
Guests are sure to feel like royalty during their stay at the historic Royal Hawaiian. This luxurious resort offers free limousine service to points of interest on the island, as well as a saltwater pool or a 70ft. waterslide for the more adventurous guests. Guests can indulge by sipping the resort’s signature drink, the pink hibiscus elixir, to follow the palatial pink décor of the resort. Perfect for weddings, meetings or a tropical getaway, the Royal Hawaiian will leave you feeling indulgent and luxurious.
Amenities and activities:
– Close to shopping and dining in Waikiki
– Free hula lessons
– Leis and drinks upon arrival
– Beach-front location
– Sailing and boating
– Spa services
If you are not a guest, feel free to peruse the pink palace of Waikiki and see the longest running luxury resort on the island.
The Kahala Hotel and Resort
Kahala, Honolulu, Oahu
The Kahala Hotel provides guests with a feeling of serenity and privacy. Visitors are welcomed with leis and a cool towel upon arrival and are greeted by name throughout their stay. Every detail of this resort and its customer service is designed to make guests feel luxurious and pampered. To top it off the Kahala is newly renovated to provide the most updated technology and accommodations.
Amenities and activities:
– Scuba-diving and snorkeling
– Kayak and bike rental
– Spa and beauty salon services
Even if you are not a guest you can arrange to swim with the dolphins with Dolphin Quest or have a meal here.
The Four Seasons Maui
Wailea, Maui
The Four Seasons Maui is your resort destination if ultimate pampering is what you seek. The high staff-to-guest ratio ensures that all needs are met and that guest’s feel attended to, whether lounging poolside or at the beach. There are countless activities at the Four Seasons Maui, and best of all, all are free – no annoying resort fees.
Amenities and activities:
– 3 amazing pools
– Kids club and activities
– 3 golf courses affiliated with the hotel
– Yoga and fitness classes
– Kayak rentals
If you’re visiting for the day or a few hours, check out the beachfront and the golf course.
Whether your Hawaiian vacation includes accommodations at a luxe resort or a more economic hotel, be sure to visit and feel the decadence these resorts have to offer. Wherever you stay, don’t forget to breathe in the ocean, take in a sunset, and feel the sand between your toes.
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About the guest writer: Alicia Lawrence is a content coordinator for CJ Pony Mustang Parts and blogs on her free time about healthy, travel and communications at MarCom Land. She has traveled to Hawaii four times, each time she visited and explored the most luxurious hotels on that island.
Sheila Beal
2 comments
I have been to The Four Seasons Maui, its wonderful hotel and very nice service too 🙂
Simple word to say Wow… It’s a beautiful hotels in Hawaii. I definitely stay on these hotels when ever i visit in Hawaii…