The Best Resorts | Hawaii, USA

The best resorts in Hawaii, according to Travel + Leisure readers, pair a wealth of amenities with unforgettable views.

After the Aloha State lifted COVID -19 restrictions, Travel + Leisure readers – especially families and couples looking for a solid but remote vacation destination – eagerly returned. The best resorts in Hawaii have kept pace with renovations and updates, making this famed Pacific archipelago more attractive than ever.

Each year, T+L asks readers to rate their travel experiences around the globe in its World’s Best Awards, asking their opinions on the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on amenities, location, service, food and overall value. Hotels were classified as city or resort, depending on location and amenities.

Oahu, Hawaii’s most populous (and popular) island, hosts seven properties on this year’s list, including Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani (No. 2). Newly opened in 2019, the hotel features a neutral, calming design that offers a tranquil retreat from the hectic atmosphere of its Waikiki location. Its sister hotel, the iconic Halekulani (No. 9), unveiled its own renovation in October.

Over on Hawaii Island, the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection (No. 6) impressed readers with its “grand remodel,” referring to the hotel’s 2020 reopening after an extensive renovation. “The staff is attentive and accommodating,” added one voter. “The views are spectacular and the resort amenities are so plentiful that you do not even feel the need to leave the property.

On Kauai, three hotels were on the list, including the Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort (No. 7) on the island’s famous Poipu Beach. “This is our favorite hotel on Kauai, if not all of Hawaii,” raved one reader. “The location is beautiful, the staff is fantastic, and the food is incredible. The Lomilomi massage at the spa is not to be missed.”

However, first place was earned by the Wailea Hotel on Maui. Read on to learn more about what made this hotel a favorite, as well as the full list of the best resort hotels in Hawaii.

1. Hotel Wailea, Maui

“Hotel Wailea is heaven on Earth,” according to a reader. The 15-acre, adults-only property is unique among the nearby resorts in that it’s not beachfront — but that’s a good thing for guests who prefer the quiet that comes with a location high on a hill, overlooking the sea. Because there are no children, the atmosphere leans toward the “relaxing and romantic,” as one reader described. Others loved the oversize guest rooms, which come with big balconies and are “nicely furnished, with a clean, contemporary feel that’s also cozy.” While the huge pool deck (fringed by cabanas, lush greenery, and the poolside café) is a big draw for hanging out, beach access is available anytime during the day via the hotel’s shuttle, which can whisk guests to Maui’s picture-perfect shores in just two minutes. Several readers also mentioned the outstanding service: “Every member of the staff makes you feel at home.”

Score: 94.86

More information: hotelwailea.com

2. Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani, Oahu

Score: 94.59

More information: halepuna.com

3. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Maui

honoree. Score: 94.20

More information: fourseasons.com

4. Prince Waikiki, Oahu

Score: 93.90

More information: princewaikiki.com

5. Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui

Score: 93.38

More information: montagehotels.com

6. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Island of Hawaii

Score: 93.18

More information: aubergeresorts.com

7. Ko’a Kea Resort on Po’ipu Beach, Kauai

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.95

More information: meritagecollection.com

8. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, Oahu

Score: 92.87

More information: ritzcarlton.com

9. Halekulani, Oahu

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.72

Information: halekulani.com

10. Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Lanai

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.68

More information: fourseasons.com

11. Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, Island of Hawaii

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.56

More information: fairmont.com

12. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Island of Hawaii

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.44

More information: fourseasons.com

13. Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Oahu

Score: 92.38

More information: outriggerreef.com

14. The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Oahu

Score: 91.38

More information: kahalaresort.com

15. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection, Island of Hawaii

Score: 91.29

More information: maunakearesort.com

16. Hanalei Colony Resort, Kauai

Score: 91.06

More information: hcr.com

17. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Kauai

Score: 90.86

More information: hyatt.com

18. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Maui

Score: 90.84

More information: hyatt.com

19. The Laylow, Autograph Collection, Oahu

Score: 90.73

More information: laylowwaikiki.com

20. Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

Score: 90.69

More information: fairmont.com