Hawaii is known for it’s gorgeous beaches – some of which even sport rather unusual colors. If you’ve never seen a green, pink, red, or even black sand beach before, just take a look at these stunning pictures. While you’re at it, just take a look at that emerald-blue, crystal clear water! Believe us when we tell you that it’s as warm as bathwater.
Hawaii is also famous for being an outdoor lovers’ dreamlike utopia. Whether you’re into kayaking, cycling, climbing, swimming, hiking, or simply catching some rays on the beach, Hawaii is a place that will meet and exceed all of your wants and needs.
It’s a state that boasts nearly year-round pleasant weather. Surfers have been flocking to it’s shores for centuries, as the sport was, in fact, invented there. Coffee lovers likewise hold a soft spot in their heart for the island paradise, as it’s the only US state that is permitted to grow the stuff commercially. Similarly, Hawaii produces more than a third of world’s supply of pineapples. Who wouldn’t be excited about that?
If tropical fruits aren’t really your jam, you should know that the Aloha State is home to some genuinely out-of-this-world cuisine. The culinary scene in Hawaii is to die for – and it’s a lot more than just spam seafood. Local delicacies such as Poke, Poi, Kalua Pua-a, and Loco Moco not only have fantastic names, but they are certain to light up your taste buds like the fourth of July.
History buffs likewise are in for a treat when visiting this state which was admitted into the union on August 21, 1959. Attractions such as the Bishop Museum, the Honolulu Museum of Art, Kaua’i Museum and the Pearl Harbor National memorial are among some of the best historical tourists destinations in the country.
So what are you waiting for? Whip out your wallet and book a flight, because a world of adventure awaits you in Hawaii. To make sure that your visit is one for the ages, we’ve compiled a list of what we believe are the very best Hotels in the state.
Keep watching to see what our top Hawaii hotel picks are, and at the end of the video, let us know in the comments what you’re most excited to see and do on your next island vacation in the state that happens to be the most recent addition to the United States of America.
Fairmount Orchid – Big Island
This lovely little getaway destination can be found on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. It’s lobby overlooks the ocean, and the front of the building is lined with an inviting white sandy beach. As soon as you step through the doors and hear the soft alluring sounds of live Ukulele music, you’ll realize that you’re in for one unforgettable stay.
Your room will feature ornate rattan furniture, lanais, and carpeting featuring charming bamboo motifs. When dinner time comes around, get your grub on at the on-site restaurant, Brown’s Beach House, which dishes out exotic seafood offerings like crab-crusted Mahi Mahi. If you’re traveling with little ones, it’s worth noting that they have a pretty stellar kids’ menu as well.
For a taste of something a little different, reserve a table at the Binchotan Bar & Grill, where you can indulge in intriguing dishes like Hawaiian abalone, brazed octopus, and sea urchin eggs. Come Friday night, Fairmount hosts their weekly Hawaii Loa Luau event. What better way could you spend your evening than sipping on fruity adult beverages, dancing to your hearts’ delight, and making new friends?
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort – Maui
Get ready for one peaceful island excursion because this Zen-inspired hotel embodies the spirit of Aloha to the tee. You’ll know that you made the right choice when you walk into Andaz’s open-air lobby. This sprawling space features vibrantly colored furniture and décor centered around an aesthetically pleasing sandpit in the center of the room.
Above this pit, all you’ll see is the wide-open sky. It’s abundantly clear that Andaz shines as one of the most modern, full-featured resorts in Maui. It’s also one of the newer resorts to be constructed in the region. You’ll feel like you’re staying at you’re wealthy uncles’ private beach house, while all the while still being treated to all of the contemporary amenities you’ve come to expect.
Halekulani – Oahu
For years, this criminally underrated Waikiki staple has set the golden standard for what luxury hotels in Oahu should offer. We highly recommend booking your stay here as soon as possible as it’s been in high-demand ever since reopening after an extensive renovation in October of 2021.
Halekulani shines for many different reasons. They offer top-notch service, a prime location, several world-class restaurants, and luxurious spa facilities. While many of Oahu’s other resorts tend to be colorful, noisy, busy places, this hotel offers it’s guests peace and quiet – and a rather formal take on what island life is all about.
It’s interior features white and cream tones accented with light-hued wooden furnishings supplemented with looming tropical flower arrangements that make for excellent photo backdrops.
The hotel has over 450 guest rooms that take a more minimalist approach compared to other Oahu lodging destinations. What makes these subdued and serene rooms so amazing, however, are the breathtaking views that they offer of Diamond Head, Oahu’s iconic inactive volcano, as well as the Pacific ocean.
If you’re a foodie, and really who isn’t, Halekulani’s premier on-site restaurant, La Mer, is considered by many to be one of the best dining spots on the island. Their menu is inspired by the flavors of the south of France, and their wine selection is equally dazzling.
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And don’t go anywhere just yet. Keep watching to see a few more of our other top Hawaiian resort and hotel picks.
Timbers – Kaua’i
This hotel is one part of a larger 450-acre Hokualan resort community. It’s renowned by golf lovers for featuring Jack Nicklaus’ signature seaside golf course. Hikers will fall in love with it’s many winding trails, and nature enthusiasts will lose their minds when they lay their eyes on it’s freshwater lagoons. All of this and more await you right at your doorstep.
Unwind at the hotel’s infinity pool before enjoying an evening of wining and dining at the hotel’s restaurant, which sources many of it’s ingredients from the on-site organic farm.
This hotel will make you feel like royalty as you are pampered with luxury amenities and a dedicated concierge team that knows the true meaning of the word ‘service’.
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach – Oahu
In 2015, this longstanding oceanside hotel made headlines when it unveiled it’s $125 million renovations. You’ll probably need to remember to breath when you step into their breathtakingly beautiful lobby which is brimming with natural lighting. Compared to the hustle and bustle of the Honolulu streets, this serene hotel feels like a breath of fresh air.
You’ll have plenty of room to stretch your wings as this hotel features soaring ceilings. All around you are displays of Hawaiian artifacts – enough to make you feel like your staying at a well-curated gallery. Behind the front desk sits this beautiful coral sculpture, and after you’ve checked in, you should definitely go check out the gigantic two-story oceanarium that sits at the center of the hotel. It’s filled with just about every tropical fish you can think of, representing every shade of the rainbow.
Your room will likely offer gorgeous ocean views and will feature a simple, clean aesthetic with plenty of natural lighting. Of course, you’ll have all of the modern amenities you would hope for, like wifi, USB outlets, and cable television, but let’s be honest, you probably won’t be spending too much time in your room.
Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort at Po’ipu Beach – Kaua’i
This hotel is actually the first luxury property to open in Kaua’i in over three decades, and while you would probably expect that it made waves when it debuted, it actually emerged on the scene with just barely a splash. But don’t let that deter you from checking out what it has to offer.
The resort features 121 rooms – all of with feature either balconies or lanais. Each also faces the ocean, meaning you’ll be lulled to slumber every evening with the calming sounds of the crashing waves. It might not be the biggest resort on the island, nor is it as flashy as some of it’s big-name neighbors, but Ko’a Kea has plenty of attractive features that will make you feel like you spent your hard-earned money at the right place.
It’s olympic sized pool, classy restaurant and lounge featuring a delectable sashimi tasting menu, and vast lawn overlooking a lovely little cove perfect for watching a sunset, makes this locale one of the best places to stay for honeymooners.
The rooms are comfortable and well-decorated. We especially appreciated the cozy chaise lounges. Plus, each room comes with it’s very own espresso machine that pumps out piping hot, perfect-to-order pick-me-ups any time of the day or night.
Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Four Seasons never fails to impress. This Lanai resort on the island’s southeastern coast is located within close proximity to some of the most scenic spots in the area. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a living postcard as soon as you arrive.
You can spend your days relaxing at the resort’s lagoon-inspired pools, leisurely exploring their botanical gardens, revitalizing your body and mind at the Hawanwana spa, and satisfying your cravings at the Nobu Lanai cliff-side Japanese restaurant on-site.
If you book four nights, Four Seasons will even throw in a fifth one on the house.
Lanai is much more subdued and understated spot than some of Hawaii’s other well-known islands. You won’t see any souvenir shops, ABC stores, or shave ice stands – there aren’t even any traffic lights, if you can imagine that. But that’s precisely what makes this secluded place so magical. There is a reason why Larry Elison bought the island in 2012. Fortunately, the billionaire pumped an enormous amount of cash into the place, turning it into one of the most immaculate destinations in all of Hawaii.
When visiting, you’ll feel like you’re on your own little private island. Sunbathing on the nearly-empty Polihua Beach or exploring the red rock formations of the Garden of the Gods is downright therapeutic. Sure, there is something to be said about some of Hawaii’s more densely populated regions, but the sheer bliss you’ll experience here devoid of all of the commotion is unparalleled.
Now that you’ve heard our take on things, we’d love to hear from you. Have you been to Hawaii before? If so, what are some of your favorite hotels and resorts in the Aloha State? Let us know in the comments.
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As they say in Hawaii, Mahalo.