The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
Photograph: Booking.com
Photograph: Booking.com

The 15 best hotels in Hawaii for 2025

From tiny little grottos to serene beachfront resorts—here’s where to wake up in paradise

India-Jayne Trainor
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It doesn’t get more heavenly than Hawaii, but if you’re planning a vacation to these dreamy Pacific islands, then finding the right place to stay is all the more important—we can’t have your time in paradise go to waste, after all. So, whether you’re after an off-grid grotto to immerse yourself in nature or are craving a restorative break at a gleaming beachfront property, our freshly-curated list of the best hotels in Hawaii, which includes brand new reviews of Kona Village and Ko’a Kea Resort, has you covered. 

Which area is best to stay in Hawaii?

If you’re visiting Hawaii for the first time, we’d recommend staying in Waikiki or Oahu to have as many activities as possible on your doorstep. The Kohala Coast is a little more luxe, and Kauai is primed for those leaning more towards adventure than relaxation. 

Hawaii’s best hotels at a glance:

📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best things to do in Hawaii

How we curate our hotel lists

Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in Hawaii

Best hotels in Hawaii

  • Hotels
  • Spa hotels
  • Kailua-Kona
  • price 4 of 4
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Arriving at Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort feels like stepping into another world—one rooted in history, culture, and deep connection to the land. Set along a secluded stretch of the Big Island’s coast, this reimagined resort offers total immersion in Hawaiian tradition while surrounding guests with understated luxury. Though it’s close enough to explore Kailua-Kona, coffee farms, and Mauna Kea, you’ll likely find yourself content to stay put, soaking in the stillness of this sacred place. Originally opened in the 1960s, the resort was destroyed by a tsunami in 2011, then beautifully revived by Rosewood in 2023. Guided by cultural stewards and local descendants, the new iteration balances sustainability—solar energy, zero-waste initiatives, and recycled materials—with reverence for the past. Every detail, from sunrise ceremonies to lei-making and storytelling with local elders, honors Hawaii’s living traditions.

Scattered across 81 acres, the resort’s 150 thatched-roof bungalows—or hale—blend Hawaiian heritage with contemporary design. Built on the original footprints of the old village, they feature warm woods, local artwork, and volcanic stone soaking tubs, plus lanai daybeds overlooking the ocean. There are no TVs, but strong Wi-Fi—just enough connection for modern comfort without distraction. Dining is rooted in Hawaii’s land and sea: Kahuwai Cookhouse serves Kiawe wood-fired dishes, while Moana elevates Pacific Rim cuisine with dishes like Kalua pork and local kanpachi.  The restored schooner from the original resort now serves as the Shipwreck Bar, offering sushi and cocktails at sunset, while the open-air Talk Story Bar invites conversation and sea breezes late into the night.

Service here reflects the essence of aloha—warm, genuine, and personal. Guests can text requests directly to staff, who respond with ease and kindness, but beyond hospitality, they share island knowledge, teach local customs, and make every interaction meaningful. Days can be spent snorkeling in Kahuwai Bay, watching whales, or unwinding at Asaya Spa, built into black lava rock with panoramic ocean views. 

Time Out tip: For an experience unique to this hotel, the on-site farm hosts communal Island Roots dinners and celestial events with stargazing and storytelling.

Address: 72-300 Maheawalu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Price per night: starting at around $1695 per night, depending on the time of year, day of the week, and room option
Closest transport: Kona International Airport (KOA) is around 10 miles away

Gerrish Lopez
Gerrish Lopez
Time Out Contributor, US
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Koloa
  • price 3 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Sometimes you just need a vacation that feels like a true escape—the kind where the only decisions you have to make are whether to lounge by the pool or by the ocean. That’s exactly what awaits at Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach, an intimate oceanside retreat on the southern tip of Kauai. Opened in 2009, this boutique property channels the spirit of aloha with impeccable service, farm-to-table dining, and soothing spa treatments, all designed to help guests unwind. Centered around a lagoon-style pool framed by lava rocks and palm trees, the resort feels worlds away from everyday life. Grab a cabana and settle in for the day, breaking only for tropical cocktails or a quick dip in the Pacific just steps away. 

Each of the 121 rooms is a tranquil sanctuary, some with direct ocean views and all featuring private lanais perfect for morning coffee or quiet reflection. Inside, rooms combine natural textures—coral, shell, and dark wood—with soothing sandy tones that echo the island landscape. Amenities include Nespresso machines, rainfall showers, and even a welcome bottle of wine. The aesthetic may lean a little classic, but the comfort and calm are undeniable. 

Dining at Koʻa Kea is equally relaxing, led by The Red Salt, where Chef Cary Roy crafts island-inspired dishes using local ingredients. Mornings bring lobster benedicts and coconut pancakes, while evenings feature seafood and sushi alongside a curated wine list. For an unforgettable experience, book the monthly Pa’ina Dinner Series, a private beachfront event pairing seasonal dishes with fine spirits. Casual meals and cocktails can also be enjoyed at the pool bar, or venture a few minutes away to Merriman’s for locally sourced cuisine and live music at sunset.

Service at Koʻa Kea is warm, familiar, and personal—staff greet returning guests by name and anticipate every need, whether it’s offering smoothie samples by the pool or helping you plan a surf lesson with Hoku Water Sports. Between sunrise yoga, oceanfront massages, and encounters with sea turtles and monk seals on Poʻipu Beach, this resort embodies the perfect balance of romance, serenity, and connection to nature. 

Time Out tip: This is the place to be for some serious sunset views.

Address: 2251 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Price per night: $671 per night, varies by season
Closest transportation: Flying in from Lihue Airport, a drive to the resort is about a 30-minute scenic ride.

Morgan Carter
Morgan Carter
Food & Drink Editor
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  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Maui
  • price 3 of 4
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

When the chance to visit Maui came up, I immediately began daydreaming about paradise—leis, floral fits, ocean views, and main-character energy straight out of White Lotus. And honestly, that’s exactly what I got. After landing at Kahului Airport, I made my way to Wailea Beach, where luxury practically drips from the palm trees. Picture beautiful homes, lush greenery, and the crème de la crème of resorts, including the gorgeous Wailea Beach Resort—a place that oozes comfort and indulgence from every angle.

Wailea Beach Resort is the ultimate “choose your own adventure” destination. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or solo, this place somehow manages to please everyone. You can dive into activities like lei-making, sunrise yoga, or scuba classes—or just spend your days blissfully doing nothing. The rooms are enormous, spotless, and recently renovated, with ocean-view balconies that look like something straight off a postcard. As for food, it’s impossible to go hungry here. Start your morning with coconut macadamia pancakes at Humble Market Kitchin, grab a smoothie or acai bowl from Whale’s Tale, and don’t miss the loaded tuna poke bowl from the on-site food truck, Mo’ Bettah. Between the four pools—including a serene adults-only infinity pool—you’ll never have to fight for a lounge chair. And for total tranquility, the Olakino Wellness experience offers a peaceful, adults-only sanctuary with spa treatments and ocean views that go on forever.

The service is just as impeccable as the setting. Every staff member seems genuinely happy to be there, greeting guests by name and sharing their love for Maui with contagious pride. It feels effortlessly warm and personal—no pretension, just aloha spirit through and through. Beyond the resort, the area radiates the same kind of understated luxury, surrounded by world-class hotels, beaches, and restaurants. 

Time Out tip: Don’t skip over Hawaii’s longest resort waterslide.

Address: 3700 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
Price per night: Pricing depends on room type, but rates for a stay in July start at $752/night
Closest transport: Kahului Airport (OGG)

Dana Rozansky
Dana Rozansky
CEO & Chief Content Creator, Miami Food Porn

4. The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay

Turtle Bay is a Ritz-Carlton Resort, so you already know it’s going to be impressive. Located on the North Shore of Oahu, the hotel opened in 1972 as a standout oceanfront property in the area, combining access to golden beaches, iconic Hawaiian surf breaks, and a huge array of dining, accommodations, and local experiences over 1,300 acres.

Accommodations span rooms, suites, villas, and bungalows. Every one is bright and breezy, decked out in light woods, wicker, and Hawaiian-patterned furnishings. In many rooms, you can throw open the doors onto a private terrace (complete with your own egg chair) and take in uninterrupted views of the sunset over the ocean. But staying inside will be at the bottom of your to-do list—the hotel offers more than 70 unique experiences, from horseback riding on the beach, farm tours, and surf lessons to hiking trails, scuba diving, and turtle spotting. All of this is on top of three sparkling infinity pools and Nalu Spa, where a long menu of treatments will quickly melt your troubles away.

Every morning brings breakfast by the water, while throughout the day, you’ll find Hawaiian-inspired and locally sourced ingredients on the menus at Alaia, Lei Lei’s Bar and Grill, and Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi. Don’t miss the Hawaiian cowboy luau, an island tradition combining dancing, music, delicious food, and ancient legends. The hotel is also in a phenomenal location, with some of the area’s most beautiful natural attractions and beaches close by, including Sunset Beach, Shark’s Cove, and Waimea Bay, as well as the historic Haleiwa surf town.

Time Out tip: Turtle Bay is part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, meaning that between December and May, guests have a front-row seat to humpback whales breaching just offshore.

Address: 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731
Price: From $922 or $1,058 B&B
Closest airport: Approximately 1 hour from Honolulu Airport, but allow 90 minutes with traffic

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5. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Set just back from the sweeping sands of Ka’anapali Beach on Maui’s western edge, Sheraton Maui holds one of the best spots in the area, nestled next to Pu’u Keka’a (Black Rock), where locals can often be spotted cliff diving. The resort is 23 acres of pure beachside bliss, laid out in white and blue tones that blend in with the ocean outside. The hotel’s unique position also leads to its reputation as a prime snorkeling spot, offering a sheltered cove where you can spot tropical fish and sea turtles, or in winter, watch the whale migration as it passes by. Every room at the resort has a lanai (Hawaiian for private terrace or garden) or balcony, with standard rooms overlooking the lush gardens or pool. Ocean View rooms have the best panoramas, with suites and deluxe options coming with extra-large alfresco spaces and living rooms, and French doors that frame the coastline.

The resort centers around a gently flowing, lagoon-like pool that’s draped in greenery and crisscrossed with wooden bridges that help guests travel from whirlpool to lazy river to waterslide—or to get frozen drinks and light bites from poolside eateries such as Cliff Dive Grill and the Mai Tai Bar. Plus, there’s a long list of fun activities that allow guests to immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture, including ukulele lessons, hula dancing, and lei making, alongside the usual suspects such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. For those who prefer to spend their vacations reclining, The Spa at Black Rock has a menu of massages and treatments that promise total relaxation.

Time Out tip: The hotel’s Moana Wing is situated atop Black Rock and has the hotel’s largest rooms, providing unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean from wraparound balconies in some suites.

Address: 2605 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Price: From $388 for a Resort View King room in low season
Closest airport: Kahului Airport is around 40 minutes’ drive

6. Fern Grotto Inn

On the lush and remote island of Kauai, a vacation rental is the perfect choice for an independent stay. Fern Grotto Inn sits alongside the Wailua River near Kapaa Town, and all of its cottages were built in the 1940s and 1950s. They’re designed in classic plantation style but with modern upgrades to make things feel like an island home away from home.

All guests have access to a wealth of complimentary adventure gear, from kayaks to SUPs and snorkels, ensuring you can hit the waves with ease. The cutesy boutique cottages encompass multiple cozy studios and one three-bedroom Ohana House, which works for families, couples, or solos. Each one is grazed by swaying palm trees and is decked out in dark wood and soft furnishings, featuring amenities like BBQs, laundry facilities, full kitchens, and smart TVs, along with essentials such as towels, deck chairs, and boogie boards so you’ll be set for a day at the beach. Unlike a hotel stay, there are no staff, bars, or restaurants at the property; instead, you’ll be able to venture out for local meals, cook at home, and make spontaneous plans.

There are some bucket-list spots to explore on Kauai, but you could quite easily while away every day in the Fern Grotto grounds, which are blanketed in plant life and just a few steps from the river and beach. For active types, the complimentary bicycles are an easy way to get around or you can tackle the gentle 10-mile Kauai path that winds along the coastline.

Time Out tip: For the best snorkeling, check out nearby Lydgate State Park, which is also great for families, with calm water, a playground, and a picnic area.

Address: 4561 Kuamoo Road, Kapaa HI 96746
Price: Studios from $200 per night, $500 per night for Ohana House, depending on party size plus a cleaning fee
Closest airport: 5 miles/15 minutes from Lihue Airport

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7. Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort

Outrigger has a couple of properties across Hawaii, and they all have a reputation for making guests feel like ohana (family) from the moment they check in. Their Waikiki Beach outpost has direct beach access, so whether you’re more into sunbathing or surfing gnarly breaks, you won’t find a better location. And the spirit of aloha is definitely strong here, from the surfboard-clad walls to the island-inspired restaurant menus and the bright, ocean-inspired accommodations.

Some of the rooms at the property come with city views, but when in Waikiki, you should try and go for an ocean view—you’ll get a comfy bed, living area, and a balcony so you can people-watch from above. However, there are also oceanfront rooms, some of which come with a jacuzzi and glass balconies that make the brilliantly turquoise water feel close enough to touch.

The hotel has a daily rotating activities schedule of traditional Hawaiian classes such as ukulele lessons, hula, and live music, and these are on top of the resort’s swimming pool and classics like snorkeling, kayaking, and cruises—and it wouldn’t be a trip to Hawaii without a surf lesson from a pro.

The resort’s most famous attraction, though, is Duke’s Waikiki, a restaurant honoring iconic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku. It hosts live entertainment and serves local food throughout the day and evening, or instead, you can book a table at Blue Note Hawaii, the hotel’s jazz and dinner club where the party carries on into the night. Elsewhere onsite, try Pai’s Deli, the Hula Grill, and the Sunrise Shack, where smoothie bowls and fresh juice will soon correct your night at Duke’s.

Time Out tip: For an elevated stay, the Club rooms and suites aren’t just bigger and better—they also provide access to a private lounge that includes breakfast, drinks, and afternoon snacks.

Address: 2335 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price: From $349 for a City View room, $479 for an Oceanfront room, and $649 for an Oceanfront with club access
Closest airport: 25 minutes from Honolulu International Airport   

8. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

This authentic Hawaiian hotel has stood the test of time and is widely considered the first resort on the island of Hawaii, built by Laurance S. Rockefeller as a cluster of cottages cut off from the world. In modern times, it’s got a new face, having undergone a recent $250 million renovation of the wider resort that wraps up at the end of 2025. Expect sweeping views over the Kohala Coast and fun, island-style design featuring plants, local artwork, and private lanais.

Thanks to being part of the wider Mauna Kea Resort, guests have access to even more restaurants, pools, and activities. These include a sparkling adults-only infinity pool, beach and racquet clubs, and access to the legendary Mauna Kea Golf Course, where many golfing legends have played. We’d also recommend stopping by Mauna Kea Spa, which offers Balinese- and Hawaiian-inspired treatments—but here’s a secret: the property has a brand-new spa, wellness, and fitness space arriving in 2026. A variety of watersport rentals are also available at the beach club, and they can organize unique excursions like outrigger canoe trips and moonlight snorkeling with manta rays.

And to fuel all that action? Seven restaurants and five bars, plus private dining experiences to try. There are fine dining choices like seafood at Manta’s or Mediterranean at Meridia; grab-and-go options at Mauna Kea Market and Piko Coffee Bar; and all-day drinks and snacks at Copper Bar, beachside Hau Tree, or Japanese-style Sake Islander Brewery. There’s no doubt that adults, kids, grandparents, and everyone in between have the best of Hawaii at their fingertips here.

Time Out tip: There’s plenty to do on the resort, but Hawaii has some impressive sightseeing. The hotel can organize all the big hitters on the island, such as helicopter rides, famous hikes, and stargazing.

Address: 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Price: From $854 per night depending on season
Closest airport: Roughly 40 minutes’ drive from Kona International Airport

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9. Prince Waikiki

This Honolulu property has views for days from its rooms and suites, which all overlook the ocean. Seaside elegance is the theme throughout, with rattan furniture and mottled blue linens, along with huge windows that frame the big blue. Since all rooms are oceanfront, you might be tempted to go with a simple Premier, but there are also suites with lots of living space and pretty Lanai Suites that include a private, sun-soaked roof terrace.

Whether you’d prefer to float lazily around the rooftop infinity pool with a cocktail in hand, or get stuck into the action in the water or on the golf course, doesn’t really matter, because at Prince Waikiki you can do all of this and more. There are multiple pools, including an adults-only infinity pool, an oceanfront saltwater pool, and a hot tub, flanked by dreamy cabanas and Hinana Bar, where the sound of cocktail shakers and gentle music are the soundtrack of the day.

Snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking are a given, or you could try the wraps, massages, and scrubs at Naio Bliss Spa. But the activities schedule also features everything from earring making to pumpkin painting and art walks. And dining is just as varied, with indoor, outdoor, and poolside eateries. Grab a cup of joe and a delicious pastry from the Honolulu Coffee Company, try locally inspired seafood at 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, or visit the only Katsumidori Sushi Tokyo outside of Japan.

Time Out tip: The hotel’s resort fee also includes some fun additions, such as complimentary admission for two to the Honolulu Museum of Art, the Bishop Museum, and ʻIolani Palace.

Address: 100 Holomoana St, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price: From $276 for an Ocean View room
Closest airport: Roughly 30 minutes’ drive from Honolulu Airport

10. Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort

Located on the scenic island of Maui, this particular Outrigger resort comes with all the fantastic amenities of other Outriggers but, if possible, has even more of a tropical desert island feel, which is why it’s known as “Maui’s Most Hawaiian Hotel.” The hotel’s location in Lahaina sits within a vibrant local community that is still recovering from the island’s devastating fires, but there’s no better place to connect with Hawaiian culture, sports, and wellness.

The hotel’s various awards are well deserved, considering the list of activities held at the Kawenaokeao Cultural Center, such as ukulele and hula dancing lessons. Families are particularly well catered to, thanks to movie nights under the stars, garden tours, and plenty of space to relax along the sweeping golden crescent that is Ka’anapali Beach, which is just steps from the resort. We’d also recommend trying some of Maui’s more adventurous experiences, which the hotel can organize, such as a sunrise hike to Haleakala, helicopter tours, and dinner under the night sky at a traditional luau.

Guests have the choice of Signature and Premium rooms with either garden, courtyard, or ocean views. They’re comfortable and minimalist, putting the focus squarely on the private balconies where you can soak up the view, perhaps with a cocktail or room service. However, Pau Hana Pool Shack also whips up burgers, sandwiches, and drinks all day long, and for beer lovers, the hotel has its own Maui Brewing Company outlet, which is Hawaii’s largest craft brewery. It’s in a magical, fairy-lit alfresco setting and serves an excellent variety of craft beers and Hawaiian cuisine.

Time Out tip: Hotel guests get complimentary use of the Kaʻanapali Trolley, a tram that lets you explore nearby Whalers Village, Kaʻanapali Golf Course, and the Fairway Shops.

Address: 2525 Kā‘anapali Parkway, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
Price: From $360 for a Signature Garden View room, depending on season
Closest airport: It takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour to reach Kahului Airport by car

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11. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

Another Ka’anapali stalwart, the Hyatt Regency brings all the comfort of the brand you would expect, but the real focus here is on experiences. The property is spread over 40 oceanfront acres, and there are some incredibly unique things to do—from spotting their resident black-footed penguin colony to taking mermaid lessons off Ka’anapali Beach. The rooms and suites are far from cookie-cutter, too, with fun touches like carved wooden furniture, earth-toned cushions, and Hawaiian artwork, not to mention large lanais and balconies that offer views of the ocean, resort, or golf course.

If you’ve got kids, you’ll appreciate the hotel’s lagoon pool, which happens to have an exhilarating 150-foot waterslide and a children’s splash pad. There are six pools in total, connected by rope bridges and surrounded by plenty of shaded deck chairs, waterfalls, and whirlpools. There’s more to do besides just swim, though, with Whalers Village nearby, which is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs. You could tee off at Ka’anapali Golf Course or book a massage at The Spa. The resort’s Drums of the Pacific Luau is one of its most popular evening events for all ages, but they also have other cool happenings like poke bowl tastings, mixology classes, and seasonal brunches and celebrations for Halloween and Christmas.

The sheer size of the resort allows space for wide-ranging dining outlets that will suit any palate. Breakfast is served at Swan Court, an outdoor area surrounded by peaceful ponds and splashing waterfalls, and for bigger meals, head to Son’z Steakhouse or Japengo for Asian cuisine. Something you simply can’t miss trying, however, is shave ice, a Hawaiian specialty that explains itself. It’s essential in the heat, and the hotel’s Waikomo Shave Ice has dozens of sweet flavors served classic with syrup or with an extra scoop of ice cream.

Time Out tip: If the pools here feel too crowded, guests also have access to the pool at next-door Hyatt Vacation Club.

Address: 200 Nohea Kai Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761, United States
Price: From $558 for a King room, or $738 per night for bed & breakfast
Closest airport: 45 minutes’ drive from Kahului Airport

12. Hotel Moloka’i

Of all the Hawaiian Islands, it’s likely that the quiet island of Moloka’i may not be on your radar, and you’ll find far fewer visitors here. This makes Hotel Moloka’i a particularly peaceful and unusual place to stay. The property is almost on the sand at Kamiloloa Beach, close to Hawaii’s only barrier reef, so make sure to set aside half a day for snorkeling.

The hotel is designed in true island style to imitate a Polynesian village: multistory wooden bungalows are dotted around the vibrantly green lawns, surrounded by palm trees and hammocks for relaxing with a good book. It’s far from rustic, though, as each one has bright white interiors, furnishings with tropical prints, and large shutter doors that lead onto your private balcony and garden, with outdoor furniture where you can unwind or even dine outside. The kitchenette in each also makes it easy to self-cater, especially for families with little ones.

In your spare hours, you can take a dip in the oceanfront pool or sample a taste of Hawaii at the onsite restaurant, Hiro’s Ohana Grill, which is temporarily closed as of November 2025. But you’ll only be a short walk from Kaunakakai, which is Molokai’s largest town—naturally, it’s tiny, but it has a couple of shops, local restaurants, and places to grab essentials. And before you get cabin fever, Hotel Moloka’i has enlisted the help of a touring company onsite, which offers adventures such as kayaking, SUP lessons, hiking, and cultural programs, as well as more practical additions like beach equipment and an airport shuttle.

Time Out tip: If making your own breakfast becomes too much of a chore on vacation, Kanemitsu’s Bakery & Coffee Shop is a fantastic local spot in the heart of Kaunakakai Town.

Address: 1300 Kamehameha V Hwy, Kaunakakai, HI 96748
Price: From $195 per night for a Garden View King sleeping two people
Closest airport: The nearest airport is Molokai Airport (MKK), a regional airport that connects to Honolulu. It’s roughly 25 minutes’ drive from the hotel

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13. VIVE Hotel Waikiki

For a boutique stay in the heart of Waikiki, Vive Hotel is a strong choice, flaunting island energy through its eclectic artwork and contemporary interiors. It’s only a few streets back from the beach, and complimentary beach towels and boogie boards will quickly tempt you into the waves; but being located on Kūhiō Avenue means there are also a wealth of shops, laid-back cafés, and restaurants on the doorstep. If you’re not a beach baby, it’s only a short walk to the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and other popular Waikiki attractions.

The Cosmopolitan room variations include twin, queen, and ocean-view categories, each with a pop of color on the walls, fun artwork, and fluffy beds, not to mention the amenities, which include kimono-esque bathrobes, mini-fridges, and spacious bathrooms. 

To fuel your days catching waves and pounding the hot Waikiki pavement, a continental breakfast is included in the room rate and held in the sun-dappled Living Room, a communal space designed to feel like home. Bright and modern, its board games, WiFi, and 24-hour hot drinks add to the social atmosphere, whether you’re catching up with work or making new friends. But the handiest place in Vive Hotel is undoubtedly the Olina Beach room, a surf shop and hub, which provides everything from complimentary beach chairs and towels to cooler bags and boogie boards that will set you up for the perfect day on the sand.

Time Out tip: If you’re arriving by car, which is one of the best ways to explore Oahu, there’s handy valet parking at the hotel.

Address: 2426 Kūhiō Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price: $169 per night for a Cosmopolitan Queen room
Closest airport: 20 minutes’ drive to Honolulu International Airport

14. Four Seasons Resort Lana’i

Four Seasons hotels simply never miss—this is just one of their incredible properties within Hawaii, located on Lanai, a privately owned island that’s one of the state’s least populated. Their wish is quite literally your command at this hotel, bringing five-star hospitality and experiences you won’t find anywhere else, from dinner at Nobu to whale-watching trips and cross-country horseback riding.

Its location on the southern coast near Manele is perfectly secluded, and they even recommend arriving by 4x4 if you can, but if arriving à la James Bond is more your style, there’s also the chance to charter private jets and helicopters to the resort. Once you’re all checked in, you can explore your suite, many of which sit on the oceanfront with breathtaking views, and suites also boast Hawaiian furnishings and open-plan living and dining areas.

There are so many activities and amenities that you may not have time to tick them all off, but for a taste, there are two lagoon pools, one of which is adults-only, and a stretch of golden beach at your doorstep. There are also tennis courts, golf, stargazing, jeep tours, and archery, and for families, a Kids for All Seasons program of classes suited to little guests. We’re not finished yet, because that’s just on land. If you’re a water baby, pick from snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving, or deep-sea fishing.

Of course, you can’t mention the Four Seasons without talking about food. We’ve already name-dropped Nobu, which is rare to find at a hotel, but you can also savor lighter bites at Malibu Farm, Italian at Osteria Mozza Lanai, or a relaxed lunch at Views, overlooking Lanai Golf Course. That’s just a small selection of the multiple restaurants and bars, which pair with the resort’s dining experiences such as musubi classes, mixology, and private dining.

Time Out tip: The resort hosts ever-changing complimentary events you can take advantage of too, including live music, cooking classes, and flower workshops.

Address: 1 Manele Bay Rd, Lanai City, HI 96763, United States
Price: Starting from $1,271 for a Garden View Suite, or $1,344 including breakfast
Closest airport: 20 minutes’ drive to Lanai Airport

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15. Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu

If you visit Kauai, it’s worth splitting your stay between the spectacular North Shore, home to the remote Na Pali Coast, and Poipu, an area not too far from the airport. Koloa Landing holds an incomparable spot close to Poipu Beach, but it’s not just its location that makes Koloa Landing special. Accommodations range from studios to multi-bedroom luxury villas, all with balconies overlooking the thick greenery outside—and in the latter, you’ll get wraparound lanais, gourmet chefs’ kitchens, and indoor and outdoor living space. These are all centered around the resort pools at the heart of the property, which flow into each other over three tiers and are surrounded by private cabanas, Jacuzzis, and lounge chairs.

But as you may know, a trip to Kauai is about far more than staying in. Home to the dramatic Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast, and numerous hiking, cycling, and kayaking excursions—not to mention snorkeling, diving, and the world’s most remote beaches—it’s a must to book some excursions, which Koloa Landing’s concierge can arrange.

For meals, the main restaurant is Holoholo Grill, which serves delicious Hawaiian comfort food curated by award-winning chef Sam Choy. But the benefit of Poipu is that you’ll also find local restaurants close by thanks to the hotel shuttle. We’d also recommend stopping by the BBQ pits on Tuesdays and Thursdays when they have weekly s’mores nights, which you can grab on your way down to the beach to watch one of Kauai’s famous sunsets.

Time Out tip: Poipu Beach is a nesting ground for sea turtles, so at the right time of year, you can see up to 100 of them resting on the sand at night.

Address: 2641 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Price: From $647 per night for a King Studio, depending on season
Closest airport: 30 minutes to Kauai Airport

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