Swaying coconut trees dotting miles of a white-sand beach. A playful sea turtle or majestic humpback whale rising out of the turquoise waters. The melodic sound of a conch shell being blown to bid adieu to the day. Dozens of memorable moments like these add up to a magical Hawaiian holiday. The chain is made up of 137 islands, and the largest are Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Island of Hawaii (or “the big island”). Each has its own distinct personality. Kauai has miles of hiking trails and tumbling waterfalls; Maui appeals to the adventure seekers and golfers; Oahu appeals to those who like shopping and surfing; and the Island of Hawaii offers a relaxing retreat in a ruggedly beautiful landscape. With access to beaches, award-winning restaurants, private trails and curated cultural activities, hotels in Hawaii are destinations in their own right. And it’s guaranteed that you’ll get a warm welcome and all services will be delivered with warm aloha spirit.
Main picture: Montage Kapalua Bay, Lahaina, Maui
1. Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa, Honolulu, Oahu
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Moana Surfrider opened in 1901, the first hotel to do so in the district of Waikiki. The grand Hawaiian gothic hotel’s guestrooms and bathrooms are smaller than their modern Honolulu counterparts but make up for it in charm. After all, this First Lady of Waikiki has hosted everyone from Elvis Presley to Agatha Christie. A highlight is to sit in a rocking chair in the courtyard under the magnificent banyan tree and soak in the ocean views. The Moana Surfrider also has the only oceanfront spa in Waikiki.
Pool Y
Spa Y
2. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Honolulu, Oahu
Occupying the widest stretch of Waikiki Beach, Hilton Hawaiian Village is a mega-resort packed full of world-class amenities, activities and eateries. Early risers can sign up for yoga, morning aerobics or tai chi classes. In the afternoon, you can learn to make leis, dance the hula or play the ukulele. For some fun in the sun, head over to the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, a five-acre saltwater lagoon where you can swim, ride an aqua-cycle, do stand-up paddle yoga, or learn to swim like a mermaid. There are five pools at the hotel, including an adult-only pool, a 5,000-square-foot family activity pool with a slide, and a 10,000 sq ft beachfront pool.
Pool Y
Spa Y
3. The Laylow, Honolulu, Oahu
A cool boutique hotel a couple of blocks from Waikiki Beach, the mid-century modern Laylow caters to a younger crowd. Guests receive a welcome basket and two pairs of slippers on arrival, and there’s a ukulele in each room for you to practise your playing. Daily activities include lessons on making leis and bracelets. While the hotel is within walking distance to shops and restaurants, most people opt to spend their time hanging out at the hotel’s rooftop bar, Hideout, a hip oasis serving innovative cocktails with a side of live music.
Pool Y
Spa N
Four Seasons Resort Oahu4. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, Kapolei, Oahu
Tucked away in the western Leeward Coast, Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is a quiet respite from the bustle of Waikiki Beach. Guests share the private beach with families staying at the Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a traditional lei greeting, cold towels and a welcome drink. Spend your day learning about the art and culture of Hawaii, find your zen during an oceanfront yoga class or sway along with your hula instructor. There are also complimentary camp activities for children and teens. There are also four pools to choose from here, and couples might like the candlelit massage under the stars.
Pool Y
Spa Y
Turtle Bay Resort5. Turtle Bay Resort, Kahuku, Oahu
A North Shore landmark, Turtle Bay Resort recently underwent a sophisticated facelift that saw the introduction of floor-to-ceiling windows and large-scale artwork by Hawaiian artists in the revamped lobby. Every room in Turtle Bay offers views of unspoiled coastline and ocean. Hotel guests can tour the on-site Kuilima Farm, go horseback riding, play a round of tennis or pickleball, or bike or hike the 12-mile trail around the 1,300-acre property. Turtle Bay also features two 18-hole championship golf courses, one of them designed by professional golfer Arnold Palmer. There are three pools here, too, including an adult-only infinity pool.
Pool Y
Spa Y
Koloa Landing Resort6. Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection, Kauai
It might not be on the beach, but Koloa Landing Resort is still a tropical paradise, with lush landscaping and pools. Complimentary weekly activities include hula lessons, outdoor yoga and lei-making. It’s easy to get active here, with a 24-hour fitness centre, football pitch, volleyball court and putting green. When you’re done, refuel at the Holo Holo Grill, featuring a menu designed by celebrity chef Sam Choy. The highlight at Koloa Landing is its signature swimming pool (one of three), which features waterslides, a swim- and walk-through grotto, and waterfalls. The hotel is walking distance to Poipu Beach and the shops at Kukuiula Village.
Pool Y
Spa Y
7. Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach, Koloa, Kauai
Ko’a Kea is an idyllic oceanfront property with direct access to Poipu Beach. Start your morning in the lanai (balcony) overlooking the ocean, while sipping a cup of coffee made from the in-room Nespresso coffee makers. Then stretch out with a sunrise yoga class before heading out to the beach or grabbing a lounger in the grounds. In the evening, savour a Hawaiian Mai Tai while watching the sunset during the nightly tiki torch lighting ritual. The spa at the Ko’a Kea hotel resort offers open-air massages and facials in outdoor cabanas as well as candlelit treatment rooms.
Pool Y
Spa Y
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa8. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Kauai
With abundant tropical landscaping, the grounds of this classic Hawaiian hotel built on a 50-acre former sugar plantation resembles the Garden of Eden. All 605 bright and spacious guest rooms at this breathtaking resort come with private balconies. Guests can kayak or snorkel in the 1.5 acre protected saltwater lagoon, or enjoy the lava-rock-lined lazy river pool, which passes waterfalls, secret caves and a 150-foot waterslide. There’s also a quiet adult-only pool area. Facilities at the hotel’s Anara Spa include steam and sauna rooms, outdoor lava rock showers, and whirlpools.
Pool Y
Spa N
9. Montage Kapalua Bay, Lahaina, Maui
The Montage Kapalua Bay is a family-friendly Maui destination stretched along scenic Namalu Bay. Many of their spacious, neutrally decorated rooms have a full kitchen, and all come with garden or ocean views. Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture by learning about the history of coconut frond-weaving, or try your hand at hula-dancing or lei-making. Guests can enjoy free guided hikes along the Kapalua Coastal Trail or explore the tide pools at Kuunaakaiole. Guests at the Maui resort also receive complimentary towels and beach chairs for each day of their stay. The pool has lovely views of Kapalua Bay.
Pool Y
Spa N
Four Seasons Resort Maui10. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Kihei, Maui
Located at the end of Wailea Beach, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is one of Maui’s best luxury hotels and it has thought of absolutely everything. Guests are greeted with leis before being ushered to their spacious rooms — at 600 sq ft, the standard rooms here are the largest in Maui. There’s complimentary coffee on offer as well as water stations and sunscreen by the pools. On a rainy day, guests can spend time in the games room, playing a round of pool, ping-pong or foosball. On sunny days, spend time at one of three pools; the adult-only Serenity pool has a swim-up bar. It’s easy to get out and explore Wailea from here too, with electric bikes on offer and a complimentary shuttle service. Cap the evening off by enjoying a hula and torch-lighting performance.
Pool Y
Spa N
11. The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Ka’anapali, Lahaina, Maui
The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas is the perfect resort for families with children to entertain. The young ones are kept busy with games and arts and crafts at the Kids Club, designed for children aged 5-12. The adults are then free to browse through the Cultural Center’s extensive book collection or learn the Hawaiian language with the help of one of the centre’s specialists. There are three pools here, with a splash pad for the children. After a fun-packed day out, relax in the smart, spacious villas equipped with kitchens, washer/dryers and free wi-fi.
Pool Y
Spa N
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel12. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Waimea, Hawaii island
Developed by Laurance S. Rockefeller in the 1960s, Mauna Kea Beach hotel is Hawaii Island’s first resort. Set on the Kohala Coast, it’s a timeless classic featuring 252 guest rooms and suites with furnished balconies. Rooms overlook the ocean or the greens of Mauna Kea’s golf course — the world’s first course built over ancient lava terrain. Join a guided art tour on Saturday mornings of the resort’s collection of Asian, Oceanic and Pacific Rim art and artifacts. Or head outdoors to the biking and jogging trails and the nature preserve. If that sounds like too much physical activity, have a relaxing day stretched out on the white sands of Kaunaoa Bay Beach.
Pool Y
Spa Y
Westin Hapuna Beach Resort13. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, Waimea, Hawaii island
Conveniently located by the beautiful sands of Hapuna Beach, the 249-room Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is a modern, pet-friendly island retreat. Rooms are comfortable and contemporary, some with sea views from their balconies. From the resort, you can snorkel with sea turtles or glide over the waves on a stand-up paddleboard. Golf enthusiasts will want to play a round at the award-winning, 18-hole Hapuna Golf Course, designed by Arnold Palmer. There are two pools here, including a 6,800 sq ft free-form family pool and an adult-exclusive infinity pool, with views of Hapuna Beach.
Pool Y
Spa Y
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai14. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii island
Located on the site of what was once an ancient Hawaiian fishing village, this Hawaii Island stunner seamlessly melds a contemporary design with awe-inspiring nature. In addition to the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses, a highlight is the King’s Pond and Marine Center, a 1.8-million gallon aquarium made out of natural lava rocks. Guests can stop by to feed eagle rays or take a snorkeling lesson. There are also seven pools, including a saline/chlorine infinity pool, a lap pool, a pool with underwater bench seating and bar, and a children’s pool. Rooms have recently been renovated, and feel sophisticated and grown up, with plenty of dark wood.
Pool Y
Spa Y
