Hawaii is a gorgeous travel destination for nature and outdoor lovers. Southwest of the US mainland, the island state is famed for its picturesque beaches, volcanoes, mountains, and Aloha culture. In this article, we have hand-selected 10 beautiful places across Hawaii that are perfect for a vibrant getaway.
- 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
- Kaimana Beach Hotel
- Kona Village
- Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
- Hotel Wailea
- The Laylow, Autograph Collection
- Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
- Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
- Mauna Kea Residences
- Timbers Kaua‘i
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is one of the best luxury 5-star hotels in Kauai, Hawaii. Perched on the hillside of Princeville, it is a dreamy retreat with some of the most picturesque views you will find. Designed by G70, the nature-inspired structure houses 252 luxurious rooms. They blend in seamlessly with the island, featuring reclaimed wood furniture, native greenery, hand-chiseled stones, and organic linens.
The hotel features a scenic infinity pool and a large lagoon pool, which are the perfect spots to soak in some Vitamin D. You will also have direct access to a stretch of Puʻu Poa Beach, where you can go snorkeling, paddling, or just hang out. The nature theme continues into the culinary offerings. The six restaurants & bars on-site celebrate farm-to-table cuisine using fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients.
Kaimana Beach Hotel
Kaimana Beach Hotel is one of the coolest hotels in Oahu, Hawaii. Situated at the shimmering Gold Coast beachfront, it revived a former hotel building from 1963. The lobby is sunny and playful, showcasing delightful colors, cool objects, and artwork. The 122 rooms & suites exude a classic aloha charm, each outfitted with wooden furniture, tropical wallpapers, private balconies, and modern amenities.
Kaimana Beach Hotel offers direct access to the beach, where you can go for a thrilling surf or spend an afternoon relaxing on the sands. You can also rent a complimentary bike and explore the breezy neighborhood. There are three dining & drinking outlets on-site. For instance, Hau Tree’s is an all-day restaurant with a beach-centric menu, while Kaimana Coffee Co serves morning coffee and snacks.
Kona Village
Kona Village is one of the best luxury boutique hotels on the Big Island, Hawaii. Nestled on Kahuwai Bay, it transformed a 60s village into a 5-star hideaway. Housed in free-standing thatched-roof bungalows, the interior combines modern design with traditional materials. The 150 rooms & suites are crafted with bespoke furniture, Hawaiian motifs, dark concrete bathtubs, outdoor showers, and a private lanai.
Besides, Kona Village boasts four outdoor pools, including an infinity pool, a family pool, and a 25-meter adults pool with a hot tub and direct beach access. You will also discover the Asaya Spa, tennis courts, and a fitness center. The hotel’s culinary experience is rooted in rich and authentic Hawaiian flavors. The five restaurants & bars offer various options, including Kiawe wood-fired dishes and Japanese delights.
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is one of the best resorts in Waikiki. Situated at the front row of Waikiki Beach, the seaside getaway boasts unrivalled views of the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Rockwell Group, the lobby showcases a contemporary design with native Hawaiian touches. The 839 rooms & suites come in serene neutral tones, each with crisp furnishings, private balconies, and well-appointed amenities.
The centerpiece of the resort is its 17,000 sq ft destination pool deck, featuring an infinity pool, a poolside bar, and private cabanas. Make sure you also check out the 280,000-gallon lobby Oceanarium. You will discover multiple dining and drinking spaces on-site. Morimoto Asia is the signature restaurant that specializes in vibrant Pan-Asian cuisine, while Longboard Club serves breakfast and all-day bites.
Hotel Wailea
Hotel Wailea is one of the best luxury 5-star hotels in Maui, Hawaii. Situated on an idyllic hilltop above the coast, it is an adults-only sanctuary that spans 15 verdant acres. Standing at 750 square feet, the 72 one-bedroom suites are some of the largest on the island. They come in a soothing tropical design, each fitted with Ohia wood furniture, a soaking tub, a private lanai, and a living area with a kitchenette.
During your stay, you will have access to the outdoor pool and hot tub, an aerial yoga studio, a scenic open-air fitness studio, beach gear, and luxury shuttle services. The gastronomy at Hotel Wailea is nothing but exquisite. Helmed by chef Ryan Cruz, The Birdcage is a Japanese grill that showcases bold and smoky flavors, while The Restaurant is an award-winning destination with sweeping island views.
The Laylow, Autograph Collection
The Laylow is one of the best boutique hotels in Waikiki, Hawaii. Just a few blocks away from the world-renowned beach, it emerges from a white 1969 building. Working with design studio OMFGCO, the property has been transformed into a lush modern oasis. The 225 guest rooms and suites are each crafted with custom mid-century furniture, punch tropical wallpapers, and LATHER bath products.
The centerpiece of the hotel is its outdoor pool, adorned with sunken loungers, cabanas, and poolside delights. There is also a 24-hour fitness center if you want to go for a workout. The Hideout will take care of your culinary experience on-site. Spanning from the laid-back dining room to the verdant terrace, the restaurant & bar offer modern Hapa Hawaiian cuisine, chilled cocktails, and nightly live music.
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is a world-class luxury resort in Hawaii. Occupying 40 tropical acres beside Wailea Beach, it is one of the most luxurious getaways in Maui. The room size starts from 640 sq ft, which is amongst the largest on the island. They come in a classy neutral design, each adorned with sophisticated furnishings, a scenic private lanai, and a marble bathroom with an oversized bathtub.
The aquatic experience at the resort is second to none, featuring 9 individual pools and 5+ miles of beach access. The Kilolani Spa on-site is also exceptional, which offers access to hydrotherapy pools, sauna, steam rooms, relaxing lounges, and more. As for gastronomy, you will have 9 dining & drinking venues to choose from, including Nobu’s signature Japanese dishes and Olivine’s coastal Italian cuisine.
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows is one of the best resorts in Hawaii. Situated at the absolute front row of Kaanapali Beach, the 27-acre property offers the perfect beachfront hideaway in Maui. The guest rooms are spread across the Lahaina Kai Tower and the bungalows. The main tower rooms feature scalloped balconies, while the newly renovated bungalow rooms come in a modern tropical design.
The crown jewel of the hotel is its oceanfront pools, surrounded by bright yellow loungers and umbrellas. The beach is also the perfect place for paddleboarding, snorkeling, and kayaking. Lahaina Noon is the main dining space on-site. Open from breakfast to dinner, it offers a local-inspired menu made from the island’s natural bounty. You can also grab a handmade ice cream or smoothie at Royal Scoop.
Mauna Kea Residences
Mauna Kea Residences is one of the best luxury vacation rentals in Hawaii. Located inside the Big Island’s Mauna Kea Resort, it offers unmatched privacy alongside access to the resort’s facilities. It comprises a collection of modern and spacious accommodations, ranging from studios to 5-bedroom villas. Many of them boast indoor and outdoor kitchens, furnished lanais, private pools, and hot tubs.
Mauna Kea Resort is home to tons of world-class facilities, including 2 championship golf courses, 9 tennis courts, 2 white sand beaches, beachfront pools and hot tubs, and fitness centers. With over 10 dining & drinking spots on-site, gastronomy is the last thing to worry about. You can indulge in Manta Restaurant’s exquisite ocean-to-table dishes or enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired menu at Meridia.
Timbers Kaua‘i
Timbers Kaua‘i is one of the most beautiful places to stay in Hawaii. Situated within the 450-acre Hōkūala resort, it is an idyllic oasis surrounded by unspoilt natural landscapes. Ranging from two to four bedrooms, the 58 luxurious residences are perfect for families and groups. They each feature modern furnishings, deep soaking tubs, a kitchen, private lanais, and gorgeous vistas. Some even have a private pool.
A major highlight of the resort is its 18-hole Ocean Course, which offers one of the best golfing experiences on the island. You will also have access to an infinity pool, tennis & pickleball courts, a fitness center, and equipment rentals. Hualani’s will take care of your meals & drinks on-site. From breakfast to dinner, the open-air venue offers a farm-to-table menu that celebrates what’s fresh at The Farm at Hōkūala.
