Most people’s idea of an island paradise would be Hawaii. It’s part of the United States and yet it is quite difficult to get there – even from California it can take 6 hours by plane to arrive. But most would also agree that it is well worth the trip. If you are fortunate enough to travel to this island destination, check our list of the top ten luxury resorts and truly enjoy your stay in extreme, Hawaiian style.
Photo from Hyatt
10. Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel
Located on the beautiful and sunny Kohala Cost, this resort opened in 1994 with 350 well appointed rooms that defined “Big Island” luxury. The entire hotel sits on the bluffs above the #1 rated beach – Hapuna Beach which means “Hidden Springs” and is known for a series of underground springs.
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9. The Fairmont Kea Lani
This resort is the best on our list for those traveling with families and young children. Over 22 acres of ocean front property face the ocean for unbelievable views. One bedroom suites starting at around 860-square-feet have amenities that families need – sleeper sofas and microwaves -and the kids’ club offers activities like hula lessons and coconut painting.
Photo from Fairmont
8. Grand Wailea
Nestled on forty acres of lush tropical gardens, with sweeping views from Wailea Beach this Waldorf Astoria resort encompasses 850 rooms, five golf courses, seven bars and restaurants, and a Japanese garden. Each room has beautiful views of the beach from the individual patios, and you can learn to play the ukulele or blow through a conch shell if you want to feel like a true Hawaiian.
Photo from cntraveler.com
7. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Situated along the beach, this hotel is open air in design and reminds one of the Hawaiian resorts of the 1920’s. The low rise building is surrounded by gardens and lagoons and many say it is “heaven on earth”. There are several types of restaurants on site – the Yum Cha which serves Pan Asian cuisine and Tidepools which was built to resemble huts floating in a lagoon. Pools are connected by waterfalls and over 50 luscious acres of natural and indigenous flowers, and the hotel offers 602 rooms and suites.
Photo from Hyatt
6. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
This entire resort is shaped like a horseshoe and provides stunning views of the beach from every room. Each room is styled with marble and appointed with white linens highlighted with the dark Koa wood from the Hawaiian islands. Hawaiian and Californian cuisines are available at world famous Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, or dine on seafood and steak, including Japanese Kobe-style beef, at Duo. Infinity pools in a gorgeous island setting leave many guests feeling as if they have visited the ultimate island paradise.
Photo from Four Seasons
5. Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele
This resort is styled like a plantation and includes an orchid house, stables, and an old church on the grounds. Not on a beach but rather among the central highlands, you can take part in interactive cultural classes or give back through volunteer programs. Many people forget that Hawaii is filled with lush jungles, not just beautiful beaches. Fine dining that includes locally sourced food and spa amenities allow you to relax and restore your soul among the lush landscape.
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4. The Fairmont Orchid
This resort located on the Kohala Coast sits on a beautiful white sand beach. The entire lobby overlooks the ocean and typically you can find a ukulele player singing and playing to enhance the island ambiance. Each room features lanais for relaxing. Brown’s Beach House restaurant features fish dishes such as crab-crusted mahimahi. But for those that like sushi, there is a 14-seat sushi bar at Norio’s.
Photo from Fairmont
3. Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay
This gorgeous resort has a low key vibe and is sprinkled with waterfalls, gardens, streams, and ponds, and is located in a great area. The furnishings in the rooms are of zebra wood and teak wood to give the visitor a taste of the Polynesian ambiance. There are thirteen newly added penthouse suites and celebrity chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa prepares stunning sushi. You cannot go wrong here.
Photo from Four Seasons
2. Aulani Disney Resort
This $800-million Disney beach resort opened in 2011 on Oahu. The island-themed hotel features water and volcano decorations, local artwork, and taro-patterned rugs. The pool area incorporates lava stone, hanging bridges, and hot tubs with views of the lagoons. As a true Disney resort, kids’ activities abound including a scavenger hunt and Disney movie nights.
Photo from cntraveler.com
1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu
Four Seasons dominates a good bit of our list, it’s just that their resorts are so wonderful. This resort is situated entirely among black lava rock, the palm fronds drape over the low-rise bungalows. On the inside, earth-tone guest rooms have lots of bamboo, thatch, and slate. This resort does not try to be anything but exactly what it is – a natural wonder that fits in perfectly with its surroundings. Each room has its own private lanai and looks out onto the ocean or the adjacent Jack Nicklaus golf course. If you like an outdoor shower among the flora and fauna, be sure to book a ground floor room.
Photo from Four Seasons
