The Best Beach Hotels in Hawaii

Skip straight from bed to the golden sands at this retreat with prime positioning on the Big Island‘s Kohala Coast. The main building of this Hawaii hotel stretches along the beachfront, flanked by lush gardens. You’ll have no problem working up an appetite for one of the four resort restaurants, with endless activities on offer from surfing to hiking to golf. Even if you’re not a golfer, it’s worth popping over to the award-winning 18-hole course for the stunning panoramas. But the views from bed are equally spectacular, with all rooms ocean-facing.

Oozing timeless glamour, this beachfront hotel in the capital of Honolulu started as a small vacation spot in the early 20th century and has since blossomed into a stylish resort. The elegant rooms, with plantation shutters and crisp cream interiors, let the views do the talking. The crater rim of Diamond Head is visible from some suites, while the Pacific is the prime focus. Talking of diamonds, the hotel is home to La Mer, one of the best restaurants in Hawaii, which puts a sophisticated twist on the catch of the day, with everything from goatfish to abalone transformed into artful dishes.

Chic lighting, spacious room configurations and plush furnishings – this boutique beach hotel in Hawaii is fit for a glossy interiors magazine. There are nine self-contained apartments with two or three bedrooms. Each unit has unbeatable views over Waikiki Beach on the south shore of Honolulu, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows running throughout. Soak up the stunning night skies from the terrace or while having a dip in your open-air jacuzzi. Be sure to visit the on-site restaurant, too, where you can find artful dishes fusing Japanese and French cuisine. In-suite dining can be arranged, and there is a 500-bottle wine collection to sample.

Step into tropical comfort at this smart resort on the south coast of Maui. There are 301 rooms, including 35 spacious suites and 11 luxury villas, all with a contemporary beachy feel. Experience authentic Polynesian culture and learn the history of Maui during the ‘ohana-style luau and cocktails. Another highlight is the Morimoto Maui restaurant, led by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, best known for TV show Iron Chef. Here, you’ll find locally sourced ingredients, with dishes blending Western and Japanese methods.

Feel at home at this chic, laid-back beach hotel in Hawaii in the vibrant Waikiki neighborhood. Stays include continental breakfast, and there is a lovely little pool area if you fancy taking time out from the bustle of the beach. The pièce de résistance is the penthouse suite, which sleeps six and has a large rooftop deck with fantastic views. Pops of blue, yellow and pink are splashed throughout the hotel, creating a fresh ocean feel. All rooms feature kitchenettes, so you can rustle up a snack before you head out for a day of adventure. Get your tongs at the ready for the communal barbecue back at the ranch and cook up a fish feast for dinner.

This hilltop oasis in Maui has a seductive sense of intimacy with lush foliage and suites scattered across a 15-acre (6ha) plot. All the rooms at the adults-only hotel are individually styled with local artworks and natural woods. Unwind by the pool or transform your suite into a spa getaway for two, with a massage followed by a honey-infused coconut milk bath. Or if you’ve got a need for speed, book a spin in a ’57 Porsche 356 Speedster reproduction through jaw-dropping scenery. The treehouse dining experience is another highlight, with a seven-course menu whipped up by chefs at the award-winning hotel restaurant.