The Best Luxury Hotels in Hawaii

Hugging the west coast of the Big Island, this Four Seasons resort is an idyllic retreat with everything you could need, from fine dining to a championship golf course. Suites, villas, and rooms are tucked among palm trees, and inside you’ll find sophisticated interiors: local artwork, dark wood plantation shutters and bamboo furnishings inject Polynesian flare. Outside, balconies give way to dreamy ocean views. Book a villa and bag yourself a private whirlpool. While the resort has seven pools, the most unique swimming spot is a lagoon-like aquarium, carved out of natural lava rock and stocked with more than 4,000 tropical fish.

Peering over the rugged western coast of Oahu, this Four Seasons outpost is home to what Forbes called “the most dramatic of all hotel suites on any of the Hawaiian Islands.” The two-bedroom Penthouse Suite on the 17th floor has an expansive private terrace on which you can luxuriate in the ocean and mountain views. Banana leaf wall coverings, traditional local-wood furnishings and sandy tones make up the interiors, creating a chic yet welcoming island feel. This aesthetic runs throughout the resort, from the suites to the spa to the dining venues.

Come hungry to this chic Waikiki resort, which is home to La Mer, one of the finest restaurants in Hawaii; sample an exquisite spread of seafood, while tucking into stunning Pacific views. The rooms at this beachside spot also have unbeatable vistas, so you can pull back the plantation shutters and watch the waves roll in from the comfort of your bed. Make your stay even more luxurious by checking into one of the premier suites, with perks including a personal butler and complimentary airport limousine service.

Nestled amid lush foliage 300ft (91m) above the sea, this adults-only Relais & Chateaux property on Maui whisks you to another world. There are 72 secluded suites that could keep you busy for days, with kitchenettes, deep soaking tubs, flat-screen TVs and relaxing outdoor spaces. For the ultimate lush, book a “celebration ocean-view suite” with a welcome bottle of Laurent-Perrier Brut champagne and daily breakfasts included in your stay. If you can pry yourself away from the comfort of your room, there’s a cornucopia of treats to discover, from a treehouse reserved for private dining to sunset sailing. Yogis will also love the wellness center, with aerial and traditional yoga classes on offer.

Get your swimwear ready at this beachside hotel, which has an infinity pool, family pool and access to an aquamarine ocean. Book a scuba diving session to explore below the surface, or opt for sailing to see the land from a different perspective. On terra firma, there are biking trails, hiking paths, tennis courts and a golf course to keep you busy. After a fun-filled day, the well-appointed modern rooms serve as a tranquil place to unwind. Beds are set against lava-gray walls, and giant flat-screen TVs offer a wealth of entertainment; there are also convenient USB ports by the bed and the workstation so that you can charge your gadgets. Elevate your stay by booking one of the premier ocean-view suites, perched on the top floors of the resort towers.

Mosey over to the southern shore of Maui to explore this smart retreat, which offers high-end living with all the conveniences of a hotel, thanks to its positioning next to a Waldorf Astoria Resort. Each villa screams classic luxury, with hardwood furnishings, sparkling floors and chandeliers gracing some properties. Perks include generous balcony spaces, kitchens and car garages. You’ll get extra marks if you can pronounce the name of one of the six eateries next door: Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, named after the state fish of Hawaii, is set over a saltwater lagoon overlooking the tranquil ocean – a top spot to watch the sunset.

Get celebrity treatment and a taste of the high life at this vacation spot on Kauai. The luxurious vacation homes are kitted to the highest standards, with modern beach-inspired furnishings, giant flat-screen TVs, outdoor rain showers and state-of-the-art kitchens. The four-bedroom villa is the perfect place to entertain, with the living space opening onto a private pool and terrace area. Hire a chef to cook up a feast or head to the Umeke Kitchen + Bar for a delicious four-course tasting menu. The eatery is just one of the exclusive amenities at this resort, with other highlights including the 18-hole Tom Weiskopf golf course, a state-of-the-art spa and an ocean-facing infinity pool.

Savor unbeatable views of Waikiki Beach at this upscale boutique hotel from the rooftop infinity pool or your private jacuzzi. Each of the nine suites includes generous balconies with oceanfront hot tubs, while the interiors have a Miami vibe, with a crisp palette of white matched with contemporary furnishings. The on-site restaurant follows the ultra-chic theme with Japanese-French dishes artfully plated at the table or in the comfort of your apartment.

Get your phone ready to take a photo of the stunning infinity pool, which looks over Ala Wai Harbor in Waikiki, the largest marina in Hawaii. Cool off with a cocktail in a poolside cabana and refuel with a crab roll or “fresh catch” sandwich. Continue gazing at the ocean from the luxury confines of your room, with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing natural light to flood in. The rooms have a chic beachy feel, with sand-colored carpeting and wallpaper, and scatter cushions adding splashes of blue and white. Elevate your stay by booking a Club Room; they have views from the highest floors and access to a private lounge area with complimentary snacks, beer and house wine.

Magazine-worthy interiors await you at this contemporary Maui resort. Fall into bed and gaze at the ocean, or soak up the night sky from your private outdoor hot tub. If you’re travelling with family or friends, the roomy villas make for luxurious crash pads. Have a chef cook in your villa, but don’t miss the opportunity to check out the top-notch restaurant offerings. Morimoto Maui, steered by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, serves deliciously fresh sushi, while you’ll get a fill of local flavors at the Polynesian themed night, which takes place every Sunday.

Twenty-four acres (10ha) of tropical paradise are yours to explore at this classy resort, set along the pristine northwestern coast of Maui. Here you will find spacious residences, decked with kitchens, laundry facilities and generous balconies. After a day of adventure, the natural stone-clad bathrooms are a dream come true, with deep soaking tubs allowing for relaxation. The resort spa is another top spot to relax, with open-air treatment rooms and a stone-carved tub for couples to share a romantic bath infused with coconut milk.

Lap up dreamy ocean views at this upscale resort on the shores of one of the most spectacular beaches in Hawaii. Koa Kea sits on Poipu Beach in Kauai, with manicured garden paths leading guests past a palm-fringed swimming pool to the golden sands. Check into a smart oceanfront suite or deluxe guestroom, with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, so that you can see the sea from every angle. Interiors are awash with sandy hues, swathes of natural wood and bright pops of color. Cute touches include coral print scatter cushions and ocean-inspired photography. Relaxation is the word at this resort, and the rooms certainly inspire a tranquil feeling. Further that calm with a trip to the spa, where you can get a massage outdoors with the waves as your soundtrack.