The Best Resorts in Hawaii, USA

Get your knife and fork ready at this chic Waikiki resort, which has one of the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurants in Hawaii. Sample an exquisite spread of seafood at La Mer while tucking into stunning views of the Pacific. For a unique dining experience, sign up for spearfishing, and let the chefs prepare your catch. Feeling that post-dinner slump? The rooms make for a heavenly retreat, with crisp white interiors, minimalist furnishings and unbeatable vistas. Pull back the plantation shutters and hear the waves roll in as you drift to sleep. For a more luxurious stay, book one of the premier suites, featuring a personal butler and complimentary airport limousine service.

Fancy a Hawaiian adventure with friends and family? Then the spacious villas at this west Maui resort serve as a superb solution. A polished ’60s vibe dances throughout, with modern furnishings echoing some retro shapes. Splashes of burnt orange, shades of deep turquoise and woven lampshades complete the cool look. Kids will love the waterslide that runs through lava rock, and there’s a spa next door for adults in need of pampering. Outdoor types will be in their element with biking and hiking trails on the doorstep, along with world-class scuba and snorkeling.

Design-led interiors await you at the cool Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. Here, enjoy the ocean views from your bed, or take in the star-filled night sky from your private outdoor hot tub. The resort restaurants promise to impress, with Morimoto Maui helmed by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, and the Feast at Mokapu taking guests on a Polynesian adventure with fire dancing and locally inspired dishes on the menu.

Maroon yourself on one of the best beaches in Maui at this classic vacation spot. The resort sits on the golden sands of Ka‘anapali Beach, with apartments wrapping around lush gardens, freshwater pools and mature palm trees. You’ll be happily stranded here, with a wealth of amenities to keep you buoyant. Rustle up dinner in the comfort of your vacation home, or take a fresh catch to the beachfront barbecue station for a grill. For active travelers, there are tennis courts, a fitness center and golf courses nearby, along with a soothing spa for post-workout pampering.

Set your watch to island time at this beachfront sanctuary. The laid-back resort is set among 11 acres (4ha) of tropical gardens, with roomy studios and one-bedroom suites offering the comforts of home. Local artwork and furnishings add to the homey island feel. Make use of your kitchen, or visit the Castaway Café for tacos, nachos or a punchy Lava Flow cocktail. If you want to explore the surrounding area, hop on the free shuttle; there’s the Whalers Village for retail therapy and two championship greens to keep golfers happy.

This high-end Maui resort takes the humble hotel pool to a new level, with three sublime swimming spots in which to splash around. Two lagoon-style pools are connected by a waterslide, with two whirlpools and a kids’ pool. If you’re looking for a calmer swim, head to the adults-only serenity pool. For a change of scenery, the white sands of Polo Beach are just a hop, skip and a jump away, with kayaking, surfing and stand-up paddleboarding among the offerings. At night, the resort is akin to a starry night sky, with the luxury villas, lush gardens and restaurants delicately lit.

Park yourself next to the surf and sand at this plush resort on the shores of Poipu Beach in Kauai. Relax in the comfort of an ocean-view suite, with the bedroom, living room and bathroom spanning 728sqft (68sqm). Watch the sunset from your balcony, or head to the beach for the daily tiki-torch-lighting ritual, with a moreish mai tai in hand. Continue the sensory trail at the award-winning Red Salt Restaurant, serving locally sourced seafood and produce. During the morning hours, the eatery offers tropical takes on traditional Poipu breakfast dishes, such as lobster benedict and lemon-pineapple soufflé pancakes.

From the air, this expansive coastal resort blends into its lush surroundings, with green roofing creating camouflage. But on the ground level, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort comes into its own, with a stately façade concealing a spread of classic Hawaiian guest rooms and suites. A palette of vanilla and mint green creates a cozy atmosphere, while hardwood furniture adds an extra layer of class. Small touches, including pineapple-shaped lamp bases and fern leaf-inspired wooden headboards, bring the outdoors inside. Step out onto your balcony to admire the surroundings, or take a walk through the Eden-like grounds. Waterfalls cascade from the main lobby area, with a chain of tropical swimming pools winding their way towards the beachfront. If you’ve worked up an appetite, there are seven restaurants, with everything from sushi to steak on offer.

Get the VIP treatment and a taste of the high life at the Lodge at Kukui‘ula on Kauai. The modern, luxurious vacation homes feature 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 friends and family, with the living space opening onto a private pool and terrace area. Hire a chef to whip up something special, or visit the Umeke Kitchen + Bar for a four-course tasting menu.