55 Best Hotels in Big Island, Hawaii

What the hotel's concrete architecture lacks in intimacy, it makes up for with its beautifully manicured grounds, historical sense of place, stylish interiors, and stunning location on Keauhou Bay. Many rooms have great views of the bay and feel like they're right on the water, and each is decorated in a modern Polynesian style. Those traveling with kids appreciate the pool complex, one of the coolest on the island, with a slide, waterfalls, sand-bottom kids' pool, and an ocean view. There are plenty of activities, including daily historical walking tours, beginning hula, and puka shell bracelet making. A first rate luau, held on a grassy lawn with a backdrop of coconut trees, features the live Polynesian show Feast & Fire, which immerses guests in the area's history and culture. Take a walk in the evenings and spot the mantas that glide below the lanai in the glow of a spotlight.

Six spacious rooms and suites—plus two vintage one-bedroom cottages perfect for honeymooners—are available at this 30-acre coffee-country estate, a few miles above Kailua Bay in the heart of the artists' village of Holualoa. Stunningly appointed with Asian furnishings and fine local art, the inn offers "garden-to-plate" breakfasts including Kona coffee grown on the property, fresh fruits, homemade jams, eggs from the inn's coop, quiches, French toast, and macadamia-nut butter. On-site are rooftop gazebos and a mosaic-tile swimming pool, hot tub, fireplace, guest kitchenette with refrigerator and utensils, massage pavilion, and tropical gardens. There's even a meandering coffee trail through archaeological sites. The inn offers an open-air pavilion for weddings and retreats. Two cottages, one a vintage farm building that has been transformed into a large bridal suite, feature a kitchenette and dressing room. The elopement package includes a two-night minimum, a beach wedding, lei for bride and groom, officiant services, and Champagne. The inn often sells out well in advance, so plan early. 

Four beautifully restored ranch houses and bungalows occupy this historic country estate in Hawi, where guests enjoy their own private swimming pools, horseback riding, round-the-clock concierge availability, and plenty of fresh fruit from the orchards. Listed on the State Historic Register, Puakea Ranch pays homage to the four generations of cowboys and plantation workers who once lived on the property. The two-bedroom Yoshi's House sleeps six and has ocean views from the lanai, plus a lava-rock swimming pool. Cowboy House is a three-bedroom former bunkhouse that sleeps six, while the Miles Away bungalow provides two bedrooms and its own private dipping pool. A large studio, James Cottage shares a swimming pool with Cowboy House and also has its own private hot tub. Decorated with local art depicting the property, each home has its own kitchen, barbecue grills, and washer-dryer. It's 15 minutes to the closest public beach, and just down the road from the artists' town of Hawi. It's one of the few properties on the Kohala Coast that can also be entirely booked for weddings and events. 

Hawaii's oldest hotel—and the only one in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park—is committed to sustainable practices and promoting Hawaiian culture and history through its locally sourced restaurants, artisan-crafted decor, and eco-focused guest programs. Established in 1846 (the current hotel was built in 1940), Volcano House overlooks the Halemaumau Crater at the summit of Kilauea, boasting what's considered Hawaii's most unique hotel location. Guest rooms have simple, rustic-chic decor, rain forest or volcano views, and free Wi-Fi. The main lodge also houses The Rim restaurant, with panoramic crater views, and the adjacent Uncle George's Lounge. The hotel's main attraction, though, is its proximity to the park's rain forests, lavascapes, and diverse ecosystems. Volcano House offers bike rentals for guests, as well as guided walking tours.

This first-rate resort overflows with tropical gardens, cascading waterfalls, a sandy beach cove, a meandering pool, a lagoon for the kids, and all the luxury amenities. All guest rooms have private lanai, and many have partial or full ocean views. Excellent on-site restaurants include the flagship Brown's Beach House, The Orchid Court, Hale Kai, Brown's Deli, and the outstanding Binchotan Bar and Grill. Guests enjoy the tennis center, the Spa Without Walls with private massage hales (houses) set amid waterfalls or on the oceanfront, and the largest and most impressive swimming pool among the resorts. The lavish Hawaii Loa luau is followed by a show that combines modern and Polynesian dance. There's lots of beach equipment to rent, plus rental bikes if you want to pedal to the nearby Shops at Mauna Lani. The beach has a protected cove ideal for swimming and wading, and the fitness center comes fully equipped.

Beautiful views everywhere, polished wood floors, custom furnishings and linens, and fine Hawaiian artwork make this oceanfront resort a peaceful, opulent retreat. Freestanding bungalows are large and luxurious, with spacious travertine and marble bathrooms as well as private outdoor showers. One of the five pools, King's Pond, is replete with thousands of tropical fish and a spotted eagle ray that guests have the opportunity to feed daily. The seashell infinity pool, family-friendly and surrounded by cabanas and palm trees, has a clear view to the ocean beyond. The on-site Hawaiian Cultural Center honors the property's spiritual heritage and sense of place, and the sports club and spa offer top-rate health and fitness options. The resort's on-site restaurants (ULU, Beach Tree) are world-class. Hualalai's golf course has hosted the PGA Tour Champions Tour and the Senior PGA Tournament of Champions. The resort is super kid-friendly, with a great activities and events program for all ages.

Here, above the sea cliffs in North Kohala, sustainability meets luxury without sacrificing comfort: the resort generates its own solar and wind-turbine power, harnesses its own water, and grows much of its own food. Beautiful floors are made from sustainably harvested woods, and rooms take advantage of natural light and ventilation to keep energy usage low. Surrounded by 50 acres, 20 of which are a dedicated conservation area, the retreat feels both luxe and completely hidden from the world. Handsome rooms have high ceilings, elegant doors, crown molding, and private balconies. Three cliff-side hales (houses) with kitchenettes offer ocean views. More affordable options are available at the retreat's Yurt Village, which includes access to the saltwater infinity pool and fitness center. Breakfast is sourced from the resort's garden supply, augmented by island-fresh ingredients from local farms.

On a 5-acre coffee farm above Kealakekua Bay, proprietors Mike Martinage and Greg Nunn operate a grand yet very reasonably priced B&B in a plantation-style home featuring a 2,000-square-foot wraparound veranda with excellent views of the bay and the entire Honaunau Coast. The outdoor lava-rock shower is a treat, and the authentic Hawaiian cedar steam house, swing, and outdoor hot tub also offer panoramic views. Full breakfasts include ingredients harvested from the property, including homegrown 100% Kona coffee. Greg was once head of housekeeping at a five-star resort on Maui, and it shows. A detached cottage in back of the main house provides additional accommodations for families.

These modern, impeccably furnished condos offer far more high-end amenities than the average condo complex, including both an infinity pool and a sand-bottom children's pool at its oceanside Beach Club, a fitness center, and a hot tub. It's within walking distance of Anaehoomalu Bay and the beach and close to shopping.

This small, oceanfront, walk-up hotel about a mile south of downtown Kailua Village, with modest, pleasantly decorated rooms on the ocean, is probably the best deal in town. Some might call it dated or old-fashioned, while others would say it imbues a cool vintage Hawaiiana charm. All rooms have fridges, but the lack of TVs is a proud tradition the hotel has maintained since the 1950s. Who needs TV when you have the ocean this close? A deposit is required, and you will need to book well in advance to secure a room.

Years after being destroyed by a tsunami, one of Kona's most beloved resorts has reopened, completely remodeled, yet retaining much of what made the original so special. The Standard 600-square-foot rooms (called hales, or homes) are all freestanding and feature thatched roofs and luxurious interiors. Suites and oceanfront bungalows (which come with a butler) offer the ultimate private getaway. Serenity abounds here with gardens, pools, and the ever-present sounds of the surf. Sustainability is a mission of the new resort: they have a solar panel field and an on-site farm where they source their own ingredients for their restaurants. The classic Shipwreck Bar is also back in business. There's a spa, yoga, a gym, complimentary bikes, and four pools available on-site.

Spend the day swimming at the beach just steps away from your private lanai and fall asleep to the sound of the ocean at one of four artfully decorated, one-room cottages on the sandy beach at Anaehoomalu Bay. These cottages are among the few beachfront rentals you will find anywhere on the island. It's a short stroll to the adjacent Lava Lava Beach Club bar/restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner daily. Ride your included cruiser bike in the morning to the nearby coffee shops at the Kings' Shops and Queens' MarketPlace.

If you are on a budget but still want to be near attractions such as Kealakekua Bay and Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, this 42-room historical hotel is a good option. Don't let the dated front TV room concern you: it's by design and part of the authentic old Hawaii vibe. The restaurant serves great pork chops and other island favorites. Dwight Manago—whose grandparents, Kinzo and Osame Manago, built the main building in 1917—has maintained one Japanese-style room with tatami mats and a furo, a traditional Japanese bath, and this is the room to book. The other rooms are basic and clean, and those in the newer wing have great views high above the Kona Coast. They do not take same-day reservations. 

Popular with honeymooners and anniversary couples for decades, this elegant Kohala Coast classic is still one of the island's most beautiful resorts, highlighted by a breathtaking, open-air lobby with cathedral-like ceilings, Zen-like koi ponds, and illuminated sheets of cascading water. Free cultural and educational programs include tours of the ancient petroglyph fields with the on-site cultural historian and enjoying an evening "Talk Story" session with a Hawaiian kupuna (elder). The hotel, recently renovated, also offers experiences for active guests, such as outrigger canoe paddling, beachside yoga, local mountain bike tours, and stand-up paddleboarding. Decorated in warm, contemporary organic tones reflecting the spirit of the island, the spacious guest rooms have ceiling fans, dimmer lights, and expansive private lanai; many have ocean views. The flagship CanoeHouse restaurant offers romantic dining by the sea, the Ha Bar and Grill serves light bites and cocktails, and Surf Shack dishes casual fare by the beach. Mauna Lani is known for its two golf courses (check out the iconic South 15th hole over the ocean) and award-winning spa.

Hospitality abounds at this luxurious B&B in a secluded rain forest, where the separate suites (connected by paths) offer amenities including fine furnishings, dining niches, jetted bathtubs, heated blankets, and private forest entrances. In the lobby, the friendly staff "talks story" with guests and shares complimentary coffee, tea, cookies, and baked goods. On cool Volcano nights, warm yourself in the hot tub set under the stars.

The grande dame of the Kohala Coast has long been regarded as one of the state's premier vacation resort hotels, and it borders one of the world's finest white-sand beaches, Kaunaoa. Bathrooms are large and luxurious and come with high-end bath amenities, and the beds are plush. But the resort outside the rooms has much to offer, too, including an 18-hole championship golf course, a top-rated seaside tennis club, and a fitness center. If all you want to do is relax, there's the Mandara spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and lots of comfy lounge chairs on the beach, a perfect crescent of sand and sea. You can also rent a stand-up paddleboard or canoe on-site. The hotel has two wings: the Main Tower and the Beachfront Wing. The latter's ground-floor units allow you to wake up and go right out to the beach. The oceanfront Manta restaurant is legendary, as is the signature Fredrico cocktail at the Hau Tree, which is steps from the beach.

In the hills above Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, this guesthouse offers quiet elegance, complete privacy, and beautiful ocean views from every room. With a focus on nature, the house is tastefully furnished in tropically inspired earth tones. The bath products are 100% organic, and the yummy full breakfasts are as close to organic as they can muster, with produce grown on-site. Common areas include a kitchenette and living area with a high-definition television, DVD library, and computer with high-speed Internet. Minimum stays may be required, depending on the season. 

Complete modern kitchens, tiled lanai, and washer-dryer units are found in every suite of this comfortable oceanfront condo complex with a welcoming entry lobby and a reception area that feels like a hotel. The nearest sandy beach is 2 miles away, but the pool is next to the ocean and 50 of the rooms are oceanfront. A second, ocean-fed saltwater pool sits at the edge of the property, perfect for relaxing in the waves. Although the complex is not within walking distance of downtown Kailua Village, there are plenty of convenience stores and delis nearby.

Villas with terra-cotta-tile roofs are set amid landscaped lagoons and waterfalls at the edge of the championship Waikoloa Village Golf Course. The spacious units—ground and upper floors are available separately—are privately owned, so furnishings vary from unit to unit. Sliding glass doors open onto a large lanai, and picture windows look out onto rolling green fairways. All units have full kitchens and washer-dryers. Check the website for separate online-booking rates and specials. There's also free access to tennis courts, a swimming pool, outdoor barbecues, and the fitness center. A daily $10 amenity fee includes Wi-Fi, newspaper, parking, coffee, and security safe.

This landmark hotel has large bayfront rooms offering spectacular views of Maunakea and Coconut Island on Hilo Bay; street-side rooms overlook the golf course, and the hotel is within walking distance of Liliuokalani Gardens. Most accommodations have private lanai; kitchenettes are available in the Banyan and Ocean suites, and the custom-made furniture in every room evokes a feeling of Hawaiiana. More bay views are on tap from first-class WSW The Steakhouse, billed as Hilo's only authentic steak house. At the hotel's bar and lounge, you can get a grab-and-go lunch or enjoy cocktails and appetizers. Nearby parks, shops, and restaurants are easy walks.

These slightly older condominium units, spread out among three low-rises on the ocean side of Alii Drive, are situated at Kona's most popular surfing spot, Banyans, and also just a couple of minutes' drive from Kailua Village and within walking distance of popular Laaloa (Magic Sands) Beach Park. Kitchens are fully equipped. Choose between the lower-priced mountain view, midrange partial ocean view, and more expensive oceanfront rooms; the rates are surprisingly decent. There's a great Hawaiian poke café (Da Poke Shack) nearby, plus a cash-only sundry shop across the street.

Quirky yet upscale, this accommodation features four artistically distinctive rooms that unveil beautiful views of the rain forest from a great location five minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The hotel offers imported linens, custom-made wooden bed frames, a garden gazebo, a koi pond, and a six-person hot tub. It's one of several properties under the umbrella of Kilauea Hospitality Group; another is Lokahi Lodge, which has cozy rooms with comfy beds and plenty of exposed beams and wood. The group's most reasonably priced lodge is the Volcano Hale, which dates to 1912 and has a communal kitchen and fireplace.

Right on the beach in the heart of Historic Kailua Village, this landmark hotel built in 1975 offers good vibrations and authentic local hospitality—all for less than the price of a Kohala Coast resort. The entire property highlights Kona's rich history, whether on the grounds where King Kamehameha I spent his final years or in the jazzed-up lobby, which displays an impressive array of historical Hawaiian artifacts. The hotel has the state's largest collection of Herb Kane artwork, a cache of billfish trophies, and an authentic koa canoe. Rooms include sliding plantation-shutter screens and carved wood furnishings in Polynesian motifs. The open-air Honu's on the Beach and the Billfish Poolside Bar and Grille are adjacent to Kamakahonu Bay and Ahuena Heiau, site of the first capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Amenities abound, from water sports to a fitness center to a spa. The lobby's plush business library provides complimentary computer use and private seating enclaves with flat-screen TVs. Many of the rooms offer only partial ocean views.

Units in this circa-1950s motor lodge are modest but charming, as well as clean and inexpensive; a glowing lava-flow sign marks the office and testifies to owner John Alexander's passion for the volcano. Stunning lava pictures adorn the common area, and Alexander is a great source of information for visiting the national park and for exploring the back roads of Hilo. Coffee and fresh fruit are offered daily with banana bread. Four blocks from downtown Hilo, in a historic residential area called Puueo, the hotel borders a verdant two-acre Hawaiian garden with jungle trails and shady places to rest. Guests of the hotel return repeatedly, and it's ideal for families who seek a home base. Six additional units across the street are for long-term stays.

These large and comfy town houses and condominiums, located just off the fairway of the Waikoloa Beach Course, are a short walk from Anaehoomalu Bay. Designed in the style of plantation-era homes, the villas are decorated with rattan furniture and tropical themes and come complete with top-notch appliances in fully equipped kitchens. A five-minute walk from the upscale Kings' Shops, the facility has its own infinity pool, a lava-rock whirlpool spa, and a small gym.

Hilo isn't known for its fancy resort hotels, but the Grand Naniloa, built in 1939, attempts to remedy that situation in grand fashion, paying homage to hula, Hawaiian culture, and Big Island adventures. Art photography of the ancient style of hula graces the walls, halls, lobby, and guest rooms, and the open-air lobby unveils stunning bayfront panoramas from its vantage on the peninsula. Rooms are contemporary in style, nicely appointed, and outfitted with standard amenities. The corner oceanfront rooms offer prime views, while harbor views prevail from other rooms. Just off the lobby, KapohoKine Adventures operates an on-site store and activities desk where guests can easily book zip-lining adventures, volcano tours, and other treks. At the hotel's main entrance, the Willie K. Crown Room is a concert hall and theater. Located poolside, Hula Hulas restaurant has open-air dining overlooking Hilo Bay. The Hula Lounge lobby bar presents live Hawaiian music nightly.

In cool, upcountry Holualoa, Hale Hualalai offers two exceptionally large suites with exposed beams, whirlpool tubs, and private lanai, but perhaps most memorable are the breakfasts ($15 per person)—owner Ricky Brewster was a chef at Four Seasons Hualalai Resort's Beach Tree restaurant. These are as varied as they are delicious, reflecting individual guest preferences—from Italian margarita frittatas with tomatoes and herbs grown on-site to Punaluu sweetbread French toast with Tahitian lime gastrique and crushed pecans. Ricky even grows and serves his own Kona coffee. Each 650-square-foot suite has a private entrance, whirlpool tub, and sunset views, making it perfect for couples.

On a bluff above Honolii surfing beach, this modern, 5,400-square-foot home is 2 miles from downtown Hilo and features four rooms—each with patio, deluxe bedding, and grand ocean views within earshot of the surf. Fresh flowers and artful decor add a warm tropical touch. A continental breakfast is served every morning on an outdoor deck or in the kitchen's bay-window dining area. From their lanai, guests can watch spinner dolphins or migrating whales during the season. These are ideal accommodations for honeymooners and empty nesters.

Built in the 1930s by a Japanese doctor, this vintage home offers stunning views of downtown Hilo and the bay. The Zen garden on the grounds reveals three colossal stones weighing several tons each and installed by the home’s original owner. A total of four simply furnished rooms come with private baths, and two of the rooms offer panoramic bay views.

A charming old Craftsman home lovingly restored by a friendly and hospitable couple from North Carolina, the inn offers variety in guest room size and decor, though every room has a fridge. The Honu's Nest provides fantastic views of the sunrise from the comforts of a large bed. The larger Bali Hai Suite has a sitting room and a window seat that looks out on tree ferns, orchids, and anthuriums. Upstairs, the entire second floor is the Samurai Suite, furnished with traditional tatami mats and antiques imported from Japan. Breakfast is delicious and usually includes homemade baked goods.