11 Best Hotels in Hawaii, USA

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. 

Perfect for a comfortable base in the country, think of these two oceanfront, plantation-style cottages as your own private beach home on Molokai's east end; each has a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and ocean-facing lanai. There are small beaches just steps from the front door, and the Pauwalu cottage is fronted by a fishpond, which is the perfect wading spot for families with young children.

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.

Owners Charlie and Susan Hoerner restored a three-bedroom plantation home on Kapaa's Baby Beach to reflect the charm of yesteryear with the conveniences of today. Think plank flooring, gingerbread, and stained glass alongside a Wolf stove, Bosch dishwasher, and granite countertops. The orientation is due east; you won't have to leave your bed—or living room or lanai—to watch the sunrise, the whales breach, or the full moon rise. In addition to the main Sunrise Cottage, there's a cozy and more affordable bungalow called Moonrise Cottage in back that's perfect for honeymooners. Rent both (weekly rentals only) to sleep a total of eight. Credit cards are accepted via PayPal only.

If you're an outdoors enthusiast, you can appreciate Kauai's mountain wilderness from the dozen rustic cabins—of varying age and quality—that make up this lodge. Cabins are no-frills but more comfortable than a tent, and the mountain setting and proximity to some of the state's most beautiful trails are grand. Wood-burning stoves ward off the winter chill and dampness (wood is a few dollars extra), as it can get pretty cold at this elevation. Cabins sleep two to six and have full kitchens and bathrooms. Note that there's no Wi-Fi or cell service. The nearby restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, or you can bring up groceries from Waimea.

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.

Three private cottages set on a 10-acre working ranch afford total privacy, with a few more amenities than a vacation house or condo. Owners Mark and Amy drop off a welcome basket with breakfast goodies your first day, and there's a washer and dryer in each unit, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub. The ranch is great for animal lovers, as it is replete with sheep, friendly goats, and chickens throughout.

With an enviable spot along the Lihue coastline, 450 acres of landscaped grounds, and a choice of elegant homes and townhomes, Timbers Kauai caters to those who are seeking a self-contained resort experience with an air of exclusivity. Accommodations are available with two, three, or four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, private lanai, and lovely views of the mountains, pool, or ocean. Full kitchens, washer-dryers, soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and sophisticated decor that hints at the tropics offer comfort and convenience. The resort features walking and biking paths, beach access, lagoons, a Jack Nicklaus–designed oceanfront golf course, two pools, four outdoor tennis courts, a spa, fitness center, and fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. Hualani's Restaurant is on-site, or have a chef whip up a custom meal in your kitchen. Parking and Wi-Fi are free.

Both rustic and Zen, this magical cottage in the rain forest features cathedral ceilings, spruce walls, cork flooring, and amenities not usually found at Volcano vacation rentals, like bathrobes, a Bose home theater system, and Trek mountain bikes. The outdoor patio feels like a contemporary lodge, with an enormous stone fireplace to warm those cool Volcano nights.

A near-perfect spot for couples seeking a romantic getaway in Volcano Village, this historical 1912 two-bedroom cottage evokes a vintage country feeling in keeping with the summer homes of the era. The claw-foot bathtub, hot tub, and fireplace add to the general coziness. Continental breakfast is included, and the restaurants of Volcano Village are nearby.

Surprisingly luxe yet cozy and quaint, the three charming country cottages and one suite at this historical Hawaiian homestead are surrounded by flowering private gardens and a backyard stream. One cottage (Kohala) and the Ohana Suite include a full kitchen, and the others (Waimea and the Garden Studio) a kitchenette. Each is stocked with provisions, including fresh farm eggs from the property, for a generous and hearty self-serve breakfast. All have beautiful hardwood floors. The Kohala Cottage features a luxury bath with whirlpool soaking tub, and the Garden Studio is equipped with a rain showerhead. The grounds are teeming with birds and plant life that will make you want to move in for good. Inquire for seasonal specials. The physical address is given out only after a confirmed reservation.