202 Best Hotels in Hawaii, USA

The only true beachfront resort on Kauai's North Shore, Hanalei Colony is a laid-back, go-barefoot kind of resort sandwiched between towering mountains and the sea. There's an emphasis on simplicity here, but Wi-Fi is available in every unit. Some units are 10 feet from the sand, and though it's a beautiful coastline, the ocean is normally too rough for swimming. Many of the units are individually owned and generally well maintained, with Hawaiian-style furnishings, full kitchens, and lanai. Amenities, such as cocktail receptions and cultural activities, vary from season to season. There's a new two-story garden pool complex, plus an art gallery, small day spa, and restaurant on-site.  The road leading to this resort can occasionally be closed due to flooding or road repair, causing delays and possibly blocking access to the airport, so plan accordingly.

If you're looking for lodgings that won't break the bank and put you just a block from gorgeous Hanalei Bay, look no further, as this is literally the only choice among the town's pricey vacation rentals. The four attached studio cottages are bare-bones simple; the chief appeal here is price and location. Besides a private bath and queen-size bed, every room has HDTV and Wi-Fi, as well as a kitchen or kitchenette. Outside, you share a picnic table, hammocks, soda machine, and barbecue with other guests.

Set back from the ocean's edge on a quiet road in the heart of Poipu, Hideaway Cove is a boutique vacation rental with three units ranging from studios to two bedrooms, each appointed with tropical-style furniture and original artwork. The two-bedroom top-floor Sea Breeze unit comes with a hot tub and grill. All units have air-conditioning and full kitchens.

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. 

Nestled alongside Wailua Bay and the Wailua River, this low-key low-rise chain hotel is a convenient place to stay as it's within walking distance of Lydgate Beach, with its lifeguard and lawns, and also close to shops and a variety of restaurants. Rooms and suites, in two wings with a choice of beach, mountain, or ocean views, have mini- or full-size refrigerators, microwaves, and coffeemakers; two-bedroom cottages are also available. Complimentary Wi-Fi and cable TV are included, and the hotel has a modest fitness room, a business center, meeting rooms, and a swimming pool. The resort fee includes yoga classes, a cultural sunrise ceremony, and daily two-hour bike rental.

Most of the rooms at this expansive midrange chain hotel in the heart of Waikiki have a lanai with seating and feature a partial ocean or a Waikiki city view. On-site amenities include a rooftop pool and bar and a café–market. TR Fire Grill is adjacent to the hotel; International Marketplace, the multilevel outdoor shopping and dining complex, is across the street; and Waikiki Beach is two blocks away. 

Location, location, location: this five-tower mega-resort sprawls over 22 acres on Waikiki's widest stretch of beach, with the greenery of neighboring Fort DeRussy creating a buffer zone between it and central Waikiki's high-rise lineup. The property's sheer volume of facilities and many free activities (lei-making, ukelele lessons, turtle feedings) make it a good choice for families. The grounds incorporate not only gardens, koi ponds, and waterfalls, but also an aquatic playground of pools and slides, a 5-acre lagoon for kayaking, a pier that serves as a docking point for the Atlantis submarine, a post office, an ABC Store, the large Mandara Spa & Fitness Center, 20 restaurants and lounges (featuring some of Hawaii's best musicians), and dozens of shops. Rainbow Tower, with its landmark 31-story mural, has knockout Diamond Head views. Separate facilities and concierge services make The Alii feel like a private "resort within the resort." The Grand Islander, an on-site 418-unit vacation-ownership property, has lovely suites and access to many amenities. Be sure to check on the status of the hotel's weekly fireworks show, a favorite Friday night event that draws big crowds.

On the Diamond Head end of Waikiki and two blocks from Kuhio Beach, this 37-story high-rise is great for travelers who want to be near the action but not right in it. You enter through a lobby of rich wood detailing, contemporary fabrics, and magnificent floral displays. The lobby bar offers tropical cocktails, an Island-style pupu menu, happy hour specials, and live music; the M.A.C. 24/7 Waikiki restaurant serves modern comfort food (try the M.A.C. ginger ale made fresh at the bar). The 10th-floor outdoor pool has plenty of seating and some cabanas. If marriage is on your mind, a wedding gazebo anchors the hotel gardens, and there's penthouse reception space, too. Though rooms are dated, they're available in several sizes and configurations. Book one on an upper floor for an ocean or mountain view from your lanai.

Gondola trams glide by, pint-size guests zoom down the 175-foot waterslide, a bride poses on the grand staircase, a fire-bearing runner lights the torches along the seaside path at sunset—these are some typical scenes at this 62-acre megaresort. Shaded pathways lined with a multimillion-dollar Pacific Island art collection connect the three tall buildings, while Swiss-made trams and canal boats shuttle those who want to bypass the long hallways and meandering paths. Though there's no ocean beach, a seaside trail leads to Anaehoomalu Bay, one of the island's most beautiful tropical beaches. An ocean-side saltwater lagoon is great for families. Modern rooms in neutral tones have private lanai and are large enough to accommodate the families that flock here. The flagship restaurant, KPC (Kamuela Provision Company), presents incomparable coastline views. Although some may find the resort a fantasy version of Hawaii, others love it for its one-stop-shop approach to a Hawaii holiday.

While the location feels more parking lot than island paradise, this practical and comfortable hotel (one of Kona's newest) isn't far from the ocean and still offers lots of pluses, from nicely appointed rooms to a fitness center. You'll also find a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a lobby with fireplace, as well as a complimentary breakfast (rare for a Kona hotel). All rooms have fridges, microwaves, and 42-inch TVs. Just steps away are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and shops, not to mention the historical landmarks and waterfront attractions of Historic Kailua Village.

Tucked away by Keauhou Bay amid a plethora of coconut trees, this well-maintained enclave of blue-roofed villas offers lots of amenities, including a 27-court tennis and pickleball center, swimming pools, hot tubs, a fitness center, waterfalls, and covered parking. Guests are minutes away from the island's best snorkel cruise, plus the many dining and grocery options at nearby Keauhou Shopping Center. The tennis center has hosted international tournaments featuring top WTA tour professionals, and has been recently upgraded to include 20 pickleball courts. 

Surrounded by McCandless Ranch on 40 acres in South Kona, this place may seem remote, but it's actually just a short drive from some of the best water attractions on the island, including Puuhonua O Honaunau, Kealakekua Bay, and Hookena Beach. The gated driveway winds past herds of goats, donkeys, horses, and cows. Offering four suites with private entrances and lanai, plus beautiful ocean views, this tastefully appointed inn has an open-air living area, plus a media room with a DVD library of 1,500 titles. Buffet breakfast is served by the owner, plus there's a barbecue facility by the pool. Snorkel and beach gear are available. Minimum stays are required. 

In business since 1956, this small three-story hotel is something of a Kauai beachfront landmark, with clean comfortable rooms, some with great ocean views, and a large pool that overlooks the water---expect great sunrises. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerators, microwaves, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. The two-room units are good for families; the oceanfront units are, unsurprisingly, the nicest. Conveniently located on the county bus line and a coastal path, the property is within walking distance of shops and restaurants.

Built in 1923 to house visiting pineapple-industry executives, this historic inn is like new following a massive renovation that supplied state-of-the-art amenities to complement a modern design while keeping a dash of vintage charm. Several rooms have porches overlooking the pine trees and Lanai City. A separate one-bedroom cottage offers more privacy. The restaurant, Lanai City Bar & Grill, has an outstanding menu and well-stocked bar.

Just a block from Waikiki Beach, this unassuming but stylish boutique hotel focuses on wellness and renewal, making it a calm alternative to the big, bustling resorts that dominate the area. The cozy rooms feature muted tones and mid-century modern furnishings. Perks include free Wi-Fi, morning coffee in the lobby, and yoga or other wellness programs. There's also a grab-and-go food station and a (very) small lobby bar.

This adults-only boutique hotel, perched on a quiet hillside above Wailea, delivers luxury, romance, and spectacular views. The 18 two-story buildings offer one-bedroom suites with private lanai, kitchenettes with top-flight appliances, sofa beds, and bathrooms with large soaking tubs and walk-in showers. Reserve the intimate Treehouse, hidden in a canopy of mango and avocado trees, for a private seven-course dinner for two or small reception or drop into the beautifully themed Birdcage Bar for a relaxing drink. The resort fee includes yoga and fitness classes, parking, attendant services at Wailea Beach, and high-end shuttle service to beaches, shops, and golf.

Modern and stylish, with an urban beach vibe, the Hyatt Centric has a friendly staff, rooms in several sizes and configurations, and a sprawling, seventh-floor lobby with a breakfast café and lovely outdoor pool area. Although no rooms have lanai, all have large windows, great views, high-tech amenities, contemporary decor (neutral with lots of wooden touches and splashes of color), and spacious, well-lit bathrooms—some with both generously sized soaking tubs and showers.

There's no other resort between the ocean and this high-rise hotel, which is across the street from Kuhio Beach and features a lively, atrium-style lobby with three levels of shopping (including a farmers' market on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons), a two-story waterfall, gardens, and free live evening entertainment. Other amenities include the luxury Na Hoola Spa, with 16 treatment rooms and an array of specialty therapies; the street-level Kai Coffee; the SHOR breakfast restaurant; and SWIM, a casual poolside bar and lounge that serves sustainable seafood. Authentic on-site activities, such as lei-making and hula, are led by a native Hawaiian cultural practitioner. Aloha Friday events showcase Polynesian tattooing and feature a Samoan fire-knife performance.

At Waikiki's ewa (western) edge, overlooking Ala Wai Harbor and a five-minute walk from Ala Moana Beach Park, this high-rise resort is a Honolulu landmark—Jack Lord's character, Steve McGarrett, appears on a lanai here in the opening of the original Hawaii Five-O TV series. It's fun to ride the glass elevator to the top of the "I," and the IIikai has an open-air lobby, two pools, a fitness center, waterfalls, and a mix of individually owned condos and kitchen-equipped resort suites of various sizes. On-site dining options include Cinnamon's, a local favorite that serves food all day, and the iconic Chart House, Hawaii's longest-running individually owned and operated restaurant. At sunset, the lighting of the torches and blowing of the conch prepare you for a romantic evening in paradise. Special offers abound, so ask about them when booking.

Tucked away on a residential side street near Waikiki's Ala Wai Canal, this locally owned, 17-story, condo-style hotel is a throwback to old Waikiki, offering partially refreshed, large units that are ideal for families. The glass-walled lobby—with its koa-wood furnishings, original local artwork, and friendly staff—feels like a Hawaiian home-away-from-home. Rates are decent for the spacious, updated (2022) studios and one- and two-bedroom suites, all with full kitchens, Wi-Fi, and spacious lanai. Note: Bathrooms are dated and are scheduled for renovation in 2025. There's also an on-site coin-operated laundry room. It's a two-block walk to Waikiki Beach, shopping, and restaurants. Parking is free but limited; when the spots are full, you can sometimes find parking on the street. Every Friday morning, the Ilima Ohana Chorus performs in the lobby, and guests are invited to sing along.

Overlooking downtown Hilo and the ocean beyond, this inn sits next to a 120-foot waterfall that tumbles into a 300-foot-wide natural pond—enticing for swimming, conditions permitting. Powered by its own hydroelectric facility, the compound consists of a main residence with four guest rooms; the six-bedroom Harmony home; and the three-story Pagoda Guest House, with a bedroom and 1½ baths, perched near the cliff above the falls. All rooms have a private bath. Adding to the resort-style offerings, the chef's table dinners showcase local ingredients. Guest activities include waterfall rappelling and cooking classes. The addition of rustic off-grid cabins provides an affordable glamping option akin to a communal hostel experience. The inn offers a day-pass program for nonguests to enjoy the waterfall.

Amenities like maid service, an activities desk, a small store with complimentary DVDs for guests to borrow, and a 24-hour front-desk service—and no pesky resort fees—make this a winning choice for families and others wanting to play house on Maui's most stunning shores. The four secluded 11-story buildings offer one- and two-bedroom units with ample space, sunken living rooms, and separate dining rooms. Amenities also include a state-of-the-art fitness center, three tennis courts, and an upgraded pool area with flat-screen TVs and cabanas. A "grill master" is on hand Friday through Tuesday nights at oceanfront gas grills to assist guests with advice and complimentary herbs, spice rubs, and other necessities or to cook your food for you.

You wouldn't expect to find a top-notch B&B in Kau, but this grand residence offers large private suites with locally harvested hardwood floors and private lanai with ocean and mountain views. Choose between a full hot breakfast or a farm-to-table breakfast that presents locally sourced fruits and baked goods—and comes with award-winning Kau estate coffee. For those who want to explore the area's green- and black-sand beaches, or hike to the Kahuku unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, hosts Kenny Joyce and Kilohana Domingo are happy to share their knowledge of the area. The inn prides itself on its programs involving Hawaiian cultural arts, and guests may take part in Hawaiian feather arts or weaving workshops.

It isn't easy to find good budget lodgings on the southwest side of the island, but this old-fashioned neighborhood inn with studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites does an adequate job in cooler up-country Kalaheo Town. Suites have kitchenettes, and some have full kitchens. There's a great little hilltop park and nine-hole golf course just up the road, and it's an easy drive to West Side sights. The inn loans beach chairs and towels.

This South Kihei property sits across the street from Kamaole III beach and is perfect for active families. Ten four-story buildings wrap around 15 acres of grassy slopes with a swimming pool, a small waterfall, tennis courts, and barbecues. Units include one-, two-, and three-bedroom options, and all units have two bathrooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, and private lanai.

With a prime location in the center of Waimea, this newly renovated boutique inn offers beautiful accommodations that feature Hawaiian-style bed linens and paniolo (cowboy) art, along with polished, upgraded decor such as barn doors, high-definition TVs, granite countertops, and rainfall showerheads. Some rooms even have kitchenettes, but a continental breakfast is included in the price. Baths are equipped with locally made, eco-friendly Hawaiian body products and plenty of fluffy towels.  

The 16-acre grounds provide a peaceful and verdant background for this low-rise condominium complex bordering the Keauhou-Kona Country Club and within a five-minute drive of the nearest beaches, Kahaluu and Laaloa (Magic Sands). The property has three swimming pools, two tennis courts, hot tubs, and barbecue areas. Large units have koa-wood cabinetwork and washer-dryers. Cleaning fees apply. The proximity of Keauhou Bay and Keauhou Shopping Center makes this complex an excellent choice for families.

The former home of the late legendary artist Herb Kane, this luxury boutique guesthouse occupies a 16-acre avocado farm overlooking the South Kona coastline. Internationally traveled proprietors Michael and David leave no stone unturned; amenities include fresh flowers, evening turndown, robes and slippers, Molton Brown products, and tropical fruit baskets. Kane's iconic artwork is displayed in all the suites. Detached from the main residence, the Kane and Kanaloa suites are spacious and private. The Kane Suite opens onto a water garden and porch, and includes koa furnishings designed by the artist along with a minibar, library, marble bathroom, and atrium Zen garden. Breakfast features ingredients grown on the property.

An old rock etched with kanji (Japanese characters) reminds you that the site of this condominium gem was once occupied by a Shinto temple. Today, it's home to studio and two-bedroom rentals—all equipped with full kitchens and private lanai—either oceanfront or with ocean views. Studios feature pull-down Murphy beds to create more daytime space. Air-conditioning is a pleasant new addition.