Our Top Picks
- 2024 Overall Winner: Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort (T+L Score: 97.29) — A triumphant return to the top following a decade-long closure, setting the gold standard for cultural immersion and luxury.
- Best for Couples: Hotel Wailea, Maui — A dedicated Relais & Chateaux property that remains the only adults only resort in the islands, perfect for those avoiding the family-heavy crowds.
- Best for Families: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection — Combining extensive educational programs with high-end luxury, it offers the ultimate multi-generational ecosystem.
- Best for Romance: Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort — A strictly 18+ wellness retreat situated in the secluded Lanai highlands, prioritizing intimate seclusion and personalized health paths.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort on the Big Island, is the highest-rated property in the 2024 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. Following its 2023 reopening, the 81-acre oceanfront resort earned the top spot for its blend of cultural immersion and luxury hospitality. This property represents the peak of the best Hawaii resorts available today, balancing modern amenities with a profound respect for the historical landscape.
The 2024 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards are not merely a popularity contest; they are a significant data point for the hospitality industry. For the 2024 survey, over 186,000 readers completed the poll, casting a total of more than 700,000 votes for over 8,700 properties globally. In the competitive landscape of the Pacific, these scores reflect shifting consumer preferences toward authenticity, environmental stewardship, and privacy.
| Resort Name | Island | Score | Primary Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort | Big Island | 97.29 | Sustainable Heritage |
| Hotel Wailea | Maui | 96.65 | Adults-Only Boutique |
| The Kahala Hotel & Resort | Oahu | 96.21 | Classic Elegance |
| Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort | Lanai | 96.11 | Wellness & Longevity |
| Four Seasons Resort Hualalai | Big Island | 95.95 | Coastal Classic |
The Big Island: The 2024 Champion Returns
Data from the 2024 survey indicates a major shift in traveler sentiment. Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island, reclaimed the No. 1 position as the favorite island in Hawaii after a two-year hiatus. This resurgence is largely driven by the opening of Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, and the continued excellence of its neighbor, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
- Vibe: Cultural Immersion and Private Sanctuary
- Efficiency: 15 minutes from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA)
- Ranking: #1 in Hawaii
Kona Village is built on the site of a traditional Hawaiian fishing village. The resort utilizes 100% solar power and features 150 individual guest hales (houses). Unlike traditional towering hotel blocks, these Oceanfront Bungalows are spread across the lava fields, providing a level of privacy that is difficult to find elsewhere in the Archipelago. The absence of traditional televisions in rooms encourages guests to focus on the environment and the heritage of the Kaʻūpūlehu region.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
- Vibe: Active Luxury and Marine Education
- Efficiency: 10 minutes from KOA Airport
- Ranking: #5 in Hawaii
In a Kona Village Rosewood vs Four Seasons Hualalai comparison, the choice often comes down to programming. While Kona Village offers a quieter, more spiritual retreat, Hualalai remains the benchmark for active luxury. Its King’s Pond, a 1.8-million-gallon carven Saltwater Lagoons system, allows guests to snorkel with more than 4,000 tropical fish. For travelers seeking top-rated luxury hotels on Big Island Hawaii, Hualalai offers a more traditional but no less spectacular five-star experience with seven swimming pools and a world-class golf course.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
- Vibe: Contemporary Family Sophistication
- Efficiency: 30 minutes from KOA Airport
- Ranking: #6 in Hawaii
Mauna Lani was ranked No. 6 on the list of favorite resorts. It excels in delivering Eco-conscious Luxury without sacrificing comfort. The resort is famous for its turtle rearing program and the Great Lawn, which serves as a central hub for Multi-generational Vacations. It is a property where the design is intentionally open, inviting the trade winds and the spirit of Aloha Hospitality into every communal space.
Maui & Kauai: Romance, Scenery, and Milestones
Maui remains a titan of the Hawaiian travel industry, despite the tragic events in Lahaina in 2023. The Wailea Coastline continues to be the primary draw for high-net-worth individuals, while Kauai attracts those looking for the Garden Isle's raw topography and dramatic cliffs.
Hotel Wailea (Maui)
- Vibe: Intimate and Secluded
- Efficiency: 35 minutes from Kahului Airport (OGG)
For those looking for the best Hawaii resorts for couples adults only, Hotel Wailea is the undisputed leader. Sitting 300 feet above sea level, it offers sweeping views of the Pacific without the noise of a beachfront crowded with children. This boutique property is ideal for luxury Maui resorts for milestone anniversary 2026 planning, offering cliff-side dining and sunset cruises.
Montage Kapalua Bay (Maui)
- Vibe: Coastal Residential Luxury
- Efficiency: 50 minutes from OGG Airport
Montage Kapalua Bay is tailored for those who require space. The suites here are designed as full residences, making it a prime choice for milestone anniversaries where extended family might be involved. The resort overlooks the Kapalua Bay, which is often ranked among the best beaches in the world.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (Kauai)
- Vibe: Biophilic Wellness
- Efficiency: 60 minutes from Lihue Airport (LIH)
As one of the standout Kauai luxury resorts with best scenery and location, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay has redefined ethical travel. The property is integrated into the cliffs of the North Shore, offering views of the Makana Mountain (often called Bali Hai). It focuses heavily on sustainability, featuring native plant life inside the lobby and rooms, and an extensive wellness program that rivals the best in the world.
Oahu: Legendary Legacy & Family-Friendly Luxury
Oahu has undergone a significant transformation, moving beyond the crowded streets of Waikiki to offer more diverse experiences for the modern traveler.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
- Vibe: Old-World Hawaiian Glamour
- Efficiency: 20 minutes from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
The Kahala made a remarkable leap in the 2024 rankings, jumping from the 20th spot to the 3rd. This resort is located in a quiet residential neighborhood, away from the tourist bustle of Waikiki. It remains a favorite for heads of state and celebrities, offering a Dolphin Quest lagoon and a beach that feels entirely private. It is a testament to the enduring power of Boutique Hospitality in a world of massive hotel chains.
Turtle Bay Resort
- Vibe: Adventure and Rugged Beauty
- Efficiency: 60-75 minutes from HNL Airport
Positioned on the North Shore, Turtle Bay provides a different perspective of Oahu. Following a massive renovation, it has become one of the best family-friendly resorts Oahu 2024 awards. Its location offers access to championship golf courses and world-famous surfing breaks. The resort is designed for families who want to escape the city and immerse themselves in the North Shore’s rural charm.
Lanai: The Ultimate Secluded Wellness Retreat
Lanai is effectively a private island experience, largely owned by Larry Ellison. It offers a level of seclusion that is impossible to replicate on the more developed islands.
Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort
- Vibe: High-Tech Longevity
- Efficiency: 15 minutes from Lanai Airport (LNY)
For travelers seeking best Hawaii wellness resorts for a solo retreat, Sensei Lanai is the gold standard. This is a strictly 18+ property where the focus is on "Sensei Guides" who help guests optimize their nutrition, movement, and rest. The lush tropical landscaping of the highlands provides a cooler, more temperate climate than the beach, ideal for long walks and meditation.
Four Seasons Resort Lanai
- Vibe: Coastal Opulence
- Efficiency: 15 minutes from LNY Airport
This sister property offers the classic beach resort experience. It is often cited as one of the most secluded luxury resorts Lanai for privacy seekers. The resort overlooks the Hulopoe Bay marine sanctuary, where spinner dolphins are frequently seen. For 2026 travel planning, this resort often offers unique incentives like complimentary inter-island flights from Oahu for those staying in signature suites.
2026 Planning Guide: Booking Windows & Value Strategies
As a travel critic, I always advise looking 18 to 24 months ahead for peak seasons. Hawaii’s luxury market remains supply-constrained, and the highest-rated properties frequently sell out during festive periods and school breaks.
- The 6-12 Month Rule: For milestone celebrations like an anniversary or a 50th birthday, you should secure your booking at least nine months in advance. This is particularly true for bungalow-style rooms at Hualalai or Montage Kapalua Bay, where inventory is limited.
- Virtuoso and Elite Perks: When booking the best Hawaii resorts, always utilize a travel advisor who has access to Rosewood Elite or Four Seasons Preferred Partner programs. These typically include daily breakfast for two, property credits (usually $100 or more), and room upgrades based on availability.
- Seasonal Incentives: 2026 will likely see continued value-adds rather than dramatic price drops. Look for fifth-night-free programs and air transfer credits, which are common at Four Seasons Lanai.
- Avoiding the "Resort Fee" Trap: While most high-end resorts include amenities, many mid-tier properties in Waikiki and Maui still charge daily fees. Always audit your final quote for these hidden costs.
FAQ
Which island in Hawaii has the best luxury resorts?
The Big Island and Maui currently lead the market in terms of high-concentration luxury. While Maui’s Wailea coast offers multiple five-star options within walking distance of each other, the Big Island currently holds the top spot with Kona Village and Four Seasons Hualalai providing more space and privacy.
Are there any all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii?
Strictly speaking, Hawaii does not have traditional all-inclusive resorts like those found in Mexico or the Caribbean. However, Sensei Lanai offers packages that include all meals and many activities, which is the closest experience to an all-inclusive wellness retreat in the islands.
Which Hawaiian island is best for families?
Oahu and the Big Island are exceptional for families. Oahu offers the convenience of numerous activities and the adventure of the North Shore, while the Big Island’s resorts, specifically Mauna Lani, provide large-scale environments with educational cultural programs for children.
Do most Hawaii resorts charge a daily resort fee?
Many resorts in the mid-to-high range charge a daily resort fee, which can range from $30 to $60 per night. However, some ultra-luxury properties like Four Seasons do not charge a separate resort fee, bundling those costs into the room rate to provide a more transparent billing experience.
What are the best beachfront resorts for a vacation in Hawaii?
Kona Village and Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island offer incredible proximity to the water with their bungalow designs. On Maui, the Fairmont Kea Lani and Montage Kapalua Bay provide direct access to some of the most pristine swimming beaches in the world.
As we look toward 2026, the Hawaiian luxury landscape is focusing more on stewardship and silence. Whether you are seeking the cultural depth of the Big Island or the secluded wellness of Lanai, the entries in the 2024 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards serve as a reliable roadmap for your next Pacific escape.
