#1 in Hawaii
Wailea, Maui · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 1,400/night
"The 1990 Wailea beachfront flagship, the working US family standard against which every other US resort is measured."
9.7Room & Design
9.9Service
9.8Location
Why this rank, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea opened in 1990 on Wailea Beach on Maui's south coast. 380 rooms and suites across a low-rise property; the connecting-suite floor plans are configured for two adults plus two children with two bathrooms. Forbes Five-Star recognition has been continuous since 2007. The Kids for All Seasons programme runs year-round at no additional charge with age-banded programming from infant care through teen surf and snorkel clubs. The Serenity Pool is adults-only. Spago Maui by Wolfgang Puck and Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante anchor the dining. The Maui Suite at 1,930 sq ft is the property's flagship. The Wailea beach is calm enough for young swimmers and the property's Pacific position produces consistent sunsets. Best for the multigenerational US family stay where the resort is the destination rather than a base.
Best room: Maui Suite, 1,930 sq ft, ocean view, connecting
#2 in Hawaii
Ko Olina, Oahu · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 1,300/night
"The Ko Olina west-Oahu Four Seasons, four lagoons, the working Oahu family alternative to Waikiki."
9.6Room & Design
9.8Service
9.6Location
Why this rank, Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina opened in 2016 on Oahu's west coast on a 642-acre resort campus that includes the four protected Ko Olina lagoons (man-made, family-graded swimming). 371 rooms and suites across two towers; the connecting Club Level rooms and the Presidential Suite are the family floor plans. The four Ko Olina lagoons in front of the property are calm enough for toddler-age swimmers and ringed by protected sand. Kids for All Seasons runs year-round with Hawaiian cultural programming. The teen programme adds surf instruction at the property's protected break. The Naupaka Spa and Mina's Fish House anchor the parental amenities. The Honolulu airport drive is twenty-five minutes (no inter-island flight required from US west coast). Best for the multigenerational Oahu family stay outside the Waikiki tower-hotel cluster.
Best room: Presidential Suite, ocean view, two bedrooms
#3 in Hawaii
Kapalua, Maui · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 900/night
"The Kapalua headland Ritz-Carlton, the working West Maui family flagship since 1992."
9.5Room & Design
9.7Service
9.6Location
Why this rank, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua opened in 1992 on the Kapalua headland on Maui's northwest coast, on a 50-acre site adjacent to the Honolua Bay marine preserve and the D.T. Fleming Beach. 463 rooms and suites; the connecting Club Level rooms and the two-bedroom Residential Suites are the family floor plans. The Ritz Kids programme runs year-round with Hawaiian cultural classes, beach play, snorkel instruction at the protected DT Fleming break, and the Jean-Michel Cousteau ambassadors-of-the-environment partnership. The teen programme adds surf instruction at Honolua and Kapalua's championship golf courses. The Banyan Tree restaurant and the Burger Shack anchor the dining. The Kapalua position is at the quieter, greener northwest tip of Maui. Best for the multigenerational West Maui stay outside the busier Wailea-Kihei strip.
Best room: Two-Bedroom Residential Suite, ocean view
#4 in Hawaii
Wailea, Maui · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 900/night
"The 2013 Andaz Wailea, the working Hyatt-luxury Wailea anchor."
9.5Room & Design
9.6Service
9.8Location
Why this rank, Andaz Maui at Wailea opened in 2013 on Mokapu Beach in Wailea, the working Hyatt-luxury Wailea property (the Andaz brand is Hyatt's design-led luxury tier). 290 rooms and suites and 19 villas; the Mokapu Beach Villa with private pool, the One-Bedroom Suite with ocean view, and the multi-bedroom Family Villa are the property's signature accommodations. The Morimoto Maui restaurant by Masaharu Morimoto anchors the dining; Ka'ana Kitchen runs the all-day breakfast and dinner programme; the Bumbye Beach Bar handles the cocktail register. The Awili Spa and Salon runs the wellness programme with the working Hawaiian-tradition lomi-lomi massage. The Wailea position alongside Four Seasons Maui and Grand Wailea makes Andaz the working contemporary design-led Wailea property at a different price tier from Four Seasons. The World of Hyatt points-earning suits the Hyatt-aligned traveller. Best for the Wailea stay at the working contemporary Hyatt-luxury tier.
Best room: Mokapu Beach Villa, private pool, ocean view
#5 in Hawaii
Wailea, Maui · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 800/night
"The 1991 Grand Wailea Waldorf Astoria, nine pools and a 2,000-foot waterslide, the working family-resort Wailea anchor."
9.4Room & Design
9.5Service
9.7Location
Why this rank, Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort opened in 1991 on Wailea Beach as the working family-resort Wailea anchor; Hilton's Waldorf Astoria brand took over operations in 2014. 776 rooms and suites; the Royal Suite, the Mauna Loa Suite, and the multi-bedroom Family Suite are the property's signature accommodations. The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool (the property's nine-pool complex with the 2,000-foot waterslide system) is the working family-resort signature; the Spa Grande across 50,000 sqft is one of the largest hotel spas in Hawaii. Humuhumunukunukuapua'a (the property's signature seafood restaurant in the lagoon) and Bistro Molokini anchor the dining. The Hilton Honors points-earning at the Waldorf Astoria tier suits the Hilton-aligned traveller. The Wailea position alongside Four Seasons and Andaz produces the working Wailea-luxury cluster. Best for the Wailea family-resort stay at the working Waldorf Astoria tier with Hilton Honors points-earning.
Best room: Royal Suite, ocean view
#6 in Hawaii
Wailea, Maui · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 700/night
"The 1991 Fairmont Kea Lani Wailea, all-suite-and-villa product, the working family suite-tier Wailea anchor."
9.4Room & Design
9.5Service
9.7Location
Why this rank, Fairmont Kea Lani opened in 1991 on Polo Beach in Wailea, the working all-suite-and-villa Wailea property (every accommodation at Kea Lani is a one-bedroom suite or larger). 413 suites and 37 oceanfront villas; the Royal Suite at 4,200 sqft, the Ocean View Villa, and the multi-bedroom Family Villa are the property's signature accommodations. The Kea Lani Restaurant runs the dinner anchor; Polo Beach Grille handles the casual programme; the Pono Pool Grill runs the daytime. The Willow Stream Spa across the property runs the wellness programme. The 2023 multi-year renovation refreshed the suite product across the property. The Accor ALL points-earning at the Fairmont tier suits the Accor-aligned traveller. The Wailea position alongside Four Seasons, Andaz and Grand Wailea produces the working Wailea-luxury cluster. Best for the Wailea family stay at the working all-suite tier.
Best room: Royal Suite, 4,200 sqft, two bedrooms
#7 in Hawaii
Kapalua, Maui · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 1,000/night
"The 2014 Montage Kapalua, all-residential product, the working all-multi-bedroom Maui anchor."
9.5Room & Design
9.6Service
9.7Location
Why this rank, Montage Kapalua Bay opened in 2014 on Kapalua Bay on Maui's northwest coast, the working all-residential Kapalua property (every Montage Kapalua accommodation is a multi-bedroom residence, no standard hotel rooms). 50 residences across the property; the two-bedroom Residence with ocean view, the three-bedroom Residence with full kitchen, and the four-bedroom Penthouse Residence are the property's signature accommodations. Cane & Canoe restaurant runs the dinner anchor; the Kai Pool Lounge handles the daytime. The Spa Montage Kapalua Bay runs the wellness programme. The Kapalua Bay position is alongside the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on the northwest tip of Maui. The all-multi-bedroom residence product is the structural difference from the conventional hotel-room Maui properties: every Montage accommodation suits multigenerational family stays at the working two-to-four-bedroom tier. Best for the multigenerational Kapalua stay at the working all-residential tier.
Best room: Four-Bedroom Penthouse Residence, ocean view
#8 in Hawaii
Waikiki, Oahu · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 700/night
"The 1907 Halekulani Waikiki, the working heritage Waikiki ultra-luxury anchor."
9.6Room & Design
9.8Service
9.8Location
Why this rank, Halekulani Hotel opened in 1907 on Waikiki Beach (Halekulani means house befitting heaven in Hawaiian), the working heritage Waikiki luxury property. The Mitsui Fudosan-owned property reopened in 2019 after a multi-year complete renovation. 453 rooms and suites; the Halekulani Suite at 2,135 sqft, the Royal Suite, and the multi-bedroom Vera Wang Suite (Vera Wang designed the suite) are the property's signature accommodations. La Mer restaurant (the property's signature Mediterranean-Polynesian fusion restaurant, the only AAA Five Diamond Hawaiian hotel restaurant) anchors the dining; Orchids runs the all-day breakfast and dinner programme; the House Without a Key Cocktail Lounge handles the cocktail register with the working Waikiki sunset programme. The Halekulani Spa across the property runs the wellness programme. The Waikiki Beach position is alongside the Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider in the working Waikiki-heritage cluster. Best for the working heritage Waikiki ultra-luxury stay.
Best room: Halekulani Suite, 2,135 sqft
#9 in Hawaii
Waikiki, Oahu · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 500/night
"The 1927 Royal Hawaiian Pink Palace, the working heritage Waikiki Marriott Luxury Collection anchor."
9.4Room & Design
9.5Service
9.8Location
Why this rank, Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort opened in 1927 on Waikiki Beach (nicknamed The Pink Palace of the Pacific), the working second-oldest Waikiki hotel. Marriott's Luxury Collection brand has operated the property since the 2008 brand acquisition. 528 rooms and suites; the Royal Historic Suite, the Mailani Tower Suite, and the multi-bedroom Family Suite are the property's signature accommodations. The Surf Lanai (the property's signature all-day venue overlooking Waikiki Beach), the Mai Tai Bar (the cocktail anchor where the Mai Tai cocktail was popularised), and the Azure Restaurant anchor the dining. The 1927 Spanish-Moorish architecture combined with the pink-painted exterior produces the working heritage Waikiki visual signature. The Marriott Bonvoy points-earning at the Luxury Collection tier suits the Bonvoy-aligned traveller. The Waikiki Beach position is alongside Halekulani in the working Waikiki-heritage cluster. Best for the working heritage Waikiki stay at the Pink Palace.
Best room: Royal Historic Suite, ocean view
#10 in Hawaii
Ko Olina, Oahu · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 600/night
"The 2011 Disney Ko Olina resort, the working Disney-aligned Hawaiian family-resort anchor."
9.4Room & Design
9.6Service
9.6Location
Why this rank, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa opened in 2011 on Oahu's west coast at Ko Olina, the working Disney-aligned Hawaiian family-resort property and Disney's only Hawaiian property. 359 rooms and suites and 460 villas across the property. The Royal Suite at 1,800 sqft, the One-Bedroom Villa with full kitchen, and the multi-bedroom Grand Villa are the property's signature accommodations. The Aulani character programming (Mickey, Stitch, Moana and other Disney characters appear at the property) integrates with the Hawaiian-tradition cultural programming (the Aunty's Beach House kids' club runs Hawaiian craft, lei-making, hula classes). The dining programme includes Makahiki (the all-day Disney-character buffet), 'AMA'AMA (the working Hawaiian-tradition dinner anchor on the beach), and the Off the Hook poolside bar. The Laniwai Spa runs the wellness programme. The Ko Olina position is alongside Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina in the working Ko Olina cluster. Best for the Disney-aligned multigenerational Hawaiian family stay.
Best room: Grand Villa, three bedrooms, ocean view
#11 in Hawaii
Kahala, Oahu · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 600/night
"The 1964 Kahala property east of Waikiki, the working quieter Oahu Waikiki-adjacent alternative."
9.4Room & Design
9.6Service
9.6Location
Why this rank, The Kahala Hotel & Resort opened in 1964 on the Kahala coast east of Waikiki (the working quieter Oahu Waikiki-adjacent position). 338 rooms and suites and 32 multi-bedroom suites; the Royal Suite at 6,300 sqft, the Imperial Suite, and the multi-bedroom Presidential Suite are the property's signature accommodations. The Kahala has hosted state visits (eight US presidents from Carter through Obama have stayed, along with the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, and Queen Elizabeth II). The Hoku's restaurant runs the dinner anchor; Plumeria Beach House handles the casual programme; the Veranda Lounge runs the cocktail register. The Kahala Spa runs the wellness programme. The property's lagoon with the resident dolphins (the Dolphin Quest programme) is the working family-amenity signature. The Kahala position is twenty minutes east of Waikiki, the working quieter Oahu alternative to the Waikiki tower-hotel cluster. Best for the quieter Oahu Waikiki-adjacent stay at the Kahala heritage tier.
Best room: Royal Suite, 6,300 sqft
#12 in Hawaii
Waikiki, Oahu · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 450/night
"The 1901 First Lady of Waikiki, the working oldest Waikiki hotel, Marriott Westin operations."
9.3Room & Design
9.4Service
9.8Location
Why this rank, Moana Surfrider opened in 1901 on Waikiki Beach (the First Lady of Waikiki), the working oldest hotel in Waikiki. Marriott's Westin brand has operated the property since the 1998 acquisition. 791 rooms and suites; the Royal Banyan Suite, the Diamond Suite, and the multi-bedroom Tower Suite are the property's signature accommodations. The Beach Bar (the property's beachfront bar under the iconic banyan tree planted in 1904) is the working Waikiki-heritage cocktail anchor; The Veranda runs the afternoon-tea programme on the Beachfront Veranda; the Vintage Cave handles the formal dinner programme. The Heavenly Spa by Westin runs the wellness programme. The 1901 Beaux-Arts architecture combined with the 1904 banyan tree produces the working oldest Waikiki visual signature. The Marriott Bonvoy points-earning at the Westin tier suits the Bonvoy-aligned traveller. The Waikiki Beach position is alongside Halekulani and Royal Hawaiian in the working Waikiki-heritage cluster. Best for the working oldest Waikiki heritage stay.
Best room: Royal Banyan Suite, ocean view
#13 in Hawaii
Wailea, Maui · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 700/night
"The Wailea adults-only Relais & Chateaux property, the working adults-only Maui anchor."
9.5Room & Design
9.7Service
9.6Location
Why this rank, Hotel Wailea opened in 1985 on the Wailea coast on Maui's south side, the working adults-only Maui Relais & Chateaux property (the only adults-only luxury property in Wailea). The 2017 multi-year renovation refreshed the property across the all-suite product. 72 suites only across the 15-acre property; the Royal Lanai Suite with private terrace, the One-Bedroom Suite with ocean view, and the multi-bedroom Family Suite are the property's signature accommodations. The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea (the property's signature Hawaiian-tradition fine-dining restaurant under chef Zach Sato) runs the dinner anchor; the Lounge handles the cocktail programme. The Spa at Hotel Wailea runs the wellness programme. The adults-only positioning combined with the Relais & Chateaux brand standard produces the working adults-only Maui luxury stay. The 15-acre property scale combined with the 72-suite count produces the most-intimate Wailea property. Best for the working adults-only Maui Wailea Relais & Chateaux stay.
Best room: Royal Lanai Suite, private terrace, ocean view
#14 in Hawaii
Waikiki, Oahu · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 400/night
"The 2019 Halekulani sister property, the working contemporary Halekulani-branded Waikiki anchor."
9.3Room & Design
9.6Service
9.7Location
Why this rank, Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani opened in 2019 on Beach Walk in Waikiki, the working contemporary Halekulani-branded Waikiki property (Halepuna means house with a clear spring of fresh water, the contemporary sister to the 1907 Halekulani). 288 rooms and suites; the Halepuna Suite at 800 sqft, the Pacific Suite, and the multi-bedroom Family Suite are the property's signature accommodations. The dining roster includes the Cafe Yoku (the contemporary all-day venue) and the working room service from the adjacent Halekulani. The Vita Salon and Spa runs the wellness programme. The 2019 opening combined with the Halekulani service-tier alignment produces the working contemporary Halekulani-branded Waikiki property at a lower entry rate than the heritage Halekulani. The Beach Walk position is one block from Waikiki Beach (no direct beach access, the structural compromise compared to the beachfront properties). Best for the Halekulani-branded Waikiki stay at the working contemporary entry-level tier.
Best room: Halepuna Suite, 800 sqft
#15 in Hawaii
Kaanapali, Maui · Four-Star . **** · from USD 500/night
"The Kaanapali Beach Hyatt Regency, the working West Maui Hyatt family-resort anchor."
9.2Room & Design
9.3Service
9.7Location
Why this rank, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa opened in 1980 on Kaanapali Beach on Maui's northwest coast, the working family-resort Kaanapali property. 806 rooms and suites; the Regency Suite, the Hyatt Suite, and the multi-bedroom Family Suite are the property's signature accommodations. The 9-acre pool deck with the working three-pool complex, the 130-foot waterslide, and the swim-through Grotto Bar is the property's working family-resort signature. The Drums of the Pacific Luau (the property's signature luau programme) is one of Maui's most-photographed cultural shows. The Spa Helani runs the wellness programme. The Kaanapali position is alongside the Westin Maui, Sheraton Maui and Ritz-Carlton Kapalua in the working West Maui resort corridor. The World of Hyatt points-earning at the Hyatt Regency tier suits the Hyatt-aligned traveller. Best for the Kaanapali family-resort Maui stay at the working Hyatt tier.
Best room: Regency Suite, ocean view
#16 in Hawaii
Kaanapali, Maui · Four-Star . **** · from USD 450/night
"The Kaanapali Westin Maui, the working West Maui Marriott family-resort anchor."
9.2Room & Design
9.3Service
9.7Location
Why this rank, Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali opened in 1971 on Kaanapali Beach (rebranded as Westin in the 1980s, refreshed via 2017 renovation), the working family-resort Kaanapali alternative to the Hyatt Regency. 759 rooms and suites; the Hokupa'a Tower Royal Suite, the Westin Suite, and the multi-bedroom Family Suite are the property's signature accommodations. The five-pool Aquatic Playground with the working family-resort lazy river and the 128-foot waterslide is the property's working family-resort signature. The Heavenly Spa by Westin runs the wellness programme. The 2017 renovation refreshed the Hokupa'a Tower as the property's all-Royal-Hawaiian-suite product. The Marriott Bonvoy points-earning at the Westin tier suits the Bonvoy-aligned traveller. The Kaanapali position alongside the Hyatt Regency and Sheraton Maui produces the working Kaanapali resort cluster. Best for the Kaanapali family-resort Maui stay at the working Westin tier.
Best room: Hokupa'a Tower Royal Suite
#17 in Hawaii
Hana, East Maui · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 700/night
"The remote East Maui Hana Resort, the working remote-Hawaii Hyatt-aligned anchor."
9.4Room & Design
9.5Service
9.4Location
Why this rank, Hana-Maui Resort opened in 1946 on the East Maui coast in Hana town (the Hana-Maui Resort is the working remote-Maui property at the end of the famous Road to Hana). The current Hyatt-aligned ownership took over in 2018 after the property's previous operating cycles. 75 rooms and suites; the Sea Ranch Cottage, the Ocean Bungalow, and the multi-bedroom Family Suite are the property's signature accommodations. The Hana Ranch Restaurant runs the dinner anchor; the Hana Ranch Bar handles the cocktail programme. The Honua Spa runs the wellness programme. The Hana position is a three-hour drive from Kahului airport along the famous Road to Hana; the remote position produces a different Maui register from the busier Wailea, Kapalua and Kaanapali resorts: more remote, more contemplative, more rainforest-and-waterfall aligned. The structural difference is the East Maui rainforest setting rather than the dry South or West Maui beach setting. Best for the remote East Maui rainforest stay at the working Hana-Maui Resort.
Best room: Sea Ranch Cottage, ocean view
#18 in Hawaii
Waikiki, Oahu · Five-Star . ***** · from USD 600/night
"The 2016 Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki, the working all-residential contemporary Waikiki anchor."
9.4Room & Design
9.5Service
9.7Location
Why this rank, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach opened in 2016 on Helumoa Road in Waikiki, the working all-residential contemporary Waikiki Marriott Ritz-Carlton property. 304 residences across two towers; the Ritz-Carlton Suite, the One-Bedroom Residence with full kitchen, and the multi-bedroom Penthouse Residence are the property's signature accommodations. The dining programme includes BLT Market (the working all-day venue) and Sushi Sho (the working sushi anchor). The Ritz-Carlton Spa runs the wellness programme. The all-residential product is the structural difference from the heritage Waikiki hotels (Halekulani, Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider): every Ritz-Carlton Residences accommodation is a multi-bedroom apartment with full kitchen, which suits the multigenerational and longer-stay Waikiki visit. The Marriott Bonvoy points-earning at the Ritz-Carlton tier suits the Bonvoy-aligned traveller. Best for the all-residential contemporary Waikiki stay at the working Ritz-Carlton tier.
Best room: Penthouse Residence, three bedrooms
#19 in Hawaii
Wailea, Maui · Four-Star . **** · from USD 600/night
"The Wailea Beach Resort Marriott, the working Wailea Marriott family-resort anchor."
9.2Room & Design
9.3Service
9.7Location
Why this rank, Wailea Beach Resort, A Marriott Resort opened in 1976 on Wailea Beach (rebranded as Marriott in 1991, refreshed via 2014 renovation), the working family-resort Wailea Marriott property. 547 rooms and suites; the Royal Suite, the Marriott Suite, and the multi-bedroom Family Suite are the property's signature accommodations. The 11,000 sqft pool deck with the working family-resort water-park-style programming, the lava-tube slide, and the Mandara Spa across the property runs the family-resort and wellness anchors. The dining roster includes Humble Market Kitchin (the working all-day venue by Roy Yamaguchi) and Whaler's Igloo. The 2014 renovation refreshed the room and suite product across the property. The Marriott Bonvoy points-earning at the Marriott Resort tier suits the Bonvoy-aligned traveller. The Wailea position alongside Four Seasons, Andaz, Grand Wailea, Fairmont Kea Lani, and Hotel Wailea produces the working Wailea family-resort cluster. Best for the Wailea family-resort stay at the working Marriott tier.
Best room: Royal Suite, ocean view
#20 in Hawaii
Kaanapali, Maui · Four-Star . **** · from USD 450/night
"The Kaanapali Sheraton Maui, Black Rock cliff diving, the working West Maui Marriott anchor."
9.2Room & Design
9.2Service
9.7Location
Why this rank, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa opened in 1963 on Kaanapali Beach at the working Black Rock cliff (the property's signature cliff-diving ceremony runs at sunset, the working West Maui sunset programme). The Marriott Sheraton brand has operated the property since the 1998 brand acquisition. 508 rooms and suites; the Royal Suite, the Sheraton Suite, and the multi-bedroom Family Suite are the property's signature accommodations. The 142-foot waterslide at the working family-resort pool deck and the property's Black Rock cliff-diving ceremony are the property's working family-resort signatures. The Spa at Black Rock runs the wellness programme. The Kaanapali Beach position alongside the Hyatt Regency and Westin Maui produces the working Kaanapali resort cluster; the Black Rock cliff position is the structural difference from the other Kaanapali properties. The Marriott Bonvoy points-earning at the Sheraton tier suits the Bonvoy-aligned traveller. Best for the Kaanapali family-resort stay at the working Black Rock position.
Best room: Royal Suite, ocean view
