The best places to stay in Hawaii
By Kristie Kellahan
Fantastic beaches, fiery volcanoes, hula dancers and a warm aloha welcome are just some of the reasons to love Hawaii and its fascinating mix of Polynesian, Asian and American culture. Most visitors stay close to the action in Waikiki resorts, while some venture to Oahu’s quieter North Shore or neighbouring islands of Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Accommodation includes luxury resorts, beach bungalows, historic hotels and self-catered suites. Bear in mind that taxes, tips and resort fees will add to your budget’s bottom line.
Halekulani
Perfect for: Premium luxury, faultless service and VIP treatment.
For more than a hundred years, guests have been welcomed to this tranquil oceanfront oasis where extraordinary service meets jaw-dropping ocean views. After an extensive renovation, the grand dame has a new sparkle, from the scene-y outdoor heated pool to locally sourced treats at the bakery. In August 2024, the award-winning SpaHalekulani reopened, featuring wellness advisers, three new suite-style treatment rooms and an extraordinarily comfortable, gravity-defying pedicure chair. Don’t miss sunset cocktails at the outdoor bar House Without A Key, where dancers perform the hula to the melodies of live ukulele music. For lunch or dinner, reserve a table at Orchids, where the signature chiffon coconut cake tastes as good as it looks.
Halekulani’s “For You, Everything” program offers complimentary surf lessons, wellness workshops and access to some of the island’s best arts and cultural museums, including Bishop Museum, ’Iolani Palace and Shangri La, all with the bonus of no resort fee.
From $995 ($US650) plus taxes a night. 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu. Phone: +1 844 873 9424. See halekulani.com
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
Perfect for: Longer stays, family travel, culture curiosity.
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort looks better than ever after an $US85 million ($129 million) overhaul. Now with fresh new accommodation options, there’s a new spa and fitness centre, as well as a revamped club lounge for breakfast and happy hour refreshments. Rooms and suites have been tastefully redecorated, featuring art and photography dedicated to local icons, culture and customs.
A daily program of Hawaiian activities includes lei-making, hula-dancing and ukulele lessons at the A’o Cultural Center. A complimentary vow renewal ceremony is offered on the beach in front of the hotel at sunrise every Friday.
For dining, Monkeypod Kitchen by chef Peter Merriman serves up island-style cuisine and brews at the water’s edge. The happy hour menu is popular. Or simply sit back with a cold tropical drink and enjoy live Hawaiian music nightly at the poolside Kani Ka Pila Grille.
From $664 ($US434) plus taxes a night. 2169 Kalia Road, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 923 3111. See outriggerreef.com
The Royal Hawaiian
Perfect for: Historic Hawaii-ana, luxury luau celebrations, dazzling ocean views.
Since 1927, the Pink Palace of the Pacific has held court in the heart of Waikiki Beach. A grand hotel by any standard, the Royal Hawaiian is a favourite of celebrities, heads of state and sophisticated holidaymakers. Lavish suites weave together modern comforts, pops of pink Polynesian decor and prime ocean views.
On Monday and Thursday evenings, a traditional outdoor luau feast is held at sunset on the beachfront lawn. The show pays homage to Hawaiian royalty with spectacular fire dancing and elegant hula moves, while the menu features island flavours. Every day of the week, drinks and snacks are served at the toes-in-the-sand Mai Tai Bar.
From $697 ($US459) a night. 2259 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 923 7311. See royal-hawaiian.com
Moana Surfrider
Perfect for: Prime Waikiki location, families, couples, vintage vibes.
Affectionately known as the First Lady of Waikiki, the Moana Surfrider first opened its doors in 1901. Now beautifully restored and updated, the luxury property — a member of Historic Hotels of America since 1989 — has sat regally on the beachfront promenade for more than 120 years. Most rooms and suites are ocean-facing, with Diamond Head views to the left and vibrant sunsets to the right.
With elegant period detail, the white exterior of the hotel stands out among the shops and restaurants on busy Kalakaua Avenue. From Wednesday to Sunday, nightly live entertainment in the lobby is a laid-back invitation to dance and leave your inhibitions behind. Call dibs on one of the verandah’s rocking chairs, sit back and enjoy the timeless pleasure of people-watching.
From $530 ($US349) a night. 2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 922 3111. See marriott.com
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Perfect for: Families with kids of all ages, Elvis fans, fly ‘n’ flop.
Set on a sheltered swimming beach and kid-friendly lagoon, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort’s sprawling grounds offer six pools, multiple waterslides, a lavish spa, dozens of shops and 18 quality restaurants and bars. There’s no need to leave the village at all, with day-to-night dining options that include a New York-style deli, beachfront grill, teppanyaki and a Dairy Queen to satisfy ice cream and hot dog cravings.
Elvis loved the Hilton, staying for the first time in 1957 and then on six subsequent visits. To retrace the King’s steps, stay in the Rainbow Tower. Many scenes from his hit movie, Blue Hawaii, were filmed on the hotel grounds (the Blue Hawaii cocktail is still on the menu at the Tapa Bar). Don’t miss the Hilton’s regular Friday night fireworks, filling the night sky with glorious colour at 8pm.
From $419 ($US276) a night. 2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 949 4321. See hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
The Renaissance Honolulu Hotel and Spa
Perfect for: Spa stays, ocean views, prime shopping and dining access
Honolulu’s first new-build hotel in two decades, The Ren, as it’s affectionately known, opened at the end of February 2024, just outside of Waikiki. Close to Ala Moana Shopping Center and the Ala Moana dining precinct, the 39-story luxury hotel is the first location on Oahu for the Renaissance brand.
Rooms and suites are beautifully appointed, with ocean views and breezes. The Mediterranean restaurant, Mara, is as popular with locals as it is with hotel guests. Wellness amenities are a key focus; there’s a full-service spa and yoga studio, a 25-metre lap pool, two hot tubs and a saltwater swimming pool.
The hotel is a nine-minute drive from Waikiki Beach and oceanfront restaurants. A free shuttle transfer in both directions is available, though you probably won’t want to leave the hotel.
From $504 ($US332) a night. 1390 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 921 6155. See marriott.com
Romer House Waikiki
Perfect for: Adults-only, central location, affordably cool
Embrace adulting at Romer House Waikiki, Oahu’s sole adults-only hotel. The cool Waikiki hideaway opened in June 2024 on Nahua Street, a minute’s walk to International Market Place and a couple of blocks back from the beach.
The value exceeds the bargain room rates at the 179-room modern hotel, styled with distinctive mid-century interior design and conceptualised to bring the artistic community and contemporary culture of the city to the guests.
Admire the curated local art collection and enjoy a “key to the neighbourhood” that unlocks special perks around the island. The hotel’s new restaurant and bar, IZAKAYA 855-ALOHA, combine Japanese traditions and Hawaiian flavours in dishes including poke, karaage chicken and short rib.
On the second floor, morning yoga and Pilates classes lead into lazy days at the Backyard Pool and Bar. The heated wading pool and comfy daybeds are splash-free zones for grown-ups. There’s not a chicken nugget in sight on the bar menu of Japanese-Hawaiian snacks, salads, burgers and cocktails.
From $296 ($US195) a night. 415 Nahua Street, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 922 1616. See romerhotels.com
The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay
Perfect for: North Shore location, eco-luxe, golfing and surfing
For a different Oahu experience, head up to the North Shore, legendary for surf breaks, shrimp trucks and Hawaii’s best shave ice.
The finest hotel on the North Shore is The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay, formerly Turtle Bay Resort. Built on a small peninsula, about a 50-minute drive from Honolulu, the luxury hotel provides an ocean view from every room.
Undeniably a romantic destination, it’s not exclusively for couples. There are good accommodation options for family and friend groups: Ocean Villas comprise larger two-bedroom to four-bedroom units, 42 bungalows offer privacy, and 410 hotel suites have recently been spruced up.
Enjoy the great outdoors, with horseback riding, oceanfront hiking trails, tennis, pickleball, resort pools (including an adults-only and one for kids) and on-site working farm tours. Guests have access to two 18-hole championship golf courses, one of them designed by Arnold Palmer.
From $1364 ($US899) a night. 57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku. Phone: +1 808 293 6000. See ritzcarlton.com
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
Perfect for: Spacious suites, Maui glamour, cultural connection
Hawaii’s only all-suite and villa luxury resort, Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui’s exclusive Wailea neighbourhood is more appealing than ever after a major renovation. The first impression of the grand open-air lobby’s waterfalls and lush gardens is a big wow.
Built in 1991, the nine-hectare tropical retreat is prized for the most spacious suites on Maui, a private beach, spectacular ocean views and activities that bring the spirit of aloha to life.
Three swimming pools hold dive-in appeal for big and little kids. There’s also a comprehensive watersports program. A visit to the award-winning spa is dreamy, if pricey.
Take a class in hula or lei-making at Hale Kukuna cultural centre, sip a cocktail made with local ingredients or wander around the native Hawaiian garden. An outrigger canoe excursion was designed to educate visitors about the importance of canoes to the sea-faring Hawaiian people.
Island-inspired cuisine at Ko, the flagship restaurant, is excellent. Don’t miss the lavender honey crispy shrimp, fresh ahi tuna cooked at the table, and lobster tempura that melts in the mouth.
From $1137 ($US749) a night. 4100 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei. Phone: +1 808 875 4100. See fairmont.com
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Perfect for: The best pool on Kauai, eco-luxury, bragging rights
One of the most talked-about hotel openings in Hawaii in recent memory, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay opened its eco-luxe doors on Kauai in 2023, taking over the location of the former St Regis Princeville.
Nature inspires every aspect of the resort’s US$300 million ($455 million) transformation. The 252 rooms, including 51 suites, feature reclaimed teak and local basalt to complement the earthy aesthetic.
Sustainable features don’t go unnoted; there’s an edible rooftop garden, food is sourced locally, and there are multiple initiatives to cut single-use plastic. Guided hikes head for the hills, while the North Shore location puts surfing, snorkelling and kayaking within easy reach.
Social media users flock to the spectacular pool for the sort of photo bragging rights some feel are due to those who pay a four-figure nightly room rate.
From $1820 ($US1200) a night. 5520 Ka Haku Road, Princeville. Phone: +1 808 826 9644. See 1hotels.com
Kauai Shores Hotel
Perfect for: Mid-range budgets, retro style, laidback beach break.
Known as The Garden Island, Kauai’s lush jungle interior and rugged Na Pali Coastline covers some of the most dramatic scenery in the state of Hawaii, featured in blockbusters including Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
While the island is cheekily referred to as the destination for newlyweds and nearly-deads, interest in laid-back Kauai has reached new heights over the past few years.
Enjoy the simple life at Kauai Shores Hotel, an oceanfront boutique hotel with two pools, morning yoga and an unpretentious ambience on Kauai’s secluded Royal Coconut Coast. Bright and colourful retro-styled rooms will appeal to budget-conscious travellers. On-site Lava Lava Beach Club serves delicious seafood dishes and cold beer beachside.
From $349 ($US229) a night. 420 Papaloa Road, Kapaa, Kauai. Phone: +1 808 822 4951. See kauaishoreshotel.com
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Perfect for: Architecture buffs, families, the great outdoors
Developed by Laurance S. Rockefeller in the ’60s as the Big Island’s first beach resort, Mauna Kea is a timeless classic, as attractive today as it was more than a half-century ago. With 252 elegant guestrooms and suites, accommodation overlooks the resort’s golf course and sparkling Kohala Coast shoreline.
The art collection is impressive – join a guided tour for a deeper appreciation of the Oceanic and Pacific Rim artifacts – though many visitors are more interested in the natural wonders within easy reach. Hit the biking, hiking and jogging trails, snorkel the pristine waters or take a ranger-led daytrip to the lava-oozing Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
From $1363 ($US899) a night. 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kamuela, Big Island. Phone: +1 808 882 7222. See maunakearesort.com
For hot Hawaii holiday deals, visit myhawaii.com.au
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