Where to Stay

12 Favorite Boutique Hotels in Hawaii

Admittedly, the most challenging part of planning a trip to Hawaii is picking the perfect place to stay. Hawaii pretty much has it all…mega beach resorts, Airbnbs, super swanky luxury resorts, tree houses, campgrounds, etc. But one of my favorite types of places to stay is in a boutique hotel. Depending on which one you’ll choose, you’ll still get all of the amenities of a larger hotel or resort, but with a bit more personality.

So if you’re looking for accommodations with character and a bit of local charm, here are 12 amazing boutique hotels in Hawaii…

Maui

Hotel Wailea: This “adults only” hotel is situated in Wailea up on the slopes of Haleakala. It has great sweeping views, but it’s not beachfront. While there is a luxury shuttle service to take you down to the beach, you may not want to leave the quiet and luxurious pool area. This place has great amenities (including restaurants) and feels quite removed despite being to close to all of the other shops, restaurants, and resorts in Wailea. Pricing starts at $320/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Paia Inn: Paia is Maui’s perfect little “hippy” town on the north shore. It’s got a great surf culture, a ton of boutique shopping, amazing restaurants and beautiful white sand beaches. This little inn is right in the middle of the town so you can walk everywhere (including the beach). Pricing starts at $225/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Andaz: This boutique property (by Hyatt) is actually one of the best (and trendiest) beach resorts in Maui, but its concept is very young and hip. The resort is very luxe and the pools and restaurants here are top notch. If beach and pool time are at the top of your must do list, you’ll love the Andaz. Pricing starts at $450/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Travaasa Hana: If you really want to get off the gird and truly escape for a while, you’ll definitely want to check into the Travaasa in Hana. Located on the secluded Hana side of the island, the rooms here don’t have clocks or televisions, leaving you focused on connecting with each other and Hawaii. Pricing starts at $350/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Oahu

The Modern Honolulu: This is probably the trendiest place to stay in Waikiki/Honolulu right now. Located on the edge of Waikiki (near the harbor), this resort is, as its name suggests, very modern. It’s low key luxurious and a bit fresher than a lot of what you’ll find on the main Waikiki strip. Pricing starts at $215/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

The Surfjack: The Surfjack is an Instagramer’s dream. Every space in this small boutique hotel is styled to perfection. It’s not beachfront, but it’s also one of the best bargains in Waikiki. If you’re trip is all about getting out and exploring the island, this is a great home base. Pricing starts at $165/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

The Royal Hawaiian: The “pink palace of the Pacific” is the most iconic hotel on Waikiki. It’s been featured in movies since the 1960s and while it’s all kinds of vintage glamorous, it’s also high on modern luxuries. It’s right in the heart of Waikiki so if you want to see and do it all while staying at some of the coolest digs in Waikiki, this is your spot. Pricing starts at $299/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Moana Surfrider: Opened in 1901, the Moana Surfrider was the first hotel built in Waikiki. It’s historic and quite regal but still relaxed with all of the modern conveniences you could want. There’s nothing quite like sipping a drink on the porch here while gazing out towards Diamond Head. Pricing starts at $250/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Best Big Island Honeymoon Resorts

Hawaii is one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world and for good reason…it’s tropical, it has all of the amenities and activities you could want, and it’s relatively easy to get to for being on the other side of the world.

Before I let you in on my favorite Big Island honeymoon resorts, here’s my biggest tip for planning the best honeymoon…pick the right time of year to go. Hawaii is an extremely family friendly vacation destination so when kids are out of school, expect even the swankiest resorts to have a pool full of kids. While a lot of places have adults only pools, kids are always around everywhere else you go, so if you’re looking for a quieter time to go, pick spring or fall (or at least avoid the summer and winter holidays). I’m not telling you this to make you think Hawaii isn’t the perfect honeymoon destination (it is), but many people mistakenly believe that by staying at a super expensive beach resort they’ll limit the kids (noise) around, but that’s not necessarily the case. When you go has more to do with it than where you stay.

That being said, here are 5 amazing Big Island honeymoon resorts…

Four Seasons Hualalai: Four Seasons Hualalai is the most extravagantly luxurious resort in Hawaii hands down (even more so than the other Four Seasons resorts) and it’s practically made for honeymooners. The resort pretty much only has king size beds and the amenities are so vast and wonderful that you’ll never want to leave! Pricing starts at $749/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Fairmont Orchid: Another five star resort, the Fairmont is a totally dreamy place to spend your honeymoon. Set on a gorgeous white sand beach, the pools, spa, and restaurants at the Fairmont are top notch. Pricing starts at $270/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: If you’re looking for a trendy spot with vintage Hawaiian vibes to spend your honeymoon, you’ll love the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. It’s located on one of the best beaches on the Big Island. Pricing starts at $385/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

5 Best Oahu Honeymoon Resorts

Before I let you in on my favorite Oahu honeymoon resorts, here’s my biggest tip for planning the best honeymoon…pick the right time of year to go. Hawaii is an extremely family friendly vacation destination so when kids are out of school, expect even the swankiest resorts to have a pool full of kids. While a lot of places have adults only pools, kids are always around everywhere else you go, so if you’re looking for a quieter time to go, pick spring or fall (or at least avoid the summer and winter holidays). I’m not telling you this to make you think Hawaii isn’t the perfect honeymoon destination (it is), but many people mistakenly believe that by staying at a super expensive beach resort they’ll limit the kids (noise) around, but that’s not necessarily the case. When you go has more to do with it than where you stay.

That being said, here are 5 amazing Oahu honeymoon resorts…

The Royal Hawaiian: This iconic Waikiki resort (nicknamed the “pink palace of the Pacific”) has been featured in movies since the 1960s. Its style speaks of a bygone era but it’s still high on modern luxuries. It’s right in the heart of Waikiki so if you want to see and do it all while staying at some of the coolest digs in Waikiki, this is your spot. Pricing starts at $299/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Turtle Bay Resort: If the noise and crowds of Waikiki aren’t your thing, escape to Turtle Bay Resort on the north shore. It’s isolated location insures a quiet and peaceful vacation but the resort offers plenty of amenities. It’s also in the heart of Oahu’s north shore with it’s famous surf breaks, food trucks, and snorkeling spots. It’s also conveniently located for getting to Hanalei, the Polynesian Culture Center, and Kualoa Ranch and it’s only about 45 minutes from Waikiki. Pricing starts at $295/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Four Seasons Oahu: Nothing says luxury like the Four Seasons so if you’re looking to splurge on your honeymoon (or you just expect a high level of quality and service), you won’t be disappointed with the Four Seasons. It’s located in the upscale resort community of Ko’olina on the west side and is situated on a perfectly calm little lagoon next to Disney’s Aulani resort. You’ll get seclusion while still only being 30 minutes or so from Waikiki. Pricing starts at $450/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

5 Best Kauai Honeymoon Resorts

Before I let you in on my favorite Kauai honeymoon resorts, here’s my biggest tip for planning the best honeymoon…pick the right time of year to go. Hawaii is an extremely family friendly vacation destination so when kids are out of school, expect even the swankiest resorts to have a pool full of kids. While a lot of places have adults only pools, kids are always around everywhere else you go, so if you’re looking for a quieter time to go, pick spring or fall (or at least avoid the summer and winter holidays). I’m not telling you this to make you think Hawaii isn’t the perfect honeymoon destination (it is), but many people mistakenly believe that by staying at a super expensive beach resort they’ll limit the kids (noise) around, but that’s not necessarily the case. When you go has more to do with it than where you stay.

That being said, here are 5 amazing Kauai honeymoon resorts…

St. Regis Princeville: If you’re honeymooning on Kauai during the summer months (roughly April to October) there’s no place better than the St. Regis. It’s located on Kauai’s stunning north shore which is without a doubt the prettiest part of the island (although it rains a LOT in the winter months). The pool at the St. Regis boasts the BEST view of any resort in Hawaii hands down, and the luxe vibe is perfect for a honeymoon. Pricing starts at $515/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Ko’a Kea Hotel and Resort: Ko’a Kea is located on Kauai’s best beach (in my opinion) in sunny Poipu. If you’re visiting Kauai during the winter months, this is probably the best place on the island to stay. It’s luxurious and swanky and it’s well situated for day trips to Waimea Canyon and the north shore. You’re also likely to see turtle and Hawaiian monk seals basking in the sun just steps from the resort. Pricing starts at $449/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Grand Hyatt Kauai: If lounging by the pool is a big priority for your honeymoon, you’re going to love the Grand Hyatt. The resort grounds are immaculate and sprawling and there are enough pools and grottoes to keep you busy for a week. The beach isn’t great (too rough for swimming), but it’s just down the way from Poipu beach and you’ll find plenty of shopping and dining (don’t miss Tidepools!) nearby as well as a great spa at the resort itself. Pricing starts at $450/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

5 Best Maui Honeymoon Resorts

Before I let you in on my favorite Maui honeymoon resorts, here’s my biggest tip for planning the best honeymoon…pick the right time of year to go. Hawaii is an extremely family friendly vacation destination so when kids are out of school, expect even the swankiest resorts to have a pool full of kids. While a lot of places have adults only pools, kids are always around everywhere else you go, so if you’re looking for a quieter time to go, pick spring or fall (or at least avoid the summer and winter holidays). I’m not telling you this to make you think Hawaii isn’t the perfect honeymoon destination (it is), but many people mistakenly believe that by staying at a super expensive beach resort they’ll limit the kids (noise) around, but that’s not necessarily the case. When you go has more to do with it than where you stay.

That being said, here are 5 amazing Maui honeymoon resorts…

Four Seasons Maui: The Four Seasons is the granddaddy of them all and definitely my #1 pick for a Maui honeymoon. The resort is super luxurious and it’s located in Wailea which is much quieter (and more upscale) than the west side. The spa, the pools, the restaurants, and the beach…they’re all phenomenal. The only problem with staying here is you probably won’t ever want to leave the resort. Pricing starts at $450/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Andaz Maui: This boutique property by Hyatt is located on one of my favorite beaches on Maui and has a very young, hip vibe. The whole property is very luxe with Asian influences and the pool area especially feels very trendy and posh. If beach and pool time are at the top of your must do list, you’ll love the Andaz. Pricing starts at $450/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Hotel Wailea: Hotel Wailea is the only “adults only” hotel on Maui, so if your honeymoon is during the busy summer or holiday season, this is a great option. It’s nestled in Wailea on the slopes of Haleakala (great views but not beachfront). While there is a luxury shuttle service to take you down to the beach, you may not want to leave the quiet and luxurious pool area. Pricing starts at $320/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Top 10 Luxury Resorts in Hawaii

If you’re after a true luxury vacation, you’ll find it in Hawaii. It’s always warm, the breeze is always blowing through the palm trees, and it’s never hard to find a mai tai. But mostly, no matter what island you’re on you’ll be able to find a true 5-star luxury resort. So whether it’s an award winning spa, plus poolside amenities, luxe guestrooms, or world class dining you’re after, here are 10 of the best luxury resorts in Hawaii:

Maui: Maui is the island that’s most easily associated with luxury. You’ll find dozens and dozens of fantastic beach resorts lining the island’s golden sands, but if you’re after true luxury…

Four Seasons Maui: Nobody does luxury like the Four Seasons (obviously, since half of this list are Four Seasons properties). Sitting on Wailea beach in south Maui, this is one of my favorite places to wile away a day. The pools are gorgeous, the hotel itself is first class, the staff is friendly, the restaurants are all stellar, and yet the overall vibe is comfortable and not stuffy. Pricing starts at $549/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Ritz Carlton Kapalua: The Ritz exudes luxury and a big bonus for this property is how secluded it is. Nestled in the private resort/golf community of Kapalua on west Maui, you’ll feel worlds away from the crowds in nearby Ka’anapali and Lahaina. Kapalua is a golfer’s paradise, but the Ritz also boasts a spa, six restaurants, and a gorgeous pool. Beach access is at D.T. Fleming beach. Pricing starts at $499/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Kauai: Kauai is where you go when you want to get off the gird and be surrounded by natural beauty. If your idea of “off the grid” still includes turn down service…

St. Regis Princeville: While not as large or lavish a property as some of its Four Seasons counterparts, the St. Regis Princeville (on the north shore of Kauai) has THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BACKDROP OF ANY RESORT IN HAWAII. Sure, it only has one pool, but while you’re sitting by it you’re gazing out not just on the ocean (so unimpressive ; ) but also those gorgeous green jagged mountains Kauai is famous for. Pricing starts at $515/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Ko’a Kea Hotel and Resort: This contemporary luxury resort in south Kauai sits on what may arguably be one of the best beaches in Hawaii (I’ve regularly seen turtles and Hawaiian monk seals sunning themselves here). The spa and restaurants are top notch and you’re steps away from bustling Poipu beach and all of the water/beach activities available there while still being able to retreat into the resort grounds and amazing pools. Pricing starts at $449/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Best Big Island Family Friendly Resorts

The Big Island is definitely one of the most chill islands in Hawaii. But because it’s so “big” it overwhelms a lot of people and they’re not sure where to stay. The Big Island has a surprisingly large number of family friendly resorts that front world class beaches and have great amenities. Staying at one of these resorts may just be your families best vacation ever.

I feel like this post needs a disclaimer up front: pretty much anywhere you go in Hawaii is going to be kid friendly. Hawaii is not a stuffy destination. The most posh and expensive hotels on the island (hello, Four Seasons) caters to children quite amazingly and unless you’re at the adults only pool (many resorts have them, you’ll always find kids boogie boarding in the waves, bobbing around in the pool, and having dinner with their families. That being said, this list includes resorts that may appeal to children especially due to their pools or kids clubs, and parents due to their locations and convenience factors.

6 Best Big Island Family Friendly Resorts

Hilton Waikoloa Village: The Hilton Waikoloa Village is like its own little city. The grounds are sprawling and gorgeously manicured. There are plenty of pools, and amazing beach, and plenty of activities to keep the kids busy (from water sports to cultural activities like hula lessons and lei making). This is also where you’ll find Dolphin Quest, a guided swim with dolphins in a spacious lagoon. Pricing starts at $180/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Four Seasons Hualalai: This is hands down the most lavish resort in Hawaii and while it’s super popular with honeymooners, it’s also one of the best resorts for kids in Hawaii. The resort has a fantastic kids club, seven different pools (one specifically for kids), great snorkeling, a movie night under the stars, and nearby tide pools to explore. The only downside to staying here (besides the price of course) is that you won’t ever want to leave the resort! Pricing starts at $740/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Sheraton Kona: Sheraton’s around the world are family friendly, and this one south of Kona is no different. While not located directly on the beach (it overlooks the ocean at a rocky point), the Sheraton has a great pool area with waterslide and its location south of Kona makes it convenient for doing a day trip to the south side or Hilo side of the island. Pricing starts at $165/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Best Family Friendly Resorts on Kauai

Kauai is probably the most laid back Hawaiian Islands. While there may not be as much “to do” on Kauai there’s no shortage of beaches, hiking, and other outdoor activities that appeal to kids. There also aren’t a ton of beach resorts on Kauai (compared to the other islands) but there are a few truly fabulous beach resorts for families on Kauai.

I feel like this post needs a disclaimer up front: pretty much anywhere you go in Hawaii is going to be kid friendly. Hawaii is not a stuffy destination. The most posh and expensive hotels on the island (hello, St Regis Princeville) caters to children quite amazingly and unless you’re at the adults only pool (many resorts have them, you’ll always find kids boogie boarding in the waves, bobbing around in the pool, and having dinner with their families. That being said, this list includes resorts that may appeal to children especially due to their pools or kids clubs, and parents due to their locations and convenience factors.

Kauai Marriott Resort: The Kauai Marriott Resort is probably my #1 pick for families visiting Kauai. It’s PACKED with amenities that are perfect for kids. This pace has one of the largest pools in Hawaii and also has a separate kids pool with a waterslide. There is plenty of dining on property and nearby and the resort’s location in Lihue makes it super convenient to the airport but also exploring the north and south sides of the island. Babysitting services are also available. Pricing starts at $300/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Grand Hyatt Kauai: This is my other favorite resort for families on Kauai. It’s pretty swanky, but very family friendly (comparable with the Grand Wailea on Maui). Located in sunny Poipu (south side), the only downside to staying at the Grand Hyatt is that the beach it’s situated on (Shipwreck Beach) isn’t very swimmable. However, the resort grounds and pool complex are so amazing that you likely won’t miss the beach. Besides the amazing pools, the resort has a lovely spa, plenty of dining and shopping, cultural activities (lei making, hula lessons, etc.) and a great kids club. Pricing starts at $450/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Sheraton Kauai Resort: Located on what I think is the best beach on Kauai (Poipu beach) where finding turtles or Hawaiian monk seals sunning themselves in the sand is a common sight, you can’t go wrong with staying at the Sheraton. The pool is just steps form the sand and there are cabanas available for rent if you want a break from the sun. The resort also has a daily activity schedule with things like lei making, hula and ukulele lessons, island crafts, and watersport demos. Pricing starts at $230/night. Click here to check pricing and availability during your stay.

Where to Stay

Maui

Oahu

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