The Grand Wailea Might Just Be The Single Best Resort Found In Hawaii
The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui, offers luxurious accommodations, numerous amenities, and stunning beachfront views, making it a top choice for travelers.
From luxury beachfront resorts, heavenly hotels, and enchanting inns to charming bed and breakfasts, rustic cabins, and vacation rentals, the Hawaiian Islands are home to more accommodations than we could ever hope to count. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to choose where you want to stay. But since Conde Nast Traveler released its "Top 30 Resorts in Hawaii: Readers' Choice Awards 2019," the choice has become so much easier. While all the resorts on this list art worthy of a little recognition, today, we’re taking a look at one of the best. Though technically Ho'olei at the Grand Wailea took home the No. 1 spot, we’re taking a look at the Grand Wailea as a whole, which ranked highly at No. 8.
Nestled south of Kihei on Maui’s southwestern shore, the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is what dreams are made of. This beachfront resort is massive, featuring 780 guest rooms, a 50,000-square-foot spa, nine sparkling pools, and incredible dining options.
The Grand Wailea is as pretty as a postcard and perfect for families of all sizes as well as everyone from honeymooners to retirees.
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Choose from a variety of accommodation options, including cozy guest rooms with high-end amenities, plush and luxurious beds, and breathtaking views from a private lanai, luxury suites with beautifully-decorated living areas and bedrooms…
...and even elegant three-bedroom luxury villas at Ho’olei perfect for families and large groups to enjoy. No matter how big your group, you’ll find the perfect option to accommodate them all.
The resort fee covers Wi-Fi as well as beach umbrellas, SCUBA clinics, snorkel lessons, a 45-minute photography session, yoga classes, and a variety of other activities and services. Talk about getting your money’s worth.
You could spend all your time outdoors here at the Grand Wailea. Not only does the resort front one of the best beaches on Maui — with phenomenal sunset views, might we add — but you’ll discover a whopping nine pools.
Make a splash on the 262-foot Lava Tube Slide, hang out under six man-made waterfalls, swing around in the Tarzan pool, and relax in one of the three jacuzzis, order a drink from the swim-up bar, or take a ride in the world’s first water elevator.
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But that's not all you'll find here: the dining options seem endless. In addition to their signature Humuhumunukunukuapua'a restaurant, which features its own waterfall, you can choose from more than half a dozen onsite restaurants, bars, and cafes.
If you're looking to get away from it all and enjoy a picture-perfect Maui vacation with plenty of luxury, you can't go wrong with the Grand Wailea. It's easy to see why this gem was recognized as one of the state's best, wouldn't you agree?
For more information about the Grand Wailea, or to book your stay, head on over to their website. You can also follow them on Facebook. You might also want to check out their onsite restaurant, Humuhumunukunukuapua'a. Have you ever vacationed at the Grand Wailea? Do you want to now? Share your experiences and opinions with us in the comments below.
From cascading waterfalls to tropical rainforests, from black and white sand beaches to fiery volcanoes, and from vast pineapple fields to the famous Road to Hana, the Hawaiian Islands are a diverse world of natural wonder. Each island welcomes visitors with the spirit of Aloha and has its own unique, wonderful places to stay and embrace it. Read on to discover the best hotels in Hawaii.
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Best Unique Hotels to Stay in Hawaii
When you are looking for a place to stay, sometimes you want to find something that is just a bit out of the ordinary, a place that offers an experience you will not find elsewhere. If that sounds like you, these beautiful hotels in Hawaii may be just what you are looking for.
1. Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, Lanai City
Address: 1 Keomoku Highway, Lanai City, HI 96763
Price: $980
Amenities: Spa Services, Yoga, Sauna, Bar/Lounge, Fitness Center, Hot Spring Bath, Horseback Riding
Ratings: 4.5/5 Excellent
Sensei Lanai is the very definition of unique. This luxury wellness retreat is like no other. Secluded on the island of Lanai, the Sensei experience includes round-trip airfare from Honolulu, and a fully personalized wellness itinerary for each guest, with a choice of fitness and recreational activities, spa treatments, and dining. Well-being and luxury define every aspect of this extraordinary adults-only resort. It's certainly one of the best luxury resorts in Hawaii.
2. Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu
Address: 5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Price: $545
Amenities: Poolside Bar, Hot Tub, Fitness Center, Yoga, Sauna, Spa Treatments, Butler Service, Shops, Bicycle Rentals
Ratings: 4.5/5 Excellent
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Kahala Hotel and Resort offers exceptional luxury with no resort fee. Enjoy hiking, snorkeling, sunbathing on a pristine secluded beach, dining at four on-site restaurants, and a full-service spa, or catch a free shuttle to Ala Moana Shopping Center. Just minutes from the bustling center of Waikiki, Kahala Resort is located in the most prestigious residential area of Oahu and overlooks both Koko Head and Diamond Head. Since its early days as Kahala Hilton, this world-class hotel - with its palatial grandeur and reputation for privacy - has been a choice hideaway for presidents, royalty, celebrities, and local Honolulu society.
Best Hotel Pools in Hawaii
Aside from comfortable and spacious rooms, one thing a lot of travelers are looking for when booking a tropical vacation is a great pool. These are some of the nicest hotels in Hawaii, made even more amazing by their incredible pools.
3. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, Waimea
Address: 62-100 Kaunaʻoa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Price: $560 (plus resort fee)
Amenities: Golf, Snorkeling, Ocean View Pool, Massage, Watersport Rentals, Yoga, Digital Check-in
Ratings: 4.5/5 Excellent
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As if the sprawling beachfront location overlooking the Pacific was not spectacular enough, the gorgeous pools at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort on the Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii come with ocean views. Premium resort amenities include four dining venues on the property, a golf course, a breakfast buffet, yoga classes, luxury spa services, and a 24-hour fitness center. This pet-friendly resort is also a GreenLeaders Gold level property, committed to environmental protection.
4. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Kihei
Address: 3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753
Price: Starts at $1500 per night, pricing is dynamic
Amenities: Adult Infinity Pool, Saltwater pool, Fitness Center, Sauna, Spa Treatments, Butler Service, Whale Watching
Ratings: 4.5 Excellent
This is more than just an amazing escape; it is a place to connect with the island, to unwind, and to experience luxury and glamour in an open-air resort. Water is a major theme at this hotel, and the stunning pools are only part of that. Lounges and umbrellas surround the large family-friendly pool with its central fountain and hot tubs. The Serenity Pool is a deep blue adults-only infinity pool that seems to flow right into the ocean. Cabanas surround the pool and can be rented for a day of pampering, including massage, food and beverage service, and more. The resort is ideal for ocean adventures as well, such as outrigger canoeing, snorkeling, and diving. You have likely heard of Oahu’s Turtle Bay, but Maui’s Turtle Town is one of Hawaii’s best-kept secret spots for seeing turtles, without the crowds. You can also take advantage of incredible whale watching; in fact, Humpback whales are often sighted right from the resort! It is all about water at the epic Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.
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Best Luxury Hotels in Hawaii
There are so many beautiful hotels and resorts throughout the islands. When it comes to the best hotels in Hawaii, some properties stand out, offering an unmatched level of luxury, elegance, and hospitality.
5. Hotel Wailea, Ralais & Chateaux, Wailea
Address: 555 Kaukahi St, Wailea, HI 96753
Price: $839
Amenities: Pool, Poolside bar, Private Cabanas, 2 Restaurants, Full Breakfast, Beach Shuttle, Yoga, Room Service
ewards=false&rm1=a2®ionId=9304&destination=Kihei%2C+Hawaii%2C+United+States+of+America&destType=MARKET&neighborhoodId=7739&selected=85412&latLong=20.77549%2C-156.453568&sort=RECOMMENDED&top_dp=1299&top_cur=USD&mdpcid=HCOM-US.META.HPA.HOTEL-CORESEARCH-desktop.HOTEL&mdpdtl=HTL.85412.20230312.20230313.DDT.5.CID.15425283825.AUDID.&mctc=10&gclid=CjwKCAiA3pugBhAwEiwAWFzwda7ZigoLHbcKhmVMgXhpAKNjV8IJk0xlMv2o60BZeM9ezKI-DesRzhoCj7cQAvD_BwE&userIntent=&selectedRoomType=200778121&selectedRatePlan=203837116&expediaPropertyId=85412" target="_blank">Hotel Wailea is an award-winning, five-star, adults-only luxury resort community sitting 300 feet above the shore with panoramic views of three Hawaiian islands. Every suite on the property faces the ocean, has a private patio or lanai, and feels like a completely private retreat, but is also steps away from luxurious amenities such as open-air dining with ocean views, beach valet service, private pool cabanas, open-air Fitness and Wellness Studio, and a host of curated island experiences. This is among the most exquisite luxury hotels in Hawaii.
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6. Halekulani Hotel, Honolulu
Address: 2199 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price: $800
Amenities: Wine Reception, Heated Pool, Fitness Room, Polynesian Spa Treatments, Babysitting, Evening Entertainment
Ratings: 4.5/5 Excellent
For over 100 years, Halekulani Hotel has extended world-renowned hospitality to guests at Waikiki Beach. Voted 2022 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best on TripAdvisor, this five-star resort on the Island of Oahu is unparalleled in its elegance. Spacious rooms and suites feature light and airy decor and stunning views. La Mer, the resort’s Forbes Five-Start and AAA Five Diamond restaurant offers elegant French cuisine, while Orchids’ open-air dining serves up Italian fare with a Hawaiian touch. For the ultimate in luxurious treatment, visit Spa Halekulani and enjoy curated treatments and experiences, all part of "the Art of Wellbeing," which incorporates an artistic combination of cuisine, movement, nature, spa, sleep, and culture to achieve overall wellbeing.
7. Four Seasons Resort Haulalai, Kailua-Kona
Address: 72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
This luxurious resort combines world-renowned Four Seasons service with Hawaii’s warm spirit of aloha. Intimate bungalows throughout the resort provide spacious yet private accommodations where guests can completely escape the everyday. The sprawling Four Seasons Resort Haulalai features seven pools, an award-winning golf course, seven tennis courts, 14 spa treatment rooms, and five dining options, including the Forbes star-rated "ULU Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge," which serve up fresh dishes using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Take your experience to another level with the Ocean Adventures team and the Hawaiian Cultural Center.
Best Boutique Hotels in Hawaii
When you want the amenities that come with a high-end hotel or resort but prefer a smaller, quieter or more secluded location, boutique hotels like this provide an experience every bit as memorable as larger hotels.
8. Hanalei Bay Resort, Princeville
Address: 5380 Honoiki Road, Princeville, Kauai, HI 96722-5109
Price: $254
Amenities: Swimming Pool, Beach, Fitness Center, Tennis Court, Hot Tub, Massage, Wi-fi
Ratings: 4/5 Excellent
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Hanalei Bay Resort can only be described as a paradise within a paradise, with 22 acres of lush tropical grounds, lava rock waterfalls, lagoon-like pool and hot tub, and unbeatable views of Kauai’s natural beauty from private patios and lanais. Enjoy perks such as a 24-hour golf cart beach shuttle and nearby Makai Golf Course that complete the resort feel of this relaxed hotel.
9. Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu, Honolulu
Address: 1775 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Price: $254
Amenities: Poolside Bar, Fitness Center, Free Wi-fi, Restaurant
Ratings: 4.5/5 Excellent
Thrillist magazine called The Modern Honolulu "The best boutique hotel in Hawaii." Contemporary luxury combined with creativity and relaxation characterize this hotel, located in the perfect place to enjoy the best things Oahu has to offer, from the urban downtown area of Honolulu to the artistic Kaka’ako district to the classic beach vibe of Waikiki. From the tree-lined sunrise pool with its wooden deck and the adult pool with its ocean views to The Grove’s al fresco dining overlooking the yacht marina, an air of laid-back sophistication permeates every experience at The Modern.
Best Beach Resorts in Hawaii
The islands, while they have many different landscapes to explore, are defined by their beaches. These top hotels in Hawaii offer a quintessential island getaway, complete with salt air, sea breezes, and sand in your toes.
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10. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Koloa
Address: 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Price: $900
Amenities: Saltwater Pool, Yoga, Fitness Center, Sauna, Lazy River, Restaurant, Tennis, Waterslide, Kids Club
Ratings: 4.5/5 Excellent
On the south shore of Kauai, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa sits right on one of the island’s beautiful white sand beaches. Spacious guest rooms exude classic Hawaiian style and plenty of privacy. Over 50 acres of tropical gardens are dotted with water features including a lava-rock river pool, a saltwater lagoon, and a waterslide. A private adult area provides a quiet space to slip away. Anara Spa utilizes fresh island botanicals in its signature treatments performed in the open air to take advantage of the island breezes and garden surroundings. There are six on-site restaurants to satisfy any appetite.
11. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Lahaina
Address: 200 Nohea Kai Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
Price: $619
Amenities: Pool with View, Swim-up Bar, Restaurants, Waterslide, Fitness Center, Spa Treatments, Luau
Ratings: 9.2/10 Wonderful
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Hyatt Regency Maui is, simply put, a classic Hawaiian experience. In addition to elegant guest accommodations and world-class dining options, resort amenities include rooftop stargazing, a half-acre pool with slides and waterfalls, on-site shopping, oceanfront golf, tennis, cultural lessons, and the Drums of the Pacific luau. Enjoy endless ocean views while being pampered and soothed at the spa, or reserve a private beachfront cabana with dedicated food and beverage service. Experience all of this on the picturesque Ka’anapali coastline in Lahaina.
Address: 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Price: $849
Amenities: Kayaking, Golf, Tennis, Bars and Restaurants, Spa Treatments, Pool, Fitness Center, Bicycle Rentals
Ratings: 4.5/5 Excellent
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, was developed as the first resort hotel on the Big Island by Laurance Rockefeller and has been a symbol of Hawaiian hospitality for over 50 years. Enjoy breakfast and dinner along the beach at Manta, stroll to Hau Tree for a casual lunch, and sip on handcrafted cocktails at Copper Bar - to mention just a handful of dining options on the property. Activities are endless with a beach club, tennis club, fitness center, spa and salon, boutique shopping, cultural experiences, an art collection, and island adventures. And do not miss the amazing luau - voted #1 luau on the Big Island - where guests delight in traditional Polynesian entertainment and outstanding cuisine with the sounds of the ocean in the background. This is absolutely one of the best resorts in Hawaii.
Have you been to any of the best hotels in Hawaii? If so, which ones? Are there other places you would suggest that we add? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below. Need a few more options? Check out these amazing Hawaii vacation resorts. We also have a great resource if you are looking for the best places to book a budget-friendly Hawaiian getaway.
If you want the ultimate getaway at a secluded Hawaiian resort, this incredible spot is hidden away on one of the state's least visited islands, and in fact, it's one of the only places to stay on Lanai, making it one of the most secluded resorts in Hawaii. The Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons resort, is located in the middle of the island, in a secluded, peaceful hideaway. With stunning views, incredible service, and world-class golf courses nearby, this is the perfect hidden escape the next time you need to unplug and relax.
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Trying to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life?
Head to the island of Lanai in Hawaii, one of the least-visited islands in the entire Hawaiian island chain. The island is small and spectacularly beautiful.
There are two Four Season resorts on the island.
The Sensei Lanai is far more remote and located in the middle of the island. It’s located on the pine-covered mountains of Lanai.
The grounds are lush and the interior is dazzling.
This resort is hailed as a spa and wellness retreat. From yoga classes to massages and more, this is the perfect vacation for a calm, relaxed getaway.
The rooms are light and bright, inviting the outside in.
The entire resort is set up to highlight the surrounding grounds’ plants and wildlife. And the rooms themselves are spacious and luxurious.
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The spa is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. through 7 p.m.
Try the massages, bodywork and massage, facials, or even the salon. This is the place to pamper yourself!
There are plenty of things to do nearby if you want to get into the tempo of the island.
Go sailing on the ocean, or visit Lanai City to explore. Or enjoy one of the two world-class golf courses on the island.
The flight is a short 45 minute hop from Honolulu.
Lania Air operates a direct flight to bring you to this small charming island and is included in your stay. If you’re looking for a remote resort getaway, this incredible spot belongs at the top of your bucket list!
For more information or to make a reservation, visit the Sensei Lanai on Hotels.com. Have you ever stayed at this secluded Hawaiian resort? Are there any other secluded resorts in Hawaii we should know about? Let us know in the comments!