There are countless incredible hotels and resorts found across the Hawaiian Islands - especially in Waikiki - but today, we’re taking a look at Hawaii’s oldest hotel. The Moana Surfrider, which opened in 1901, was the first luxury property along Waikiki Beach, beating the Royal Hawaiian (haunted!) by more than 25 years. The historic hotel is often referred to as "The First Lady of Waikiki," and while it is undoubtedly the embodiment of old Hawaiian elegance, rumors swirl that the Moana Surfrider's haunted, as well. This historic haunted resort in Hawaii is sure to make your vacation special... and a little spooky.
This Westin Resort & Spa is truly something special, and not just because the hotel and grounds are positively stunning, though that is certainly true.
The property - which was built more than a century ago in an Italian Renaissance style - features not only a rich sense of heritage and history but also aloha spirit and Hawaiian hospitality that welcomes you in and makes you feel as though you’re royalty.
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No detail was spared in the construction (and subsequent renovations) of this iconic Hawaiian hotel and it shows in everything from the well-manicured gardens and incredible front porch to the tastefully decorated guest rooms and everything in between.
The interior feels welcoming, light, and airy, in addition to maintaining its historic roots with dark wood features and historic prints lining the walls.
This hotel is unlike any other you’ll find in Hawaii, and the views are truly second to none. After all, you can see the sparkling turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean from the simple and stunning guest rooms, the oceanfront pool, a luxurious spa, and the onsite restaurants.
But this century-old hotel also holds a dark secret: On February 29, 1905, the untimely and suspicious death of Jane Stanford, co-founder of Stanford University, made headlines across America.
Stanford was first poisoned on January 14, 1905, at her Nob Hill mansion in San Francisco, where she consumed mineral water that tasted bitter. She forced herself to vomit the water, and sent it to a pharmacy to be analyzed: the findings showed that the water was poisoned with a lethal dose of strychnine. The maid fell under suspicion and was dismissed, though no evidence existed pointing to a culprit or motive for the attempted murder. Depressed and suffering from a cold, Stanford sailed to Hawaii with plans to continue on to Japan.
Then, on the evening of February 28, Stanford asked for bicarbonate of soda to settle her stomach, which her personal secretary, Bertha Berner, prepared for her. Berner was a trusted employee of twenty years, and the only other person who had also been present at the scene of the previous incident.
Staford cried out for help at 11:15 p.m., claiming she had lost control of her body and believed she had been poisoned again. Attempts to induce vomiting were unsuccessful, and Stanford officially died from strychnine poisoning.
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After three days of testimony, the coroner's jury concluded in less than two minutes that she had died of strychnine "introduced into a bottle of bicarbonate of soda with felonious intent by some person or persons to this jury unknown," according to The Alma Mater Mystery.
The jury’s quick decision was controversial, and to this day, no one knows who murdered Jane Stanford, though Stanford University President David Starr Jordan was the most popular suspect as he and Stanford had a difficult relationship.
Since then, there have been many reports that Stanford’s ghost still frequently visits the hotel, whose breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean once brought her short-lived peace. Guests and hotel staff alike have said that they’ve seen her wandering the halls at night trying to find her room.
Did you know that Hawaii's oldest hotel is allegedly haunted?Learn more about haunted Oahu in this YouTube video from Hello From Hawaii:
For more information about the magnificent Moana Surfrider, or to book your stay (if you dare!), visit the hotel on the web.
The Moana Surfrider isn’t the only haunted resort in Hawaii! These haunted hotels in Hawaii are sure to thrill and chill you. Have you had any ghostly experiences at a hotel or haunted Hawaii resort? Let us know in the comments!
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
Amenities: Spa Services, Yoga, Sauna, Bar/Lounge, Fitness Center, Hot Spring Bath, Horseback Riding
Ratings: 4.5/5 Excellent
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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.
Amenities: Poolside Bar, Hot Tub, Fitness Center, Yoga, Sauna, Spa Treatments, Butler Service, Shops, Bicycle Rentals
Ratings: 4.5/5 Excellent
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Amenities: Wine Reception, Heated Pool, Fitness Room, Polynesian Spa Treatments, Babysitting, Evening Entertainment
Ratings: 4.5/5 Excellent
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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.
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.
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
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.
Amenities: Saltwater Pool, Yoga, Fitness Center, Sauna, Lazy River, Restaurant, Tennis, Waterslide, Kids Club
Ratings: 4.5/5 Excellent
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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.
Amenities: Pool with View, Swim-up Bar, Restaurants, Waterslide, Fitness Center, Spa Treatments, Luau
Ratings: 9.2/10 Wonderful
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
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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.
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!
