Hawaii hotels are a dime a dozen these days, but this historic spot sure is special. In the heart of Oahu’s tourist district and among the hoards of luxury hotels and resorts, stands a picturesque pink landmark you surely can’t miss as you stroll down the famous Waikiki Beach. This is the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and, at more than 90 years old, it is still just as legendary — and just as pink — as when it first opened in 1927.
With a long history firmly rooted in Hawaii’s rich culture, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel is positively magical.
When the Royal Hawaiian opened in 1927, it was only the second luxury property along Waikiki Beach (the Moana Surfrider, now a Westin resort, was first opened in 1901).
You see, the United States Navy had leased the entire property for $17,500 per month as a place for sailors to rest and recuperate from the rigors of war. The Monarch Ballroom, once used for fine dining, became a Navy mess hall.
After the war, and before Hawaii officially became an American state in 1959, the Royal Hawaiian was returned to its former glory and has been one of Oahu’s most elite hotels ever since.
With its brightly-colored exterior and Spanish-Moorish facade, it is said that the world fell in love with the Hawaiian Islands through the Royal Hawaiian Hotel when it first opened.
The hotel’s iconic pink color was is the result of Portuguese influence on its architectural design and it's safe to say that there's no other hotel quite like it — in Hawaii, or anywhere else.
Standing between serene tropical gardens and gently crashing waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Royal Hawaiian is an icon of luxury resort travel known for its luxurious rooms and plenty of stellar amenities — including two world-class pools and three mouthwatering restaurants.
Known to the world as "The Pink Palace of the Pacific," the Royal Hawaiian has played host to heads of state, celebrities, influential figures and tourists for the past nine decades.
The hotel’s first registered guest was Princess Abigail Kawanakoa, who would have been the Queen of Hawaii had the monarchy survived past the late 1800s. Other notable guests include Duke Kahanamoku and former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The beachfront hotel cost approximately four million dollars when it was built on sacred Hawaiian grounds — that’s not accounting for inflation — and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America, an official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Despite extensive renovations approximately a decade ago, the Royal Hawaiian — which is a member of The Luxury Collection division of Starwood Hotels — still maintains its old Hawaiian charm and delights anyone who spends the night.
The Royal Hawaiian Hotels even offers guests a complimentary tour of its historic royal grounds on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. For a detailed timeline of the hotel’s history, check out their website. Also, be sure to check out these 15 epic Hawaii hotels and resorts across the Hawaiian Islands. What is your favorite Hawaii hotel to stay at when you visit the Aloha State?
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
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
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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.
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
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
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
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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.
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!
