World's Best The 15 Best Resort Hotels in Hawaii in 2017 By John Wogan John Wogan Instagram John Wogan is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure and a contributing writer at T: The New York Times Style Magazine. He was previously a senior editor at Condé Nast Traveler and a travel features editor at Goop.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on July 11, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Courtesy of Fairmont Kea Lani When travelers think of the perfect tropical vacation — white-sand beaches virtually on your doorstep, verdant, manicured gardens framed by swaying palms, multiple swimming pools from which to choose — Hawaii immediately comes to mind. The sheer number of options spread across its six main islands makes it ideal for any family or couples getaway, and with nonstop flights to the state from every corner of the continental U.S., it’s more convenient than ever. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as City or Resort based on their locations and amenities. The Big Island has three properties on the list, including the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, which continually offers new activities for guests — like an “Ultimate Pop-Up Volcano Adventure” program that whisks visitors off on an aerial tour of a volcano before bringing them to a private cottage near Volcanoes National Park, where chefs prepare the night’s dinner (complemented by a hula performance). Maui had the most properties on the list with seven, including the runner-up, Hotel Wailea. Our readers were fans of the “restful, quiet location,” as well as the “contemporary yet comfortable décor,” with one respondent proclaiming, “I wish I could go to Maui more often, mostly so I could stay here and chill.” The Best Time to Visit Hawaii for Low Prices and Great Weather 01 of 15 15. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, Big Island Courtesy of Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows Score: 88.38 02 of 15 14. Fairmont Orchid, Big Island Courtesy of Fairmont Orchid Score: 88.48 03 of 15 13. Travaasa Hana, Maui Courtesy of Travaasa Experiential Resorts Score: 88.52 04 of 15 12. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina Score: 88.55 05 of 15 11. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Score: 89.21 06 of 15 10. Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Maui Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Score: 90.29 07 of 15 9. Halekulani, Honolulu Courtesy of Halekulani Score: 90.45 08 of 15 8. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Maui Score: 91.04 09 of 15 7. Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui Courtesy of Fairmont Kea Lani Score: 91.09 10 of 15 6. Four Seasons Resort, Lanai Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Lanai Score: 92.10 11 of 15 5. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort Courtesy of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort Score: 93.17 12 of 15 4. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Big Island Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Score: 93.39 13 of 15 3. Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui Courtesy of Montage Kapalua Bay Score: 93.46 14 of 15 2. Hotel Wailea, Maui David O. Marlow Score: 94.67 15 of 15 1. Koa Kea Hotel & Resort, Kauai Courtesy of Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort Score: 96.30 On the sunny southern shore of Hawaii’s “Garden Isle,” the low-slung Koa Kea has been on our World’s Best list since 2012. Though it sits on popular Poipu Beach, this intimate, 121-room resort is a foil to the area’s mega properties and has an appeal all its own. One couple responded that “the staff was consistently professional, helpful, and engaging, and included an outstanding sommelier who delighted us with a tour of the cellar.” Another stated simply that “it is one of our favorite places to celebrate life’s good times as a couple.” Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit