World's Best The 20 Best Resorts in Hawaii The best resorts in Hawaii, according to Travel + Leisure readers, pair a wealth of amenities with unforgettable views. 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 Updated on October 11, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: John Russo/Courtesy of Hotel Wailea After the Aloha State lifted COVID-19 restrictions, Travel + Leisure readers — particularly families and couples looking for a solid yet remote vacation destination — eagerly returned. The best resorts in Hawaii have kept pace with renovations and updates, making this famous archipelago in the Pacific more appealing 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 (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities. Oahu, Hawaii's most populous (and popular) island, is home to seven properties on this year's list, including Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani (No. 2). Still fresh off its opening in 2019, it features a neutral, calming design scheme that provides a serene retreat from the frenetic atmosphere of its Waikiki location. Its sister hotel, the iconic Halekulani (No. 9), debuted its own refurbishment in October. Over on the Island of Hawaii, the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection (No. 6), impressed readers with its "gorgeous remodel," referring to the hotel's reopening in 2020 after a massive overhaul. "The staff are attentive and gracious," one voter added. "The views are spectacular, and the resort amenities are plentiful, so you don't feel the need to leave the property." Kauai, meanwhile, had three hotels on the list, including Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort (No. 7), on the island's famed Poipu Beach. "This is our favorite place in Kauai, if not all of Hawaii," enthused one reader. "The location is beautiful, the team is amazing, and the food is incredible. The Lomilomi massage in the spa should not be missed." It was Maui's Hotel Wailea, though, that earned the top spot. Read on for more about what made it the favorite, as well as the full list of the best resort hotels in Hawaii. 1. Hotel Wailea, Maui Elliott Chau/Courtesy of Hotel Wailea "Hotel Wailea is heaven on Earth," according to a reader. The 15-acre, adults-only property is unique among the nearby resorts in that it's not beachfront — but that's a good thing for guests who prefer the quiet that comes with a location high on a hill, overlooking the sea. Because there are no children, the atmosphere leans toward the "relaxing and romantic," as one reader described. Others loved the oversize guest rooms, which come with big balconies and are "nicely furnished, with a clean, contemporary feel that's also cozy." While the huge pool deck (fringed by cabanas, lush greenery, and the poolside café) is a big draw for hanging out, beach access is available anytime during the day via the hotel's shuttle, which can whisk guests to Maui's picture-perfect shores in just two minutes. Several readers also mentioned the outstanding service: "Every member of the staff makes you feel at home." Score: 94.86 Book on Tripadvisor 2. Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani, Oahu Courtesy of Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani Score: 94.59 Book on Tripadvisor 3. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Maui Courtesy of Four Seasons WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 94.20 Book on Tripadvisor 4. Prince Waikiki, Oahu Courtesy of Prince Waikiki Score: 93.90 Book on Tripadvisor 5. Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui Courtesy of Montage Kapalua Bay Score: 93.38 Book on Tripadvisor 6. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Island of Hawaii Courtesy of Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection Score: 93.18 Book on Tripadvisor 7. Ko'a Kea Resort on Po'ipu Beach, Kauai Courtesy of Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.95 Book on Tripadvisor 8. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, Oahu Don Riddle/Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach Score: 92.87 Book on Tripadvisor 9. Halekulani, Oahu Courtesy of Halekulani WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.72 Book on Tripadvisor 10. Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Lanai Courtesy of Four Seasons WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.68 Book on Tripadvisor 11. Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, Island of Hawaii Courtesy of Accor WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.56 Book on Tripadvisor 12. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Island of Hawaii Nikolas Koenig/Courtesy of Four Seasons WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.44 Book on Tripadvisor 13. Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Oahu George Russell/Courtesy of Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Score: 92.38 Book on Tripadvisor 14. The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Oahu Courtesy of The Kahala Hotel & Resort Score: 91.38 Book on Tripadvisor 15. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection, Island of Hawaii Zach Stovall/Courtesy of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection Score: 91.29 Book on Tripadvisor 16. Hanalei Colony Resort, Kauai Courtesy of Hanalei Colony Resort Score: 91.06 Book on Tripadvisor 17. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Kauai Courtesy of Hyatt Score: 90.86 Book on Tripadvisor 18. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Maui Courtesy of Hyatt Score: 90.84 Book on Tripadvisor 19. The Laylow, Autograph Collection, Oahu Ramon C. Purcell/Courtesy of The Laylow, Autograph Collection Score: 90.73 Book on Tripadvisor 20. Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui Courtesy of Accor Score: 90.69 Book on Tripadvisor Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit