Top 20 Resorts in Hawaii (2026)

A strong choice for travelers who want Oahu in resort mode rather than Waikiki mode. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is the safer pick for polished service, a calmer west-side setting, and family or multigenerational trips, but less convenient for Honolulu dining and nightlife.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is worth prioritizing if resort scale, Marriott loyalty benefits, and recognized luxury credentials matter to your Maui stay. It is less compelling for travelers who want a small inn atmosphere or a lower-friction Lahaina base. Compare it closely with Montage Kapalua Bay for a more residential luxury feel.

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is a resort on Maheawalu Drive in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

The Fairmont Orchid on Hawaii's Kohala Coast is a large-footprint luxury resort that delivers consistent brand-standard service, strong loyalty program value, and genuine family suitability. Book it for reliable Big Island access with solid facilities; consider Kona Village if intimacy matters more than scale.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is the practical Lahaina pick for travelers who want a beachfront Kāʻanapali resort with pools, spa facilities, gardens, and multiple dining venues in one place. It suits celebration trips and families better than travelers seeking a quiet inn; Hyatt loyalists should factor benefits and upgrade potential into the value equation.

Choose The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay for a special-occasion North Shore stay where the resort setting matters more than city access. It is strongest for couples and retreat-style trips; business travelers should only pick it when Kahuku is the target area, not as a Honolulu base.

Ko'a Kea Resort on Po'ipu Beach is worth shortlisting if the priority is a quieter Koloa beach-resort base with recognized hospitality credentials. Book for the Poʻipu location and resort feel, but verify current dining details before treating the restaurant as a destination meal.

Koloa Landing Resort at Po'ipu, Autograph Collection placed No. 8 in Top 20 Resorts in Hawaii (2026), with a reader score of 96.27.

Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui is the practical Wailea pick for travelers who want a large beachfront resort with a serious pool-and-wellness focus. It carries Forbes Recommended recognition for 2026 and suits celebrations or family trips better than travelers seeking a small, quiet hideaway.

Book Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort if you want a contemporary Wailea beach resort that can work for couples, families, and special occasions. Its 2026 Virtuoso Luxury Hotel Partner status makes loyalty and added-value booking channels part of the decision, especially if upgrades or resort credits would change the overall value.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel sits directly on Kauna'oa Bay, one of the Big Island's most swimmable beaches, and that access remains its strongest argument over newer Kohala Coast competition. An Autograph Collection property with Marriott Bonvoy eligibility, it suits return visitors and special occasion stays more than travelers chasing cutting-edge amenities. Book 3–6 months ahead for December–March peak season.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa is worth shortlisting if the pool, spa, and full-service resort setup are central to the trip. It suits families and amenity-driven Kauai travelers better than guests seeking a small, quiet stay; Forbes Recommended and Virtuoso Luxury Hotel Partner recognition add useful confidence.

A smart pick for travelers who want the quieter Hāna side of Maui rather than a busy resort corridor. Hana-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence works well for slow itineraries, couples, and explorers who value atmosphere and location over convenience; its 2025 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection gives it a credible quality signal.

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort placed No. 14 in Top 20 Resorts in Hawaii (2026), with a reader score of 94.38.

Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is the Wailea pick for families and groups who want a large resort base, not a quiet hideaway. Book early for school-break dates, and treat room location as a real decision point. Cross-shop Hotel Wailea for a calmer adult stay and Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort for a more contemporary beach-resort feel.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is a resort in Wailea on Maui.

A polished Lanai resort for travelers who want the hotel to carry the trip: beach setting, full-service luxury, and serious recognition from Michelin, Forbes, AAA, La Liste, and Virtuoso. Worth the splurge for first-timers prioritizing ease and oceanfront resort time; less compelling if Lanai is only a short stopover.

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is worth pricing as a full luxury-resort stay. It makes the strongest sense when Auberge service, partner-program perks, and upgrade strategy can offset the premium; if rate sensitivity is high, compare Fairmont Orchid first.

Aulani is the strongest family-focused resort option in Ko Olina, built around Disney character experiences, a lagoon pool complex, and supervised kids' programming. It books out fast during school holidays, so plan ahead. Adults travelling without children will find better value and atmosphere elsewhere on Oahu.

Royal Lahaina Resort placed No. 20 in Top 20 Resorts in Hawaii (2026), with a reader score of 90.86.