USA TODAY 10Best
Book one of the 10 best resorts in Hawaii for your next vacation
Best Resort in Hawaii (2024)
Hawaii is home to some of the world’s best resorts, many of them a destination in their own right. Sprawling swimming pools, beach access, luxe amenities, and stellar service are just a few of the perks when you book a room at one of these top accommodations.
Selected by an expert panel and voted as the best by readers, these are the 10 best resorts in Hawaii.
- The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua - Kapalua, Hawaii
- Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - Waimea, Hawaii
- Turtle Bay Resort - Kahuku, Hawaii
- Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa - Honolulu, Hawaii
- The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali - Lahaina, Hawaii
- The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort - Honolulu, Hawaii
- 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay - Princeville, Hawaii
- Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa - Lahaina, Hawaii
- Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu - Koloa, Hawaii
- Hilton Waikoloa Village - Waikoloa Village, Hawaii
Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
No. 10:
Get in touch with the great outdoors by getting to know all 54 acres of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. During a stroll around property (or a day tackling the resort's two sprawling golf courses), guests can expect to find shorebirds, sea turtles, and even the occasional whale just past the soft white sand beach. While snorkeling and hiking excursions are available for booking, the property also excels at the art of relaxation, with a spa and several restaurants to make use of during a stay.
Photo courtesy of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
No. 9:
Designed in the 1960s by Laurance Rockefeller, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is renowned worldwide for its artistic atmosphere, adorned with ancient statues and elaborate paintings all throughout the property. In between admiring the art installations, guests can play the day away on the 18-hole golf course, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or attend the Tuesdays & Fridays Mauna Kea Luau for a truly memorable night of dancing and dining.
Photo courtesy of Turtle Bay Resort
No. 8:
On Oahu’s famous North Shore, Turtle Bay Resort is a luxurious escape with scenic coastal views far from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. This oceanfront property provides a relaxing getaway with a variety of rooms, suites, and bungalows. With a robust selection of restaurants and bars, a top-notch spa, and an abundance of beach activities, this resort is known throughout Hawaii as a top destination.
Photo courtesy of Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
No. 7:
Opulent Victorian architecture meets luxurious amenities at the Moana Surfrider, a historic Waikiki hotel that made its debut in 1901. Though more than a century old, the property is far from antiquated, complete with six dining concepts, polished ocean-view rooms, and an outdoor spa. The courtyard's century-old banyan tree provides some welcome shade on a hot afternoon, while the sprawling outdoor pool adds some extra relief for scorching days.
No. 6:
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali offers an open-air dining space, refreshed rooms across Hokupa'a Tower, and a whole host of cultural activities for guests to partake in. Just past the main building, the property's six pools measure in at an impressive 87,000 square feet, decked out with a 270-foot waterslide as well as an adults-only area with an infinity pool and hot tub.
Photo courtesy of The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
No. 5:
The Royal Hawaiian, also known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific" is a gorgeous historic hotel that opened in 1927. The expansive property offers ocean views, several beachfront restaurants, an incredible luau twice a week, and a collection of one-of-a-kind boutiques. The resort’s legendary Mai Tai bar, situated on the beach, is the ideal spot for a sunset cocktail.
Photo courtesy of AVABLU
No. 4:
Opened in 2023, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is an exquisite oceanfront destination located in Kauai’s lovely Princeville area. Overlooking the waves, this luxurious wellness resort features panoramic breathtaking views, several exceptional restaurants and cafes, and an abundance of tropical beach and nature activities.
Photo courtesy of Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
No. 3:
Plush ocean-view rooms, a lagoon-style pool, and 3 miles of sandy shoreline all come together to form the Sheraton Maui, a seaside getaway with 23 acres to explore on the edge of Lahaina. Guests can get in touch with the flora and fauna of the region with a snorkeling excursion in search of native green sea turtles, with the poolside Mai Tai Bar at the ready to serve up refreshing cocktails after a day on the water.
Photo courtesy of Koloa Landing Resort
No. 2:
On Kauai, Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu is located near the stunning Poipu Beach, known as the "sunny side" of the island. This incredible sprawling multi-level resort is filled with tropical foliage, waterfalls, and picturesque pathways. Koloa Landing offers something for everyone, including several swimming pools, a spa, and a must-visit restaurant, Holoholo Grill.
Photo courtesy of Hilton Waikoloa Village
No. 1:
Hilton Waikoloa Village is an expansive oceanfront resort stretching over 60 acres on the Big Island of Hawaii. This beloved property is a memorable destination, as it’s home to a legendary luau that’s offered several nights a week, as well as a cultural center. This hotel also features lovely tropical gardens, four swimming pools, a selection of restaurants and bars, and plenty of shops.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Jeanne Cooper
Jeanne Cooper is a former editor of the San... Read More
Jeanne Cooper is a former editor of the San Francisco Chronicle Travel section and a longtime author and coauthor of Frommer's guidebooks to Hawaii. Her freelance writing has appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers, and digital platforms, including Hemispheres, AAA Explorer, Sunset, CNTraveler.com, Toronto Star, and Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. She lives on Hawaii Island with three rescued pets and one triathlete husband.
Jeanne Cooper
Jeanne Cooper is a former editor of the San Francisco Chronicle Travel section and a longtime author and coauthor of Frommer's guidebooks to Hawaii. Her freelance writing has appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers, and digital platforms, including Hemispheres, AAA Explorer, Sunset, CNTraveler.com, Toronto Star, and Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. She lives on Hawaii Island with three rescued pets and one triathlete husband.
JQ Louise
JQ Louise is a travel writer and influencer based... Read More
JQ Louise is a travel writer and influencer based in Boston. Her website, JQLouise.com, offers personal travel stories, curated itineraries, and tips for the globetrotting foodie. Follow JQ on Instagram @jqlouise not only her beautiful images, but also her insightful travel tips and tricks.
JQ Louise
JQ Louise is a travel writer and influencer based in Boston. Her website, JQLouise.com, offers personal travel stories, curated itineraries, and tips for the globetrotting foodie. Follow JQ on Instagram @jqlouise not only her beautiful images, but also her insightful travel tips and tricks.
Juliet Izon
Juliet Izon is a New York City and Hudson... Read More
Juliet Izon is a New York City and Hudson Valley-based food, travel, and design writer. She studied English Literature at Trinity College before holding staff positions at Bauer Publishing, Niche Media, and Modern Luxury. You can catch her bylines in places like Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, and Architectural Digest. You can also find her on Instagram.
Juliet Izon
Juliet Izon is a New York City and Hudson Valley-based food, travel, and design writer. She studied English Literature at Trinity College before holding staff positions at Bauer Publishing, Niche Media, and Modern Luxury. You can catch her bylines in places like Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, and Architectural Digest. You can also find her on Instagram.
Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku
Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku is a Hawai‘i Island-based... Read More
Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku is a Hawai‘i Island-based freelance journalist and travel writer. She has had the privilege to visit all six of the major islands in Hawai‘i and has written about them for such publications as Fodor's Travel, Matador Network, Hawai‘i Magazine, SF Gate, Trip Advisor, Local Getaways, and others. Her writing carries with it the kuleana (responsibility) of helping to produce more educated, conscientious visitors to this culturally and ecologically sensitive place, advocating for tourism that is sustainable and ethical. Laurie’s areas of expertise include Hawai‘i hotels, family travel, luxury travel, food & beverage, Indigenous excellence, animals, sustainability, voluntourism, and nonprofits. You can read her work on her website, or follow along with her on social @hawaiitravelwriter.
Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku
Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku is a Hawai‘i Island-based freelance journalist and travel writer. She has had the privilege to visit all six of the major islands in Hawai‘i and has written about them for such publications as Fodor's Travel, Matador Network, Hawai‘i Magazine, SF Gate, Trip Advisor, Local Getaways, and others. Her writing carries with it the kuleana (responsibility) of helping to produce more educated, conscientious visitors to this culturally and ecologically sensitive place, advocating for tourism that is sustainable and ethical. Laurie’s areas of expertise include Hawai‘i hotels, family travel, luxury travel, food & beverage, Indigenous excellence, animals, sustainability, voluntourism, and nonprofits. You can read her work on her website, or follow along with her on social @hawaiitravelwriter.
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion... Read More
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Natasha Bourlin
Natasha Bourlin is an award-winning freelance... Read More
Natasha Bourlin is an award-winning freelance food, travel, and environmental writer based on the island of Hawaii. As a first generation American, her fervor for travel and culture has sent her around the globe exploring myriad countries and continents, while her favorite times are spent at home in Waimea with her dog Lucy. Her work has been published in the San Francisco Chronicle, SFGate.com, AFAR Media, and USAToday.com, among others. Follow her on Instagram @Natashawandersoff or visit Passportandplume.com.
Natasha Bourlin
Natasha Bourlin is an award-winning freelance food, travel, and environmental writer based on the island of Hawaii. As a first generation American, her fervor for travel and culture has sent her around the globe exploring myriad countries and continents, while her favorite times are spent at home in Waimea with her dog Lucy. Her work has been published in the San Francisco Chronicle, SFGate.com, AFAR Media, and USAToday.com, among others. Follow her on Instagram @Natashawandersoff or visit Passportandplume.com.
Rachel Ng
Rachel Ng is an award-winning food and travel... Read More
Rachel Ng is an award-winning food and travel writer living on the island of Hawai'i. She is a frequent contributor to National Geographic and various AAA publications, and her stories have been published in AFAR, Tripadvisor, Outside, Bon Appétit, Men’s Journal, Fodors, Robb Report, TheKitchn.com, and Rachael Ray Every Day. She is also the co-author of National Geographic’s Great Outdoors U.S.A.: 1,000 Adventures Across All 50 States.
Over the past two decades, Ng has held positions at the Los Angeles Times, Bon Appetit, FitPregnancy, and AAA's Westways and AAA Explorer magazines. Her website is www.rachelng.net.
Rachel Ng
Rachel Ng is an award-winning food and travel writer living on the island of Hawai'i. She is a frequent contributor to National Geographic and various AAA publications, and her stories have been published in AFAR, Tripadvisor, Outside, Bon Appétit, Men’s Journal, Fodors, Robb Report, TheKitchn.com, and Rachael Ray Every Day. She is also the co-author of National Geographic’s Great Outdoors U.S.A.: 1,000 Adventures Across All 50 States.
Over the past two decades, Ng has held positions at the Los Angeles Times, Bon Appetit, FitPregnancy, and AAA's Westways and AAA Explorer magazines. Her website is www.rachelng.net.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
