Hawaii Editor Picks

This barefoot, all-inclusive, oceanfront resort resembles a Polynesian village with free-standing bungalows (many with hammocks or hot tubs). It’s changed little since its heydey in the '70s and that’s exactly how guests like it.

These modern, free-standing wooden lodges tucked inside the volcano rainforest have fireplaces and viewing decks, as well as Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.

As Maui’s first resort, built in 1946, and completely restored in 2002, this luxury seaside ranch is tucked away in unspoiled Hana on the eastern coast, and is the best place to get away from it all and experience the “real” Hawaii.

2008 SMART LUXURY WINNER
Authentic Island Paradise

Exceptional cottages are the accommodations of choice here and are priced about the same as smaller rooms found at other high-end resorts. The Hanoa Spa takes advantage of the land’s natural resources while offering treatments in open-air rooms, many with views of Hana Bay. A dazzling swimming pool overlooks the lava coast while nearby Hamoa Beach is a perfect crescent cove with surfer-swept waves.

Bungalows exude a rustic, traditional Hawaiian feel and are extremely spacious, ranging from 697 to 1475 square feet. Our favorites are the Sea Ranch Cottages (namely, units 215-218 which are closet to the ocean and have the best views) that line the slopping hillside by the rocky shore. Here, you can hear the crashing waves and feel the salty sea sprays. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors open onto a large deck with chaise lounges and, many with, a private hot tub, and offer spectacular views (keep an eye out for horses grazing in the field just to the right of the seafront). Super-high beamed ceilings, bamboo hard-wood floors, Hawaiian artwork, giant bathrooms with huge soaking tubs and separate showers, wet bars, and fridges stocked with complimentary drinks and fresh-out-of-the-oven banana bread are found in all units. You may not even notice (and definitely not care) that rooms are without TVs, radios, and alarm clocks (the hotel’s Club Room, although, does sport a giant-screen TV with VCR and internet access). See more Smart Luxury Award winners

 

This oasis of calm in the center of Waikiki began life as a modest residential hotel in 1907. It was expanded into a graceful plantation mansion-styled resort in the ’30s, with white marble piazzas sweeping past gardens planted with fragrant flowers.

Gorgeous landscaping and 602 well appointed rooms beautify this ideally located, expansive resort with no buildings taller than a palm tree. The Stevenson Library has been called the best hotel lounge in the state.

This 19-room charmer in the heart of historic Lahaina offers turn-of-the-century elegance, just a stroll from the beach. It’s a great place to bunker down if you want to experience Lahaina’s restaurants, bars, shops, and the famous Old Lahaina Luau (Maui’s best traditional Hawaiian luau). Plus, the beautiful shores of Kaanapali and Napili are a fairly short drive north. There’s a courtyard pool and the renowned restaurant, Gerard’s, features contemporary French cuisine in a romantic setting with tables on the verandah. All 19 rooms and suites have their own distinguished look and feel – many in a traditional Victorian style with hard-wood floors, bamboo trimmings, and whicker furnishings. Most superior and deluxe category rooms have a balcony overlooking the pool area.

A grand place indeed, the sprawling Wailea Resort is famous for its over-the-top opulence: huge bronze statues and frescoed domes in the lobby, a $100-milllion art collection (including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Botero), megatons of marble, geological rock formations imported from Mount Fuiji, and nine freeform pools – complete with waterfalls, rope swings, and white-water rapids. Among the resort’s 40 oceanfront acres, the Spa Grande and fitness center (the largest in Hawaii with 50,000 square feet and 40 treatment rooms) has an underwater elevator and ocean views from practically every window. The Grand Wailea is also chock-full of family activities, including the Camp Grande, a full-fledged kiddie resort with its own restaurant, craft room, theater, game room, and outdoor play area. Rooms here follow posh suit: massive suites overlook Haleakala and the islands of Molokai and Lanai. All 780 guestrooms range from 640–5500 sq. ft. The Napua Tower is a private club-area in the center of the hotel and offers 100 rooms with dedicated concierge services and upgraded accommodations. All units have a private lanai, marble bathrooms with an oversized tub and a separate glass-enclosed shower, a sitting area, and writing desk.

Across the street from a calm, wondrous snorkel spot teeming with fish and underwater tunnels, these five clean and comfortable cottages are a good deal for guests who are staying more than a few days.

This impressive astronomy center connects the dots between the ancient Hawaiian art of navigating by the stars and the dozen world-class telescopes that reside on the summit of Mauna Kea. The café and gift shop are worth a peek too.

Big Island has some of the best spas in the state and Mauna Lani is one of its finest. Unwind in the black lava rock sauna, meditation garden and watsu pool.