Hawaii Smart Splurges

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.

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

 

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.

Big Island is also known for having some of the top greens in the state, including the Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay-designed Hapuna Golf Course, with its sweeping panoramic views 700 feet above sea level.

Helicopter tours like “The Big Island Spectacular” aren’t cheap, but there really is no other way to get a bird’s eye view of otherwise inaccessible areas of sea cliff coastline, lush green valleys, and boiling volcanic lava pits.

Many people make the trek to this highly addictive, out-of-the-way treats factory and buy boatloads. Its to-die-for chocolates and cookies, made fresh on location, are only available from the factory or direct from the website.

Fresh takes on luau staples like smoked hamachi and suckling pig more

W Hotel Honolulu Diamondhead; 2885 Kalakaua Ave.; Honolulu, HI; 808-922-3734; www.w-dhg.com

Satisfy luxury tastes with dinner at La Mer, which begins with a glass of Champagne, a fitting...more

The Island Spirit takes pride in its knowledgeable crew and personalized service. Between six and 16 passengers are treated to iced cappuccinos and light health snacks as they wait to snorkel amid the complex coral systems, dolphins, manta rays, monk seals, and green sea turtles off Oahu's leeward coast, with 60- to 100-foot visibility and waters that never dip below 76 degrees.

Soar above the magnificent coastline and tilt toward cascading waterfalls on a helicopter tour. The unique bird’s eye view is worth the price. Tours take you to Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale Crater, the wettest place on Earth.