In today’s podcast, I’m taking a deep dive into the truth about 5 Star Hotels in Hawaii hotels in Hawaii and giving you my personal take on the realities of spending big bucks on your next Hawaii vacation. This episode will help you anticipate which resorts to choose and how to maximize your luxury Hawaiian vacation if you plan to invest in a high-end resort.
What to Expect from a 5-Star Hotel Stay in Hawaii.
The term “five-star hotel” creates an image of comprehensive luxury with exclusive waterfront bungalows. However, Hawaii operates differently. Top-tier resorts do not offer all-inclusive packages, which means guests must pay extra for meals and activities. Despite their high costs, ranging from $600 to over $14,000 per night, 5 Star Hotels in Hawaii provide excellent service along with prime locations and luxurious features, which validate their premium prices. I recommend travelers throttle back their expectations about what five-star hotels in Hawaii can deliver. While resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean aim to provide complete vacation experiences within their walls, Hawaii offers authentic experiences beyond hotel premises. Step outside your hotel to explore the Hawaiian islands while discovering beautiful landscapes and experiencing authentic local cuisine and Hawaiian culture. Staying exclusively at a resort inhibits your chance to experience the true essence of Hawaii.
A major point to remember is that the “five-star” label on a hotel doesn’t guarantee value for money. Certain properties meet their luxury ratings, but others offer less value for their high prices. Before you book a five-star hotel, you should seek advice from an expert (like me!). Consulting with an expert will help you secure the most fulfilling hotel experience that matches your financial limits.
5 Star Hotels on Oahu
Halekulani – This classic luxury hotel underwent recent renovations and delivers exceptional service alongside gourmet dining options and panoramic ocean views. Although the rooms display high-quality fixtures, beautifully done, top-notch furnishings, and the rooms (about 500 SF) are large, the interior upgrades enhanced the hotel, yet the public areas stayed unchanged, preserving the property’s distinctive elegance. Guests can enjoy oceanfront views from this hotel but won’t find an actual beach immediately behind its property. The pool’s small size is compensated by the excellent atmosphere and exceptional service. This upscale refined option falls short if your main concern is finding a property with a substantial beachfront space.
The Royal Hawaiian – Pink Palace of the Pacific is a historic hotel that showcases much charm and character yet falls short of providing a genuine five-star experience. The resort enjoys a prime location on Waikiki Beach yet suffers from outdated rooms and overcrowding due to shared facilities with neighboring Sheraton. People searching for a luxury getaway should consider other options because this may not fulfill those expectations. The hotel maintains its nostalgic charm for guests seeking to experience a historic and iconic property.
Espacio- This five-star experience at this location somewhat matches its remarkably high cost and is one of the best 5-star hotels in Hawaii. The rooms are huge, have their own private elevators, and if you have a family with a healthy budget, it’s probably the nicest accommodation on the Island of Oahu. Espacio provides spacious suites with personal butlers and rooftop infinity pools, which make it stand out as one of Waikiki’s top luxury accommodations. This location offers privacy and exclusivity for those who don’t mind the cost. Also, be aware that it’s overlooking the beach, but not on the beach and not obstructed by any buildings. I actually prefer this side of Waikiki and the beach there compared to hotels actually on the beach.
Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay -The Ritz-Carlton at Turtle Bay offers Oahu’s nearest ultra-luxury vacation experience through exceptional service and a serene private environment. This property provides a refined opportunity to experience Hawaii’s natural beauty away from Waikiki’s busy hustle and bustle. The resort’s isolated location results in costly dining options and requires residents to prearrange their meals and activities. You will find yourself dining at the property more than you think, and the on-site activities are costly, so get ready for sticker shock!
The Kahala Resort – As a hidden gem outside of Waikiki, the Kahala Hotel & Resort attracts guests with its exclusive atmosphere and tranquil beachfront. Guests receive exceptional service at the Kahala Hotel & Resort, which maintains dated rooms that require renovation. The private beach offers stunning views and serves as an excellent choice for those seeking to avoid crowded locations. I still put this up high on my list of properties in the 5-star category because of its classic, iconic public spaces and history associated with the resort. The pool is a little small, but the beach access makes up for the size.
Maui 5 Star Hotels
Four Seasons Maui – This resort definitely meets the expectation of five-star experiences in Hawaii. It offers top-tier service, stunning oceanfront pools, and an incredible spa. This resort became even more famous recently as the setting for the first season of The White Lotus on HBO. However, one major downside is the adult pool—it’s very small, and even on an average day, it feels overcrowded. You might find this frustrating if you enjoy lounging at a quiet, spacious pool. The rest of the resort is excellent, but this is something to consider when booking in addition to paying for the Four Seasons brand.
Fairmont Kealani – This is my favorite 5-star property on Maui. I think it is right up there as one of the best five-star hotels in Hawaii. An excellent option for families with spacious all-suite accommodations. The property has undergone renovations, and the public spaces are now more modern and upscale. Book a garden-view suite instead of an ocean-view one—you’ll save a lot of money without sacrificing the luxury experience.
Andaz Maui – Guests find modern luxury accommodations that deliver a personalized boutique atmosphere at this hotel. The hotel offers great pools and beachfront access but costs more than the Four Seasons for similar amenities. The rooms measure only 400 SF, yet a redesign has made them both brighter and more modern.
Kauai 5-Star Resorts
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay – Visitors to Kauai will find this newly renovated hotel to be the ultimate luxury accommodation. Guests will enjoy spectacular views while the hotel maintains an environmentally conscious design. The old Princeville Resort has been completely remodeled to exhibit a modern and eco-friendly design. Guests should prepare to spend a substantial amount because nightly rates begin at approximately $1,200. The hotel provides stunning views of Hanalei Bay. Some visitors believe that the renovations have replaced classic Hawaiian luxury with a modern minimalist style. This location provides an upscale experience centered on wellness and sustainability, but traditional Hawaiian elegance seekers should consider different venues. This hotel stands as Kauai’s finest luxury accommodation after its latest renovation. Guests can enjoy stunning views while staying at a hotel built with sustainable design principles.
The Lodge at Kukui’ula – A private, exclusive resort with a ranch-style ambiance. It’s a different five-star experience, offering a more immersive, quiet stay with a traditional luxury hotel setting. This is the perfect spot for a more tranquil and relaxing vacation. The property has a lot of immersive programs around Hawaii’s culture that influence its guests to have a unique, yet very laid-back vacation experience. The property has a “ranch-style” feel. Guests at The Lodge at Kukui’ula find an emphasis on privacy with personalized service and natural surroundings. The property features unique guest amenities, including an 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf, along with an oceanfront clubhouse and a world-class spa. This location offers an exclusive getaway experience that combines luxury retreat comfort with the privacy of a traditional resort.
Big Island 5 Star Resorts
Four Seasons Haualalai – Recently renovated, this is a beautiful resort in Hawaii, in a perfect location closer to Kona Town and the airport. It sets the bar for luxury, with exceptional service, stunning beachfront access, and beautiful rooms. You feel like you’re own bungalow tucked away in this expansive property. The poos are large, and heated! The resort recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation. Public spaces to maintain its reputation as the top-tier luxury choice on the Big Island. One of the standout features here is the variety of pools, including the famous King’s Pond, a unique lava-rock pool filled with thousands of tropical fish for snorkeling.
Kona Village Resort – Recently reopened after a complete rebuild, this resort offers private thatched-roof bungalows and an ultra-luxurious experience. It is one of the most exclusive resorts in Hawaii, bringing back the charm and nostalgia of the old Kona Village but with a completely modernized approach. The resort is designed to feel like a secluded Polynesian-style retreat, with no high-rise buildings or typical hotel rooms—just individual hale (bungalows) scattered over the property. The stunning location limits access to nearby dining and activities, so you’ll mostly enjoy what the resort offers. The exclusive nature of Kona Village villas is reflected in their high price points, which can reach $12,000 per night, making it one of Hawaii’s most expensive accommodations.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection – Transformed its facilities to become a leading luxury destination on the Big Island. Visitors will find stunning views of the ocean along with a strong focus on Hawaiian culture and sustainability in the resort’s beautiful setting. This resort falls short of Four Seasons exclusivity but delivers a high-end experience through excellent service and modern aesthetics paired with wonderful dining options. The CanoeHouse restaurant stands out as a top-rated dining spot offering amazing sunset views. Guests enjoy both a fantastic beach at this resort and a perfect blend of luxurious and welcoming relaxed atmosphere. Its newly refreshed modern vibe makes it one of my “go-to’s” for one of the best 5 Star Hotels in Hawaii.
The Fairmont Orchid – Offers great luxury and beauty but doesn’t reach the standards of actual five-star resorts. Guests will enjoy the stunning location with pristine grounds, waterfalls, and a private lagoon perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The service quality varies, but the resort offers decent dining options that don’t match the excellence of similar establishments at top-tier resorts. Fairmont Orchid provides a luxury experience at a reduced cost but should be considered more as a four-star resort than a full five-star destination. The property displays stunning beauty yet falls short of offering a five-star atmosphere throughout the rooms. The pool and grounds are expansive and very nice, with a private lagoon. The property has cultural practitioners on staff who offer immersive Hawaiian programs that are intimate, informative, and fun.