Top Hawaii Hotels for 2023: Expert Picks for Every Budget and Island
Hawaii remains one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors annually with its pristine beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and world-class hospitality. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Hawaii’s diverse hotel offerings cater to every preference and budget level. From ultra-luxury beachfront resorts to charming boutique properties, the Hawaiian islands present an exceptional array of accommodations that promise unforgettable experiences.
Choosing the right hotel can make or break your Hawaii vacation. With so many options across Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai, travelers often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices. This guide breaks down the best hotels Hawaii has to offer in 2023, helping you navigate the decision-making process with expert recommendations tailored to different travel styles and budgets. We’ll explore properties that consistently deliver exceptional service, stunning locations, and remarkable value.
Best Hotels on Oahu
Oahu, home to Honolulu and the world-famous Waikiki Beach, offers the most extensive hotel selection in Hawaii. The island attracts business travelers, families, and luxury seekers alike, resulting in accommodations spanning every category imaginable. Waikiki remains the epicenter of Oahu’s hotel scene, with dozens of properties ranging from budget chains to five-star resorts lining the golden shoreline.
The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa stands as one of Hawaii’s most iconic hotels, boasting over 130 years of history and an unbeatable beachfront location. This legendary property seamlessly blends historic charm with modern amenities, offering guests the authentic Waikiki experience their grandparents might have enjoyed. The hotel features multiple dining options, a full-service spa, and direct beach access—making it an excellent choice for those seeking timeless elegance.
For travelers prioritizing luxury and contemporary design, the Moana Surfrider pairs exceptionally well with understanding luxury beachfront hotels considerations. The property’s location makes exploring Waikiki’s vibrant dining and entertainment scene incredibly convenient. Nearby, the Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort offers another premium option with distinctive pink-hued architecture and exceptional service standards.
The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort provides a more expansive resort experience, featuring multiple towers, lagoons, and an on-site entertainment program. This property appeals particularly to families and groups seeking comprehensive amenities without venturing off-property. The resort includes restaurants, shops, a spa, and activities for all ages, creating a self-contained vacation environment.
Beyond Waikiki, the Kahala Hotel & Resort represents Oahu’s most exclusive accommodation, situated on a private beach away from the Waikiki crowds. This intimate 338-room property caters to discerning travelers seeking personalized service and serene surroundings. The hotel features dolphin encounters, Michelin-starred dining, and an unparalleled commitment to guest satisfaction.
Maui’s Premier Accommodations
Maui captivates visitors with its dramatic landscapes, excellent beaches, and romantic ambiance. The island hosts two primary resort areas: Wailea in the south and Kaanapali in the west, each offering distinct characteristics and hotel options. Maui’s hotels tend toward upscale properties, reflecting the island’s reputation as a premier luxury destination.
The Fairmont Kea Lani exemplifies Maui luxury, featuring all-suite accommodations with private plunge pools overlooking Wailea Beach. This architectural masterpiece combines Mediterranean inspiration with Hawaiian hospitality, creating an unforgettable setting. The resort offers multiple pools, world-class restaurants, a championship golf course, and comprehensive spa services. Guests consistently praise the spacious suites and attentive staff that exceed typical five-star expectations.
In Kaanapali, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa dominates the premium market segment. This sprawling oceanfront property features dramatic architecture, multiple pools, and direct beach access. The hotel’s focus on guest experience includes complimentary activities, cultural programs, and exceptional dining venues. The property’s layout and amenities make it particularly appealing for families seeking both relaxation and entertainment options.
The Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort stands as Maui’s most elaborate resort property, featuring 780 rooms across multiple towers. This comprehensive resort includes nine pools, a 50,000-square-foot spa, multiple restaurants, and activities for all ages. While the scale might overwhelm some travelers, families and groups appreciate the variety and convenience. Understanding hotel comparison sites becomes particularly valuable when evaluating properties of this magnitude.
For a more intimate experience, the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast and the Maui-based Wailea Ekahi Village offer alternative luxury perspectives. These properties emphasize personalized service and exclusive access over sprawling amenities.
Big Island Luxury and Value
The Big Island offers Hawaii’s most diverse landscape, from volcanic terrain to pristine beaches. The Kohala Coast on the western shore concentrates the island’s luxury resort properties, while Hilo on the eastern side provides budget-friendly options and authentic local experiences.
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel represents Big Island luxury at its finest, occupying a stunning crescent beach surrounded by lava rock formations. This property emphasizes understated elegance and genuine aloha spirit, offering 252 rooms with ocean views and access to world-class dining. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation distinguishes it from typical resort properties. Guests appreciate the serene atmosphere and access to the island’s natural wonders.
The Hilton Waikoloa Village provides a more value-oriented alternative on the Kohala Coast, featuring 1,240 rooms across multiple towers. This mega-resort includes 25 restaurants and bars, three championship golf courses, and comprehensive activities. While the property’s size might seem impersonal, its affordability and amenities attract families and budget-conscious travelers seeking resort experiences.
For volcano enthusiasts, the Volcano House offers a unique perspective, situated directly on the rim of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This historic property provides proximity to volcanic wonders unavailable at beach resorts, though it sacrifices ocean views for geological drama. The hotel serves as an excellent base for exploring the Big Island’s interior landscape and unique ecosystems.
Kauai’s Hidden Gems
Kauai, the oldest Hawaiian island, presents a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Oahu and Maui. The island’s north shore features dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation, while the south shore offers drier weather and excellent beaches. Kauai’s hotel selection emphasizes intimacy and natural beauty over sprawling mega-resorts.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa dominates Poipu Beach on Kauai’s south shore, offering 602 rooms with direct beach access and comprehensive amenities. This property provides excellent value for families, featuring multiple pools, restaurants, and activities. The resort’s location provides convenient access to Kauai’s most accessible beaches and attractions.
For north shore experiences, the St. Regis Princeville Resort occupies a dramatic clifftop location overlooking Hanalei Bay. This exclusive property features 252 rooms with panoramic views and butler service on selected tiers. The resort’s elevation provides breathtaking vistas and cooler temperatures, though beach access requires a brief descent. The property appeals to travelers seeking exclusivity and dramatic scenery over beachfront convenience.
The Aloha Beach Resort offers budget-friendly accommodations in Kapaa on Kauai’s east shore, providing excellent value without sacrificing comfort. This property serves as a practical base for exploring the island’s natural attractions while maintaining reasonable rates.
Budget-Friendly Hotels Throughout Hawaii
Hawaii travel doesn’t require luxury resort budgets. Budget hotels throughout the islands offer clean accommodations and convenient locations at fraction of premium prices. The Aston Hotels & Resorts chain provides numerous affordable properties across all islands, featuring kitchenettes and suitable amenities for value-conscious travelers.
Waikiki’s budget options include the Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa and the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, both offering direct beach access at moderate rates. These properties eliminate the need for expensive off-property dining and transportation. Understanding hotel check-in and check-out times becomes particularly valuable when maximizing budget accommodations’ value.
Hostels and vacation rentals present additional budget alternatives, particularly for solo travelers or groups willing to share accommodations. Platforms offering these options often provide better value than traditional hotels while offering unique local perspectives.
Smart Booking Strategies for Hawaii Hotels
Maximizing value when booking Hawaii hotels requires strategic planning and informed decision-making. Timing significantly impacts rates, with shoulder seasons (April-May and September-November) offering better values than peak periods. Using hotel comparison sites allows systematic rate comparison across multiple platforms simultaneously.
Frequent traveler programs offer significant benefits, providing room upgrades, late checkout, and complimentary amenities. Loyalty program members often receive better rates than walk-up prices. Additionally, considering how to use airline miles can substantially reduce overall trip costs when properties participate in airline partnership programs.
Direct hotel bookings occasionally offer better rates than third-party platforms, particularly when booking directly through hotel websites. Many properties provide “best rate guarantees,” ensuring guests receive the lowest available rates when booking directly. Calling hotels directly allows negotiating package deals, room upgrades, or amenities unavailable through online booking platforms.
Package deals combining airfare and accommodations frequently provide better overall value than booking components separately. Travel agents specializing in Hawaii often access exclusive rates and packages unavailable to individual bookers. These professionals can provide personalized recommendations based on specific travel dates, preferences, and budgets.
Considering standby flight options can reduce transportation costs, though this requires flexible scheduling. Booking mid-week often yields better rates than weekend stays, as business travel demand decreases. Extending stays typically reduces nightly rates, as hotels prefer longer bookings over multiple short stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time to visit Hawaii for hotel deals?
Shoulder seasons offer optimal value, with April-May and September-November providing better rates than peak summer and winter periods. Hurricane season (June-November) occasionally prompts promotional rates, though weather considerations may affect your experience. Booking three to six months in advance typically yields better prices than last-minute reservations.
Which Hawaiian island is best for budget travelers?
The Big Island and Kauai offer more budget-friendly accommodations compared to Oahu and Maui. Hilo on the Big Island particularly features affordable options, though it sacrifices typical beach resort experiences. Kapaa on Kauai similarly provides budget alternatives while maintaining adequate tourist infrastructure.
Do Hawaii hotels include breakfast or meals?
Most Hawaii hotels don’t include breakfast or meals in standard room rates, though all-inclusive packages sometimes feature dining credits. Luxury resorts occasionally include breakfast as part of premium room packages. Always verify meal inclusions when comparing rates, as breakfast costs can significantly impact overall trip expenses.
Are there hotels suitable for families with young children?
Yes, numerous properties cater specifically to families. The Hilton Hawaiian Village, Grand Wailea, and Hilton Waikoloa Village feature kids’ clubs, multiple pools, and family-friendly activities. These properties provide comprehensive entertainment options that prevent children from becoming bored during extended stays.
What amenities should I prioritize when selecting a Hawaii hotel?
Beach access, pool facilities, dining options, and activity programs rank highest among traveler priorities. Consider your specific needs: families prioritize kids’ amenities, couples prefer romantic settings, and active travelers seek adventure activity access. Reading recent guest reviews provides invaluable insights into actual amenity quality and service standards.
Can I negotiate hotel rates directly with properties?
Absolutely. Calling hotels directly often allows negotiating better rates, especially for extended stays or group bookings. Mentioning competitor rates sometimes prompts matching offers. Loyalty program members frequently receive additional discounts beyond published rates. Direct communication often reveals package deals unavailable through online platforms.
