%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-woman-walking-garden-hotel-spa-00-HAWAIIRESORTHOTELSWB25-e16fa30bfb224916bb1f7484de40a728.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
These Are the Best Resorts in Hawaii—With Secluded Beaches, Stunning Snorkeling, and Sunset Views
But, in addition to allocating ample time to enjoy the sun, sand, and poke, there's one crucial element that factors into every Hawaiian vacation plan: finding the right hotel. There's certainly no shortage of exemplary accommodation choices in the state, but one hotel rose above the rest in this year's World's Best Awards—read on to find out who the winner is. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
Outdoor garden at Spa Montage Kapalua Bay.
Oahu, the most populous island in the Hawaiian archipelago, was well-represented in this year's rankings. Four resorts on the list hail from Oahu, including The Kahala Hotel & Resort (No. 9).
'I've been [coming] to The Kahala for nearly two decades, and it is my favorite place in the entire world,' one reader said. 'Everything is perfect: the food, service, rooms, location, and spa, for families and couples alike. I love sitting in the lobby, reading a book underneath its famous crystalline chandelier.' Another person pointed out its secluded beach, which they said 'is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of Waikiki.'
Elsewhere, on Kauai, Ko'a Kea Resort on Po'ipu Beach (No. 6) charmed visitors, with one reader describing it as 'paradise on earth.' The 121-room property has the advantage of occupying a prime stretch of coast that's great for families, thanks to its natural wading pools and relatively calm waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and aquatic sports. As another reader said, the resort also has the benefit of a 'wonderful location and excellent service.'
And on the Island of Hawaii, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection (No. 5), impressed with its culinary program, especially at the primary restaurant, CanoeHouse, which a reader reports is 'the best restaurant for miles around.'
'The rooms face west, so you have an amazing sunset over the ocean every night,' one reader said. '... The service and staff are outstanding. They will remember you if you come year after year, and they make you feel like family.'
Everything is perfect: the food, service, rooms, location, and spa, for families and couples alike.
— T+L Reader
Montage Kapalua Bay Aerial view of Montage Kapalua Bay.
Set along the rugged shoreline of Namalu Bay on Maui's west side, this 24-acre property feels more like an exclusive oceanfront village, rather than a typical hotel. Suites here resemble high-end residences, with large kitchens, high ceilings, oversized soaking tubs, and verandas large enough to host sunset dinners.
'The most beautiful resort in all of Hawaii,' one survey respondent said.
The 40,000-square-foot Spa Montage, meanwhile, is a destination in itself and includes a peaceful infinity pool surrounded by tropical greenery. After a spa treatment or a dip in the ocean, guests can learn how to string fragrant plumeria leis or master the art of hula in open-air pavilions.
1. Montage Kapalua Bay: Maui
Reader Score: 98.13
2. Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
Reader Score: 98.01
3. Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort: Island of Hawaii
Reader Score: 96.87
4. Hotel Wailea: Maui
Reader Score: 96.59
5. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection: Island of Hawaii
Reader Score: 95.95
6. Ko'a Kea Resort on Po'ipu Beach: Kaua'i
Reader Score: 95.86
7. The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii: Island of Hawaii
Reader Score: 95.02
8. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: Island of Hawaii
Reader Score: 94.89
9. The Kahala Hotel & Resort: Oahu
Reader Score: 94.40
10. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort: Island of Hawaii
Reader Score: 94.14
11. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa: Maui
Reader Score: 93.89
12. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
Reader Score: 93.00
13. Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Reader Score: 92.90
14. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach: Waikiki
Reader Score: 92.21
15. The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay: Oahu
Reader Score: 92.18
16. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort: Maui
Reader Score: 92.15
17. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: Island of Hawaii
Reader Score: 92.00
18. Halekulani: Oahu
Reader Score: 91.88
19. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa: Maui
Reader Score: 91.37
20. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea: Maui Reader Score: 91.25
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I'm a Hawaiian Travel Writer—These Are 12 Things I Never Bring to the Beach, and What to Pack Instead
As someone who lives in Hawai'i, it's no surprise that I spend a lot of time at the beach. With my 'ohana (family) in tow, we explore all over Hawai'i Island (Big Island) from white, brown, and black sand beaches to rocky shorelines. While I wish we were the spontaneous types, content on just throwing down a towel and slathering on some sunscreen, we enjoy our beach accessories and know how to make even the most remote spots comfortable. Whether you're heading to a tropical locale via plane or loading up the car for a day trip, the right beach gear and summer accessories can make a huge difference in the success of your day, just as much as proper planning and safety research can. After the hundreds of times I've been to the beach in the past 10 years, these are some of my (and my family's) favorite beach essentials for a great day full of sand and sun. In Hawai'i, flip-flops are better known as 'slippahs,' and they're pretty much worn everywhere for nearly every occasion. However, not every style is meant for the beach. If you're not wearing water-resistant flip-flops, you'll be slipping and sliding all over the place, which can be uncomfortable and unsafe. Water-friendly flip-flops typically dry faster and don't end up with a funny smell (just be sure to rinse them in fresh water after the beach). I love Sanuk's Ziggy flip-flop with its ultra-soft, cushioned footbed, wide fit, and supportive upper strap. For a women-specific style, try the brand's Cosmic Shores style. In Hawai'i, Maui County requires beachgoers to only use reef-safe sunscreen, while the rest of the state requires reef-friendly sunscreen. The sunscreen law is meant to protect the fragile reef ecosystems and preserve them for future generations. While the difference between reef-friendly and reef-safe can get a bit confusing, it's easy to remember that mineral sunscreen is the safest bet, not only to protect the reefs, but it's also healthier for our bodies, as it creates a physical barrier between the sun and your skin. It would be great to see other beach destinations with this law, but just because it isn't required doesn't mean we can be proactive. Raw Elements offers a variety of mineral sunscreen options, including face and body cream, a tinted face cream, and tinted lip balms. Credit: Amazon Credit: Amazon In addition to mineral sunscreen, our family also uses sunscreen clothing to defend against UV rays, especially when our beach days include fishing. My husband loves this super lightweight UPF 50+ bamboo hoodie from Humu Surf because it doesn't feel heavy on his skin in the heat, and it dries very quickly. For me, who is more likely to be in my beach chair reading a book, I prefer something light and flowy as a swim cover-up, like this sun-protective layer that offers UPF 50+ coverage. Credit: Amazon Credit: Amazon While most days at the beach typically involve sand, it's not something you want to bring back home with you (especially if you have a rental car). There are some beach hacks out there that suggest using talcum powder to get the clingy stuff off. With more and more people shifting away from talcum powder for health and environmental reasons, non-talc-based sand remover pouches like the Sandscreen from Shakalo (invented in Hawai'i) are a great alternative. The powdery pouches smell fresh and amazing and help you easily brush off sand from your face, body, and hands, using a blend of vegan, reef-friendly products. The sandscreen pouch comes in its own carrying case and is small and convenient to toss in a beach bag. 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