Hawaii

Like a diamond on a rhinestone cap, this exceptionally elegant hotel is a standout in the heart of Waikiki — Star Service

A heavenly Waikiki Beach hotel with an award-winning spa and five restaurants and lounges. — Jetsetter

Since opening in 1917 on this prime Waikiki beachfront spot, the Halekulani has grown to 454 rooms—but it still manages to feel like the most intimate, peaceful hotel on the island. — Concierge

Located on the beach, the Halekulani defines elegance. It has manicured tropical grounds, tastefully simple decor, a spa, superb cuisine at La Mer and its signature “orchid pool.” — DK Eyewitness

From the moment you step into the lobby, the attention to detail and impeccable service wrap you in privilege at this beachfront location away from Waikiki's bustle. — Fodor's

The island's only five-diamond resort earns its accolades with top-flight service and lavish attention to details like fresh orchids in every room. — Lonely Planet

Grand resort in dramatic grounds along a half-mile rocky shoreline on the north Kona Coast, adjacent to Kona Village. — Andrew Harper

Sometimes, you do get what you pay for—and that’s just about anything you could desire at this serenely welcoming resort. — Frommer's

Luxurious oceanfront accommodations are available here in bungalows that surround three swimming pools. — DK Eyewitness

“Perfect,” “heaven,” and “the best vacation of my life” are just a few ways guests describe this understatedly gorgeous, isolated resort where most of the 243 rooms, in low-rise... — Travel + Leisure

Interconnecting blue pools wind through tropical gardens on the "beautifully landscaped" grounds of this 602-room beachside "mega-resort." — Zagat

Dramatically handsome, this classic Hawaiian low-rise is built into the cliffs overlooking an unspoiled coastline. — Fodor's

Sprawling across 50 acres of a former sugar plantation, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa is a luxurious escape in sunny Poipu on Kauai's south shore, just half an hour from Lihue Airport. — Forbes Travel Guide

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa isn’t intimate—it holds 602 rooms—but travelers can still find some Zen calm here — Travel + Leisure

Overlooking Keoneloa Bay and the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, this mega-resort is quite possibly one of the best on the island. — Gayot

Hidden away in the upscale residential neighborhood of Kahala... one of Hawaii's very first luxury resorts. — Fodor's

Oahu classic—fresh from a three-year, $52 million renovation—with thoughtful in-room details (Egyptian-cotton linens; chenille robes; oversize rainfall showerheads). — Travel + Leisure

The staff at this "serene" Honolulu "oasis" delivers "first-class treatment from arrival to departure" in a "beautiful" beachside setting overlooking a "lagoon with dolphins". — Zagat

In one of Oahu's most prestigious residential areas, the Kahala offers the peace and serenity of a neighbor-island vacation, but with the conveniences of Waikiki just a 10-minute drive away. — Frommer's

The Kahala . . . remains the epitome of island luxury and a retreat for famously discerning guests. — The Telegraph

This resort was perfect even before the management built the adults-only infinity pool with its underwater music system and swim-up bar. — Frommer's

"No offense to Mr. Disney", but this Wailea resort "really is the happiest place on earth." — Zagat

Luxurious resort on 15 oceanfront acres at the south end of Wailea Beach. — Andrew Harper

Impeccably stylish, subdued, and relaxing describe most Four Seasons properties, and this low-key elegant one fronting award-winning Wailea Beach is no exception. — Fodor's

This gorgeous, 380-room luxury property fronting Wailea beach is one of the top resorts on Maui. — Oyster

Located in the former playground of Hawaiian royalty, this “classic, old Hawaii” pink-colored hotel is an “oasis right in the middle of Waikiki.” — Condé Nast Traveler

The 1920s “Pink Palace”, commanding the beach, is one of Waikiki’s best-loved landmarks. Its original building, looking out across terrace gardens to the sea, remains irresistible. — Rough Guide

There's nothing like the legendary Pink Palace of the Pacific, and an $85 million face-lift in 2009, the iconic hotel set on 14 acres of prime Waikiki Beach is a unique blend of luxury and tradition. — Fodor's

Both new and returning guests will find this grande dame a formidable fashion-forward refuge with the kind of provenance that is nearly extinct in the world of hostelry. — Star Service

Of the three luxury hotels in Waikiki -- the Moana Surfrider and the Halekulani are the others -- the 528-room Royal Hawaiian provides the most stunning design. — Oyster

Refurbished Polynesian-style resort on a red lava cliff on Hawaii’s most clandestine island. — Jetsetter

Overlooking Hulopoe Bay, this sublime retreat offers beachside urban chic with stunning views of the deep blue sea and astonishing rocky coastline. — Fodor's

Private island retreat overlooking the marine reserve of Hulopo’e Bay, a 25-minute flight from Honolulu or 45-minute ferry ride from Maui. — Andrew Harper

Terraced down a hillside, this elegant hotel overlooks the blue crescent of Hulopoe Bay, a marine preserve where dolphins come to swim. — Gayot

With the closure of its sibling lodge, this resort is the premier destination on Lana‘i. — Lonely Planet

Originally built as a tropical escape for an English prince, the resort was completely redone last year to echo the natural beauty of Kauai’s North Shore. — Jetsetter

The 251-room St. Regis Princeville is considered by many to be the premier luxury option in Hawaii, and given the stunning setting overlooking Hanalei Bay, it's hard to disagree. — Oyster

Sprawling across 23 acres of Kauai’s North Shore, the opulent St. Regis Princeville Resort sits on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. — Forbes Travel Guide

The "great interior ambience" reflects the "magnificent setting" on the 9,000-acre grounds. — Condé Nast Traveler

Unveiled in September 2009 after its conversion from a Starwood Luxury Collection property, this resort on Kauai’s North Shore borders two of Hawaii’s most famous golf courses (the Makai... — Travel + Leisure

An upcountry Hawaiian sensibility pervades this 20-acre central-highland property on sparsely populated Lanai — Travel + Leisure

In the highlands above Lanai City, this grand country estate exudes luxury and romance with paths meandering through formal gardens, a huge reflecting pond, and an orchid greenhouse. — Fodor's

"You'll feel like you're at Hogwarts" rather than Lanai City when you stay in this "first-rate", "cool country manor" in the "hills of Lanai" a few miles "upcountry" from its Manele Bay sister. — Zagat

Refurbished as a Four Seasons Resort, this country property is unique among Hawaii's top-of-the-line hotels. — Gayot

Distinctive resort tucked away in the cool highlands on the pristine island of Lanai, 30 minutes by air from Honolulu. — Andrew Harper

Understated elegance attracts the exclusive golf crowd to this luxe northern outpost. — Lonely Planet

Perched majestically on a knoll above D. T. Fleming Beach, this resort is a complete universe, where you can while away whole weeks without leaving the grounds. — Frommer's

This Ritz is set apart by its Hawaiian cultural program, including hands-on activities, entertainment, special events, seminars, and exhibits. — DK Eyewitness

There isn’t a moment on this Ritz-Carlton property where you aren’t made to feel like royalty — Travel + Leisure

This elegant hillside property features luxurious service, upscale accommodations, a spa, restaurants, and pool, along with an education center and an enhanced Hawaiian sense of place. — Fodor's

Dramatic resort-estate in a beachfront setting on the Kohala Coast. — Andrew Harper

A tree for shade, sand, tide pools to explore, a canoe house (hale) covering a koa canoe nearby, and a friendly turtle (honu) who feeds here are all part of what could be a perfect day. — Afar Magazine

After a $30-million renovation that wrapped up in late 2013, the posh guest rooms once again gleam with understated elegance. — Frommer's

This beautiful luxury beach resort on the Kohala Coast is chock-full of excellent features: top-rated dining, golfing, tennis, fitness training, and spa experiences. — Oyster

Even if you weren't familiar with this hotel's longstanding reputation for quality service and unforgettable surroundings, you'd be impressed the minute you walked through the door. — Gayot

"Is there a better resort for families anywhere in Hawaii? I doubt it." — Condé Nast Traveler

Perched on the white sand shores of Wailea, this all-suite resort offers a beachside fantasy on Hawaii’s Valley Isle. — Jetsetter

Gleaming white spires and tiled archways are the hallmark of this stunning resort that's particularly good for families. — Fodor's

The gorgeous Fairmont Kea Lani, with arched breezeways, lily pad-topped ponds and palm-lined thoroughfares looks as though it’s straight from the pages of a magazine. — The Telegraph

"When you want to be pampered in Wailea", this "classy", "exceptional" all-suites resort is "perfect for families or couples", providing "all you could want." — Zagat

The hotel's selling point is the historic main building: non-guests as well as guests are free to sit on the nostalgic, front-porch rocking chairs. — Lonely Planet

At more than 100 years old, the Moana has retained its graciousness over the years. Heavy dose of charm offers relief in a jungle of post-70's behemoths. — BlackBook

It's no surprise that holidays and festivals of Filipino, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese—along with other Asian and Pacific Islanders—are celebrated alongside Hawaiian and U.S. holidays. — Afar Magazine

As Waikiki's first hotel, the 1901 plantation-style oceanfront Moana Surfrider offers a dose of historic charm on one of the nicest -- albeit most congested -- stretches of Waikiki Beach. — Oyster

This historic beauty—the oldest hotel in Waikiki—is still a wedding and honeymoon favorite with a sweeping main staircase and period furnishings in its historic Moana wing. — Fodor's

This first-rate resort overflows with tropical gardens, cascading waterfalls, sandy beach cove, beautiful wings with "open sesame" doors, a meandering pool, and renovated rooms. — Fodor's

Fans call this "plantation-style" Kohala Coast beachfront resort "the gold standard" thanks to a combination of "classically upscale touches." — Zagat

This 32-acre luxury resort in Waimea delivers all the high-end Big Island essentials. — Oyster

The spacious rooms in this luxury hotel have big lānai (verandas), sitting areas, and marble bathrooms, each with a double sink and separate shower. — DK Eyewitness

Beyond the 10,000-square-foot swimming pool lies a cove of soft sand, where the Hui Holokai Beach Ambassadors make guests feel at home in the water and on shore. — Frommer's

The hipsters of Honolulu were clamoring for a new hangout, and the arrival of this Ian Schrager-designed hotel answered their call. — Jetsetter

The Modern Honolulu and its brooding Addiction nightclub is a hip Waikiki hangout day and night. — The Telegraph

A non-beach location next to Waikiki’s Yacht Harbor hasn’t stopped The Modern Honolulu from exuding an oceanfront sensibility. — Travel + Leisure

Schrager'€™s creative direction is evident in all aspects of this hotel, from the bi-level pools overlooking an outdoor theater... to the tropical-urban style in the 353 guest rooms and suites. — Gayot

The Modern Honolulu lives up to its name: it’s modern without being trendy, it’s hip without being stuffy. — Forbes Travel Guide

One of the largest hotels in Waikiki happens to be so close to the water that its retaining walls jut into the high water mark. — Gayot

Plunked down on a vast swath of beach in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel may be ranked No. 2 in size behind the Hilton Hawaiian Village, but it is a bustling beehive of activity in an... — Star Service

Legend has it King Kamehameha built his royal bungalow on the site where the Sheraton... now stands -- and the location really is that picturesque and convenient. — Oyster

With "sweeping views of Diamond Head and the glittering Pacific", this full-service resort provides a "pampered stay" in a "great location" in Honolulu with plenty of "dining and shopping" options. — Zagat

People are constantly coming and going and if you stop, the crowd might just whisk you away. — Lonely Planet

Location, location, location: this megaresort and convention destination sprawls over 22 acres on Waikiki's widest stretch of beach. — Fodor's

Situated on the widest stretch of Waikīkī Beach, this huge hotel has six towers, five pools, over 90 shops, 20 lounges and restaurants, a spa, and tropical gardens. — DK Eyewitness

Sprawling over 20 acres on a gorgeous stretch of Waikiki Beach, Waikiki's biggest resort is a minicity unto itself, so big it even has its own post office. — Frommer's

A "mini-city of its own", this "classic" "high-energy" high-rise "super-resort" sits on a "wide" stretch of beach in the "heart of Waikiki" and boasts "moon-over-the-ocean" views. — Zagat

This non-smoking hotel celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011 and remains one of the largest oceanfront resorts in the world. — Gayot

Set in extensive and beautiful grounds, this is the giant among Kohala’s resorts. — DK Eyewitness

A tram and property-encircling moat, complete with motorized longboats, help visitors and timeshare owners navigate three room towers, nine restaurants, three monstrous pools and a series of lagoons. — The Telegraph

Courtesy of Hilton Navigate this splashy playland on Waiulua Bay via mahogany canal boat or air-conditioned tram — Travel + Leisure

Over the top and swanky, this 62-acre, 1,242-room resort is located about 40 minutes from the Keahole-Kona International Airport. — Gayot

To cast all your cares on the Pacific Ocean and bask under the warm Hawaiian sunshine, book a room at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort. — Afar Magazine

Those seeking a "romantic getaway" could not "ask for a better experience" than a stay at this "intimate", "secluded" 121-room "boutique" resort. — Zagat

A self-contained beachfront oasis in the sunniest part of Hawaii’s lush Garden Isle. — Jetsetter

Everything seems to run like clockwork at this jewel box of a hotel, hidden between the sprawling Kiahuna Plantation Resort and the densely built Marriott Waiohai Beach Club. — Frommer's

This 121-room Poipu boutique hotel offers five-star features. — Oyster

Courtesy of Ko'a Kea Hotel and Resort With its arrival in 2009, the 121-room Koa Kea Resort made a splash on the area’s beloved Poipu Beach. The tranquil property offers a more intimate... — Travel + Leisure

This 40-acre seaside property has some of Kaanapali’s best facilities and amenities. — The Telegraph

You can’t help but feel like royalty when walking into this palatial resort with exotic parrots and South African penguins in the lobby. — Frommer's

Situated on 40 acres along Ka'anapali Beach, this Four Diamond–rated resort is within easy reach of the famous snorkeling around Black Rock. — Condé Nast Traveler

The four-pearl Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa has a seemingly endless list of amenities, restaurants, a massive pool complex, modern rooms, and nightly luaus. — Oyster

This 40-acre combination resort was described as Disneyland, Maui-style, when it opened back in 1980. — Gayot