11 Hawaii Most Expensive Hotels

Hawaii, in the heart of the North Pacific Ocean, has always been synonymous with luxury. Whether it’s the tropical, lush landscape, the turquoise waters, or the pristine white-sand beaches, every inch of the archipelago justifies its nickname as the Aloha State. So, it’s no surprise that the islands are home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels. When it comes to Hawaii, most expensive hotels offer the most luxurious amenities and experiences ever. We’d be reclining in a breezy cabana and sipping on fruity cocktails by the pool, even as the sun set over the glistening waters of the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Since we’ve headed to hula paradise and had the same penchant for opulence, we explored Hawaii in as indulgent a style as it could get.

So, we’re here to guide you in what could be the ultimate Hawaiian luxury experience for you. After all, escaping to Hawaii is heavenly by itself, and doing so in a luxury suite is the cherry on top. Private and posh all at once, here are the fanciest digs in the entire state.

Andaz Maui at Wailea

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Maui’s timeless charm melds with modern luxury at Andaz Maui at Wailea. The resort’s stunning beach is its biggest draw, where you can soak up the sun, the sand, and the sea. It’s not for nothing that it’s one of the best oceanfront hotels in Maui. On the inside, the resort utilizes the island’s natural and indigenous elements, like stone and wood, to create an earthy yet luxurious ambiance.

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Even the rest of the property is a visual masterpiece. Our favorite spot on the property was the cascading infinity pools that seemed to flow directly into the ocean. After a languorous swim, we’d sprawl on the loungers and gaze out at the mesmerizing views. With poolside service available, it was one of our favorite things to do at this Andaz property. Since we’re foodies, we were thrilled to be dining at not one but five restaurants! Maui’s gastronomic heritage was evident in every meal, which had dishes ranging from contemporary global ones to traditional Hawaiian dishes. However, what truly defines luxury here is the curated experiences that will allow you to delve deeper into Maui’s traditions, history, and culture. With ukulele and hula lessons and a traditional luau, Andaz’s offerings go beyond that of a typical luxury retreat.

The rooms and suites were not far off, with all of them being sanctuaries of bespoke comfort. The real tickets here, though, are the three- and four-bedroom villas, all of which come with hot tubs or private plunge pools and panoramic Pacific Ocean views. The four-bedroom full oceanfront villa sits right at the apex in terms of amenities and price, for it costs as much as USD 5,000/night!

Fairmont Orchid, Island of Hawai’i

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Located on the northwestern Kohala Coast of the Island of Hawai’i or the Big Island, the Fairmont Orchid sits fronting a gorgeous white sand beach. During evenings, there will be a local musician or a ukulele player greeting you in the lobby overlooking the ocean.

The amenities are in focus here, especially the dining kind, with as many as five restaurants on the property. Seafood lovers should head to Brown’s Beach House, which also has an excellent kids’ menu. On the other hand, you can belly up to the 14-seat Binchotan Bar & Grill sushi bar. High tea takes place in the Luana Lounge, and Orchid Court and Hale Kai serve comfort American cuisine. Are you here on Friday nights? Don’t miss Fairmont’s Hawaii Loa Luau under the stars.

The furnishings in the rooms might say Hawaii – bamboo motifs, rattan furniture, and lanais – but the vibe is distinctly modern. This Fairmont outpost might not look like it, but it has double the decadence with not one but two Presidential Suites. The sixth-floor North and South Tower Presidential Suites are the very embodiment of serenity and luxury. The private lanai outdoor spaces open up to stunning ocean views, totally justifying the USD 5,500/night price.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Maui

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If beachfront luxury is your thing, then look no further than the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Maui. Tucked on Kauai’s sun-kissed shores, the massive resort has often been described as “heaven on earth,” and we quite agree with that. Ringed by flowing blue lagoons and flourishing tropical gardens, this low-rise, open-air Keoneloa Bay resort harks back to Hawaii’s glamourous 1920s-30s era.

The offerings and amenities are top-notch here – we’d go so far as to say that they’re the best on the entire island. In fact, the OTT amenities are the selling point of the resort. Stevenson’s Sushi & Spirits, with a 27-foot carved koa bar and an extensive selection of spirits, is very popular. Tidepools wows with its seafood, and Ilima Terrace is all about comfort food. That said, everyone’s absolute favorite is the Shipwreck Bar, which is the swim-up bar at the huge palm-lined saltwater lagoon, complete with a lazy river that snakes through the property. It’s also where you can enjoy attending traditional luaus. After all that sun, retreat to the folds of the mint-scented Anara Spa, where body massages and facials under a hale (thatched roof bungalow) will be the highlight of your Hawaiian experience. That’s why this is also one of Kauai’s most romantic hotels.

Of the 600+ rooms, more than 70% of them have at least partial ocean views! They might all be traditionally tropical-styled, but the mod-cons are as swish as they get. The best feature, though, is the private, furnished lanais in all rooms. So, it’s no surprise that the Presidential Suite, the best room at this magnificent Kauai resort, is priced at an equally magnificent price – USD 5,500/night.

Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui

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It doesn’t get more Hawaiian than the Montage Kapalua Bay, which is one of Maui’s best luxury hotels. The resort might have originally been a timeshare, but it’s a living embodiment of Hawaiian seafaring traditions and culture. When you enter, the dramatic, triangular roof, which is akin to traditional Hawaiian canoe houses built over koi ponds, comes into focus. The USD 63 resort fee is worth it, as it also includes lessons from the hotel’s longtime cultural ambassador, who’ll tell you all about Kapalua’s beginnings and history.

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Surf, sand, and pool come beautifully together at this seaside resort. The pool scene is the focus here, with three-tiered pools and lots of daybeds. What’s more, there’s also snorkel gear and stand-up paddle boards down by the beach. The food scene isn’t far behind, with the main restaurant serving breakfasts and dinners, a clubby bar doing clever cocktails, and even a small poolside bar that fronts the coastal trail. If you’re the outdoors-exploring kind, you can also borrow the complimentary hikes or head out on a guided exploration tour of the tidepools. Topping everything off is the spa, where the Hawaii-inspired body treatments are a must-try.

Since this was originally a timeshare, even entry-level rooms are 1,250 sq ft-huge one-bedroom suites, complete with huge lanais. While most suites are done up in soothing hues, the larger residences, like the huge Ohia Lehua Four-Bedroom Ocean Penthouse, are different. In fact, the Ohia Lehua measures a whopping 4,050 sq. ft. and has three private lanais and luxurious bathtubs in marble bathrooms. For a price of USD 7,500/night, you even get your own private luau in your residence and are pampered by the resort’s in-residence chef. Sigh.

Espacio, The Jewel of Waikiki

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You haven’t witnessed true Hawaiian luxury until you’ve seen Espacio, The Jewel of Waikiki. The ultra-luxurious Omotenashi-inspired oceanfront highrise sits on Waikiki Beach, with just nine suites on nine floors! In fact, it’s Hawaii’s only hotel with the prestigious Forbes five-star rating. If that wasn’t enough, CN Traveler even ranked it the best hotel in all of Hawaii.

It’s not surprising, considering every suite at this Honolulu hideaway spans an entire floor and boasts classic design with the focus being on the ocean views. Measuring 2,250 square feet, the suites have private elevator entry, private saunas, Japanese-style baths, a chef’s kitchen, sweeping views, and a massive balcony with a hot tub and daybeds! Moreover, every suite gets access to butler service, too. In fact, staying the night here could cost you upwards of USD 5,300, and that’s just for the entry-level suites. The Penthouse Diamond Suite takes the cake in terms of offerings as well as the price, which is a heart-stopping USD 9,000/night!

The level of service here truly is a league of its own, right from the concierge to the restaurant staff. The concierge and their team ensure that all your whims and fancies are taken care of, right from booking surf lessons to babysitting. There’s even a French-Japanese restaurant that serves a delicious breakfast, among other meals. If you don’t want to head down, enjoy Hawaii’s only private traditional Japanese Kaiseki experience, with an award-winning chef preparing a multi-course menu for you right in the privacy of your suite. For something truly special, book the caviar and champagne experience during sunset on the rooftop. Wrapping up the offerings are other complimentary services like museum tickets, contactless in-room Neiman Marcus shopping experiences, etc.

Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, Maui

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Have you ever wanted to stay in a luxury hotel with all the trappings of classic hotel luxury – domed chandeliers, golden bellhop carts, and art everywhere? Then you’d do perfectly at the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa.

Water is the central theme at this Waldorf Astoria Resort. We’re talking about the Wailea Canyon water park, which has a lazy river connecting nine outdoor swimming pools, including an adults-only one. Moreover, it has caves, waterfalls, waterslides, a water elevator, a sandy beach, a swim-up bar, daybeds and cabanas, and poolside service. It’s no wonder that this is one of Maui’s best hotel pools. There’s even a deep plunge pool that offers scuba clinics and snorkeling to all guests. While there are many food options, don’t miss the sprawling overwater bungalow Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, named after the state fish. It serves delicious and elegant fare with Polynesian touches. That said, the piece de resistance is the huge renovated Kilolani Spa, which actually is Hawaii’s largest spa! Not only does it have a series of treatment rooms and lounge baths, but it also has an indulgent hydrotherapy circuit.

Of the 776 rooms, 100 rooms and suites belong to the exclusive boutique hotel-within-the-resort, the Napua Club. With private concierges, breakfasts, horse d’oeuvres, soaking tubs, and gated access, it’s no surprise that they’re the priciest digs in the house. That would be the two-bedroom Napua Club grand oceanfront suite, which costs USD 9,000/night. Oof!

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

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The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, is the perfect Hawaii most expensive hotel for relaxation and seclusion rather than sunny beach days. Even the coastal scenery is different here, with lush, towering trees, giving the resort a coastal mountain-lodge vibe. Fronting Honokahua Bay, the luxurious hotel is one of the few resorts that don’t sit right on the beach.

As is the case with other excellent Hawaiian resorts, the amenities are the top draw here. While there’s a USD 40 daily resort fee, it includes Wi-Fi, resort activities, Kapalua Resort shuttle services, and fitness classes. What’s more, it also includes an everyday umbrella and beach chair setup for Marriott Bonvoy Elite guests. Food is a celebration here, as is evident with the sprawling breakfast buffet at the Ulana restaurant. While the Banyan Tree serves delicious local food, the standout is the beachside Burger Shack, with a simple but winning menu of craft beers, milkshakes, and burgers. With a kids program, a kiddie pool, and a playground, the resort is welcoming to families. For non-parents, the three other pools, including the adults-only one, are absolutely divine.

Since it’s the Ritz, there’s no doubt that the rooms and suites here are not only well-designed and contemporary to the core but also pricey. The priciest of them all is the Royal Pacific Suite, a 2,500 sq ft huge space, which costs a jaw-dropping USD 11,000/night. Not only is it the Ritz’s largest room, but it also features a butler’s pantry, a full kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, and a massive lanai that spans the length of the suite.

The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki 

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The campy pink stucco exterior of The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, has been a Waikiki strip icon for more than 90 years. What makes it so special is that it doesn’t particularly feel Hawaiian, which is a welcome departure from the other luxurious hotels in Waikiki. However, one of its top draws is the enviably long and wide strip of white sand.

Despite being a beachfront hotel, the resort has an unusual focal point – the leafy central corridor. Its history is unique, too; maritime company Matson built it in 1927 with the objective of giving ship travelers a break from constant ocean views. Whether it’s the flower lei at check-in or the banana bread delivered to the rooms, the experience feels upscale and personal. Besides the two outdoor pools, guests can also use the seaside pool with a waterslide next door at the Sheraton Waikiki. After some beach and pool time, make your way to the decadent Abhasa Spa, which offers treatments in outdoor cabanas ensconced in lush greenery – it’s a one-of-a-kind experience. Two food and drink options, the Azure restaurant and the historic Mai Tai Bar, complete the offerings.

While the resort has both courtyard- and water-facing historic rooms, the 17-storied Mailani tower offers elevated ocean views from balconies. That said, the Ali’i Suite at the Royal Hawaiian, which costs USD 12,000/night, is the grandest and most expensive room. Ali’i means ‘king’ in Hawaiian, and this suite is a fitting throne to the Pink Palace with plush décor, exotic artwork, and a lanai with an expansive daybed.

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

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In Hawaiian, “Ko Olina” means “place of joy,” and at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, you can see why. The lovely Hawaiian highlights and the contemporary design will encourage you to appreciate the natural beauty of the jungle peaks, the lagoon, and the mesmerizing coast. What makes this southwestern shore location so deluxe is the fact that it also has Hawaii’s only private deep-draft marina. Moreover, the resort abuts the 10-acre-huge Lanikuhonua nature preserve (“where heaven meets earth”), which was once the retreat for Hawaiian royalty. That, along with lots to explore, dining, shopping, and the mile-long seaside path, makes this place as exclusive as it gets.

Amenities

This Four Seasons outpost is all about unexpected delights, even in terms of its amenities. Whether it’s the presence of the tanning butler who’ll remind you to later on the SPF, paddling the outrigger canoe, or hiking to the waterfalls, everything is special here. For low-blood-pressure bliss, there’s a bevy of outdoor pools. While families love splashing to their heart’s content in the family pool, the adults should head straight to the adults-only infinity pool on the resort’s western edge. There, you’ll be treated to the most perfect sunset ever – after all, Oahu is one of the world’s most spectacular sunset locations. With four restaurants plus a terrace cafe, the dining scene here is very lively. Did you know they even have a waterfront food truck serving hibiscus lemonade and fish tacos in late mornings and afternoons? Yes!

However, what makes the experience truly special is the Wayfinders program, as the resort believes that true luxury lies in unique experiences. This program has local experts teaching classes in everything from stargazing to playing the ukulele and dyeing sarongs. In fact, the guide will even tell you stories about how stargazing guided the ancient Polynesian voyagers who founded and settled on these islands.

Rooms

The spacious rooms and suites here boast a mellow island vibe, spa-like bathrooms, and furnished lanais. In fact, every room even has an iPad, which will allow you to not only order room service but also chat with the staff and ask them any queries that you have. While the suite accommodations here are divided into three categories, we’re going to be talking about the zenith of the specialty sites: the Penthouse Suite. Not only is it 3,200 sq ft huge, but its balcony is 800 sq ft – the size of a two-bedroom apartment! With ocean views from every room, a fully stocked private bar, and an extra-large living and dining room, it’s no wonder it’s priced at USD 19,000/night.

Four Seasons Resort Lana’i

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The only resort on a single island in Hawaii? Now, that’s what we call luxury! Behold Four Seasons Resort Lana’i, the sole five-star luxury resort on the island of Lana’i, Hawaii’s smallest publicly accessible island. Since it’s one of the less developed islands, the sweep of white sand at Hulopoe Beach out front is dreamy, to say the least. Even back at the resort, the luxury feels exclusive and sleek rather than sprawling. A beautiful Koa outrigger canoe greets you in the reception atrium, where you’re given electronic rubber wristbands for door keys. Everywhere you see, the landscape features gardens around a variety of pools, creating secluded areas at the edge of the ocean.

But what really makes this Four Seasons outpost stand out is that you’ll have no feeling of being on or off of the property. That’s because every inch of Lanai, from the lush greenery at the hotel to the sandy beaches, will feel all yours.

Amenities

What we loved about this Four Seasons outpost is that the flaming torch-lit pools remained open 24 hours. The main outdoor pools, a family-friendly and an adults-only one, are perfect for lounging. If not at the pool, you can head right down to the sandy beach, which also has loungers (but no alcohol due to state law). Afternoons are best spent getting Hawaiian-inspired massages and treatments at the spa. For those who love the water, there is everything from scuba diving and snorkeling to surfing. However, the piece de resistance is the Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole golf course, which offers incredible views from over the cliffs. In fact, Bill Gates got married at the 12th hole, beyond which there’s a cliff 150 ft above the ocean!

When it comes to drinking and dining, the resort doesn’t disappoint either. Aside from low-carb dishes at Malibu Farm, there’s also the award-winning Nobu, where you should try the Grapefruit on the Rocks cocktail. An American steakhouse and a sports bar round up the offerings. The one thing connecting every dining spot is the mesmerizing views across the gardens and the ocean.

Rooms

The rooms and suites might have jungle paradise-inspired furnishings, but the high-tech mod-cons will make you feel like you’re smack dab in the middle of the city. Since it’s a Four Seasons resort, the beds are matchless when it comes to comfort, and it might just be the resort’s most luxurious personal offering. Of them all, the priciest and swankiest is the Ali’i Royal Suite, which is a whopping 4,000 sq ft in size. The prime oceanfront views are complemented by cool and sleek Hawaiian decor, a private refreshment center with a Nespresso station, and exclusive Aina bath amenities. And all this costs a jaw-dropping USD 26,000/night!

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

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Yes, the top three expensive hotels in Hawaii are all from the able stable of Four Seasons! This is the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, which sits on 15 acres of the southern end of Maui’s Wailea beach. You’re treated to Instagram-perfect views the minute you walk inside, with the glimmering Pacific Ocean stretching behind the resort. Even after 30 years of its opening, it remains a place to see and be seen on the island.

Amenities

This Four Seasons outpost radiates an aura of refined class, even when it’s milling with people, especially around the fountained central pool dotted with bright white cabañas. Besides that, there’s also a shallow kids’ pool and an adults-only infinity pool with a swim-up bar. However, the personal touches, like complimentary poolside snacks, SPF sun creams, and in-room tropical fruit baskets, elevate the property to greatness. For those who can’t sit still, there’s a games room with billiards tables and a plethora of unique on-property experiences, like helicopter tours. Do you love just chilling out? Head to the spa, which offers some of the most unique relaxation experiences you’ll ever indulge in. Did you know they had a complimentary cucumber tray and chilled towels outside the eucalyptus steam room? No wonder it’s one of Maui’s most romantic hotels.

The food scene is no less amazing, with a Wolfgang Puck restaurant serving traditional dinners, an Italian restaurant for lunches, and Duo offering an extensive breakfast buffet. However, we have a feeling that you’ll love the new breakfast dining at the adult pool the most. During the evenings, don’t miss the nightly hula shows in the open-air lobby.

If all that isn’t enough, the resort even has what is probably the world’s most specialized staff, with a nutritionist, a chiropractor, an aesthetics and longevity specialist, and 20 sommeliers. Phew!

Rooms

The nearly 400 rooms and suites are some of the largest in Maui, and many of them boast ocean views from the lanais, making the spaces appear even more expansive. If you want to splurge, the 2-bedroom elite Room 498 suite has an interactive in-room wine list curated by a celebrity sommelier and a dedicated staff of 7 people. Of course, the pinnacle is the three-bedroom Lokelani Presidential suite. It’s one of the very few Presidential Suites we’ve seen that has an actual garden of its own – and a sprawling one at that – and with two fire pits! A whopping 7,200 sq ft of area, 180-degree views of the ocean and the islands, and a 1,900 sq ft private garden – no wonder it costs USD 26,000/night.

Where in Hawaii do celebrities stay?

Waikiki Beach in Oahu, with its upscale resorts like the Halekulani and The Royal Hawaiian, is very popular with celebrities and famous guests. Maui, especially in areas like Kapalua and Wailea, is another hotspot due to its upscale accommodations and beautiful beaches.

What is the most expensive island in Hawaii?

While all the Hawaiian islands have some or the other pockets of extreme wealth, the Lanai island is the most expensive island of the archipelago. The secluded atmosphere and the ultra-exclusive amenities make it a favorite with celebrities and billionaires, all of whom want to own a slice of this paradise. Of course, it’s also home to the amazing Four Seasons Resort Lana’i, the most expensive Hawaiian resort on the island.

Which was the first expensive hotel suite in all of Hawaii?

That would be the Vera Wang Suite at the Halekulani, which cost a heart-stopping USD 4,000/night all the way back in 2005!