11 Best Luxury Hotels in Big Island Hawaii

Maui and Oahu might be sought-after luxury Hawaiian destinations, but you can’t ignore the sheer beauty and decadence of Big Island, Hawaii. Home to the world’s most active volcano (Kilauea), the island’s natural beauty is superlative. However, what makes it a top-choice for a luxurious beach getaway is, well, its choices for luxurious stays. The best luxury hotels in Big Island, Hawaii, ranged from opulent and sprawling beachfront resorts and boutique hotels to oceanfront villas and even a cozy B&B that we found, nestled in a lush rainforest. So, whether you’re planning an indulgent romantic getaway, fun for the whole family, or a relaxing solo adventure where you plan to splurge on yourself, Big Island Hawaii has the perfect digs for you.

Aston Kona by the Sea

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Set in a cove on Ali’i Drive, Aston Kona by the Sea was our best bet to explore Kailua-Kona’s coastline and the neighboring town of Captain Cook. The top-rated Kahalu’u Beach and Keauhou Shopping Center are close by, as is the Kona Surf School where you can learn to surf. Kealakekua Bay, a prominent snorkeling spot in Captain Cook, is only a 30-minute drive away. We even stopped at Shoreline Park on your way there.

Unlike other luxury hotels in Kona, Ashton Kona offered rooms condominium-style with a fully-equipped kitchen and a separate living area, perfect for your group trips. Your fully furnished room will have a partial or full ocean view. Don’t worry about the connection as free Wi-Fi was provided everywhere on the property. Besides, Blu-ray DVDs and PS3 consoles are available for rent.

Make sure to hit the outdoor barbecue grills with your family and friends after you take a dip at the hotel’s saltwater swimming pool, a much-needed change from the chlorines. If swimming isn’t for you, you can always relax in the jet spa or lounge around the sandy area. There, you can gaze out on the volcanic coastline, glittery ocean, and serene sunsets.

Fairmont Orchid Hawaii

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Not for nothing is the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii one of the most expensive hotels in Hawaii. Tucked on the northwestern Kohala Coast, the sprawling resort sits on a stunning white sand beach. In fact, it’s part of the Mauna Lani resort complex. During evenings, there would be a local ukulele player or musician greeting us in the lobby overlooking the ocean.

The amenities were the main focus here, especially the five restaurants on the property that specialized in everything from American and Japanese to seafood and even a traditional luau under the stars. A daily fee of USD 48 per room allowed us to use all the amazing amenities, including the 10,000 sq ft huge freeform swimming pool, a 36-hole golf course, 10 tennis courts, and even the uniquely outdoor Hawaiian ‘Spa Without Walls.’ With waterfall massage cabanas and huts, it was the epitome of R&R on the property. If that wasn’t enough, the fee also got access to activity equipment rentals, tours, wellness classes, and even a fun photoshoot (reservations required).

The decor in the digs might say Hawaii – lanais, rattan furniture, and bamboo motifs – but the furnishings are distinctly modern. Rooms and suites are spacious, with the oceanfront ones taking the cake, obviously. Think private lanai outdoors, sweeping ocean views, minibars, bathtubs – you get the idea.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

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When Laurance S. Rockefeller, VC expert and conservationist, introduced the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection to the world in 1965, it was the most expensive hotel ever built at that time! After an extensive 2008 renovation, the resort rivalled its fellow luxurious Hawaiian resorts without sacrificing its innate charm.

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There were a lot of things we loved about this Kohala Coast resort. The friendly and warm staff set the tone of our stay, right from check-in to room service. Rooms were divided across two sections: the original tower and the newer beachfront wing, which is where we were. It was a bit of a walk from the lobby, but it was worth it. The rooms were modern and very spacious with plush beds, luxe bathrooms, and well-stocked minibars. Our favorite feature, though, was the large lanai overlooking the beach.

Over the course of our stay, we dined at all five restaurants, especially the signature restaurant with magnificent ocean views. A convenience store and a small marketplace aside, the hotel also had an oceanfront pool, the Keiki kids club, a championship golf course, a fitness center and spa, and a seaside tennis club with 11 tennis courts! The standout, though, was the Kauna’oa Bay beach out front, one of the Big Island’s best beaches. The best bit? Beach chairs were complimentary, which is an absolute a rarity for many Hawaii beachfront hotels.

Mango Sunset Bed and Breakfast at Lyman Kona Coffee Farms

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Best B&B. A luxury B&B on a working coffee plantation in Hawaii? Sign us up! Behold Mango Sunset Bed and Breakfast at Lyman Kona Coffee Farms, which allowed us to experience the true Hawaiian tranquility just minutes from downtown Kona.

One of the most unique luxury hotels in Kona, this four-star B&B offered just five gorgeous rooms and an apartment suite. So, staying here was a very intimate and exclusive experience. What’s more, three enjoyed mountain views, two of them had ocean views, and the spacious apartment had views of both the coffee farm and the ocean. Furthermore, they all came with a slew of comforts – flatscreen TVs, plush beds, high-speed Wi-Fi, kitchens/kitchenettes with ovens, fridges, etc., and modern bathrooms. The best bit? They all had outdoor lanai seating areas overlooking some stunning Hawaiian landscapes.

Despite there being kitchenettes/kitchens in all units, they served the most delicious homemade breakfast every morning on their ocean-view lanai. What a way to begin the day!

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

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If you’re craving an out-of-the-ordinary tropical getaway, then Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is where you should be. Since the Big Island is distinctly rugged, there are few swimmable, sandy beaches, and thankfully, Mauna Lani (and some of its digs) sits right on one of them. The hotel pays homage to traditional Hawaiian culture throughout and even has a “kahu hānai” (knowledge keeper), who regaled us with his stories of growing up here as well as the island’s mythology.

There’s almost nothing left out on the onsite activities roster; think floating yoga, underwater rock running, surfing, canoeing, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, you name it. 2 18-hole golf courses, one amidst a forest and one right on former lava flow, will keep tee time very interesting. Thanks to the egalitarian setup across both pools, we could always find excellent pool chairs to lounge at. If that wasn’t enough, three restaurants and bars ensured we didn’t have to go anywhere for excellent food and drinks.

Coming to the digs, we had the choice of more than 14 kinds of rooms across more than 300 rooms, with even the standard, entry-level ones being extremely spacious. The modern tropical look and the sleek mod-cons made every room amazing, but the real kicker is the 5 4,000-sq-ft bungalows, 3 of which are right on the beach!

Mauna Lani Point

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We’ve already told you about Mauna Lani; now, it’s time to stun you with the spectacular Mauna Lani Point, which are the only oceanfront condo villa rentals inside Mauna Lani. Since we were a group of friends traveling together, these luxury condos were perfect for us. They not only offered the space but also the privacy and value that would simply be unavailable for us as a group in hotel rooms.

We had the choice of one, two, and three-bedroom villlas, all of which were part of the larger Mauna Lani Resort area. What’s more, they all boasted excellent natural light, large living rooms and gourmet kitchens to hang out together and whip up meals. What was interetsing was that since every unit was individually owned, the interiors varied across them all. Nevertheless, the mod-cons were largely the same, making them perfect crash pads for our large group.

We could accss all faclities at Mauna Lani for a fee, but this resort has its own tastefully designed pool pavilion, complete with comfy furniture and a warm, welcoming ambiance. Plus, we also had access to the private beach at Mauna Lani, so what more could we ask for?

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

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Best setting. You know you’re in for an especially luxurious time when it comes to a Rosewood resort, right? Welcome to Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, whose origins go back to 1965 when it comprised thatched-roof bungalows set black lava along the crescent-shaped Kahuwai Bay. Today, this stunningly reimagined coastal property boasted 150 freestanding one-to-four-bedroom bungalows scattered throughout, some of them right on the beach!

There was no shortage of things to do at here, right from learning to strum the ukulele at the Kaʻuluola Cultural Center or paddling a canoe at sunrise. Unique experiences include “Cinema Under the Stars,” bike rentals, golf cart rides, Coconut O’clock on Saturdays, and the Rosewood Explorers Keiki Club, which offers fun activities for children. Traditional amenities include pools for everyone – a sand-bottomed one for kids and infinity-edged-with-a-pool-bar one for adults, an outdoor games area, the stunning Asaya Spa, and two restaurants.

“The lūʻau here was elevated and different from the other regular ones everywhere, and we enjoyed it a lot!”

WOW Travel

We chose one of the ridiculously spacious suites with massive lanais, outdoor showers, open-air living rooms, and seriously sexy interiors. Do you want to splurge? The presidential-style suite has butler service, an outdoor firepit, a hot tub, and even a private pool!

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

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Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is the star of the Anaeho’omalu Bay, home to a gorgeous sandy beach on the Kohala Coast. There was a lot to love about this Marriott outpost, especially the digs. All rooms and suites lived up to the Marriott name, featuring modern décor, fully carpeted flooring, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows with spectacular views. We especially booked an ocean-facing room, because, why not? 42-inch LCD TVs aside, the rooms also boasted spacious and luxe bathrooms with vanity mirrors, Bath & Body Works bath amenities, and even bathtubs. Plus, our room even had a separate seating area and a private balcony with alfresco seating.

If you were impressed by the rooms, wait till you see the amenities. Firstly, there were four swimming pools available, complete with a pool slide, whirlpool, children’s pool, and an outdoor infinity pool. If you’re a water baby, you’ll have absolute fun with the outrigger canoes and stand-up paddleboards available to rent. After a swim, we’d just laze around in the cabanas by the swimming pools or indulge in spa treatments. Finally, when it would be time to watch the sunset, we’d go to the bar lanai for aperitifs and views, followed by dinner at one of the two restaurants.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

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Most kid-friendly. Pure Hawaiian heaven – that’s how we’d describe the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Nestled on the secluded Kona-Kohala coast, the utterly luxurious resort is carved into the black volcanic rock landscape, allowing sweeping ocean views from everywhere, including all rooms.

The resort is divided into seven neighborhoods but is centered around the stunning Beach Tree Pool. Think views, daybeds, cabanas, and pool attendants serving ice-cream, Evian spritzes, cocktails, and whatnot. Three restaurants aside, one of the standouts is the 28,000-sq-ft-huge Hualalai Spa, which featured both tranquil indoor settings and open-air spaces. The Hualalai Sports Club is ideal for fitness freaks, considering it has everything from a traditional fitness center and a tennis pavilion to even a rock-climbing wall and a four-lane fitness pool. Did we mention the Ka’upulehu Cultural Center where we could learn all about the native Hawaiian culture? Yep. It’s incredibly kid-friendly, though, thanks to the complimentary “Kids for All Seasons” program for kids aged 5 to 12 years. It boasted activities such as volcano-building, treasure hunts, and even basic scuba diving!

All rooms sit in intimate two-storied ocean-facing bungalows with private furnished lanais, minimalist decor, sleek mod-cons, and huge soaking tubs in the bathrooms.

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

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Most romantic. Since we didn’t mind splurging, we didn’t want to miss out on the awesomeness of The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. Located on the Kohala Coast, this luxury hotel sat on the crystal-clear waters of Hapuna Beach. Naturally, all the rooms boasted ocean views, but we highly recommend selecting one with a terrace. We loved the additional luxury of lounging and breathing in the fresh sea breeze as well as enjoying spectacular Hawaiian sunsets. Nevertheless, all rooms and suites came with slick ensuite bathrooms with slippers, bathrobes, and complimentary bath products.

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We’d begin our mornings right by joining the Hawaiian morning rituals at the beach out front. Aside from the 18-hole Hapuna Golf Course, the hotel overflows with a bunch of amenities. For instance, families with kids will love the freeform family pool, while the adults will love swimming and lounging at the adults-only infinity pool. Did we mention that it was heated and came with private cabanas that could be rented? There’s even a special area to enjoy romantic sunsets and candlelight dinners, besides the four restaurants, of course. Don’t miss the Balinese and Hawaiian-inspired massages at the spa.

Hilton Waikoloa Village

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Sitting at the top of the list is the Hilton Waikoloa Village, a 62-acre oceanfront resort that has changed the luxury stay game on the Big Island. To give you some perspective, it boasts a four-acre lagoon, three pools, waterfalls, a 175-foot waterslide, whirlpools, a pool bar, a river pool, and an adults-only pool. If you’re here with your kids or love staying in the water, you won’t regret coming here.

This Hilton property’s pride and joy is the giant saltwater lagoon full of rainbow-colored tropical fish and honu sea turtles. We rented kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards to enjoy the water sports. When we were tired, we simply lazed around in our cabanas and hammocks. With eight restaurants on the property, we never had to worry about food and would dig into delicious food round the clock.

Spread across two towers, the digs here are divided as Makai and Palace rooms. MAKAI’s fully equipped rooms are drenched in brown, earthly-colored décor and overlook the ocean and tropical garden. We could choose rooms with a private lanai and outdoor lounge chairs, which we did. On the other hand, Palace Tower rooms offered modern styles with elevated views of the Pacific Ocean. Nevertheless, all rooms come with a 55-inch LCD TV and the signature Kohala Spa Coco Mango bath products. A PS3 game console was available upon request too!

Our Verdict!

While we loved all the luxurious stays on Big Island Hawaii, here are our favorites:

• Most kid-friendly: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
• Best setting: Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
• Best B&B: Mango Sunset Bed and Breakfast at Lyman Kona Coffee Farms
• Most romantic: The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Where To Stay in Big Island Hawaii?

Just like we found it challenging to choose the best luxury hotels in Maui, the same thing can be said about Big Island Hawaii. This is especially true since it’s a big island indeed, which is why we identified that most luxury stays were concentrated in just four areas: Hilo, Kohala Coast, Kona, and the Puna District (Volcano/Fern Forest).

Kona on the leeward side, aside from being excellent for snorkeling, is also home to the international airport, a historic downtown (Kailua-Kona), snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, coffee country, and the gorgeous Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. Next, there’s Hilo on the eastern side, a soothing retreat for those who love nature, culture, and past relics. It mght be quieter, but it has options for B&Bs and seaside inns more than traditional hotels.

Finally, if a sprawling beach resort is what you’re looking for, head to the Kohala Coast 15-20 minutes north of Kona. It’s sometimes even called the “Gold Coast” due to the sheer number of luxury resorts. 

How many days do I need on the Big Island?

Big Island can keep you busy for a few good months! That being said, a week is a great amount of time to see the sights, enjoy unmissable experiences, and also enjoy relaxing beach days. 

Which side of the Big Island is the best to stay?

Most travelers stick to the leeward side of the island, either Kohala Coast or Kona, as this part has great beaches, warmer temperatures, and lots of sunshine. What’s more, there are also many water activities that you can enjoy. 

Where to stay on the Big Island for snorkeling and beaches?

The beaches along the Kohala Coast are gorgeous, along with being home to some of the island’s top snorkeling spots.