These Are the Best Resorts in Hawaii—With Secluded Beaches, Stunning Snorkeling, and Sunset Views

The United States has no other vacation destination that is more popular than the iconic Disneyland. Hawaii. You can explore the volcanic landscape of the Big Island Enjoy the urban atmosphere in Oahu, the Aloha State offers something unique for every type of traveler—which is why the destination keeps Travel + Leisure Readers returning year after year

Finding the perfect hotel is a crucial part of any Hawaiian vacation. 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.

• How Voting Works

  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 readers of T+L completed the survey for 2025. More than 657,000 votes have been cast in total across 8,700 properties.).

  The criteria used to rate hotels included: their location, amenities and rating.

  • Rooms/facilities
  • Location
  • Service
  • Food
  • Value

  Respondents could rate each characteristic as excellent, above the average, average or below average. These responses are averaged to arrive at the final score.

What Readers Loved

Oahu is the largest island of the Hawaiian archipelago and was well represented in the rankings this year. Four resorts on the list hail from Oahu, including The Kahala Hotel & Resort (No. 9). 

I’ve Been [coming] One reader stated that “I have been going to The Kahala in Hawaii for almost two decades and it’s my favorite place on earth.” Everything is perfect, from the food to the service, rooms and location. It’s perfect for couples and families. I enjoy reading in the lobby under its famous crystal chandelier. One person mentioned its secluded beaches, saying that it was a “great place to escape the bustle and noise of Waikiki.”

Ko’a Kea Resort, located on Po’ipu Beach, Kauai (No. One reader described it as “paradise in earth.” The 121 rooms are located in a prime location that is ideal for families. Thanks to the natural wading swimming pools and calm waters, it’s a perfect place for snorkeling, swimming and other aquatic sports. Another reader noted that the resort benefits from a “wonderful setting and excellent service.”

Mauna Lani is the Auberge Resorts Collection’s (No. Its culinary program impressed, especially in the CanoeHouse restaurant, which one reader described as “the finest restaurant for miles.” 

One reader commented, “The rooms have a west-facing orientation so that you can enjoy a beautiful sunset over the sea every night.” “… Service and staff are excellent. “They will remember you, if you return year after year. They make you feel as if you are family.” 

The Winner

Montage Kapalua Bay

This 24-acre property, located on the west coast of Maui, is more like a village than a hotel. It’s situated along the rugged coastline of Namalu Bay. The suites at this hotel are reminiscent of high-end residences with their large kitchens, high walls, oversized tubs and large verandas.

One survey respondent stated that “Hawaii’s most beautiful resort is the Maui Resort.”

Spa Montage’s 40,000 square feet of tranquility is an attraction in and of itself. It features a tropical infinity swimming pool. After a spa session or a dip into the ocean, guests are invited to learn how they can string aromatic plumeria leis in an open-air pavilion or how to master the art hula.

The Complete List

1. Montage Kapalua BayMaui
Reader Score : 98.13

2. Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
Reader Score: 98.01

3. Kona Village, A Rosewood ResortIsland of Hawaii
Reader Score: 96.67%

4. Hotel WaileaMaui
Reader Score: 96.59%

5. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts CollectionIsland 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, HawaiiIsland of Hawaii
Reader Score: 95.02

8. Mauna Kea Beach HotelIsland of Hawaii
Reader Score: 94.89

9. The Kahala Hotel & Resort: Oahu
Reader Score: 94.40

10. The Westin Hapuna Beach ResortIsland of Hawaii
Score for Reader: 94.14

11. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and SpaMaui
Reader Score: 93.89

12. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
Reader Score: 90.00

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: 92.28%

16. Andaz Maui at Wailea ResortMaui
Reader Score: 92.25%

17. Four Seasons Resort HualalaiIsland of Hawaii
Reader Score 92.00

18. Halekulani: Oahu
Reader Score: 90.88

19. Sheraton Maui Resort & SpaMaui
Reader Score: 91.37

20. Four Seasons Resort Maui at WaileaMaui
Reader Score: 91.25