Whether it’s your honeymoon or your multigenerational family vacation, Hawaii’s Big Island has a myriad of resorts to suit all budgets and types of travelers. Most of the resorts are located on the sunny Kohala Coast, which runs along the northwest coast of the Big Island and begins north of Kona International Airport. Most of the resorts listed here are scattered around this area, which is also referred to as the ‘resort coast’. That said, there are also some great lodging choices in the city of Kailua-Kona, especially to the south, where you’ll find the Big Island’s largest luxury hotel: the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Find the perfect tropical hideaway with our list of the best resorts on the Big Island.
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1 Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is the most luxurious resort on the Big Island, boasting a great West Coast location just south of the town of Kailua-Kona. Right on the ocean it offers a beautiful view of the coastline. The decor is elegant, Hawaiian contemporary, and the 243 rooms, suites and villas, most of which offer ocean views from balconies, are located in low-rise bungalows that blend in well with the environment. Away from the rooms are several swimming pools filled with salt or fresh water, three restaurants, fashion shops and an outdoor spa in a beautiful, natural setting. A signature Jack Nicklaus golf course, open only to guests, and a gym with daily yoga and other fitness classes complete the picture.
Accommodatie: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
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2 Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
Located on Mauna Kea Beach on the Kohala Coast, the upscale Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection was the first hotel development built in this area in 1965. Today it is run by Marriott and offers 252 spacious rooms and suites with modern island decor. and comfortable beds. Outside the rooms, you’ll find a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. golf course, a full-service spa, and tennis courts with ocean views. There are also several on-site dining options serving island-inspired dishes. It is a good choice for families, groups and couples.
Accommodation: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
3 Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
Overlooking Pauoa Bay, The Fairmont Orchid is located on a beautifully landscaped 32-acre property on the Kohala Coast. The resort caters to honeymooners and families alike and has a special on-site children’s program for ages 5 to 12, as well as childcare for a fee. The rooms and suites are modern and luxurious, and all feature private balconies (most with ocean views), marble baths, and flat-screen TVs. There is also a beautiful outdoor spa, several restaurants and a giant swimming pool overlooking the ocean.
Lodging: Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
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4 Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows
Also on the Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows is set in a beautiful setting with hiking trails criss-crossing the property and along a saltwater stream where reef fish swim. The rooms and suites are stylish and modern with neutral colors, comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs and private balconies. Couples looking for privacy or families looking for space will want to book one of the bungalows, which come with private plunge pools, gardens and plenty of room to spread out. There is also a farm-style restaurant and a wild outdoor pool with volcanic rock saunas and water therapy in a lava tube. Active amenities include two golf courses, multiple swimming pools and a gym.
Accommodation: Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows
5 Kohala Suites by Hilton Grand Vacations
Located just 1 mile from Waiulua Bay on the Kohala Coast, this property offers family-friendly accommodations in 2-bedroom suites that are spacious and modern. All rooms have living rooms with pull-out sofa beds, as well as fully equipped kitchens and jetted tubs in the bathrooms. Kids will love the PlayStations that come with each room. Away from the rooms there is an outdoor pool, exercise room, tennis courts, barbeque grills, and even a putting green and playground for the little ones. Although there is no restaurant, a free shuttle will take you directly to the nearby sister property Hilton Waikoloa Village, which features multiple restaurants and two golf courses.
Accommodatie: Kohala Suites by Hilton Grand Vacations
6 Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa
Fotobron: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is located on Anahaimalu Coast on the Kohala Coast. It is a large property set in lush, peaceful grounds, where you will find hiking trails, fish ponds and two swimming pools. The resort also has direct access to the beach. The 533 rooms and suites are clean and comfortable and the staff are friendly and helpful. There is a restaurant on site, but if it doesn’t suit your taste, this property is within walking distance of many other restaurants and shops. It is also next to two championship golf courses.
Accommodatie: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
7 Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort
In the Kailua-Kona area, the Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort is a perfect family choice for its spacious two-bedroom condos that can sleep up to six people. These come with amenities like a full kitchen and a washer/dryer that will make the life of make parents more comfortable. The resort has an old Hawaiian feel dating back to the 1930’s. There is no restaurant on site, but there are many choices nearby. However, the resort has two swimming pools and Jacuzzis. The Wyndham is not directly on the beach, but it is only a few minutes’ walk away and the property offers beautiful views over Kahalu’u Bay.
Accommodation: Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort
8 Hilton Waikoloa Village
The Hilton Waikoloa Village, one of the best family choices on the Kohala Coast, with many kid-focused amenities, sits on 62 acres right near the water – while there’s no actual beach, there’s a man-made lagoon with its own sand . strip. The property is huge, so big it even runs a tram and ferries to get you from one section to another. It also contains some beautiful gardens, waterfalls and a swimming pool with dolphins that kids will love. There are 1,200 rooms and suites in three separate towers, each with slightly different decor. Outside of the rooms, amenities include multiple restaurants and three large pools, including one that’s adults-only, along with boutiques and a spa with separate male and female saunas and hot tubs.
Accommodation: Hilton Waikoloa Village
9 Holualoa Inn
Escape the big resorts with a stay at the Holualoa Inn, just 5 miles from the town of Kailua-Kona and offering bed and breakfast accommodations on a 30-acre coffee plantation. Decorated in a luxurious Polynesian style, the rooms and suites offer ocean or garden views, sitting areas and original artwork. Some also have spa baths or private balconies. There is also a 1-bedroom cottage in a separate building with a porch and living room. The included breakfast is delicious and free drinks are served in the afternoon. On site you will also find a swimming pool with a sea view, a rooftop gazebo and a telescope for guest use.
Accommodatie: Holualoa Inn
10 Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa in Keauhou Bay
Located south of the Kohala Coast and downtown Kailua-Kona, the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa offers a variety of modern rooms and suites with full or partial ocean views from their private balconies. All rooms are spacious and airy with comfortable beds and linens. For families, the suites add a kitchenette and living space. Beyond the rooms is a restaurant that prepares Hawaiian dishes and an outdoor pool with slides that kids will love. There is also a spa and fitness center, and morning yoga classes are included in the resort fee.
Accommodatie: Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa in Keauhou Bay
