The 8 Best 5-Star Resorts in Hawaii | Hand-Picked for 2025
We analyzed all the high-end options and found the best 5 star resorts in Hawaii that truly offer something extraordinary for luxury travelers.
Hawaii continues to hold that rare mix of ultra-upscale experiences with the raw beauty of nature, warm ocean air, and refined Polynesian hospitality that, frankly, nowhere else quite matches.
For high-end vacationers seeking the right mix of polished comfort, beachside exclusivity, and service that’s both intuitive and warm, these Hawaii 5 star resorts offer that rare blend of all-day pampering and world-class setting.
Whether you’re after wellness retreats, gourmet dining, multi-room oceanfront villas, or just highly polished everything, the islands offer a bit of everything, honestly.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To find the most luxurious and best 5 star resorts Hawaii has to offer, our editorial team combed through thousands of reviews across platforms like Google Reviews, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Expedia.
That includes comparisons across categories like service excellence, room variety, beachfront access, spa treatments, and guest satisfaction scores.
We also apply a proprietary formula that combines editorial scoring, recent guest ratings, and amenities per dollar value. In short, we looked for luxury that actually feels like luxury and doesn’t cut corners when it comes to experience, vibe, and details.
Please note that some links below are affiliate links, which means that we receive a small commission if you make a purchase through our links, but at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support!
The 8 Best Hawaii 5-Star Resorts – 2025 Full Guide
8. Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
Key Highlights:
- Oceanfront access to Polo Beach, less than 100 yards away
- 3 resort pools, including one adults-only quiet pool
- 22-acre property with tropical gardens and open-air courtyards
Fairmont Kea Lani, located on the sunny shores of Wailea, offers what is arguably one of the most relaxed yet incredibly refined experiences on Maui.
It’s an all-suite resort, meaning even the most basic rooms start big, with 860 square feet and private lanais. Families or groups will love the villa options, which come with full kitchens and private plunge pools, too.
The beachfront is, quite honestly, as picture-perfect as you’d want, with soft sand and very clear water, just steps from the main pool terrace.
Dining ranges from casual oceanfront breakfasts to Ko, an award-winning restaurant focused on island-style cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
The spa is intimate but surprisingly full-service, while the gym has ocean views and modern equipment. You’re also super close to Wailea Golf Club and upscale shopping at The Shops at Wailea, making it one of the best 5-star resorts in Hawaii in terms of convenience as well.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
7. Montage Kapalua Bay
Key Highlights:
- Stunning 24-acre oceanfront property
- 8 pools and direct access to Kapalua Bay Beach
- Spacious 1-4 bedroom residential-style suites
Montage Kapalua Bay sits on the northwest coastline of Maui and is one of the most scenic 5-star resorts in Hawaii.
Everything here, from the layout to the landscaping, is built with intention and space.
The resort is made up entirely of residence-style suites. These aren’t just large rooms; they’re full-on multi-bedroom homes with gourmet kitchens and panoramic lanais.
Pool areas are split between an adults-only infinity pool and family-friendly lagoon-style pools, each with ocean-facing views and full bar service.
Spa Montage offers highly personalized treatments and wellness programs that are clearly at the top end of Maui’s offerings.
You’re walking distance from cliffside trails, local tide pools, and the Kapalua Golf Club, which gives this Hawaii 5 star resort a rare combo of nature and activity. Service here feels thoughtful and gracious without being overly formal.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
6. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai – Best-Seller
Key Highlights:
- Majestic 865-acre resort on the Kona-Kohala Coast
- Seven pools, including a swimmable aquarium pool
- 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course on-site
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Big Island might be the most booked ultra-luxury property in the entire state, and that’s not just hype.
Everything here, from the native lava rock architecture to the oceanfront golf course, has that incredibly polished feeling you’d expect from Four Seasons, but with just a little more heart and aloha spirit.
The beach is swimmable, and while it’s not the biggest stretch of sand, the oceanfront lounges and tidal pools make up for that.
Rooms and suites are well-sized, designed with dark wood and neutral tones, and most come with private outdoor rain showers and ocean-facing patios.
The Ulu Ocean Grill is a destination in itself, offering seafood-forward dishes prepared with Hawaiian-grown ingredients, while the on-site spa has an apothecary-style vibe that’s really rooted in local botanicals.
Kid-friendly, yet serene, it’s not easy to find that balance, yet this property somehow does it with style, making it one of the best Hawaii resorts 5-star options to consider.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
5. Hotel Wailea
Key Highlights:
- Adults-only retreat on 15 perfect acres
- Ocean-view suites with private lanais
- Complimentary shuttle to Wailea Beach
Hotel Wailea is a rare kind of hideaway, located in the hills above Wailea and designed specifically for adults. It’s quiet, romantic, and absolutely focused on privacy and space.
Though it’s not directly on the beach, you’ll get complimentary private transport to and from Wailea Beach, which is only a 5-minute ride downhill.
Suites are designed with thoughtful touches, with rain showers, oversized soaking tubs, and decor that blends natural woods with crisp white bedding.
The on-site restaurant, The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea, offers refined dishes that center around locally farmed ingredients and ocean views, too.
The vibe is highly personalized. With only 72 suites, staff recognize guests easily and adjust accordingly, whether it’s arranging a sunset sail or a custom spa treatment on your lanai, making it one of the best 5 star resorts Hawaii to consider.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
4. Halekulani Hotel – Top Value Pick
Key Highlights:
- Prime beachfront location on Waikiki
- 453 high-end rooms with ocean or Diamond Head views
- Three on-site restaurants including La Mer, AAA Five Diamond rated
Halekulani manages to be both an institution and a standout value in the luxury category, which is why it’s one of the best Hawaii resorts 5 star options in terms of bang-for-your-buck.
Located right on Waikiki Beach, you’re close to everything yet somehow removed from the crowd thanks to the resort’s timeless atmosphere.
The rooms are designed in a minimalist, elegant style, with light tones, massive lanais, and unobstructed views.
The staff are among the best-trained in the state and make things happen quickly, whether it’s a last-minute dinner reservation or arranging beach gear.
The hotel is known for its culinary edge, especially at La Mer, which remains one of the most acclaimed dining spots in Hawaii.
If you want old-school elegance with modern execution, this Hawaii 5 star resort might be your top option without spending more than necessary.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
3. ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki
Key Highlights:
- Ultra-private full-floor suites overlooking Waikiki Beach
- Rooftop infinity pool, whirlpool, and oceanview spa
- Michelin-level fine dining at Mugen
ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki, as the name suggests, is a kind of elevated luxury that’s a bit more intimate, extremely exclusive, and honestly, unlike anything else you’ll find in the area.
We think it is truly one of the most luxurious Hawaii resorts 5 star options out there today.
Each suite here occupies an entire floor. Yes, literally one guest per level, so you’re looking at over 2,200 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, full kitchens, private elevators, and uninterrupted ocean views across the entire front wall of windows.
It’s almost like staying in your own upscale penthouse, but with the amenities of a full-service five-star property.
The rooftop features a sleek infinity pool and hot tub combo, and there’s a terrace lounge area that gets some of the best sunset views in Waikiki.
ESPACIO is right across from the beach, just steps from the sand, yet it avoids the typical crowds thanks to its limited capacity.
Service is ultra-personalized, with private chefs, butlers, and curated experiences that match your preferences without much effort.
The on-site restaurant, Mugen, has earned accolades for its Japanese-French fusion tasting menus and rare wine pairings. It’s not just a resort dining room, it’s an experience all on its own that locals reserve months in advance.
The spa is small in size but refined in every other way, with customized treatments done in-suite or on the rooftop by appointment. You’ll also have access to in-room sauna units, soaking tubs, and luxury Italian marble finishes throughout the residence.
If you’re after that extra touch of exclusivity among Hawaii 5-star resorts, ESPACIO might be the most opulent one on Oahu.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
2. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Key Highlights:
- 32 oceanfront acres on the Kohala Coast
- 2 championship golf courses
- Holistic wellness spa and on-site cultural center
Mauna Lani, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, brings a slightly different kind of polish to the Big Island, one that balances luxury with a strong connection to local culture.
The beachfront here is generous, with tide pools, soft sand, and palapas that are free for resort guests. There are also sea turtle conservation areas directly adjacent to the property.
Rooms and suites feature Hawaiian hardwoods, floor-to-ceiling windows, and subtle design nods to the surrounding lava fields.
The on-site CanoeHouse is widely considered one of the top dining experiences in Hawaii, offering modern island cuisine in a beachy, relaxed environment.
Multiple pools, an excellent spa, and daily cultural classes make it easy to stay immersed in both comfort and island heritage, making it one of the best 5 star resorts in Hawaii to consider for your next vacation.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
1. Four Seasons Resort Lanai – Top Overall
Key Highlights:
- 90,000 private acres with direct access to Hulopoe Bay
- Breathtaking rooms and suites with panoramic ocean views
- 8 on-site restaurants including Nobu Lanai
Four Seasons Resort Lanai, sitting on the quieter, less developed island of Lanai, is the kind of place that offers a total escape from the ordinary, but in the most luxurious way possible, which is why we think it is the best 5 star resort in Hawaii.
The beachfront along Hulopoe Bay is quiet, swimmable, and one of the cleanest in the state, making it ideal for snorkeling or simply lounging in complete peace.
Rooms are loaded with advanced tech (tablet-controlled everything), custom teak furnishings, and soaking tubs with ocean views. The vibe is equal parts Zen retreat and ultra-modern oasis.
Dining is serious here, too, with Nobu Lanai, Malibu Farm, and other high-end options, every meal is a statement.
Multiple pools, a spa that includes lava rock treatments, and an on-site botanical garden walk give the resort an immersive, refined atmosphere. Private helicopter tours and golf at the Manele Golf Course are just icing on the cake.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
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