An Insider's Guide On Where to Stay & Play in Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi doesn’t seem like it should be in the United States. The tropical archipelago in the South Pacific is a veritable paradise, a geological marvel brimming with greenery and wildlife.
Hawaiʻi consists of six major islands — Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai, Lānaʻi, Maui and the The Island of Hawaiʻi (also called The Big Island) — plus several smaller islands and atolls. The islands themselves are the result of volcanic activity in the middle of one of Earth’s tectonic plates. In fact, the Big Island is still technically being formed, in a way, by its active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. A little over 20 miles southeast of the archipelago is the Kamaʻehuakanaloa Seamount, an active underwater volcano that may one day become Hawaiʻi’s newest island.
Here is where to go for a mix of everything: lounge the day away on the beach, embark on satisfyingly grueling hikes, explore laid-back towns, golf, snorkel, eat outstanding food, connect with the local culture…Hawaiʻi offers something for everyone.
Below is a collection of recommendations for where to stay and what to do on Hawaiʻi’s five habitable islands — the Big Island, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, Kauaʻi and Maui. This is just a sampling, of course — a little travel inspiration — as Hawaiʻi’s options abound. You won’t be at a loss for things to enjoy.
When you connect with me, I’ll design a dream itinerary tailored to you and your travel style. I’ll get an understanding of your vibe and preferences, and then craft your perfect vacation. Tap into the aloha spirit: Hawaiʻi is calling.
The quick and dirty:
Currency: $, US dollar (USD)
Languages: ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi & English
Airports: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Oʻahu (HNL); Kahului Airport, Maui (OGG); Kona International Airport, Big Island (KOA); Hilo International Airport, Big Island (ITO); Lihue Airport, Kauaʻi (LIH) (most travelers will likely fly into HNL, and then board another flight to reach their final destination)
Transportation: If you want to explore beyond your resort (highly recommend), then renting a car is a great idea, especially if several hiking routes have caught your eye. Taxi services, as well as ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) are also available.
Best time to visit: There’s no bad time to visit; it really depends on what you’re after. January through March is best for whale watching, while the winter months are best for big-wave surfing. September will see fewer crowds, with June, July, August and December being the busiest months to visit. (Unsurprisingly, the summer months tend to have the best weather, with the least rainfall.)
Ideal length of stay: Again, the best vacation length will depend entirely on what you’d like to do (or not do). On balance, five to 10 days is ideal, although shorter and longer trips can be just as doable — and enjoyable.
Signature dishes: shave ice, poke, saimin (noodle soup), laulau (taro-leaf-wrapped pork cooked in an underground oven), malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts)
Key phrases: aloha (hello/goodbye), mahalo (thank you), e kala mai (excuse me), e ʻoluʻolu ʻoe (please, eh oh-loo-oh-loo oh-eh), ʻohana (family), moana (ocean)
Dress code: your favorite swimsuit paired with comfy shorts, flowy pants or a dress — and don’t forget a hat and sunnies. For breezy nights, especially in the cooler nights, it doesn't hurt to pack a sweater.
The Island of Hawai’i (The Big Island)
The Island of Hawaiʻi (also known as The Big Island) is one of the best Hawaiʻian islands for families (especially the Kona side, with its calm waters, coffee farms and wide selection of restaurants and cultural landmarks). There’s a lot to do here, including hiking, snorkeling, exploring active volcanoes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (a must), scenic helicopter rides, stargazing on Mauna Kea and so much more. Hawaiʻi is very spiritual as well, and the island’s properties preserve its heritage with strong programming intended to keep its culture alive.
IMAGE COURTESY OF MAUNA LANI
Where to stay on the Island of Hawai'i (The Big Island)
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection: A luxurious (and very family-friendly) oasis that honors the land’s historical roots. Book with me to receive $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort: Perfect for multi-generational travel, with free-standing hale and elegant suites adorned with locally made art. When you book with me, you’ll receive Rosewood Elite partner perks, including $150 resort credit, a welcome amenity, $75 daily breakfast credit per person, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: A sophisticated and serene stay deeply connected to the local heritage. When you book Four Seasons through me, you’ll enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. I’ll be pleased to give you more details.
Fairmont Orchid, Hawaiʻi: Located on a private bay, with an open-air spa and several oceanfront dining options. Book with me to snag VIP Accor STEP perks, including property credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection: The white-sand Kauna’oa Bay is home to this resort, complete with a championship golf course and other top-tier amenities. Please note that as of February 2024, the property is currently undergoing a renovation. Fora’s VIP partner perks include $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
What to do on the Island of Hawai'i (The Big Island)
The Island of Hawaiʻi is a nature-lover’s paradise. Hike to a solidified lava bed in the Kīlauea Iki Crater, located in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, or explore the biodiverse Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary on Mt. Hualālai. View the island’s several volcanoes from above, via helicopter, including Kīlauea, the most active. Snorkel with majestic manta rays at night, and during the day, don’t miss Papakōlea Beach and its distinctive green sand.
Oʻahu & Lānaʻi
Oʻahu is Hawaiʻi’s most commercialized island (it’s home to the state’s capital, Honolulu), but it’s still very much worth visiting. It’s the best island for surfing: the North Shore is legendary for its big-wave surfing, and is home to the famous Banzai Pipeline, which attracts the world's best (and bravest) surfers.
It’s also amazing for first-time visitors, families and those with limited time. You can visit two spots on Oʻahu and feel like you’ve hit two islands: stay a couple of nights in Waikiki and then jet up to the North Shore; you’ll get a taste of everything the island has to offer.
Lānaʻi is quiet, small and blissfully free from crowds. It houses a couple luxury resorts, and is mostly owned by Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle.
IMAGE COURTESY OF TURTLE BAY RESORT
Where to stay on Oʻahu & Lana’i
Turtle Bay Resort: A supremely located (especially for surfers) and secluded five-star stay on Oʻahu's North Shore. Turtle Bay Resort also just went through a multi-million dollar renovation. It is famous for being featured in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Fora’s VIP partner perks include $100 hotel / resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu At Ko Olina: A western Oʻahu retreat perfect for families, golfers, wellness enthusiasts and adventurers alike. When you book Four Seasons through me, you’ll enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. I’ll be pleased to give you more details.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa: Disney’s signature magic in the South Pacific, catering to guests of all ages.
The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki: A delightful pink-hued icon, right on Waikiki Beach. Book with me to receive Marriott STARS partner perks, including $100 resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach: Waikiki’s first hotel, an elegant retreat with Victorian touches. Book with me to receive Marriott Luminous partner perks, including resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach: A brand new, lively resort complete with a massive oceanarium and two restaurants helmed by Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Fora’s VIP partner perks include $100 resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
What to do on Oʻahu & Lānaʻi
Hike up to Maunawili Falls, a beautiful reward following a medium-grade trek through lush rainforest. Explore the 400 acres of the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, where a diverse array of flora is organized based on geography.
On Lānaʻi, the tiny Lānaʻi City is particularly charming. Browse the local shops, peruse the local art displayed at the Lānaʻi Art Center and play with rescued cats at the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary.
Kauaʻi
Kauaʻi is aptly referred to as the Garden Isle; indeed, most of the island is covered by rainforest (Kauaʻi is also Hawaiʻi’s geographically oldest island). Consequently, there is not as much infrastructure here, resulting in a more laid-back, down-to-earth vibe compared to some of the more populated islands. Nature lovers will rejoice at Kauaʻi's rugged cliffs, white-sand beaches, challenging hiking trails, stunning waterfalls and overall natural splendor. Mount Waialeale, in the island’s center, is nearly a mile high, and is one of the wettest places on Earth.
IMAGES COURTESY OF 1 HOTEL HANALEI BAY
Where to stay on Kauaʻi
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay: A gorgeous, relatively new contender to the hotel scene (it opened in 2023), 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is an eco-chic property with farm-to-table food, sustainable practices and a focus on wellness. Book with me to receive $100 food / beverage or spa credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort & Spa: A sprawling, plant-filled resort on Poipu Beach. Fora’s exclusive Hyatt Privé partner perks include $100 resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and early check-in.
Ko'a Kea Resort on Poipu Beach: Contemporary, romantic and intimate, perfect for couples. Book with me to receive $100 resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily and an upgrade.
What to do on Kauaʻi
Kauaʻi is primed for outdoor adventures. Waimea Canyon State Park is a natural wonderland filled with challenging hiking trails and breathtaking views. Mahaulepu Coastal Trail, replete with sand dunes, rock formations, diverse flora and fauna and more of nature’s richness, extends from Shipwreck Beach to the remote Mahaulepu Beach, the perfect spot for whale watching. If you want to get closer to the whales (and see an epic view of the Nāpali coast), make sure to book a tour with the Native-owned Makana Charters.
Makauwahi Cave, Hawaiʻi’s largest limestone cave, is a unique attraction filled with fossils, and the breathtaking cliffs of Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park are a sight to behold from various vantage points. If you want to get an intimate view of the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, make sure to take a hike. Plan to spend at least a day for the hike; reservations should be made in advance and book up quickly.
Maui
Maui has always been popular, but now it’s as busy as ever, courtesy of season two of The White Lotus, which was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Expect lots of fellow visitors, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have an amazing vacation.
There are several areas of the island to explore. A top recommendation is Haleakalā, a nearly two-mile-high dormant volcano that beckons hikers, bikers, horseback riders and stargazers. In 2023, fires devastated the town of Lahaina, on Maui’s northwest coast. The town is still re-building, and now it’s as important as ever to support the area’s local businesses.
IMAGE COURTESY OF ANDAZ MAUI AT WAILEA RESORT
Where to stay on Maui
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea: A luxe oasis with some fantastic dining options, right on Wailea Beach. When you book Four Seasons through me, you’ll enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. I’ll be pleased to give you more details.
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui: This ultra-family-friendly resort has just been treated to an extensive renovation; expect an open-air lobby, redesigned rooms and suites, a new cultural center and more. Book with me to receive VIP Accor STEP partner perks like a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort: Sleek and modern, with cascading infinity pools and farm-to-table dining. Fora’s VIP Hyatt Privé perks include $100 resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and early check-in.
Montage Kapalua Bay: A sophisticated stay with residential-style suites, where everything is a celebration of Maui’s local culture. Book with me to snag $150 spa credit, $35 daily breakfast credit for two, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua: A crowd-pleaser with great service, beautiful grounds and two championship golf courses. Book with me to receive Marriott STARS benefits including $100 resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
What to do on Maui
The famed Road to Hana is among the most scenic drives you’ll experience (although inexperienced drivers will want to enlist the help of someone comfortable with hairpin turns, narrow stretches and other tricky obstacles). Make sure to allow time for several stops to take in the stunning scenery (waterfalls, rainforests) along the way. Along the trail is the black-sand Pa‘iloa Beach, located within the beautiful, biodiverse Waiʻānapana State Park (reservations are required here). Off of Wailea Beach, you’ll find Molikini, a sunken crater that makes for great snorkeling. Explore the local shops and restaurants in Pā'ia, a charming town on Maui’s North Shore, and, as mentioned, don’t miss a hike or bike ride on Haleakalā (Haleakalā National Park boasts five different climate zones!).
This may be information overload, but that's where I come in. Above is just a taste of all that Hawaiʻi offers. Connect with me for a tailored trip. I'll work to understand your vibe and what you're after, and design your dream Hawaiʻian getaway, complete with VIP perks and priority status at the state's best hotels.
