Nearly twice as large as all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, the Big Island offers almost endless opportunities for play and relaxation. There's something here for everyone: visitors can marvel at stunning waterfalls tucked away in the tropical rainforests, head to Kona to sample local coffee or visit Volcanoes National Park. Of course, the many beautiful black and white-sand beaches are another main draw for most visitors, so here are the best beachfront hotels and resorts the island has to offer.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Hidden away on the exclusive Kona-Kohala Coast, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers traditional Hawaiian hospitality in the most luxurious way possible. The elegant rooms, suites, and villas are housed in a series of bungalows furnished with native Hawaiian art and nature-inspired decor, and the bungalows are connected to one another by a series of landscaped paths that wind their way around the seven pools carved into the natural lava rock. Other on-site amenities include three restaurants, two lounges, a state-of-the-art fitness center, complimentary parking, tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, and an open-air full-service spa.
72-100 Kaupulehu Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-325-8000
Must-see attractions in Kona include: the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Keauhou Bay and Kailua Village.
Fairmont Orchid
Sitting on 32 acres of lush grounds and tropical gardens, the Fairmont Orchid is a Four Diamond resort hotel located right on a stunning white sand beach. Amenities include a 10,000-square-foot pool right by the ocean, six on-site restaurants, a beach club, tennis courts, and a well-equipped fitness center. The hotel is also proud to offer a children's activity program that runs all year round. Complimentary high-speed internet access is offered to members of the Fairmont President's Club, and guests are also welcome to enjoy a treatment or two at the award-winning spa, which boasts private outdoor treatment rooms by either the ocean or a waterfall.
1 N Kaniku Dr, Waimea, HI 96743, Phone: 808-885-2000
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Perched up on the bluffs of the sunny Kohala Coast, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel offers classic Hawaiian luxury with a modern twist. The soft white sands of Hapuna Beach are only steps away, and the on-site hotel pool features cabanas, lounge chairs, and even pool ledge loungers. Another highlight of the resort is its private 12-hole golf course, which climbs from sea level to 700 feet and boasts spectacular panoramic views of the coastline. Parking is available free of charge at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort , and guests are encouraged to rent paddleboards, kayaks, and other beach gear from The Beachery stand on Hapuna Beach.
62-100 Kauna'Oa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743, Phone: 888-977-4623
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Sprawled over 62 acres on the Kohala Coast, the Hilton Waikoloa Village is an upscale resort with an extensive oceanfront playground that offers something for people of every age. Canal boats and air-conditioned trams are available to transport visitors around the property, making it easy to visit everything from the 25,000-square-foot spa to the beautiful swimming and snorkeling lagoon complete with sea turtles. Other highlights of the property include a dolphin encounter experience, two championship golf courses, eight tennis courts situated in a lush garden setting, and a museum walkway that displays approximately 1,800 pieces of art.
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, Phone: 808-886-1234
Aston Kona by the Sea
Surrounded by trees, Aston Kona by the Sea is a laidback condominium resort that offers well-equipped one and two-bedroom suites. In-room amenities include full kitchens, laundry machines, and private balconies with either full or partial ocean views; guests are also free to use the freshwater pool, sundeck, hot tub, and barbecue areas. The hotel is situated on a rocky beach with a private sandy cove, and a larger sandy beach can be found only 2 miles away. Free parking is available, and a daily resort fee includes in-room Wi-Fi, local calls, and in-room coffee and tea.
75-6106 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-327-2300
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton
Offering stunning views of Hilo Bay and the Mauna Kea Volcano, the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton boasts 70 acres of beautifully landscaped oceanfront property. All rooms and suites come with large-screen TVs, queen or king-sized beds, coffeemakers with local coffee, and kitchens or kitchenettes; some also have ocean views, luxurious soaker tubs, and wrap-around balconies. The lobby features rotating exhibits on various aspects of Hawaiian culture and history, and guests are also treated to complimentary parking, free Wi-Fi, and a daily complimentary round of golf on the resort's 9-hole golf course.
93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720, Phone: 808-969-3333
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows
Known for its dedication to preserving Hawaii's land and history, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows offers a selection of luxurious rooms and suites as well as tropically themed bungalows with private pools and hot tubs. The grounds boast historical fish ponds and two white sand beaches; on-site amenities include two championship golf courses, an open-air spa, a fitness center with a lap pool, and two excellent restaurants. The hotel is proud to offer bicycle rentals free of charge, and guests are also welcome to join in such complimentary activities as ukulele lessons, hula classes, and turtle feeding tours.
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Waimea, HI 96743, Phone: 808-885-6622
King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel sits on the same location once inhabited by the famous Hawaiian King Kamehameha, and today the hotel prides itself on providing guests with a truly royal experience. The modern rooms are all decorated in a nature-inspired style and equipped with private balconies, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs, and on-site amenities include an inviting infinity pool, several restaurants, a fitness center, and 16 meeting rooms for anyone traveling on business. The hotel is located right on the peaceful white sands of Kamakahonu Beach, and it provides direct access to the Kailua Pier.
75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-329-2911
Kona Tiki Hotel
Situated just to the south of Kailua Village, Kona Tiki Hotel is the only hotel in Kona that can boast that all of its rooms face the ocean and have private oceanfront balconies or terraces. The hotel is perfectly suited to those who prefer to spend their time exploring the island or lounging on the beach; the tropically themed rooms come with free Wi-Fi and mini-fridges or kitchenettes, but rooms are not equipped with either TVs or phones. Parking and a daily continental breakfast are offered free of charge, and the hotel also offers an ocean view pool and a barbecue area.
75-5968 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-329-1425
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Opened in 1965, the five-star Mauna Kea Beach Hotel sits on 60 secluded acres and was the first resort to open in Hawaii. There are plenty of opportunities for guests to stay active without leaving the resort; not only does the hotel offer a well-equipped fitness center, but guests are also free to take advantage of the 18-hole championship golf course, the 11 seaside tennis courts, and the beautiful outdoor pool. After a busy day, guests can unwind in the full-service spa, at one of the four on-site restaurants, or on their private balcony.
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743, Phone: 808-882-7222
Royal Kona Resort
Spread out across three oceanfront buildings overlooking Kailua Bay, the Royal Kona Resort prides itself on its attentive service and its stunning views. Most rooms come with views of the ocean or the mountains, and some offer private balconies. There are also plenty of excellent amenities for guests to enjoy, including a private beach, an oceanfront pool, a saltwater swimming lagoon, a fitness center, and four tennis courts. Self-parking and Wi-Fi are available for a fee, and guests are more than welcome to relax in the on-site spa or enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the resort’s restaurants or bars.
75-5852 Ali'i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-329-3111
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Set overlooking Anaeho'omalu Bay, Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa features upscale rooms with balconies, an outdoor pool and hot tub, and a full-service spa. The hotel is also proud to offer the only large white sand beach in the Waikoloa resort area, and guests are encouraged to partake in the wide variety of watersports available here, go for a sunset sail, and explore the ancient Hawaiian fishponds in front of the beach. The on-site restaurant offers a breakfast buffet and Pacific Rim cuisine, and a number of other restaurants and shops can be found within easy walking distance.
69-275 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, Phone: 808-886-6789
