
Our Favourite Hawaii Hotels
Hawaii’s islands offer an extraordinary range of accommodation, but our focus is on combining boutique charm, natural beauty, and authentic local spirit wherever we can.
Rather than large impersonal chains, we try to focus on properties with character, intimate resorts, stylish hideaways, and heritage-rich retreats where hospitality is heartfelt and the setting is uniquely Hawaiian. We also use private accommodation where appropriate as this can often be great value.
Across Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, Lanai and Molokai, there’s something for every kind of couple or family. Think secluded eco-lodges nestled in rainforest near volcanoes, elegant plantation-style inns set among coffee farms, and beachfront sanctuaries with just a handful of suites—each offering a true sense of place.
Many feature architecture and design inspired by traditional Hawaiian aesthetics, with open-air lanais, native woods, and locally crafted art.
Luxury is often defined not just by star ratings but by attention to detail: from farm-to-table cuisine, spa rituals rooted in Hawaiian wellness traditions, to guided experiences with cultural practitioners and naturalists.
Some properties are set within lush botanical grounds or front secluded beaches, offering an atmosphere of privacy and reflection. Others are located near vibrant towns or local villages, ideal for travellers who enjoy markets, music, and street food.
For our customers seeking tranquillity, authenticity, and immersive experiences, Hawaii’s boutique and character-driven accommodation offers more than a place to stay, it becomes an integral part of the journey itself.
OAHU
Halekulani, Waikiki
An icon of Hawaiian hospitality, Halekulani sits gracefully on Waikiki Beach, offering couples a refined and tranquil escape from the bustle of Honolulu. Rooms are generously sized with private lanais and soothing neutral tones that let the ocean views shine.
The resort features La Mer, Hawaii’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant, as well as an oceanfront orchid mosaic pool and a luxurious spa known for its Polynesian-inspired treatments.
Guests can expect impeccable service with a calm, classic atmosphere that prioritises relaxation. Whether you're sipping a sunset cocktail at House Without a Key or enjoying quiet moments in the lush gardens, Halekulani is a serene haven for romance and understated luxury.
Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head
For couples wanting a peaceful, boutique-style retreat close to Waikiki’s attractions but far from the crowds, Lotus Honolulu offers the perfect balance. Located near Kapiolani Park and the base of Diamond Head, the hotel blends modern, minimalist design with a strong connection to nature.
Rooms feature mountain or ocean views, and the atmosphere is quiet and contemplative. Guests enjoy complimentary morning coffee, yoga mats, beach cruisers, and evening wine receptions.
The beach is just steps away, and the nearby farmers’ markets, cafés, and hiking trails offer authentic local flavour. It’s a stylish and serene base for couples who prefer personal touches over corporate luxury.
The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
Funky and fun, The Surfjack offers a distinctly local experience in the heart of Waikiki. Its retro-inspired décor and mid-century surf culture vibe appeal to creative couples seeking something more individual and immersive.
The 112 suites and bungalows are casual but thoughtfully styled, many with balconies. Downstairs, the lively pool area—famous for its "Wish You Were Here" mosaic—hosts live music, pop-up art, and film nights.
Mahina & Sun’s, the on-site restaurant, focuses on sustainable island ingredients and draws locals as well as guests. For couples who value creativity, community, and culture, The Surfjack delivers a memorable stay in a vibrant setting.
BIG ISLAND
Holualoa Inn
Perched on the slopes of Mount Hualalai, Holualoa Inn is a romantic escape surrounded by 30 lush acres of gardens, walking trails, and a working coffee farm.
This six-room luxury B&B offers panoramic views of the Kona coast, personalised service, and an intimate, art-filled environment.
Each room is individually decorated with local wood, fine linens, and tropical flowers, and some feature private hot tubs or fireplaces. Gourmet breakfasts made with ingredients from the estate are served with ocean views.
The inn’s elevated setting means cool breezes, quiet evenings, and a refreshing change from the beach crowds. Perfect for couples seeking peace, beauty, and a true sense of place.
Volcano Rainforest Retreat
Nestled in native rainforest at 4,000 feet near Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, this intimate eco-lodge offers a magical experience for couples with a love of nature. Its four architect-designed cottages are set privately among giant ferns, ‘ōhi‘a trees, and birdsong, each with a unique character.
Wood-burning stoves, Japanese-style soaking tubs, and curated artwork create a romantic, cocoon-like atmosphere. Guests are welcomed with fresh local fruit, granola, and Hawaiian treats.
The retreat is just a short drive from the park’s trails and lava fields, but feels worlds away. It’s a soulful, unplugged escape ideal for couples who value privacy, authenticity, and connection to the land.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Mauna Lani has long held a reputation as one of the Big Island’s finest resorts, and its Auberge reimagining adds a refined sense of cultural immersion.
The oceanfront setting is exquisite—palm-lined lagoons, historic fishponds, and a reef just offshore create a rich natural backdrop. Rooms and suites feature organic textures, natural light, and generous lanais.
Wellness, sustainability, and Hawaiian heritage are woven into every element of the stay, from the excellent spa to the cultural centre and curated excursions.
Guests can snorkel with turtles, dine under the stars, or relax in adult-only pool zones. For couples wanting contemporary luxury anchored in a deep sense of place, Mauna Lani is outstanding.
View a Sample Holiday here.
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Maui Hotels
Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux
Exclusively for adults and perched above the beaches of Wailea, Hotel Wailea offers couples the ultimate in romantic seclusion. Each of its suites features separate living areas, deep soaking tubs, and private lanais with ocean or garden views.
The 15-acre property is a tropical paradise of waterfalls, hidden gardens, and sweeping vistas. Dining at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea is a highlight, with locally sourced menus and sunset views. Guests enjoy chauffeured beach service, yoga under the palms, and in-suite spa treatments. With its peaceful atmosphere, personalised service, and elegant style, this is Maui’s most refined and intimate escape.
Hana-Maui Resort
Located at the end of the famous Road to Hana, this resort is a sanctuary of peace surrounded by wild coastline, tropical forest, and traditional Hawaiian culture.
The accommodations—free of televisions and alarm clocks—are designed to reconnect couples with nature and each other. Ocean bungalows offer panoramic views and private lanais, while wellness experiences like yoga, cultural walks, and farm-to-table dining ground the stay in place and purpose.
It’s an ideal base for exploring waterfalls, black sand beaches, and remote hiking trails, but also for unwinding fully. Hana-Maui Resort is perfect for couples seeking adventure and soulful tranquillity in equal measure.
Lumeria Maui
Set on a quiet hillside above Paia, Lumeria Maui is a wellness retreat that caters to mindful travellers looking for rest, rejuvenation, and reconnection. This beautifully restored plantation estate features stylish, rustic-chic rooms, many with garden views and meditation nooks.
The schedule includes daily yoga, horticulture workshops, and healing arts, while the on-site restaurant serves organic meals from its own gardens.
It's just a short drive to the beaches and bohemian charm of Paia or the lush Upcountry region. For couples seeking an enriching, unplugged Maui experience rooted in wellness and nature, Lumeria is a serene and inspiring base.
Kauai
Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort
Located on the sunny south shore of Kauai, Ko’a Kea is an intimate, upscale oceanfront resort designed with couples in mind. Its rooms and suites feature sleek, modern interiors with private lanais, many offering direct ocean views.
The boutique size ensures peace and personalised service, while amenities include an award-winning spa, oceanside pool, and the renowned Red Salt restaurant.
Guests are just steps from Poipu Beach, perfect for snorkelling, swimming, or spotting sea turtles. Sunset cocktails, beachside walks, and a calm ambience make Ko’a Kea a romantic sanctuary for couples looking to unwind in style.
Hotel Hanalei Bay
This recently reimagined eco-luxury retreat on Kauai’s north shore combines sustainability with soul-stirring beauty.
Overlooking Hanalei Bay, the resort is built into the hillside, offering panoramic views of the mountains, ocean, and lush surroundings. Rooms use reclaimed woods, organic textiles, and natural finishes to create a calming, grounded atmosphere.
The spa and wellness centre are among the island’s best, and farm-to-table cuisine is a highlight. It’s ideal for couples who want to explore Kauai’s wild north shore by day and retreat to a sanctuary that reflects the island’s spiritual energy and commitment to nature.
The Palmwood
For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, The Palmwood is a hidden gem in Kauai’s lush northeast.
This three-room B&B sits on a ridge with views across verdant valleys to the ocean. Each room features private outdoor spaces, soaking tubs, and thoughtful design touches.
Breakfasts are a farm-to-table delight, served on your lanai or communally. With no TVs or crowds, it’s all about serenity and connection.
Hike nearby trails, explore local beaches, or simply relax in a hammock under the palms. The Palmwood is a peaceful haven for couples who want privacy, intimacy, and immersive natural beauty.
LANAI
Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort
This secluded adults-only wellness retreat is tucked into Lanai’s misty uplands and surrounded by cook pine forests. With only 96 rooms, Sensei Lanai combines Japanese-influenced minimalism with top-tier wellness programming.
Couples enjoy tailored experiences—guided meditation, yoga, spa treatments, fitness assessments—alongside healthy gourmet cuisine by Nobu. Rooms are serene sanctuaries with large lanais, soaking tubs, and garden or mountain views.
The peaceful setting is perfect for couples seeking rest, renewal, and intimacy. Guests also enjoy privileged access to the beachfront Four Seasons on the coast. For romance and rejuvenation in a serene, health-focused atmosphere, Sensei is utterly unique.
Hotel Lanai
In the heart of Lanai City, this charming 11-room inn offers vintage plantation-era style with modern comforts. Originally built in 1923, Hotel Lanai is now a thoughtfully renovated boutique retreat with a warm, homey feel.
Each room is individually styled, and the on-site restaurant, Lana’i City Bar & Grille, is a local favourite. Couples can stroll into town for coffee, browse art galleries, or take a short drive to explore the island’s beaches and pine forests.
It’s a relaxed, authentic base for discovering Lanai’s unspoiled charm and small-town spirit together.
MOLOKAI
Hotel Molokai
Set along a quiet stretch of oceanfront just outside Kaunakakai, Hotel Molokai offers a rustic, peaceful experience far removed from tourist crowds. Rooms are Polynesian-style bungalows with kitchenettes and lanais, some directly facing the sea.
Hammocks sway under coconut palms, and the on-site restaurant is popular for local fare and live music.
This is not luxury—it’s simple, soulful, and deeply connected to place. Couples come here to unplug, slow down, and experience authentic Molokai.
Explore the Kalaupapa Peninsula, hike to waterfalls, or chat with locals at the farmers’ market. For serenity and cultural immersion, Hotel Molokai is a gem.
