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The best luxury resorts on the Big Island
If you’re looking for the best luxury resorts on the Big Island, this is the post for you. When most people think of the Big Island, they think of the active Volcano, Kilauea. However, the Big Island is so much more than that!
The Big Island is incredibly diverse and is home to ten of the words fourteen climate zones. The diverse climate means that you’ll be able to see all types of weather no matter what time of the year you visit.
From the waterfalls on the east side to black sand beaches to occasional snow (yes, snow!) on the tops of the mountains, the Big Island is truly unique and a hidden gem as most visitors opt for Oahu or Maui.
Do I need a rental car on the Big Island?
The Big Island is, well, big, and you’ll definitely need a rental car. Although these resorts are fantastic, you’ll want to venture out and explore all the Big Island has to offer.
I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. You’ll find the best prices on rental cars in Hawaii. If you’re going to splurge on an amazing resort, you might as well get a great deal on your car!
Pro-tip: I recommend getting a Jeep! It’s a lot more fun and makes some places more accessible. Just make sure to check your rental agreement and see where you are allowed to go.
when should i visit The Big Island of Hawaii?
The “best” time to visit the Big Island, in my opinion, is during the slower season. It’s never truly “slow” in Hawaii regarding tourism, but it is slower in April, May, and late August through October.
The exception to this rule is the Ironman week in Kona, which takes place in October. You can read more about when to visit the Big Island in my post: “is there a bad time to go to Hawaii?”
The best 5-star resorts on the Big Island
Here are the best 5-star resorts on the Big Island. Listed in no particular order, this list of luxury resorts on the Big Island has the perfect Big Island resort for everyone. By the way, several of the best restaurants on the Big Island are located at these luxury Big Island resorts!
Four Seasons Hualalai
When you want the best of the best, you’ll want to check out the Four Seasons Hualalai. Four Seasons Hualalai is not just one of the best 5-star resorts on the Big Island or one of Hawaii’s best 5-star resorts. It’s one of the top-rated resorts in the world!
The beachfront property is just four miles from Kekaha Kai State Park, my favorite beach on the Big Island.
Sea turtles at Kehaka Kai State Park.
The Four Seasons Hualalai offers 3 restaurants, 7 pools, a golf course, and a fantastic spa. Many types of accommodations are available, from standard rooms to upgraded suites and 1 and 2-bedroom villas. Rates begin around $1000/night.
One of the best parts of the resort is the cultural center, which has activities and classes featuring Hawaiian culture. The Four Seasons Hualalai is also one of my favorite Hawaii honeymoon resorts.
For honeymooners and other adult travelers, the Palm Grove Pool offers a tranquil oasis away from the rest of the resort’s hustle and bustle. Four Seasons Resorts are also well known for being a great resort for families, and this one is no exception.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
The simple name might fool you, but Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is most definitely a resort. And it’s one of the best luxury resorts on the Big Island.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is home to fantastic golf courses and is located on one of the Big Island’s best beaches. This resort also boasts some of the best dining options on the Big Island.
This resort is currently undergoing some renovations, but when it is finished, it will be truly incredible. Check out a sneak peek at what the new rooms will look like here: renovated room at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
The work is being done on one tower at a time and should not significantly affect the guest experience. The Westin Maui next door is a sister resort, so you can take advantage of what both resorts have to offer. I have a blog post comparing both if you’d like to check it out: Westin Hapuna Beach vs. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
Rates start at around $700 per night.
If you’re considering a Hawaii destination wedding, Mauna Beach Beach Hotel is the perfect destination. They offer several event spaces and wedding packages.
Fairmont Orchid
The Fairmont Orchid is one of the most popular resorts on the Big Island. Perfect for couples and families, it boasts six restaurants, golf courses, tennis courts, and a spa on 32 oceanfront acres.
The service at the Fairmont Orchid is excellent, as are the dining options.
The Fairmont Orchid is one of the few properties on the Big Island that allows pets. However, bringing a dog to Hawaii is not a simple process whatsoever.
Rates typically start around $600 per night.
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
The Kohala Coast is home to most of the resorts on this list, and Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is no exception. The Kohala Coast is world-renowned for its fantastic shorelines and cultural and archaeological sites.
The Westin Hapuna Beach recently underwent a 46-million-dollar renovation and was named a Westin property. The changes have been for the better, and guests are raving about the re-imagined property.
Even if you’re not staying at the Westin Hapuna Beach, you might consider visiting the Mauna Kea Spa by Mandara. It’s one of the best spas on the Big Island. Check out my full review here: Westin Hapuna Beach Review
The stunning Westin Hapuna Beach
Mauna Lani Bay Resort
The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows is home to the famous Francis H I’i. Brown golf courses. Mauna Lani Bay Resort went under a massive renovation in 2019.
After a $200 million renovation, the Mauna Lani Bay Resort welcomed guests back in January 2020.
The re-imagined Mauna Lani features 30 oceanfront acres and 3 miles of shoreline. Accommodations at Mauna Lani include guest rooms, suites, and even 4,000-square-foot residences.
From sunrise paddle boarding to beachfront yoga to cultural experiences, Mauna Lani Bay resort offers activities for everyone.
The most luxurious resorts on the Big Island
Thanks for checking out this post about the best luxury resorts on the Big Island. If you’re visiting multiple islands, you might want to check out the best luxury resorts on Oahu or the best luxury resorts in Maui, too.
For even more options on the Big Island, check out the best Big Island resorts.
Book your Big Island vacation with a Hawaii Travel Agent
My name is Amy, and I’m one of the top travel agents for Hawaii vacation. I’d love to help you plan your Big Island adventure. The Big Island is one of my favorite islands (it goes back and forth between this one and Kauai), and I’d love to help with insider knowledge and so much more.
Contact me for more information about working together.
More Big Island Travel Tips:
- The 10 best tours on the Big Island
- Where to find sea turtles on the Big Island of Hawaii
- The 7 Best Things to do on the Big Island
- The Best Happy Hours in Kona
- 25 best things to do in Kona
- Hawaii Honeymoon Travel Agent
- 20 things to do in Hilo
- The best Hawaii sunset locations
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