Top 5 Best Resorts on the Big Island of Hawaii
My family and I have been traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii every single Christmas since I was little! Over the years, we have tested out a few different resorts on the island. There are FIVE that stood out above the rest as truly phenomenal resorts that I would recommend to friends & family! Today, I’m sharing the 5 best resorts on the Big Island with you!
All 5 of the resorts below are on the western side of the Big Island, near Kona and Waikoloa.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
About the Resort: The first hotel that always comes to mind when I think of the Big Island is the Hilton Waikoloa Village. This resort is quite literally a “village” with multiple pools, lagoons, dolphin quest, towers, spas, 2 golf courses, 14 restaurants, and so much more.
In fact, the 62 acre resort is big that they have a canal boat system AND a tram to help escort you around the resort. It’s the full experience for the best resorts on the Big Island.
Best Feature: If you’re looking for a resort where you can stay on property the entire duration of your trip, this is a great choice. You can start the day kayaking with Dolphins, then relax poolside before trying one of their 14 restaurants for lunch. Afterwards, you can play golf or visit the spa for a relaxing afternoon. For dinner, you can experience an authentic Hawaiian Luau or bar hop on property.
Worst Feature: Unfortunately, the biggest downside to this property is the lack of a beach. Yes, it is directly on the ocean and has plenty of lagoon “beaches” but it does not have an actual ocean beach for guests. That being said, it is not far from the Island’s best beach – Hapuna Beach.
Fast Facts About the Hilton Waikoloa Village:
- Prices Begin at $250/night
- Resort Fee: $45/night
- Beach Access? No (close to Hapuna Beach)
- Onsite Luau? Yes
Related Post: Top 10 Beaches on Big Island
Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
About The Resort: The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is directly on the best beach the Big Island has to offer: Hapuna Beach! This is a huge perk having this right outside your door. The resort itself recently went through a large renovation that has completely transformed the property for the better.
Here at the Westin, you’ll have 2 gorgeous infinity pools overlooking Hapuna Beach (one of which is adult only)! There are a handful of restaurants on property, a wonderful golf course and more.
Best Feature: The selling point for this property is truly the access to Hapuna Beach. It is the only resort with direct access to Hapuna Beach. Plus, the recently renovated infinity pools are stunning!
Worst Feature: It isn’t in walking distance of any shops or off property restaurants. There is a complimentary shuttle to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (featured next on this list) but other than that you are a bit on your own.
Fast Facts About the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort:
- Prices Begin at $280/night
- Resort Fee: $30/night
- Beach Access? Yes! Located on Hapuna Beach
- Onsite Luau? Yes
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
About The Resort: The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel features a golf course, full-service spa, and 5 onsite restaurants. You can relax on sun loungers along the beach and dine with a beautiful view. In my opinion, the pool is just okay. For parents that are bringing their kids to Hawaii, this resort has a free kid’s club and a game room!
Best Feature: The beach at this resort is perfect – always sunny and tucked in a bit of a cove. There are minimal waves (just enough to keep the little ones occupied) and some snorkeling options too! This beach is a bit of a hidden secret to travelers since it is behind a gated community so it’s not as crowded as Hapuna Beach.
Worst Feature: The pool is just “meh” in my opinion. Plus, just like the Westin resort, there isn’t anything in walking distance.
Fast Facts About the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel:
- Prices Begin at $350/night
- Resort Fee: $30/night
- Beach Access? Yes!
- Onsite Luau? Yes
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa
About The Resort: The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa is another beautiful property that is in walking distance of so many different things! You can visit the Waikoloa King & Queens Market that has dozens of shops and restaurants to explore. Onsite, the resort features a beautiful pool, multiple restaurants, and a spa. This resort also has one of the most popular luaus on the island.
Best Feature: This resort is in walking distance to my favorite restaurant on the Big Island, Lava Lava Beach Club! This is not only a great spot for happy hour, but also the best view of the sunset!
Worst Feature: Yes, it has a beach directly next to the resort… but A-Bay isn’t your typical white sand beach. It’s actually a mixed black/white sand beach with small pebble like sand. I always feel like there are a few gnats at this beach too, which is a big turn off for me.
Fast Facts About the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa:
- Prices Begin at $200/night
- Resort Fee: $30/night
- Beach Access? Yes! Located on A-Bay Beach
- Onsite Luau? Yes!
Four Seasons Hualalai
About the Resort: Looking for luxury? Look no further. The Four Seasons Hualalai is a stunning resort located within a private gated community. This is where celebrities and honeymooners stay for ultimate privacy. The resort has many types of rooms – bungalows, villas, condos, and more!
There are a total of seven gorgeous pools available to guests. It’s often at the top of the Best Resorts on the Big Island list – but it’s personally a little out of my price range.
Best Feature: The service is impeccable. You won’t find better service anywhere else on the Big Island. Plus you’ll feel like you’re in a private oasis the entire time you’re on this property.
Worst Feature: The beach area has no waves and has a small shoreline. There are warnings for sea urchins too so it’s not the most user-friendly beach.
Fast Facts About the Four Seasons Hualalai:
- Prices Begin at $800/night
- Resort Fee: Varies
- Beach Access? Yes!
- Onsite Luau? Yes
Well, friends, what do you think?! Do these resorts imbody paradise and luxury?! I think so! It’s hard to choose a favorite because they’re each unique in their own way – but they all qualify as best resorts on the Big Island!
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Related Posts about the Big Island of Hawaii:
Kona, Hawaii City Guide
Hilo, Hawaii City Guide
FREE Things To Do On The Big Island
Top 10 Beaches on Big Island
Rainy Day Activities on the Big Island
20 Mistakes to Avoid in Hawaii
Search for other hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii here:
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Hawaii has always been on my bucket list. These resorts sound amazing! I think Westin Hapuna Beach Resort on the best beach would be a great choice.
Thanks so much for this roundup! Bookmarking it for later for our trip to the bug island.
Thanks for sharing such a fabulous list of the best resorts on the Big Island. Pinning your post for future reference.
Yes, it is hard to find things to do near the resorts. The luaus are great to experience! The Westin pool looks so relaxing!
This is a great breakdown and I love your photos!
Never been to Hawaii. Some beautiful resorts on the big island of Hawaii. I think Mauna Kea Beach Hotel would be best suited for us, since we’re traveling with a kid.
You know what, it’s hard to pick the best resort – I like them all! Will just have to check them all out for myself!
These resorts look amazing! The Westin Hapuna Resort definitely caught my eye. After visiting Oahu this past year, I’d love to visit the Big Island! Thanks for sharing these recommendations.