The Best Places to Stay in the Big Island

Four Seasons Hualalai

Four Seasons Hualalai is the nicest Four Seasons or the nicest hotel we’ve ever stayed in. White-sand beaches and black-lava landscapes surround it, and it offers stunning views of the ocean. The resort has seven pools including an Ocean Pool and King’s Pond—a 1.8-million-gallon pool home to 4,000 tropical fish and one spotted eagle ray. The hotel boasts indoor and outdoor gym areas, several tennis courts and a spa.

Three of the hotel restaurants and bars have magnificent views of the ocean and one overlooks the championship golf course. Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge and Resident’s Beach House (guest reservations are available after 3pm on the day of request) are our favorites.

The rooms here are beautiful, and the two- and three-bedroom villas are next-level with gorgeous ocean views, oversized lanais and private hot tubs.

The hotel shops sell high end clothing and accessories like Celine sunglasses, Missoni dresses and homes, James Perse and Eleventy.

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

Recently opened in July 2023 after being destroyed by a tsunami and closed for 12 years. This hotel is the oldest and newest on the island.

There are two stunning pools and an outdoor activities center where guests can use kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkeling equipment.

There are four bars and restaurants, including one made from a sailboat the owners sank nearby. The food and drinks are very creative and higher end.

Rooms are freestanding hales with thatched roofs, oversized lanais and outdoor showers. Choose from one-to-four bedrooms with views of the lush gardens, lagoon, mountains or the ocean.

The boutique features a well-curated selection of clothes and accessories from Orlebar Brown, Bottega Veneta and Gucci.

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Mauna Lani is designed to take advantage of the Kohala Coast view.

Guest rooms are furnished in understated, natural décor that’s bright and refined and come with a lanais overlooking mountain and ocean views.

The food is excellent throughout the hotel and CanoeHouse is one of the best restaurants on the island.

There are three pools, a 5,000 square-foot indoor-outdoor gym and a large Auberge Spa. The property also features two world-class, 18-hole golf courses.

The hotel’s gift shop is a permanent Goop store featuring clean beauty, wellness, athletic wear and resort fashion.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Hawaii. In need of further inspiration? Check out Anne Bisgaard’s guide, The Big Island of Hawai’i.