Best Luxury Locations to Travel to in Hawaii

With its strong sense of cultural identity and breathtakingly diverse landscapes, the island state of Hawaii is a popular destination for luxury travellers. It’s paradise found whether you’re passionate about outdoor adventures, health and wellness, exploring historical sites or kicking back with cocktails on the beach. You’ll also find show-stopping luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants and high-end shopping options.

Our Hawaii travel guide rounds up the best destinations to visit on a luxury Hawaii holiday, as well as the top hotels, restaurants and activities on each island. 

Oahu

With more than 200 hiking trails, epic year-round surfing breaks, and culinary delights from fine-dining French cuisine to food trucks serving birria tacos, Oahu is the ideal island for adventure seekers, foodies and families. Of course, it’s also where the Pearl Harbor attacks took place, marking it as an important historical landmark.

Where to stay

Turtle Bay Resort: This family-friendly resort is located on the island’s dramatic north shore and is home to some of the best surfing spots in the world. An 11,000-square-foot spa, two restaurants and a bar mean that you don’t necessarily have to leave the resort, although you’ll want to explore its five-mile beach, too. The resort offers exceptional snorkelling off the beachfront, as well as horse riding, hiking and watersports.

Where to eat

• La Mer: Hawaii’s only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes 5 Star restaurant serves up French-style cuisine with exceptional ocean views.

• Bali Oceanfront: This restaurant has a spectacular oceanfront view of Waikiki Beach and serves island harvest cuisine, with a focus on local produce and partnerships.

• Roy's Waikiki Beach: Roy’s has gorgeous views of Waikiki Beach and specialises in Hawaiian-fusion dishes. 

• Hoku’s: Only 10 minutes from downtown Honolulu, Hoku’s is known for its laidback island vibe and Hawaiian-inspired fine-dining fare.

What to do

• USS Arizona Memorial: One of the most significant WWII sites in the USA commemorating the Pearl Harbor attack and the fallen service members.

• Shangri La: The former mansion of billionaire tobacco heiress Doris Duke, which has been turned into an antique Islamic art museum.

• Honolulu Museum of Art: Opened in 1927, this is one of the best fine arts museums in the world. 

• Hiking: Hike to the top of the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail to watch the sunrise.

• Ala Moana Center: Hit the shops at the largest open-air shopping centre in the world.

Getting there: Fly by luxury private jet charter to Honolulu International Airport, which is a 55-minute drive from Turtle Bay Resort.

Lanai

If you’re in search of remote island vibes, consider putting Lanai at the top of your list. Often referred to as ‘Pineapple Island’ due to its pineapple farming history, this is an island with a sleepy splendour, deserted beaches and empty trails, attracting travellers who like to wander off the beaten path rather than follow any sort of social scene.

Where to stay

Four Seasons Resort Lanai: A high-end luxury resort with a low-key island vibe, the Four Seasons Resort Lanai is located on a cliff overlooking Manele Bay. The 35-acre oceanfront resort is one of only three on the island and has grounds consisting of waterfalls, koi ponds, botanical gardens and soothing streams. The resort’s 213 rooms have charming earthy tones and a modern island-style decor. There are five restaurants onsite, as well as a world-class golf course and an impressive spa.

Where to eat

• Nobu Lanai: Another luxury outpost of Nobu Matsuhisa’s esteemed Japanese restaurant, Nobu Lanai has sweeping views from the terrace. It serves the classic dishes the restaurant is known for, as well as delicious Hawaiian-fusion fare.

• One Forty: Lanai has a 140-square-mile radius, and the perfect temperature for a grilled steak is 140 degrees, so this excellent Lanai steakhouse is aptly named.

• Malibu Farm: Located high above Hulopoe Bay, this poolside restaurant focuses on fresh, organic and locally produced ingredients.

• Views: Views is located at the Manele Golf Club. With 180-degree views of the water and serving light meals and drinks, it’s the perfect spot for a post-golf stop.

What to do

• Relax on the beach: Lanai has over 18 miles of secluded beaches just waiting to be explored. Hulopoʻe Beach is the island’s main beach.

• The Lanai Cultural Heritage Centre: This museum provides a detailed look at Lanai’s history and culture and a closer look at its time as a large pineapple plantation.

• Off-roading: Hire a jeep and explore 400 miles of unpaved roads.

• Turtle watching and snorkelling: Lanai has a large population of resident sea turtles. You can watch the turtles on the beach or get in the water and snorkel alongside them.

• Hike the Koloiki Ridge trail: This moderate 4.2-mile hike takes you through the forests and to the sea cliffs.

Getting there: Fly by private jet or helicopter charter to Lanai Airport, which is a 20-minute drive from the Four Seasons Resort Lanai.

Maui

Maui is an intriguing mix of urban fun, outdoor adventure and natural beauty. It has interesting historical sites, unique cultural attractions and an incredible volcanic valley. It’s the island that has a little bit of everything, and this makes it one of the most popular choices when visitors travel to Hawaii. 

Where to stay

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua: This resort is about luxury and seclusion rather than sunny beach days. Kapalua's scenery is characterised by lush vegetation and towering trees, creating a misty mountain lodge atmosphere. The Ritz-Carlton feels more like its own town, with a huge pool complex, a renowned spa, access to two golf courses, shops, and multiple on-site restaurants. It’s especially kid-friendly, too, and has its own Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors to the Environment program. For the best of both worlds, there are adult-only areas as well.

Where to eat

• Merriman's Maui: Elegant and romantic, this restaurant showcases the island's seafood, meat and vegetables, with over 90% of its ingredients coming from local sources.

• Kō Restaurant: Fairmont Kea Lani’s signature restaurant has a plantation-era style menu that presents Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese and Hawaiian flavours.

• The Bamboo Hale Cafe: Wood-fired pizzas are the speciality at this farm restaurant, which uses locally sourced Maui meat and vegetables, as well as produce grown on the property itself.

What to do: 

• Paddle an outrigger canoe: Once used by Polynesian explorers to find and settle in Hawaii, these upright canoes offer a great way to see the coast and learn some cultural history from a knowledgeable guide along the way.

• Visit the Lahaina Heritage Museum: Located in the Old Lahaina Courthouse, this museum shows the lives of missionaries and whalers in Lahaina from the 1820s.

• Drive the famous Road to Hana: Winding between the cerulean ocean and emerald forests, this road is renowned for its waterfalls and zen-like pools. Stop and visit the five-storey-high temple of Pi’ilanihale Heiau.

• Snorkel with turtles: Maluʻaka Beach, aka Turtle Town, has some of the best coral reefs on the island and resident green sea turtles are often found feeding in its shallow bays and coves.

• Explore the volcanic valley: Haleakalā is a stunning volcanic valley with beautiful cinder cones and old lava flows. It’s the best place on the island to watch the sunrise.

Getting there: Fly by private charter to Kapalua Airport, which is just nine minutes from The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.

Big Island

Big Island is the most diverse of Hawaii’s islands. At twice the size of all the other Hawaiian islands combined, there’s a lot to explore, and it offers everything from age-old fishing villages to modern high-end resorts, stunning natural landscapes and an epic history. 

Where to stay

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection: A favourite hangout of Elvis Presley in the 70s, Mauna Lani has always been an iconic resort, but recent renovations have taken it up a notch. Guests will be instantly impressed with the open-air lobby displaying local Hawaiian art and sculptures, while the warm cedar detailing and neutral palette, alongside the modern, contemporary furniture, has a natural island feel. A range of restaurants, a pool complex, a private event suite, a beach bar, a gym, a golf course and a spa are just a few of the amenities you can look forward to.

Where to eat

• CanoeHouse: At Mauna Lani’s signature beachfront restaurant, guests can expect fresh seafood and farm-to-table produce with Hawaiian and Japanese influences.

• ‘Ulu Ocean Grill: Located at the luxurious Four Seasons Hualalai Hotel, this restaurant serves island-inspired dishes, including fresh seafood, steak and sushi. The oysters, freshly plucked from the resort’s on-site fishery, are a must-try.

• Napua: Not far from Mauna Lani, Napua is a laid-back beach restaurant during the day and a romantic high-end restaurant in the evening. The addition of white tablecloths and a new menu transforms this spot into one of the best places to watch the sunset and try Hawaiian-inspired dishes. Many of the ingredients are grown and raised on the owner’s nearby farm.

What to do

• Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Get up close to the active Kilauea volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The eerie expanse of black lava lakes, fringed by palm trees and beaches, is an incredible sight.

• Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay: This is the most popular snorkelling spot on the island, and for good reason. Visitors can hope to see vibrant corals, colourful fish and playful spinner dolphins.

• Manta ray night dive: Nothing can quite explain or compare to diving under a circle of 10-foot manta rays in the moonlight. 

• Visit the ʻAkaka Falls: Located in the gorgeous ʻAkaka Falls State Park, this waterfall is 420 feet high and surrounded by lush rainforest.

• Waipi’o Valley: The most picturesque view on the island is overlooking Waipi’o Valley, but it’s jaw-dropping up close, too. There are black-sand beaches, waterfalls, wild horses and gorgeous hikes.

Getting there: Fly by private jet charter to Kona International Airport, which is 25 minutes from the Mauna Lani.

Kauai

Possibly the most picturesque of the Hawaiian islands, Kauai is characterised by lush mountain forests, waterfalls, spectacular beaches, blue seas and drool-worthy surf.

Where to stay

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay: Overlooking the awe-inspiring Hanalei Bay and with the Hihimanu, Nāmolokama and Māmalahoa mountains in the distance, this beachfront hotel has one of the best spots on the island. The sustainability aspect of the 1 Hotel brand is evident in every aspect of the hotel, from the design choices to the food and cocktail menu and the products used in the world-class spa. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is on the path to being 100% certified carbon neutral. Tropical gardens, a rooftop kitchen garden, a gorgeous swimming pool complex, three main restaurants, and the renowned Bamford Wellness Spa are just a few of the most enticing offerings here. The hotel’s location in Hanalei Bay also means there’s easy access to snorkelling, surfing and swimming, as well as endless restaurant and recreational activities. The Seedlings Kids Club offers cooking classes, ukulele lessons and outdoor activities.

Where to eat

• Hukilau Lanai: Located at the Kauai Coast Resort, Hukilau offers beautiful ocean-side views, authentic Hawaiian-inspired dishes, and an impressive wine and cocktail selection.

• Beach House Restaurant: This restaurant’s location – on a sloping lawn that stretches directly down to the beach with sweeping views across the Pacific Ocean – is hard to beat. The menu features Pacific Rim and Hawaiian cuisine made using only local, fresh and seasonal ingredients.

• Red Salt: A high-end restaurant located in the Ko’a Kea Resort near Poipu Beach, Red Salt offers delicious Hawaiian seafood fare and exceptional sushi options. It also has oceanfront views.

• Oasis On The Beach: In a prime position on Hawaii’s South Shore, visitors can enjoy fine dining with mesmerising ocean views. This restaurant has a farm-to-table approach, showcasing Hawaiian cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

What to do

• Spend time at Hanalei Bay: This is Kauai’s iconic, picture-perfect beach, ideal for relaxing, surfing, snorkelling, bodyboarding and restaurant hopping.

• Visit Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge: Check out the nesting seabirds on the coastal cliffs and the impressive array of marine mammals found offshore. 

• Admire Limahuli Garden: In its 985-acre grounds, this magnificent garden showcases local Hawaiian fauna and flora and displays plants brought to Hawaii throughout the years.

• Hike Kokeʻe State Park: Around 50 miles of outstanding hiking trails wind through Kokeʻe State Park. From cliff tops and inland forests to the Waimea Canyon and the Alaka’i Swamp, the trails take you through some of the finest landscapes in Hawaii.

Getting there: Fly to Lihue Airport, which is just over 40 minutes from the resort.

Private jet charter flights to Hawaii

Hawaii is a favourite with luxury travellers and there’s no better way to get there than a private jet charter. Air Charter Service (ACS) works to enhance your travels from start to finish. First, the team will find you the perfect on-demand private charter that offers unrivalled comfort, privacy and flexibility. Then, The Travel Division at Air Charter Service can handle every other aspect of your trip, from luxury car hire and hotel bookings to excursions, restaurant reservations and guided tours. 

Contact us to talk to an experienced charter expert today.

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