This Pacific island idyll has perfect beaches, dramatic surf, colorful flowers, tropical rainforests and soaring volcanoes – it’s the stuff of movies (and has been the backdrop to blockbusters including Jurassic Park, Jumanji and Pirates of the Caribbean). Hawaii has certainly attracted its fair share of stars over the centuries, having famously been a favorite of Elvis Presley. Warm year-round and easy to access from the US mainland, it’s filled with rich culture and delicious food. Rather than a single destination, Hawaii is an archipelago, offering a variety of different experiences and activities on its eight main islands, so you can choose the place that suits you best.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
Located next to one of the most famous beaches on earth, the Ritz-Carlton Residences has the highest infinity pool in Waikiki (eight stories up), furnished with private cabanas that offer food service. Choose from one bedroom, a suite with sweeping ocean views or one to four bedroom apartments with kitchens and spacious living spaces. But with eateries like the 16-seat Sushi Sho showcasing the ancient art of edomae, Dean & Deluca, and outdoor restaurants like La Vie and Quiora on site, you’ll probably want to give cooking a miss. And visit the spa, with treatments that include volcanic stones, rainforest leaves, lehua flowers and lomilomi massage techniques.
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Four Seasons Resort Maui At Wailea
Just 17 miles from the airport and a few minutes’ walk from the sea, this resort hotel has something for everyone. Choose a room with ocean, mountain or garden views, or a presidential suite with up to three bedrooms. Dine on Hawaiian-California fusion cuisine at Chef Wolfgang Puck’s Spago restaurant, Ferraro Italian’s Bar e Ristorante, sushi at the Lobby Lounge bar, or grab a table at DUO Steak and Seafood restaurant, next to one of the three pools. There is also a spa, a beauty salon and tennis courts.
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Sensei Lanai, Four Seasons Resort
Another from the Four Seasons portfolio, Sensei Lanai is for adults only. Located in a secluded enclave reached via a semi-private flight from Honolulu, the resort offers quite a unique experience. The wellness retreat has developed programs and trips, using a blend of science, evidence-based practices and innovative technology, led by expert practitioners. Engage in yoga, meditation, walks and lectures, surrounded by beautiful artwork, a breathtaking sculpture garden and soothing water features that help evoke an atmosphere of self-discovery. Guests staying here dine at Sensei by Nobu in a glass pavilion, or outside by a koi pond.
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Kapalua Bay Montage
With an aquamarine roof shaped like a houseboat, Montage is a smaller, stand-alone resort within the larger Kapalua hotel complex. It stands next to a rugged, rocky stretch of coastline, offering one, two, three and four bedroom suites with living areas, kitchens and laundry spaces that are ideal for families. Guests can dine at Cane & Canoe Restaurant, drink and dine more casually at The Hideaway, grab poolside food or grub at Mahana Market – there’s also a stunning event space, Cliff House, and which opens as a restaurant during peak hours. Free services include guided hikes and tide pool explorations and lessons on the regions cultural heritage.
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The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Enjoy facilities on a grand scale at this Ritz-Carlton property on Maui’s northwest coast. Surrounded by a large nature reserve and two protected marine sanctuaries, it’s the place for tropical eco-adventures. Or make the most of the amenities on its 54 acres, such as a spa with treatments inspired by ancient Hawaiian traditions, two tennis courts, a kids’ club, 466 bedrooms and a 24-hour outdoor infinity pool , overlooking the ocean. There are also many food and drink outlets; The Banyan Tree is definitely the highlight, plus there’s a burger shack, a poolside restaurant and a stylish lounge with fireplaces.
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Four Seasons Resort Oahu and Ko Olina
After a $500 million overhaul, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina opened in 2016. Here you can sip cocktails on the sand at Mina’s Beach Club, tuck into plant-based meals at La Hiki, swim to Dr. . Mai Tai in the infinity pool, cruise to a weekly barbecue and enjoy romantic dinners at Noe Italian and Mina’s Fish House. Naupaka Spa and Wellness’ indoor and outdoor center allows adults to relax while children participate in organized activities. Located on the west coast, the resort also has swimming lagoons and an excellent golf course.
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Kahala Hotel & Resort
Formed by two man-made peninsulas sheltered from the elements, Kahala has been in business for over 60 years. During that time it has welcomed almost every US president, Hollywood’s elite (including Angelina Jolie, Christopher Walken, Elizabeth Taylor and Dean Martin), the British Monarch, international rock stars and the Dalai Lama – to name but a few from its iconic customers. . Inside, you’ll find Thai parquet floors, large chandeliers made from Italian fused glass, and even multi-function Japanese toilets in the bedrooms. Outside, there are waterfalls, a lagoon with turtles and dolphins, over 100 palm trees and the beach grass that was featured in TV’s Magnum PI.
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Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
With a private section of Waikiki Beach, the Royal Hawaiian dates back to the 1920s and was once owned by the Royal Navy – it’s instantly recognizable by its pastel pink Spanish-Moorish facade. Amenities include cultural activities, a children’s program, two swimming havens (a Malulani pool and Helumoa playground), water sports, an on-site bakery, an award-winning seafood restaurant and Azure, and the only water lion Waikiki. Stay in the historic historic wing or the magnificent Mailani Tower in one of the hotel’s 528 colorful and charming rooms.
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Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Located on Hawaii’s smallest island (that the public can access), Lanai is a privately owned, unspoiled idyll. The Four Seasons can be reached by a 30-minute flight from Honolulu, followed by a 15-minute transfer from the island’s airport. Landscaped gardens and traditional Pacific-style pavilions are complemented by high-tech mod cons, antique furnishings and rustic decorative touches. Swim in a lagoon pool, surrounded by swaying palm trees and cabanas made from natural materials. Dine on healthy food at Malibu Farm by the pool, eat at One Forty Steakhouse, and dine on fine dining at the famous Nobu. The resort also boasts a spa, golf course and water sports.
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