Top 15 Iconic Hotels and Getaways in Hawaii (Currently Open)
Hawaiʻi isn’t just an escape—it’s a lifestyle, a mindset, a luminous collection of landscapes and destinations where the water meets the sky and the spirit of aloha is woven into each stay. If you’re planning a stay in the islands and want something iconic—where history, luxury, scenery and local legend converge—this guide is for you. Here are 15 of the most iconic hotels and getaways in Hawaiʻi, all currently open, each offering a distinct flavor of island magic. Whether you’re traveling with family, seeking a romantic retreat, or simply wanting that “once-in-a-lifetime” escape, you’ll find something inspiring here.
1. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort (Waikīkī, Oʻahu)
Known as: The “Pink Palace of the Pacific”. Royal Hawaiian Resort+2Wikipedia+2
Why it’s iconic: Opened in 1927, this landmark beachfront resort in Waikīkī carries history, style and island glamour. From its striking pastel façade to palm-fringed balconies overlooking Diamond Head and the Pacific, staying here is like stepping into Hawaiʻi’s golden age of travel.
Signature experiences: Private beachfront cabanas, historic wing plus modern tower, traditional lei-making and Polynesian cultural activities. Royal Hawaiian Resort
Best for: Couples, luxury-seekers, and anyone who wants historical ambiance with seaside access.
2. Halekulani Hotel (Waikīkī, Oʻahu)
Why it’s iconic: Often cited among the best luxury hotels in Hawaiʻi for its understated elegance, ocean-front location, and impeccable service. The Hawaii Vacation Guide+1
Features to know: Refined rooms and suites, mosaic swimming pool, access to prime Waikīkī beach, award-winning restaurants (including the famed La Mer).
Best for: Special-occasion stays, luxury travellers, and those looking for classic resort sophistication.
3. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea (Wailea, Maui)
Why it’s iconic: Situated on 15 acres along Wailea Beach with stunning ocean views and a reputation for top-tier service. Condé Nast Traveler+1
Signature vibe: Resort-level amenities without a hefty resort fee, elegant spa, kayak/stand-up paddle options, and family-friendly touches.
Best for: Families who want luxury and access to beach & activity; also couples who want resort ease with ocean scenery.
4. The Ritz‑Carlton Maui, Kapalua (Kapalua, Maui)
Why it’s iconic: Located in a verdant, slightly cooler area on Maui’s northwest coast—lush, less crowded, and steeped in nature. Condé Nast Traveler
Highlights: Full-service luxury, nature-trail access, nearby golf and beaches, sunset views from elevated terrain.
Best for: Travelers wanting a resort that feels removed from high-density zones yet delivers five-star service.
5. Fairmont Orchid (Kohala Coast, Big Island)
Why it’s iconic: Located on the Kohala Coast, this resort merges luxury with the rich natural and cultural backdrop of Hawaiʻi’s Big Island. Wikipedia
Experience: Sprawling grounds, oceanfront rooms, lava-rock coastline, spa and marine-life touches. A resort that feels island-wide in nature.
Best for: Travelers to the Big Island seeking resort comfort plus access to nature, culture and island adventures.
6. Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi (Lānaʻi)
Why it’s iconic: For the luxury-seeker, this private-island stay offers ultra-exclusive ambiance and high end finishes. Travel + Leisure
Why consider it: Quiet luxury, fewer crowds, deep nature around you, upscale dining and resort services that feel curated.
Best for: Honeymooners, luxury travellers, anyone seeking a tranquil island escape off the main tourist track.
7. Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa (Waikīkī, Oʻahu)
Why it’s iconic: This is Hawaiʻi’s oldest hotel building (opened in 1901) with historic charm and beachfront positioning. Wikipedia
What to expect: Grand historic lobby, banyan-tree courtyard, easy walk to beach, mixture of vintage feel and resort services.
Best for: Travellers who want a historic stay with modern comforts, and easy access to Waikīkī energy.
8. The Kahala Hotel & Resort (Honolulu, Oʻahu)
Why it’s iconic: A slightly more secluded ocean-front alternative to Waikīkī bustle. Often rated among top hotel stays in Oʻahu. The Hawaii Vacation Guide
Highlights: Luxury suites, dolphin lagoon, refined service, walkable to beaches but away from major crowds.
Best for: Families who want luxury and beach access without peak-traffic noise; couples seeking quiet sophistication.
9. The Ritz‑Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay (North Shore, Oʻahu)
Why it’s iconic: Just beyond the Waikīkī crowd, on Oʻahu’s famed North Shore, this resort offers a blend of surf-heritage locale plus luxury stay. Travel + Leisure+1
Experiences: Surfer-friendly beaches, horse-riding, nature hikes, high-end restaurants and resort ambiance.
Best for: Active travellers who want beach, surf, adventure plus luxe stay; families and groups who want more spread-out resort land.
10. Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (Wailea, Maui)
Why it’s iconic: While not as historic as some, this resort is big-scale, cinematic, and delivers a full resort-experience along Wailea’s coast. (Seen in top-hotel lists for Maui)
Features: Massive pool complex with slides, family-friendly amenities, wide beach, upscale rooms.
Best for: Families and travellers who want resort-style extravagance and activities beyond just rest.
11. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (Big Island)
Why it’s iconic: Historic beachfront stay on the Big Island along Kaūpūlehu Bay; often listed among Hawaii’s heritage hotels. Historic Hotels
Ambience: White-sand beach, gentle waves, a classic resort-feel with timeless appeal.
Best for: Big-Island travellers who want resort ease, beach access, and access to volcano, forest and coast within reach.
12. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort (Wailea, Maui)
Why it’s iconic: Contemporary luxury, ocean-view suites, and a design-forward resort that feels newer but still part of the iconic Wailea zone.
Why pick it: Upscale amenities, beach club vibe, modern architecture, spa and sunset views.
Best for: Style-forward travellers, adult getaways, design-minded couples and small groups.
13. Fairmont Kea Lani (Wailea, Maui)
Why it’s iconic: A resort that balances luxury and relaxing rhythms; suites and villas give space and choice.
Highlights: Large pool, resort spa, family-friendly but still serene, Wailea-location.
Best for: Families who want resort comfort plus the luxury finish; travellers staying multiple nights on Maui.
14. Four Seasons Resort Hualālai (Big Island)
Why it’s iconic: One of Hawaiʻi’s most exclusive resorts, nestled on the Kona-Kohala coast, offering privacy, ocean-front luxury, world-class service.
Why it stands out: Chef-driven dining, pristine beach, wellness focus, typical of the Four Seasons name but rooted in Hawaiian context.
Best for: Discerning luxury travellers, honeymooners, travellers wishing for high privacy and top-tier amenities.
15. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa (Ko Olina, Oʻahu)
Why it’s iconic: A resort that blends the Disney brand with Hawaiian culture—families especially appreciate the amenities, character experiences and water-park style fun. Tripadvisor
Highlights: Kids’ programming, pool and lagoon features, cultural education built-in, family-friendly luxury.
Best for: Families who want resort ease, children’s programming, and Hawaiian scenery with a twist.
How to Choose Your Iconic Stay
Consider your priority:
Historic charm + luxury → The Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider
Resort family friendly + activities → Grand Wailea, Aulani
Luxury resort + quieter coast → Halekulani, Fairmont Orchid, Four Seasons Hualālai
Adventure + resort mix → Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Design-forward / adult-focused → Andaz Maui, Four Seasons Lānaʻi
Factor in island geography:
Oʻahu: Waikīkī stays (The Royal, Halekulani, Moana) for access to nightlife and city + beach.
Maui: Wailea resorts (Four Seasons, Grand Wailea, Andaz, Fairmont Kea Lani) for oceanfront luxury.
Big Island: Kohala/Kaūpūlehu coast resorts (Fairmont Orchid, Mauna Koa, Four Seasons Hualālai) for nature + quiet.
Lānaʻi / Other: For exclusivity and less traffic.
Match length of stay:
Short stay (3-4 nights) → Choose one resort and explore local environs.
Long stay (7+ nights) → Consider mixing two locations (e.g., Oʻahu + Maui) to experience different island flavors.
Booking and flexibility:
Many of these resorts offer currently open status with active booking and updated offers.
Check for seasonal promos (shoulder seasons may offer better rates).
Consider packages (spa credits, resort credits, breakfast included) when staying multiple nights.
Why These Stays Remain Iconic & Evergreen
They combine scenery + service + story—beaches, palms, ultra-clear water, and refined hospitality.
Many have heritage (The Royal Hawaiian’s 1927 opening, Moana Surfrider’s 1901 structure) which appeals to travelers seeking legacy.
They deliver something shareable—a sunset photo, a pool cabana, ocean view balcony—that drives travel-searches (“Hawaiʻi iconic hotels”, “best luxury resort Hawaiʻi”, “historic hotel Waikīkī”).
They span island types and traveler profiles—they aren’t one-type-fits-all, which broadens their appeal and keeps them relevant.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Stay
Upgrade when possible: Ocean-view rooms or terraces make a big difference.
Experience local culture: Ask about resort-offered lei-making, ukulele, hula or local-food tastings (many resorts include these).
Time your visit for sunsets and less crowding: West-facing beaches are excellent for golden hour photos; shoulder season (spring/fall) often offers better rates.
Plan off-resort activities: The resort is your launchpad—not your stay. A day trip, snorkel, volcano visit, or local food stop adds depth.
Be aware of resort fees and taxes: Some resorts charge additional fees—check upfront for transparency.
Respect island culture and land: Choose reef-safe sunscreen, avoid stepping on coral, and ask about local eco-programs (many resorts now have sustainability initiatives).
Conclusion
From the storied halls of The Royal Hawaiian to the secluded luxury of Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi, Hawaiʻi offers hotels and getaways that are more than places to sleep—they are immersive experiences. Each of these 15 iconic resorts is currently open, delivering luxury, story, and place in equal measure. Whether you’re after historic charm, family fun, design-driven comfort, or absolute serenity, you’ll find your match in the islands.
Summary:
We’ve highlighted 15 legendary hotels and getaways across Oʻahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Lānaʻi.
You’ll find design, history, luxury and local culture interwoven in each stay.
Choose a resort that aligns with your style—heritage hotel, family-friendly resort, design-forward getaway, or quiet island escape.