Staying at a resort is the most luxurious lodging option on the Big Island. We recommend staying in a resort if you want an ultimately relaxing vacation and don’t mind paying for it. The resorts on the Kona coast offer on-site luxuries such as relaxing spa’s, world-class golf courses, private swimming pools, and much more.
Table of contents
- Resorts south of Kona:
- Resorts in Kailua Kona:
- Resorts north of Kona (on the Kohala coast):
- Resorts in Hilo:
Table of Contents
- Resorts south of Kona:
- Resorts in Kailua Kona:
- Resorts north of Kona (on the Kohala coast):
- Resorts in Hilo:
Below we list all resorts on west coast of the Big Island: the Kona and Kohala coast, and one in Hilo. They are ordered by location starting from the south (1st on the list: the Sheraton Keauhou bay) counterclockwise to the north (last on the list: the Grand Naniloa in Hilo):
Money-saving and trip-enhancing trip planning tips
With life getting so expensive it makes sense to save as much money on your trip as you can. These resources help you to save money (#1), to book the best tours and activities (#2), and greatly simplify trip planning (#3 + #4):
- The Discount Hawaii Car Rentals website is our first stop for a quote when we need a rental car. We like them (a) because they offer the BEST rates, (b) require no prepayment and charge no cancellation fees, and (c) because they offer additional benefits such as free extra drivers and reduced young driver rates.
- We put a LOT of effort in figuring out which tours actually are the best. Have a look at our curated tour section to see tours that get consitently good reviews *and* offer great value.
- Did you know we are giving away free itineraries for all Hawaiian islands? These are a great place to start planing your own trip.
- Our Trip Planning 101 Guide is a another GREAT place to start planning for 1st time visitors.
More affordable options: have a look at our “where to stay on the Kona coast” guide with recommendations for families, first timers, solo travelers, active travelers, beach bums, and repeat visitors, for our suggestions on high-end, mid-range, and budget-friendly places to stay.
Affiliate disclosure
This overview contains affiliate links to accommodation aggregator websites such as Booking.com and Expedia. Clicking on those links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only include affiliate links when they offer good value to our readers, read more about our use of those links on the Love Big Island website.
You can find most of the resorts listed on this page on the following map that includes all booking.com properties available for your given dates.
Tip: make sure to fill in your expected dates to directly see price and availability!
South Kona district Resorts
The south Kona district is not as dry as the Kohala coast to the north, and access to pristine white sand beaches here is not ideal. However, this is easily offset by the lush and tropical nature (lots of Kona coffee!), proximity to some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island, and, last but not least, the spectacular manta ray night dive.
The only resort south of Kona is the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, 7.5 miles south of Kailua Kona.
1: Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
The Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa was build on an ancient lava flow entering the waters along the Kona coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. It offers everything from rejuvenating spa treatments to an entertaining luau.
Perhaps most spectacular is the on-ground multi-level fantasy pool: the “Manta Ray Super Slide & Pool”. Situated at the heart of the resort, this enormous fresh-water pool includes its own sandy-bottomed children’s play area, the island’s longest water slide and bubbling whirlpool spas. See the map below for an impression of the resort grounds and amenities.
As an added local bonus, the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa hosts the Hoʻoulu farmers market every Wednesday on its lawn.
Where to book:
- On the Booking.com or Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa website for direct bookings, or
- On the VRBO website for if you like the area but would rather stay in (luxurious) condos at e.g. the Keauhou Resort and Kanaloa at Kona by Outrigger.
The Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Credit: Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa // Leonardo
Resorts in Kailua-Kona
There is one resort within the Kailua-Kona city limits: the Royal Kona resort. Its location is difficult to beat, with great views over Kailua bay and proximity to all of Kona’s activities.
1: Royal Kona Resort
The Royal Kona Resort is an architectural marvel set on twelve oceanfront acres overlooking Kailua Bay in the heart of historic Kailua-Kona town on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Their on-site recreation includes: a split-level swimming pool, a private saltwater swimming lagoon, the Royal Kona tennis club, a fitness club, a massage and spa center, and the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau. See the video below for an impression of the resort grounds and amenities.
Where to book:
- On the Royal Kona resort website, or
- Check to see if there are better deals on suites and condos on the booking.com website.
2: Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort
Collection of 2-bedroom bungalows that have been designed to re-create the charming traditional Hawaiian island ambiance found back in the ’30s, with all the modern amenities and activities you would expect in a tropical resort. On-ground amenities include 2 outdoor swimming pools, 2 picnic/BBQ areas, and 2 outdoor hot tubs.
The Wyndham is located in Kailua Kona on walking distance from the beaches and 1.2 miles from Kailua bay.
Where to book:
Bungalows can be booked on all common booking sites, but prices vary wildly on a per site / per date basis so check multiple sources!
- Try for example the Expedia website, or for more specific places see
- This well-priced 2 bedroom (6 people max) listing on the booking.com website.
One of two outdoor swimming pools in the resort, each including a children’s pool, a picnic area with BBQ facilities, two outdoor hot tubs.
Resorts north of Kailua-Kona (Waikoloa, the Kohala coast)
Almost all resorts on the Big Island are concentrated on the Kohala coast, north of Kona. This is for one very good reason: great weather! It almost never rains at this part of the island, and the temperatures are pleasant year-round. Add in pristine white-sand beaches, a few palm trees, and lots of good snorkeling spots, and you have all ingredients needed for paradise.
Kohala is a great area to explore, and if you consider staying in one one the resorts below you should definitely also have a look at our guide to Kohala.
1: Kona Village Resort
12 years after being destroyed by a tsunami, the Kona Village Resort reopened July 2023!
Know for its oceanside thatched cottages and castaway aesthetic, the 81-acre resort along Kahuwai Bay feels relatively secluded despite its 150 bungalows. Most of these private thatched-roof cottages are open to the beach and lush lagoons and have their own lanai (porch) and tub.
Where to book:
To stay in the Kona Village Resort you need deep pockets – their cottages start at $1900/night. Check out the following websites for availability and exact pricing:
- On the resort website
- Or check the Kona Village Resort on the hotels.com website for occasional deals.
2: Four Seasons Resort – Hualalai
Among the most luxurious accommodation options on the Big Island, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at historic Kaʻupulehu offers more than ever to explore – with a newly expanded open-air spa, beachfront dining, fashion boutiques, new deluxe suites, and a gym featuring daily yoga and other workout classes. Set on the Big Island’s exclusive Kohala Coast, this showpiece oceanfront resort captures the essence of Hawaiian design, culture and tradition.
You are certain to get your tropical fish fix if you get in the water at King’s Pond. Photo credit: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai // Leonardo
One of our favorite features of the Four Seasons is King’s Pond (pictured above), which is a natural pool that is carved out of lava rock, but essentially is a life-size aquarium with 4,000+ tropical fish that you can snorkel in!
Where to book:
- Visit the official Four Seasons website here,
- Try searching for good deals on hotel rooms on aggregator websites such as Booking.com.
Resort map for the Four Seasons Hualalai. Courtesy of Four Seasons Hualalai.
3: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
The Waikoloa Marriott resort spans 15 acres and faces the beautiful Anaehoʻomalu Bay beach and ancient fish ponds. There are various pools on the resort grounds, and the beach is almost as close as the pools. The resort grounds are also home to one of the most popular luau shows on the island: the Sunset Luau.
See the resort map (updated March 2017) below to see how close the main building is to the beach.
Where to book:
- See the Waikoloa Marriott website for standard rates.
- Try searching for good deals on hotel rooms on aggregator websites such as Booking.com.
Several pools on the resort grounds of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Photo credit: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa // Leonardo
Resort map for the Waikoloa Marriott resort, retrieved march 2017 from source
4: Hilton Waikoloa Village
The Hilton resort is located in the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. This resort is located on 62 prime oceanfront acres and features an impressive 1,240 guest rooms and suites. Luckily, they have an on-ground air-conditioned tram(!) to get around the resort grounds.
The Kona pool on the resort grounds is the largest pool on the Big Island. Credit: Hilton Waikoloa Village.
The grounds also include two world-class golf courses, three pools including waterfalls, a 175-foot water slide and an adults-only pool, a lagoon with dolphins, and the “Legends of Hawai’i” luau. See the resort map (updated November 2019) below.
Where to book:
- On the Hilton Waikoloa website (for hotel rooms).
- On the booking.com website occasional discounts and deals.
Resort map for the Hilton Waikoloa resort, retrieved April 2020 from source.
5: Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is one of the Waikoloa resorts with amazing access to the beach. The resort includes the luxurious Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, Mauna Lani Spa and the Francis H I’i. Brown Golf Courses. Next to hotel rooms there are bungalows available (with private plunge pools, gardens, and plenty of room to spread out) for couples looking for privacy or families looking for space.
The nearly 2,000-square-foot, adults-only infinity pool, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Credit: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
After having been closed 14 months for an extensive $200 million renovation the Mauna Lani reopened in January 2020. Those used to the ‘old’ Mauna Lani resort should expect a more luxury experience and higher prices (see the new resort map below).
Where to book:
- Go to the Mauna Lani resort website for rates on hotel rooms and suites.
- The Mauna Lani Bay Resort also rents out a few very luxurious and private residences.
- If you are looking for the best deals you can also try searching on aggregator websites such as Expedia.
Resort map for the Mauna Lani Hawai’i resort, retrieved January 2020 from source
6: Fairmont Orchid resort on Hawai’i
The Fairmont Orchid resort is the most northern of the Waikoloa resorts.
The resort is spread over 32 oceanfront acres and faces a sugar-white sandy lagoon and aquamarine waters. You can count on finding a year-round children’s program, a spa (without walls), 10,000 square foot oceanfront pool, golf, tennis, a popular luau, and six restaurants in the Fairmont Orchid resort. See the resort map below for details.
Where to book:
- On the Fairmont Orchid website.
- Or try searching for good deals on hotel rooms on aggregator websites such as Booking.com.
Aerial shot of the pool at the Fairmond Orchid. Photo credit: Fairmond Orchid // Leonardo
Resort map for the Fairmont Orchid Hawai’i resort, retrieved October 2019 from source
7: Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort was build on natural bluffs above the sea and overlooks the beautiful white sands of world-class Hapuna Beach. The resort offers stunning views of the Kohala coast, an 18-hole golf course, a pool with beach bar, spa and fitness center.
There are both an adults-only infinity pool and a larger children’s pool (pictured here) on the resort grounds. Credit: Westin Hapuna Beach Resort // Leonardo.
Previously know as the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel (see the resort map below), this four-star resort features beautifully manicured tropical gardens and modern style. Read a recent review of the new facilities at: review by The Points Guy.
Where to book:
- See room rates on the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort website.
- Or try searching for good deals on hotel rooms on aggregator websites such as Booking.com.
Warning: this resort map is outdated as it shows the resort map made by the previous controlling chain (Prince Hotels). Retrieved march 2017 from source.
8: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
The Mauna Kea beach hotel is the first resort to be build on the Big Island and opened in 1965. The hotel was founded by noted conservationist Laurance S. Rockefeller on the shores of the perfect white sand crescent of the famous Kauna‘oa Bay.
Today the hotel is run by Marriott, and hosts 252 comfortable and spacious rooms and suites with modern island decor. At the resort you have access to an exceptional golf course, a full-service spa, tennis courts, ocean and cultural activities, and a luau. See also the resort map below.
Where to book:
- Room rates straight from the source on the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel website,
- You can also try searching for last-minute deals on hotel rooms on aggregator websites such as Booking.com.
Resort map for the Mauna Kea beach hotel, retrieved October 2019 from source
Resorts in Hilo
Hilo is the capital of the Big Island but its location on the eastern side of the island make it a less-than-prime location for resorts: The beaches here are not as good as those in Kona and it is likely to rain almost every day. That also means, of course, that you are in the middle of the lush and tropical side of the Big Island, and at a very central place that allows you to explore the waterfalls, lava and volcanoes that are all close!
1: Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton
The Grand Naniloa was build amidst a lush, tropical landscape at a gorgeous oceanside location with magnificent views of Hilo Bay and Mauna Kea. Other strong points include convenient access to Hilo Airport (at ~2 miles), and an on-site golf course and swimming pool.
- Free daily round of golf on the on-site 9-hole golf course
- 72-acre site with lush tropical landscape and beautiful coastal views
- Outdoor swimming pool and modern fitness center
- Complimentary WiFi + parking
- On-site (very good!) restaurant with panoramic views of the Hilo bay.
Where to book:
- On the Grand Naniloa Hotel website.
- Or on comparison websites such as Booking.com (with occasionally better deals).
Aerial view of the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilton in Hilo, retrieved December 2017 from the Hilton website