Best Boutique Hotels in Hawaii

Hawaii, a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, offers a variety of boutique hotels that provide luxurious amenities and intimate experiences. These hotels blend local charm with modern comforts, making them ideal for travelers seeking a unique and personalized stay. Here are some of the best boutique hotels in Hawaii, each offering a distinctive experience.

Hotel Wailea

Location: 555 Kaukahi Street, Wailea, Maui, Hawaii, USA
Description: Hotel Wailea is a sanctuary for adults seeking a refined escape. This Relais & Châteaux property sprawls across 15 acres of lush tropical gardens, offering a serene atmosphere away from the bustling beach resorts.

The 72 one-bedroom suites are a testament to elegant island living, each boasting 720 square feet of sophisticated comfort. Kitchenettes, deep soaking tubs, and private lanais with ocean views come standard, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the Hawaiian lifestyle.

The hotel’s commitment to culinary excellence shines through at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea. Here, farm-to-table isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of life. The chef crafts exquisite dishes using ingredients from the hotel’s own organic garden and local farms, paired with an impressive selection of wines.

For those seeking adventure, the hotel’s beach ambassadors can arrange kiteboarding lessons, outrigger canoe excursions, or sunset sailing trips. Meanwhile, the pool area, with its cabanas and attentive service, provides a tranquil setting for relaxation.

Price: From $600 per night
Rooms: 72 suites
Amenities: Pool, fitness studio, restaurant, beach concierge, free Wi-Fi.

Lumeria Maui

Location: 1813 Baldwin Avenue, Makawao, Maui, Hawaii, USA
Description: Lumeria is more than just a hotel; it’s an educational retreat center focusing on wellness and personal growth. This historic property, built in 1909 and lovingly restored, offers a unique blend of luxury and spirituality.

The 24 rooms are thoughtfully designed with natural materials and soothing color palettes, creating a calming environment conducive to relaxation and introspection. Each room features organic linens, local artwork, and views of either the courtyard gardens or the ocean.

Lumeria’s true allure lies in its extensive program of classes and workshops. From yoga and meditation to sound healing and Hawaiian cultural practices, guests can tailor their stay to their personal growth journey. The on-site organic garden not only supplies the restaurant with fresh produce but also offers horticultural therapy sessions.

The Wooden Crate restaurant serves nourishing, plant-forward cuisine that complements the wellness focus of the retreat. With its emphasis on locally sourced, organic ingredients, every meal becomes a celebration of Maui’s bounty.

Price: From $300 per night
Rooms: 24 rooms
Amenities: Spa, pool, yoga, meditation, restaurant.

Montage Kapalua Bay

Location: 1 Bay Drive, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, USA
Description: Montage Kapalua Bay redefines luxury on Maui’s northwest shore. This all-suite resort offers residential-style accommodations that feel like a home away from home, albeit a very posh one. With stunning views of Kapalua Bay and the island of Molokai, it’s a haven for those seeking spacious comfort.

The 50 residences range from one to four bedrooms, each featuring gourmet kitchens, large lanais, and separate living and dining areas. The décor seamlessly blends Hawaiian influences with modern luxury, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance.

The multi-tiered Sunset Pool is a focal point of the resort, offering cabanas, an indoor/outdoor bar, and breathtaking ocean views. The Spa Montage provides a range of treatments inspired by Hawaiian healing traditions, perfect for unwinding after a day of golf at the nearby Kapalua courses.

Price: From $1300 per night
Rooms: 50 residences
Amenities: Spa, multiple pools, golf, dining options, fitness center.

The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

Location: 412 Lewers Street, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Description: Step back in time to the golden age of Hawaiian tourism at The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club. This retro-chic property in the heart of Waikiki captures the spirit of 1960s Hawaii while offering modern amenities and a vibrant, youthful energy.

The 112 vintage-inspired rooms and suites are a playful nod to mid-century design, featuring custom-made furniture, local artwork, and quirky details like ukuleles and retro radios. The bungalow-style accommodations create a cozy, intimate feel despite the hotel’s urban location.

The centerpiece of The Surfjack is undoubtedly its pool, famous for its “Wish You Were Here” mosaic floor that’s become an Instagram sensation. The pool area transforms into a buzzing social hub in the evenings, with live music, film screenings, and talk-story sessions with local personalities.

Mahina & Sun’s, the hotel’s restaurant helmed by renowned local chef Ed Kenney, serves up innovative dishes that showcase Hawaii’s diverse culinary heritage. The focus on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients aligns perfectly with the hotel’s eco-conscious ethos.

Price: From $200 per night
Rooms: 112 rooms
Amenities: Pool, restaurant, pet-friendly, free Wi-Fi.

The Laylow, Autograph Collection

Location: 2299 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Description: The Laylow brings a touch of Palm Springs to Waikiki, with its mid-century modern aesthetic and lush, tropical surroundings. This stylish retreat offers a respite from the bustle of Waikiki while keeping you close to all the action.

The open-air Hideout restaurant and bar is the heart of the hotel, serving up Pacific Rim cuisine and craft cocktails in a setting that encourages socializing. The salt-water pool, surrounded by cabanas and fire pits, provides a tranquil space for relaxation.

Price: From $357 per night
Rooms: 251 rooms
Amenities: Pool, restaurant, fitness center, pet-friendly.

Hana-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence

Location: 5031 Hana Highway, Hana, Maui, Hawaii, USA
Description: At the end of the famous Road to Hana lies a true Hawaiian retreat: the Hana-Maui Resort. This secluded property offers an authentic, immersive experience of old Hawaii, far from the developed resort areas.

The 70 rooms and suites are spread across 66 acres of lush tropical gardens, each designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Some accommodations are TV-free, encouraging guests to disconnect and truly embrace the tranquility of Hana.

The resort’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the area’s natural wonders, from black sand beaches to bamboo forests. The on-site cultural center offers workshops on Hawaiian practices like lei-making and hula, while guided hikes provide insight into the area’s rich history and ecology.

Price: From $600 per night
Rooms: 70 rooms
Amenities: Spa, pools, cultural activities, dining options.

Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort

Location: 1 Keomoku Highway, Lanai City, Hawaii 96763

Sensei Lanai is a adults-only wellness retreat that takes luxury to new heights. This collaboration between Four Seasons and Sensei, a wellness brand founded by Larry Ellison and Dr. David Agus, offers a highly personalized approach to health and wellbeing.

The 96 rooms and suites are sleek and minimalist, designed to promote relaxation and mindfulness. Each features a private balcony or lanai, deep soaking tubs, and automated in-room controls for the ultimate in comfort.

Dining at Sensei is an integral part of the wellness journey. Sensei by Nobu, a collaboration with celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, offers innovative Japanese-inspired cuisine with an emphasis on locally grown ingredients, many from Sensei’s own farm.

Price: From $800 per night
Amenities: Spa, wellness programs, fitness center, golf, equestrian center

Holualoa Inn

Location: 76-5932 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa, HI 96725

Perched on the slopes of Hualalai volcano, Holualoa Inn offers a unique Big Island experience in the heart of Kona coffee country. This 30-acre estate combines the charm of a B&B with the amenities of a luxury resort.

The inn features just six rooms and suites, each uniquely decorated with a blend of Asian and Hawaiian influences. All rooms offer stunning ocean views, and some feature private hot tubs or outdoor showers.

What sets Holualoa Inn apart is its working coffee farm. Guests can take tours of the plantation, learn about coffee production, and of course, sample the estate’s own Kona coffee. The inn also boasts fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, and a glass greenhouse, all of which supply the kitchen.

Breakfasts here are legendary, featuring fresh fruits from the orchard, eggs from the inn’s chickens, and homemade pastries. While there’s no on-site restaurant for other meals, the inn can arrange private chefs for special dinners.

Price: From $395 per night
Amenities: Coffee farm tours, yoga classes, outdoor hot tub, massage services

Volcano House

Location: 1 Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718

For a truly unique Hawaiian experience, look no further than Volcano House. This historic hotel, perched on the rim of Kilauea caldera in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to stay within one of America’s most fascinating landscapes.

The 33 rooms are simple but comfortable, with many offering views of the caldera. While you won’t find luxury amenities here, the real draw is the location and the history – the hotel has hosted visitors since 1846, including Mark Twain.

The Rim restaurant offers panoramic views of the caldera and serves up local favorites with a focus on Big Island ingredients. For a more casual option, Uncle George’s Lounge provides a cozy spot for a drink and light bites.

The real attractions here are outside the hotel. Guests have easy access to the park’s hiking trails, lava tubes, and scenic drives. The hotel also offers guided tours and cultural programs, providing insight into the geological and cultural significance of Kilauea.

Price: From $280 per night
Amenities: Restaurant, lounge, gift shop, cultural programs

Each of these boutique hotels offers a unique slice of Hawaiian paradise, from wellness retreats and coffee plantations to historic landmarks and beachfront luxury. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, these properties ensure an exceptional and memorable stay in the Aloha State. Remember, Hawaii isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience, and these boutique hotels are gateways to the true spirit of the islands.

Hawaii’s boutique hotels offer a unique blend of luxury, style, and personalized service. Whether you’re visiting for relaxation or adventure, these hotels ensure an exceptional and memorable stay in this tropical paradise.