Every year, Travel+Leisure will ask their readers to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.
Maui was voted the top island in the state again in 2018 — so it’s not shocking to see six of the destination’s resorts earning acclaim from readers, including the secluded, wellness-focused Travaasa Hana; the family-friendly Ritz-Carlton Kapalua; and the adults-only Hotel Wailea. The latter was especially beloved by our readers for its hilltop location and sense of removed calm. Spread over 15 acres, but with only 72 guest suites, the Hotel Wailea still offers a distinct sense of privacy even when at full capacity. “The hotel grounds are expansive and offer numerous, quiet spots to sit by the stream that runs throughout the property,” said one admirer.
Here are the Top 10!
1. Montage Kapalua Bay
More an intimate residential compound than a traditional resort hotel, the Montage Kapalua Bay is composed of only 50 one- to four-bedroom suites on 24 manicured, oceanfront acres in the golf mecca of Kapalua. Despite the small number of accommodations, though, the experience is full-on five stars. You can feast on goat cheese crepes with kula strawberries for breakfast at Cane & Canoe, the fine dining restaurant, then come back for ahi poke tacos and a “Toes in the Sand” cocktail that evening at the bar. As one reader put it: “Montage Kapalua Bay is paradise found. A spectacular, private location, superb service, and great rooms, pools, and spa.”
“No.1 Resort in Hawaii” – Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards 2018.
An intimate 5-star enclave set within the most exclusive resort community on Maui, Hotel Wailea boasts 180-degree, unobstructed ocean views of three Hawaiian Islands, breathtaking mountain scenery, and 15 acres of Zen-inspired landscaped grounds comprised of tropical gardens, cascading waterfalls and winding pathways.
3. Koa Kea Hotel & Resort, Kauai
Winner of the Gold Badge of Honor 2019 from U.S. News and World Report
Named a Five Star hotel by Forbes Travel Guide in official 2019 ratings.
This Resort features 213 guest rooms in a series of low-rise buildings spread along the Pacific coastline, providing a private residential experience. The interiors were designed by Todd-Avery Lenahan, Founder and Principal of TAL Studio, regarded as one of the hospitality design industry’s most progressive thought leaders. Numerous restaurants including NOBU LANAI, a spa and wellness program, variety of complimentary activities and cultural programming, luxury retail boutiques, Jack Nicklaus Signature Manele Golf Course, tennis and land, sea and air experiences ensure an exclusive island adventure for guests.
TravelPulse.com, Travvy Awards 2019, Best Individual Hotel – Overall – Hawaii, Gold
6. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Big Island
7. Trump International Hotel Waikiki, Oahu
9. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
10. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Article link for the complete list.
