The Big Island of Hawaii isn't as acclaimed for family-friendly vacations as Maui, or for world-class 5-star golf as Kauai, but it certainly provides for top adventure travel and luxury vacations. Not to mention its great golf courses and child-friendly family vacation capabilities too! The best locale for luxury travel on the Big Island is the Kohala Coast, just north of Kona on the northwest side of the island. Here the Pacific waters are calmer, and there is almost none of the volcanic fog ("vog") that can blanket Hilo and its surrounding area. No surprise, then, that the best luxury hotels and resorts on the Big Island are sprinkled along the Kohala Coast.
Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Hawaii's Big Island, from south to north:
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
This is hands down the best top-of-the-line resort on the Big Island. No building is taller than two stories on this 865-acre property, straddling North Kona and Kohala Coast. The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai was named the #1 Resort in the World by Zagat, and Luxury Travel can see why; a site tour showed peaceful, quiet grounds with relaxed, pampered guests enjoying the best that a Hawaii vacation has to offer.
Kona Village
Kona Village has 125 Polynesian-style bungalows amid lagoons and along the beach. Much smaller than the Four Seasons, this is luxury in a more authentic Hawaii. This means: No phones, no TVs, no radios. Back to basics, yes, but in the best way possible - it's still a luxury resort in Hawaii, after all. And for travelers addicted to checking email, the concierge office provides internet access.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
With 62 acres of tropical gardens and oceanfront walks, this isn't your father's Hilton. Now, this is a big resort hotel, with 1,240 guest rooms and suites in a high-rise building. The on-site Dolphin Quest (independently owned and operated) provides literal hands-on experience with the marine mammals. One of the Hilton restaurants. Donatoni's, has received multiple awards. Even better, this resort was named Top Family Resort in Hawaii by Travel & Leisure.
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Marriott International was recently named as one of the two most ethical companies in the "Hotels, Travel & Hospitality" category (the other being France's Accor). The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is adjacent to the Hilton; a recent (and apparently ethical) floor-to-ceiling renovation pays off with a warm interior and lush grounds. Beachfront, with rooms that provide garden, mountain, pool or ocean views, this Marriott offers many decent package deals on its website.
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows
Luxury vacations meet eco "green" travel sensibility here. While there's no denying this is one of the best hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii, it was also the only US beach resort named as a luxury eco friendly beach destination by Conde Nast Traveler in 2008. Mauna Lani Resort's green sea turtle program, solar energy capacities, and environmentally friendly golf courses are part of the green philosophy guiding this hotel. The Mauna Lani Spa is also Conde Nast's 2008's best spa in Hawaii.
Fairmont Orchid Hawaii
Second only to the Four Seasons, the Fairmont Orchid is Luxury Travel's favorite of the best resort hotels on the Big Island. Sitting on 32 oceanfront acres, with green sea turtles basking along with the human guests of the resort, the Orchid more than lives up to the classy Fairmont name. Guided tours (there are carefully respected petroglyphs scattered around the property) and the Wellness package are among guest favorites, and the Spa Without Walls is one of the best vacation destination spa experiences around.
Hapuna Prince Beach Hotel
The Prince here on Hawaii is due for a renovation, and there is some construction occurring at this time. The main lobby and several floors are affected, with renovation expected to be done in December 2008. Still, being on the bottom rung of the best luxury hotels on the Big Island isn't a bad place to be, exactly; The Hapuna Prince Beach Hotel is, after all, ON the list. Hapuna means "Spring of Life," and the area gets its name from the presence of several underground springs.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
This resort is partnered with the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, and lays just north of the Prince. Over 1,800 acres of lovely Kohala Coast property altogether, the two together should be among the best luxury resorts on the Big Island of Hawaii shortly.
Booking.com
From southernmost Four Seasons, to northernmost Mauna Kea, these are the best luxury resort hotels along the Kohala Coast in Hawaii. Each have their own unique style, yet maintain appropriate to the Hawaiian culture and land. A great vacation is easy here, and will provide memories to last a lifetime.
Author Twinkle Brar
Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Hawaii's Big Island, from south to north:
The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
This is hands down the best top-of-the-line resort on the Big Island. No building is taller than two stories on this 865-acre property, straddling North Kona and Kohala Coast. The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai was named the #1 Resort in the World by Zagat, and Luxury Travel can see why; a site tour showed peaceful, quiet grounds with relaxed, pampered guests enjoying the best that a Hawaii vacation has to offer.
Kona Village
Kona Village has 125 Polynesian-style bungalows amid lagoons and along the beach. Much smaller than the Four Seasons, this is luxury in a more authentic Hawaii. This means: No phones, no TVs, no radios. Back to basics, yes, but in the best way possible - it's still a luxury resort in Hawaii, after all. And for travelers addicted to checking email, the concierge office provides internet access.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
With 62 acres of tropical gardens and oceanfront walks, this isn't your father's Hilton. Now, this is a big resort hotel, with 1,240 guest rooms and suites in a high-rise building. The on-site Dolphin Quest (independently owned and operated) provides literal hands-on experience with the marine mammals. One of the Hilton restaurants. Donatoni's, has received multiple awards. Even better, this resort was named Top Family Resort in Hawaii by Travel & Leisure.
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Marriott International was recently named as one of the two most ethical companies in the "Hotels, Travel & Hospitality" category (the other being France's Accor). The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is adjacent to the Hilton; a recent (and apparently ethical) floor-to-ceiling renovation pays off with a warm interior and lush grounds. Beachfront, with rooms that provide garden, mountain, pool or ocean views, this Marriott offers many decent package deals on its website.
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows
Luxury vacations meet eco "green" travel sensibility here. While there's no denying this is one of the best hotels on the Big Island of Hawaii, it was also the only US beach resort named as a luxury eco friendly beach destination by Conde Nast Traveler in 2008. Mauna Lani Resort's green sea turtle program, solar energy capacities, and environmentally friendly golf courses are part of the green philosophy guiding this hotel. The Mauna Lani Spa is also Conde Nast's 2008's best spa in Hawaii.
Fairmont Orchid Hawaii
Second only to the Four Seasons, the Fairmont Orchid is Luxury Travel's favorite of the best resort hotels on the Big Island. Sitting on 32 oceanfront acres, with green sea turtles basking along with the human guests of the resort, the Orchid more than lives up to the classy Fairmont name. Guided tours (there are carefully respected petroglyphs scattered around the property) and the Wellness package are among guest favorites, and the Spa Without Walls is one of the best vacation destination spa experiences around.
Hapuna Prince Beach Hotel
The Prince here on Hawaii is due for a renovation, and there is some construction occurring at this time. The main lobby and several floors are affected, with renovation expected to be done in December 2008. Still, being on the bottom rung of the best luxury hotels on the Big Island isn't a bad place to be, exactly; The Hapuna Prince Beach Hotel is, after all, ON the list. Hapuna means "Spring of Life," and the area gets its name from the presence of several underground springs.
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Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
This resort is partnered with the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, and lays just north of the Prince. Over 1,800 acres of lovely Kohala Coast property altogether, the two together should be among the best luxury resorts on the Big Island of Hawaii shortly.
Booking.com
From southernmost Four Seasons, to northernmost Mauna Kea, these are the best luxury resort hotels along the Kohala Coast in Hawaii. Each have their own unique style, yet maintain appropriate to the Hawaiian culture and land. A great vacation is easy here, and will provide memories to last a lifetime.
Author Twinkle Brar
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