Areas of Kauaʻi

Kaua’i divides into four regions, each with its own character. The South Shore, centred on Poipu, is the island’s sunniest stretch of coastline, home to its great beaches for snorkelling, swimming, and surfing, and the majority of its luxury resort hotels are located here. The West Side, is home to the small town of Waimea, its drier and wilder, with Waimea Canyon, the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’, dominating the interior. The East Side, known locally as the Coconut Coast, is the island’s most populated area, home to Līhu’e Airport and the Wailua River valley. And the North Shore, which is reached via a winding coastal road through Princeville to Hanalei, offers pleated green mountains dropping directly to a crescent bay of near-perfect sand.

Must-Do Experiences

I spent two days on Kaua’i and packed in as much as the island would allow, from the dramatic sea cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast to the Waimea Canyon, a boat journey up the only navigable river in Hawaii, and an evening in one of the most extraordinary dining settings I have encountered anywhere before. Read on to discover more about the experiences I highly recommend.

NaPali Coast boat trip with Kauai Sea Tours 

There is no better introduction to the dramatic natural beauty of Kaua’i than the Nā Pali Coast seen from the water. Many a blockbuster film has been made here, from King Kong to Jurassic Park and the best way to see the coast is with Kaua’i Sea Tours, the oldest family-owned boat tour company on the island, with three generations and nearly 40 years of experience. Their newest vessel, the Lady Kailani, a 65-foot luxury catamaran which glides you along the coast over a five-hour experience.

You get a chance to go snorkelling, see dolphins up close, jumping fish follow the catamaran, and you might see the odd whale if you are very lucky, and on calm days, the crew will take the boat into the caves and beneath the falls. Breakfast and lunch are served on board and are plentiful, and rather delicious adult beverages are provided throughout too. There is nothing quite like it in Hawaii. I would highly recommend it, and the experience can be booked here.

Waimea Canyon State Park

Mark Twain once called it the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and standing at the rim, it is not difficult to see why. Waimea Canyon stretches ten miles long, one mile wide and reaches depths of 3,600 feet, a vast, colour-saturated gorge of rust reds, deep greens and terracotta that feels entirely incongruous with the tropical island around it. The scenic rim drive takes you through a series of increasingly dramatic viewpoints. Pu’u Hinahina and the Kalalau Valley Lookout are the unmissable stops, the latter offering a view of the Nā Pali Coast from above that rivals anything seen from the water. I would recommend a full afternoon to appreciate the national park in its entirety.

Before or after the canyon drive, the small town of Waimea itself is well worth a wander. One of Kaua’i’s oldest settlements and the spot where Captain Cook first made landfall on the island in 1778, it has a quiet, unhurried character that feels genuinely unchanged. As I am something of an Art Deco enthusiast, the architecture here was an unexpected highlight. The main street is peppered with a collection of buildings from the period, including the old Waimea Theatre and the Masaki Market. Alongside the architecture, the town has a good selection of independent gift shops, local fruit stands and small eateries.

Wailua River and Fern Grotto boat tour with Smith’s Kauai

The Wailua River is the only navigable river in Hawaii, and the boat journey up it with Smith’s Kaua’i is one of the island’s most entertaining experiences. The river winds through dense tropical vegetation to the Fern Grotto, a natural lava rock amphitheatre draped in cascading ferns. The Smith’s family has been running the tours for decades, and the combination of local storytelling, live Hawaiian music on the boat and at the grotto and the sheer natural beauty of the journey makes it well worth the time. Book at smithskauai.com.

Hanapepe

On the west side of the island, the small town of Hanapepe is known as Kaua’i’s Biggest Little Town, and it is said to be the place that inspired the setting of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. Beyond its Disney credentials, Hanapepe is a town of wooden storefronts, independent art galleries, excellent coffee and a creative community that has been quietly thriving here for years. Stop into Pilina Coffee for one of the best Americanos on the island, and walk just around the corner to Longies and treat yourself to a shave ice, the local variation on this Hawaiian staple, layered with island-made syrups.

Every Friday evening from 6 pm to 9 pm since 1997, Hanapēpē comes alive for Art Night. Galleries open late, artists set up along the main street, and the whole town takes on a festive atmosphere that is entirely unique to this corner of the island. If your visit coincides with a Friday, do not miss it!

Turtles at Poʻipū Beach

If you are staying on the south shore, make your way to Po’ipū Beach, where you can see Hawaiian green sea turtles, ‘honu’. Each afternoon, they haul themselves onto the beach, unfazed by humans around them, as they rest up. The turtles are protected under federal law, and the cultural significance of the honu in Hawaiian tradition is profound, so don’t approach them and just appreciate them from a distance.

The Shops at Kukui‘ula

Make time for a stop at The Shops at Kukui’ula in Poipu. It is an open-air village of independent boutiques, galleries and restaurants, there is also a regular farmers market which is one of the best on the island for locally grown produce, fresh flowers and handmade goods.

Things We Didn’t Have Time For But Would Consider Next Time

Two days on Kaua’i is never going to be enough, and there were several experiences we had to reluctantly leave for a return visit. The Kalalau Trail on the Nā Pali Coast is widely regarded as one of the finest hikes in the United States with eleven miles of breathtaking coastal trail that requires a permit and a reasonable level of fitness, but rewarding those who make the effort with views that are simply incomparable. For a gentler introduction to the island’s hiking, the Sleeping Giant Trail above Kapaa on the east side offers panoramic views across the island with considerably less effort.

A helicopter flight over the Nā Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon is an experience many consider unmissable. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and Sunshine Helicopters both operate excellent tours from Līhu’e Airport.

The North Shore deserves far more time than a day trip allows. Hanalei Bay is consistently ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world. From there, the drive along the coast to Ke’e Beach, the end of the road and the start of the Kalalau Trail, is one of the most scenic on the island.

For those interested in Kaua’i’s agricultural heritage, a visit to one of the island’s working farms is worth doing too. Lydgate Farms offers guided tours of their organic cacao plantation near Kapa’a, with a chocolate tasting that puts the island’s extraordinary growing conditions into delicious context.

And finally, for a truly unique perspective on the island’s interior, a kayak trip up the Wailua River beyond where the Smiths’ boats go, paddling to the Secret Falls through jungle-lined banks with no other company is worth doing too.

Where To Stay

The Ko’a Kea Resort on Poipu Beach offers a boutique experience entirely in keeping with the island’s quieter character. Sitting on Poipu Beach, one of the island’s sunniest stretches of coast, this intimate 121 room trades scale for atmosphere with a lagoon-style pool, a tiki bar, daily oceanfront yoga at sunrise and the sound of the Pacific from every room. Read our review of the Ko’a Kea Resort on Poipu Beach.

For those who want a larger resort experience, the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay pairs world-class wellness with some of the most cinematic views in all of Hawaii. The Bamford Wellness Spa, farm-to-table dining and a stunning infinity pool looking out over the curve of Hanalei Bay makes it the natural choice for those who want sustainability and luxury in equal measure.

Also on the sunny south shore, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa offers the island’s most complete large-scale resort experience with 50 oceanfront acres of lush gardens, lagoon-style pools, a lazy river, six restaurants, including the celebrated Tidepools, and the award-winning Anara Spa with open-air treatment rooms rooted in traditional Hawaiian healing.

View all our favourite hotels in Kauai

Dining Experiences in Kauaʻi

Red Salt – Private Cababa

During our stay, we experienced Red Salt’s private oceanfront cabanas dining experience, positioned just steps from the shoreline. This exclusive experience is available for two to sixteen guests.

The outlook from the canana can only be described as cinematic as you watch the sun dipping behind palms and the sky turning molten gold. We began with a trio of amuse bouche, chilled soba noodles, ahi sashimi, and pickled seaweed. We then shared a warm round of herbed focaccia, served with a creamy whipped house-made ricotta laced with truffle oil, local honeycomb and bee pollen.

This was followed by delicate slices of hamachi sashimi topped with jalapeño, tobiko and citrus ponzu. To round off the starters, seared Hokkaido scallops arrived perfectly caramelised, set over a sweetcorn and Portuguese sausage ragu, cherry tomatoes and a silky champagne beurre blanc.

Mains included Surf & Turf; Canadian lobster tail alongside a tender Australian Wagyu strip, accompanied by broccolini and poivre sauce. Another highlight was the Seared Ahi Steak, which I had coated in sesame and served rare atop a creamy asparagus risotto.

With a dedicated server orchestrating each course, and the sound of the Pacific surf just metres away, this was an experience that captures the romance and tranquillity of Kauai at night. I ended the evening with a classic margarita, thinking to myself, this has to be one of the most memorable dinners I have ever experienced.

Join Chef Cary Roy and a select few diners on an exclusive al fresco Pa’ina Series tasting journey, or enjoy the intimacy and privacy of one of Red Salt’s crystal chandelier-lit Cabana Dinners. The restaurant is named after the indigenous ingredient that’s harvested from volcanic red clay seawater ponds, to which it pays homage in its diverse menus. Roy is known for his prowess with steaks, so naturally, these are a menu feature, along with freshly caught seafood (think blue crab-crusted monchong and lobster gnocchi). A bespoke cocktail menu has south-Pacific flair, plus there’s a delightfully interactive tableside martini service, and a sushi bar for those who prefer to watch as well as feast. Red Salt offers a nightly dinner service and a daily breakfast. 

redsaltkauai.com

Tidepools

Tidepools welcomes its clientele to thatched-roofed buildings floating above a koi-filled lagoon at the base of a waterfall. Open from late afternoon to 9 pm, the Instagrammable restaurant is part of Kauai’s Hyatt Resort. Steak and fish reign the menu, alongside vegetarian Thai and Japanese-style dishes, with desserts such as malasadas (a Portuguese doughnut widely adopted by Hawaiians) with a range of luscious dipping sauces. Those preferring drinks and a light bite can order small plates such as dynamite crab cakes, scallops, and roasted beets with candied lemons, alongside cocktails like Lava Flow and Pineapple Julep. 

www.hyatt.com

Table At Poipu

Set within the Shops at Kukui’ula, Table at Poipu is one of the south shore’s most enjoyable dining options. The menu roams across European, Asian and American influences while keeping a firm focus on ingredients sourced from nearby farms and local fishers.

tableatpoipu.com

Eating House 1849 Koloa

Paying homage to the island’s plantation heritage, but with a modern edge, this restaurant is located in the Shops at Kukui‘ula and is headed by Chef Roy Yamaguchi. You might want to order a multi-course feast with the likes of baby back rib, kale salad and butterfish, a ‘build your own local catch’ dish, or share some small plates including caviar, pork and crab pillows, and tempura peppers. Alternatively, book a weekend brunch with house ramen, tartines, brown butter banana waffles and more. Pair your meal with a colourful cocktail. Or take advantage of ‘Wine Down Wednesdays”. 

www.royyamaguchi.com

Japanese Grandma’s Cafe

Located in Hanapēpē Town, Japanese Grandma’s Cafe is named after the owner’s mother and inspired by her chef father’s recipes and it’s a great option if you’re coming to the town for Art Night. Dine izakaya style on sushi nd frewsh seafood in the covered garden courtyard.

japanesegrandma.com

Merriman’s Kauai

If you’re dreaming of the classic, high-end “Hawaii sunset dinner”, book a table here on the upstairs lanai for views of the mountains and ocean. The restaurant, one of several Merriman’s operated across Hawaii’s archipelago, is set on a former plantation. Its owner, Peter Merriman, is often described as the original “locavore”, having championed local produce for over three decades. As such, it has a strict farm-to-table approach. At least 90% of the ingredients are locally grown or caught, so be sure to try it if you’re after an authentic taste of the island’s terroir. Merriman’s Kauai is an elegant affair, with regular live music sessions adding to the ambience.

www.merrimanshawaii.com

Hualani’s

Like Merriman’s, Hualani’s provides a direct outlook over the ocean. The restaurant, which also overlooks the golf course, is on the lower level of the Timbers Resort and is headed by  Executive Chef Alex Amorin. He and his kitchen are supplied with hyper-seasonal ingredients thanks to its 16.5-acre on-site organic farm. Hualani’s focuses on sustainability, and it’s an official Surfrider Ocean Friendly Restaurant. So if you’re eco-conscious, keen on clean eating, and love a beautiful view, Hualani’s is for you.  

www.timberskauai.com

Useful Info

Want to learn more about all the Hawaiian islands? Read our guide here.

Getting There: Most visitors arrive at Līhu’e Airport (LIH) on Kaua’i’s east coast, which receives direct flights from the US mainland as well as easy inter-island connections from Honolulu on O’ahu, around 30 minutes away by air. From the airport, the south shore resort area of Poipu is around 30 minutes by car, while the north shore and Hanalei is around 45 minutes.

Getting Around: A hire car is essential on Kaua’i, the island rewards those who explore freely, and public transport options are limited. Book well in advance as rental cars are in high demand, particularly in peak season. Most major rental companies are represented at Līhu’e Airport.

Distances from Līhu’e Airport: Poipu 30 min, Waimea 45 min, Princeville 45 min, Hanalei 50 min, Waimea Canyon 60 min.

When to Go: Kaua’i is a year-round destination with average temperatures between 70 and 80°F. The south shore enjoys the most reliable sunshine year-round, while the north shore is lusher and wetter, particularly from November through March. Summer brings calmer seas ideal for the Nā Pali Coast boat tours, which can be limited by swell conditions in winter.

What to Pack: Light summer clothing throughout, with a layer for evenings and something warm if you are heading up to Waimea Canyon, where temperatures drop noticeably with the elevation.

Time Zone: Hawaii Standard Time (GMT-10), five hours behind New York and two hours behind Los Angeles. Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Passports: International visitors will need a valid passport and the relevant US visa or ESTA.

The post Kauaʻi Travel Itinerary appeared first on The Luxury Editor.

West Maui

The sunny northwest coast was once recreational grounds for Hawaiian royalty, and the area still echoes with the mana (spiritual power) of ali i (chiefs) who proved their status through fearless feats of diving at Pu’u Keka’a. The cliff diving ceremony at Pu’u Keka’a takes place daily at sunset and is free to watch from the beach. Arrive early to get a good spot. West Maui also offers a raft of luxury hotels, along with championship golf courses along its impressive coastline.

Ka’anapali Beach

With three miles of white sand and crystal clear water, it’s no wonder that Kāʻanapali Beach was once named America’s Best Beach. Fronting the area’s hotels and resorts is the open-air Whalers Village, home to a fascinating museum dedicated to Lahaina’s rich whaling history, complete with historical artifacts, documents, and a genuine whale skeleton. If your interests lean more towards retail therapy, the outdoor mall is packed with boutique shopping, designer stores and beachside dining. If you want to experience the coastline from a completely different angle, try a zipline tour with Kāʻanapali Skyline Eco Adventures, which offers a bird’s-eye view of this iconic stretch of Maui’s shoreline.

Lahaina Town

In August 2023, the historic town of Lahaina was devastated by forest fires in one of the most destructive natural disasters in Hawaii’s modern history. Whilst many parts of the town are still closed off as rebuilding continues, some areas are steadily reopening. One of the best ways to help the community recover is to support local businesses that have returned to Front Street and the surrounding area. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation’s self-guided walking tour is a great way to learn more about the history of the town.

Come evening time Old Lahaina Lū‘au is not to be missed and was one of the many highlights of my visit to Maui. Regarded as one of the best Lū‘au’s on the island, it’s a fun, high-energy evening. Taking an all-inclusive format across the drinks and food, the evening moves from an imu underground over reveal, to traditional storytelling hula, and dance, along with a generous feast of kālua pork, lomi salmon, poi, and haupia. Booking in advance is recommended as this not-to-be-missed evening regularly sells out.

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

If staying in the Lahaina area, we highly recommend the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows. A long-standing mainstay of the island’s hospitality scene, the resort sits directly on Kahekili Beach, with facilities that include two beachfront pools, a signature restaurant and casual dining options, a poolside bar, fitness and wellness spaces, and direct access to a wide golden beachfront. Recent updates have introduced a new, redesigned oceanfront wellness space and a full refresh of its bungalow accommodation.

Read the full review here

Kapalua

Kapalua translates into “arms embracing the sea” and is one of the islands prestigious resort areas, positioned at the foot of the Kahālāwai mountains, the shoreline is lined with five bays and three white sand beaches and it is also an ecological hotspot on the idland as its home to 500 pairs of nesting ‘ua’u kani, the endangered wedge-tailed shearwater bird, up from just six nesting pairs in 2001, thanks to sustained community conservation efforts.

The Kapalua Coastal Trail winds through lava fields and along clifftop boardwalks, offering some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the island, while Kapalua Beach itself offers excellent snorkelling in calm, clear waters. If you are visiting in June, the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival draws some of the world’s finest chefs and sommeliers to this clifftop setting and is well worth planning a trip around. For accommodation, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and The Resort at Kapalua Bay, Maui are two of the finest properties on the island and are worth considering if you want to base yourself away from busier resort areas on the island.

West Maui Golf

Golf on Maui is an experience in itself, with 14 courses to choose from, several of which rank among the world’s best, and fairways designed by legends including Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw. Kapalua is home to the renowned Plantation Course and Bay Course, with the Plantation Course hosting the PGA Tour’s prestigious Sentry Tournament of Champions each January.

Ka’anapali offers two further championship courses, the Royal Ka’anapali and the Ka’anapali Kai, where spotting a breaching humpback whale on the horizon between December and May is a very real possibility as you line up your shot. Fairways stretch alongside ancient lava flows, tees nestled among palm groves, and greens framed by rainbows in the ocean mist. Find out more at kaanapaligolfcourses.com.

East Maui

When you imagine Hawaii, it probably looks a lot like East Maui. Terraced waterfalls thread down forested volcanic slopes into lush lava-rock pools, pineapple stands line roads that snake around plunging sea cliffs, and the landscape shifts from tropical to almost primordial within a few miles.

The Road To Hana – By Road

With over 600 hairpin turns and 54 narrow one-lane bridges, the Hāna Highway is one of the world’s great drives, 52 miles of extraordinary scenery that winds along the island’s northern coast from Kahului all the way to the small, quiet town of Hāna itself. You can complete the drive in around three hours, or stretch it into a full day with stops along the way. For those who want to make the most of the route without the stress of navigating it alone, we highly recommend booking a private Locals’ Favourites Tour with Journey Jill.

JJ to everyone who knows her, which, after five minutes in her company, will include you. Jill is a born storyteller with an infectious enthusiasm for the island. She creates bespoke afternoon itineraries that take in secret waterfalls, meet locals, explore bamboo forests, and rainbow eucalyptus groves, all while driving around in one of her convertible Bronco or Jeeps.

If driving the road to Hana yourself, I recommend departing early to avoid afternoon traffic, plan at least three hours each way, and book any guided stops or timed entry reservations in advance. Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach, one of the most photographed spots on the route, now requires a reservation via recreation.gov.

The Road to Hana – By Air

For a truly unforgettable perspective on East Maui, take to the skies on the Maverick Hāna Rainforest Experience. A 75-minute helicopter flight from Kahului Airport that reveals a side of the island most visitors never see. Thousand-foot waterfalls dropping into bamboo valleys, remote black-sand coastlines with no footprints, and a rain-soaked interior of near-hallucinatory green. Halfway through the flight, it lands in a former farm lane deep in the rainforest, where a glass of champagne is poured for you. It is the single most dramatic and breathtaking way to appreciate the true scale and beauty of this island.

Plate Lunch Marketplace

The plate lunch is Hawaii’s great civic dish, and @platelunch_marketplace is one of the best spots on the island to enjoy the experience. Join the queue with locals, order from one of the many food trucks, and eat outside in the afternoon sun.

South Maui

South Maui is the island’s driest and sunniest region, blessed with mile upon mile of golden beaches and clear views across to the islands of Lāna’i, Molokini and Kaho’olawe. Lazy days can be spent here, relaxing by the pool, enjoying fine dining at one of the area’s many high-end eateries, playing golf, or whale watching from December through May.

Mã’ alaea

Mā’alaea Bay forms part of the National Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary, offering crucial protection for whales during their breeding season, and is one of the best spots on the island for whale watching from December through May. The Pacific Whale Foundation runs excellent eco-certified whale watching and snorkel tours from Mā’alaea Harbour, with options ranging from the Classic Whale Watch tour through to a Sunset Cocktails Whale Sail and a Sunset Dinner and Whale Watch experience. The nearby Maui Harbour Shops offer a good selection of boutiques, craft markets, and restaurants, and are worth an hour of your time.

Molokini

For one of the most unique snorkelling and diving experiences in Hawaii, charter a snorkel trip from Mā’alaea Harbour out to Molokini, a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater that now functions as a protected marine reserve. The crater’s lip shields the inner waters from rough ocean swells, allowing a remarkable ecosystem to thrive in extraordinary clarity. Visibility here regularly reaches 150 feet on a clear day.

Kihei

Kīhei offers six miles of beaches, a vibrant community atmosphere, and an easy, unpretentious energy that makes it a popular alternative to the more polished resort corridor of Wailea just to the south. It is a great spot for beachcombing, kayaking, and snorkelling, and the town’s farmers market on Saturdays is one of the best on the island, where you can buy local produce, handmade crafts, and some of the best açaí bowls anywhere in Hawaii. The three beaches of Kamaʻole offer excellent swimming in calm conditions, while birdwatchers should make time for Keālia Pond on the north end of town, a National Wildlife Conservation District home to endangered Hawaiian stilts and coots.

Wailea

Known for its five crescent-shaped beaches and legendary golf courses, Wailea is the luxury heart of South Maui, a beautifully landscaped resort community offering privacy, serenity, and a very high level of guest service. Five exceptional hotels line the shore, ranging from the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa to the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, and The Shops at Wailea offer high-end retail, excellent dining and regular evening entertainment in an open-air setting. Wailea is also home to the annual Maui Film Festival, which brings outdoor cinema and special screenings to the resort area each summer.

Wailea Beach Resort Marriott Maui

The Wailea Beach Resort Marriott Maui sits on one of the most idyllic stretches of Wailea, spread across 22 generous acres between two of the area’s most coveted beaches. The property has a warm, family-friendly energy alongside resort-scale amenities, multiple pools including an infinity pool, a signature restaurant by acclaimed chef Roy Yamaguchi, a mini water park with two waterslides for younger guests, and the outstanding adults-only Olakino wellness sanctuary. Accommodation ranges from ocean-view rooms and suites through to private villas housed in low-rise hale-style buildings set among tropical manicured gardens. Read the full review here. Read the full review here

Olakino Wellness Sanctuary

Olakino within the Wailea Beach Resort Marriott Maui is not to be missed for any spa fans. An adults-only experience with strictly limited daily spaces, meaning it never feels crowded. Book a full-day or half-day pass to enjoy in-pool spa treatments, mindful programming, and food and drinks served directly to your lounger. It books out in advance, so reserve your pass through the resort.

Central Maui

Most visits to Maui begin in Central Maui, arriving at Kahului Airport. Kahului is known simply as ‘town’ by locals, home to the airport, the harbour, and the large Queen Ka’ahumanu Centre alongside the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Wailuku

Just ten minutes from Kahului, Wailuku is well worth a stop, the wooden storefronts of Market Street house dozens of family businesses, many of which have been in continuous operation for generations. We popped into Hallowed Home, which sells a range of metaphysically inspired homeware, gifts and local artwork.

For a deeper understanding of the town’s history, book the Rediscover Wailuku History and Mural Tour, which traces the area’s story from original Hawaiian settlements through the missionary era, plantation culture and beyond, stopping at many street murals that bring Wailuku’s past vividly to life along the way.

‘Tao Valley State Monument Park

Make time in your Wailuku visit for the ‘Īao Valley State Monument Park, a place of natural beauty and deep cultural significance. Fog-shrouded forests and burbling streams surround the park’s centrepiece, Kukaemoku, the ‘Īao Needle, a rock pinnacle rising 1,200 feet from the valley floor. In 1790, this valley was the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai, where King Kamehameha I defeated Maui’s forces to begin the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.

Pa’ia

This former plantation town turned surf village is one of Maui’s most characterful, colourful wooden storefronts, independent boutiques, excellent coffee and a creative community give the town an energy entirely its own. Visit Boho Bungalow, which sells a beautiful range of sweets and home scents, while Kaua Store is a great little deli to pick up some snacks before heading to Ho’okipa Beach Park.

Ho’okipa Beach Park

Just a mile east of Pa’ia at Mile 9 on the Hāna Highway, this is one of the world’s premier windsurfing and big-wave surfing spots and makes a great spot to spend an hour.

Makawao

Six miles up the mountain from Pa’ia takes you to Makawao. This is Hawaiian cowboy territory with a weekend rodeo tradition that continues to this day. The town has a thriving arts scene, a growing gallery district and an eclectic community that makes it one of the most enjoyable places on the island to spend a few hours. For lunch,Polli’s Mexican Restaurant is a local institution, Vida by Sip Me Maui serves excellent coffee and cake and before you leave, stop by Maui Cookie Lady, a Maui institution.

Haleakala

No visit to Maui is complete without making the drive to Haleakalā, and nothing quite prepares you for it. The ascent to the summit at 10,023 feet is one of the most dramatic drives in the United States, the landscape transitioning from subtropical green to sparse alpine scrub to something resembling the surface of Mars in the space of forty minutes. The crater itself is vast enough to swallow Manhattan. Sacred to Native Hawaiians as a realm where gods dwell, and a location of priestly activity for thousands of years, it carries a weight that goes well beyond its physical drama.

We arrived for sunset, the sky puts on a performance that is genuinely difficult to describe as clouds form below you and the sun starts to set on the horizon above the clouds, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime view. Haleakalā is a designated Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park, and once the last light fades, the Milky Way appears with startling clarity. Temperatures at the summit drop well below freezing even in summer, so wrap up warm before you go up. Sunrise reservations must be made well in advance and sell out weeks ahead, while sunset and evening stargazing require no reservation and are, in my opinion truly breathtaking.

Useful Info

Want to learn more about all the Hawaiian islands? Read our guide here.

Getting There: Most visitors arrive into Kahului Airport (OGG), Maui’s main airport, which receives direct flights from the US mainland and easy 30-minute connections from Honolulu on O’ahu. West Maui has its own smaller commuter airport at Kapalua (JHM) for those heading straight to the Ka’anapali and Kapalua resort areas.

Getting Around: A hire car is by far the best way to experience Maui, so book well in advance as demand is high, particularly in peak season. Most major rental companies are represented at Kahului Airport. Taxis and private airport transfers are available, and some larger resorts offer complimentary shuttles to nearby towns.

Distances from Kahului Airport: Wailea 35 min, Lāhainā 45 min, Ka’anapali 50 min, Kapalua 60 min, Haleakalā 1 hr 50 min, Hāna 2 hrs 30 min.

When to Go: Maui is a year-round destination with average temperatures between 75 and 85°F. Summer (April to November) is warmer and drier; winter (December to March) is slightly cooler but still beautiful. Whale watching season runs from December to May, with peak sightings between January and early April. The north shore’s big-wave surf season peaks in winter.

What to Pack: Light summer clothing year-round, with a warm layer for evenings and something genuinely warm for Haleakalā, where temperatures at the summit can drop well below freezing even in summer.

Time Zone: Hawaii Standard Time (GMT-10), five hours behind New York and two hours behind Los Angeles. Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Passports: International visitors will need a valid passport and the relevant US visa or ESTA.

The post Maui Travel Itinerary appeared first on The Luxury Editor.

Maui — The Valley Isle

From luxury hotels and wellness experiences to adventure, cultural experiences, and romance, Maui has it all.

Maui, known as The Valley Isle, is the archipelago’s second largest island. It ticks all the boxes for a first-time visitor, five-star resorts aplenty, excellent swimming and surfing opportunities, and a great choice of dining, including fine-dining, options. View migrating humpback whales during the winter months, watch a sunrise at 10’000 feet, experience a traditional beach Lū’au in Lāhainā and enjoy being pampered at the spa all in one day. And if you enjoy an open-road adventure, Hāna is home to the Road to Hāna, a famous scenic drive that spans between 50-64 miles through rainforests and along coastal cliffs.

Do Not Miss

• Haleakalā National Park – Sunrise or sunset at the summit crater (10,023 ft), followed by stargazing under a Gold Tier International Dark Sky
• Old Lāhainā Lū’au – The finest traditional lū’au on the island; a genuine cultural ceremony, not a resort floor show
• Maverick Hāna Rainforest Helicopter – 75 minutes over the island’s wild, inaccessible eastern spine, waterfalls, black sand, bamboo valleys
• Wailea– Maui’s south shore luxury corridor; impeccable resorts, world-class golf, and luxury shopping
• Journey Jill’s Private Tour – Secret waterfalls, sea turtles, sacred valleys; the island’s best-kept itinerary (journeyjill.com)

Where To Stay

Some of Maui’s finest resorts line the sun-drenched shore of Wailea on the island’s south coast, where a string of world-class beaches and the clearest weather make it a natural home for luxury. The Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott Maui is one of the area’s most expansive. Oceanfront suites and villas and multiple rooms, along with an adults-only spa and pool, and a wide variety of activities means there is always lots to do. Read our review of Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott Maui

For classic laidback island life, the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows on Kā’anapali Beach offers a beachfront lifestyle with lots of personality. The resort’s bungalow accommodation is particularly special, with its garden format a world apart from the standard hotel room, while the four-mile stretch of white sand on the doorstep is among the most beautiful in Hawaii. Sunsets here are reliably spectacular and the close proximity to Lahaina means you can help support the regeneration of this town. Read our review of the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea delivers the brand’s signature level of service on one of the island’s best beaches, with four pools, including a serene adults-only option, multiple award-winning restaurants and a spa that ranks among the finest in Hawaii. For the ultimate experience, the two-storey oceanfront suites on the upper floors are among the finest hotel rooms in all of Hawaii.

View all our favourite hotels in Maui

Good to Know

Maui’s central position in the archipelago makes it one of the best bases for island-hopping, with inter-island flights putting the rest of Hawaii within easy reach. Moloka’i and Kaua’i are both around 30 minutes away, Lāna’i just 35 minutes, or a short ferry crossing for a day trip, and the Big Island is only 45 minutes by air. Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines operate regular services from Kahului Airport throughout the day, making it straightforward to add a night or two on a neighbouring island either side of your Maui stay.

The Island of Hawaii — Big Island

For the visitor who wants to witness the earth still forming, here you can experience volcanoes, snorkelling and diving, stargazing and off-grid adventures all in one day.

The Island of Hawaii, awe-inspiring in size, is known affectionately as the Big Island – it’s nearly twice the size of all the other islands combined. Here you can travel through all four of the world’s climate zones, from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, as a result of the shielding effect of the massive volcanoes, Maunakea and Maunaloa. Geographical features include the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea, lush valleys of Hilo and Hāmākua Coasts and jet black sands of Punalu’u Sand Beach, where you can fully experience the power of nature.

Do Not Miss

• Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park – Lava fields, calderas and active flows; one of the most extraordinary landscapes on the planet
• Manta Ray Night Snorkel, Kona – An evening in the water with manta rays feeding overhead is absolutely unmissable
• Mauna Kea Summit – 13,796 feet above the Pacific; the world’s most powerful astronomical observatories cluster here
• Punalu’u Sand Beach – Volcanic black sand, sea turtles sunning on the shore; utterly unlike anywhere else
• Kohala Coast – The island’s luxury resort corridor; stunning setting, world-class golf, magnificent snorkelling reefs

Where to Stay

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Kohala Coast remains the gold standard. Low-rise in format and adult-focused villas and bungalows set directly on a lava rock coastline, with a famous saltwater snorkelling pond. Book a King Lava Deluxe room for direct ocean access, or a private villa for that full residential feel.

North along the Kohala Coast, the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, offers a contemporary take on Hawaiian luxury. Beautifully appointed rooms, with private lanais, along with golfing, tennis, spa, and an oceanfront restaurant. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection has been an island icon since 1965, set on Kauna’oa Bay. This resort hotel combines a championship golf course with a world-class art collection from Sotheby’s, tennis and pickleball, and an adults’ infinity pool which perches over Kauna’oa Bay.

View all our favourite hotels on the Island of Hawaii

Good To Know

Despite being the most south-eastern island in the archipelago, the Island of Hawaii is better connected than many visitors expect. Direct flights from Kona International Airport put Maui just 40 minutes away, O’ahu 45 minutes, and Kaua’i around an hour, making it easy to combine with another island on a longer trip. Moloka’i and Lāna’i require a little more planning, at around 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes respectively, and for most itineraries, this island pairs naturally with Maui or O’ahu as a two-island combination. The island itself is vast, and the drive between Kona on the west coast and Hilo in the east takes around two hours. Most visitors base themselves on the Kohala Coast for the weather, the choice of resorts and the manta ray snorkelling, and for the ease with which you can venture east and visit the volcano as a day trip.

O’ahu — The Gathering Place

Hawaii’s most energetic island. Enjoy city lifestyle and skyscrapers, as well as history and surfing.

Sometimes called The Gathering Place Oʻahu, certainly lives up to its name; you can feel the energy as soon as you touch down in Honolulu. Hike to Diamond Hill for panoramic views over the city, take surfing lessons on the famous Waikiki Beach, visit Pearl Harbour and explore the wide range of culinary offerings from the traditional poke bowl to glamorous fine dining establishments.

Do Not Miss

• Diamond Head Summit — The classic crater hike at sunrise; extraordinary views over Waikīkī and the Pacific
• Pearl Harbour National Memorial — Among the most emotionally moving historic sites in the United States
• North Shore in winter — Watch the Banzai Pipeline from the beach; among the most thrilling spectacles in sport
• Honolulu’s Chinatown — Galleries, cocktail bars, extraordinary ramen; the city’s most creative neighbourhood
• Hanauma Bay — Still one of the world’s great snorkelling reefs; book early, numbers are now strictly limited

Where To Stay

O’ahu has the most varied luxury hotel offering in Hawaii, spanning iconic Waikīkī beachfront institutions, discreet hideaways and grand resorts on the island’s quieter west coast.

In Waikīkī, oceanfront hotel Halekulani has been welcoming discerning guests for over a century, with three restaurants, a jazz lounge and spa. This is a great choice for people who want Waikīkī without the buzz. Just along the beach, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki has been a landmark since 1927, thanks to its distinctive Spanish-Moorish architecture and direct beach access, making it one of the most photographed hotels in Hawaii.

For those who want to be away from Waikīkī entirely, The Kahala Hotel & Resort is tucked away in one of Honolulu’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, a favourite with celebrities for its private beach and discreet personal service. And over on the west coast, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina offers a resort-focused concept with multiple pools, a private beach lagoon and an expansive spa, just 30 minutes from the airport

View all our favourite hotels in Oahu

Good To Know

O’ahu sits at the geographic and logistical heart of the Hawaiian archipelago, making it the easiest island from which to explore the rest of the chain. Moloka’i and Kaua’i are both around 30 minutes away, Lāna’i just 35 minutes, Maui 40 minutes and the Big Island 45 minutes, all served by frequent Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest departures from Honolulu International Airport throughout the day. O’ahu makes a natural starting or finishing point for a multi-island itinerary, with the convenience of direct international connections combined with easy onward access to whichever islands are calling. Within the island itself, Honolulu and Waikīkī are well-connected by car and a new rail line, while car remains the best way to reach the North Shore and the island’s quieter windward coast.

Kaua’i — The Garden Isle

For the visitor who wants wilderness, wonder, experiences, hiking and adventure, great waves eco-luxury.

Known as The Garden Isle, it’s the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain. Known for emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs. Kaua’i resists development fiercely, so it’s ideal for those looking for a more sustainable luxury experience. Some parts of the island are only accessible by air or water. Here, you can kayak the Wailua River, snorkel on Poʻipū Beach, hike the trails of Kōkeʻe State Park, or go ziplining above Kauaʻi’s lush valleys.

Do Not Miss

• Nā Pali Coast — By boat in summer, by helicopter year-round; among the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world
• Kalalau Trail — 11 miles of the most celebrated hiking in Hawaii; permit required, worth every step
• Waimea Canyon — The ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’ — a vast, colour-saturated gorge in the island’s dry south-west
• Princeville — Kaua’i’s north shore luxury enclave; the St Regis here has one of the finest views in Hawaii
• Hanalei Bay — A crescent of near-perfect sand beneath pleated green mountains; best at dusk

Where To Stay

The Ko’a Kea Resort on Poipu Beach offers a boutique experience entirely in keeping with the island’s quieter character. Sitting on Poipu Beach, one of the island’s sunniest stretches of coast, this intimate 121 room trades scale for atmosphere with a lagoon-style pool, a tiki bar, daily oceanfront yoga at sunrise and the sound of the Pacific from every room. Read our review of the Ko’a Kea Resort on Poipu Beach

For those who want a larger resort experience, the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay pairs world-class wellness with some of the most cinematic views in all of Hawaii. The Bamford Wellness Spa, farm-to-table dining and a stunning infinity pool looking out over the curve of Hanalei Bay make it the natural choice for those who want sustainability and luxury in equal measure.

Also on the sunny south shore, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa offers the island’s most complete large-scale resort experience with 50 oceanfront acres of lush gardens, lagoon-style pools, a lazy river, six restaurants, including the celebrated Tidepools, and the award-winning Anara Spa with open-air treatment rooms rooted in traditional Hawaiian healing.

View all our favourite hotels in Kauai

Good To Know

Kaua’i sits at the north-western end of the Hawaiian chain, and while it feels wonderfully removed from the rest of the world, it is more accessible than its wild landscape might suggest. O’ahu is just 30 minutes away by air, close enough for a day trip if needed. Maui and Lāna’i are around 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 10 minutes, respectively, while Moloka’i is around 1 hour 5 minutes. All services depart from Līhu’e Airport, which is compact, easy to navigate and around 25 minutes from the resort areas of Poipu in the south and around 45 minutes from the north shore. Kaua’i pairs beautifully with Maui or O’ahu as part of a two or three-island itinerary.

Lāna’i — Hawaii’s Private Island

For those who value seclusion and privacy, but still enjoy complete luxury

Lāna’i is unlike any other island in the archipelago, almost entirely privately owned and completely untouched. For a long time, it served as a pineapple plantation for the Dole Company and was then bought by billionaire Larry Ellison, who has improved the island’s infrastructure to create one of the world’s most unspoilt island getaways. Explore the island’s historic town, Lāna‘i City, a short and scenic ride from the harbour, where you’ll discover aloha within quaint shops and restaurants.

Do Not Miss

• Hulopoe Beach — One of Hawaii’s most beautiful and least crowded beaches; almost exclusively for guests of the Four Seasons
• Pū’u Pehe (Sweetheart Rock) — A legendary sea stack rising from turquoise water off Mānele Bay; one of Hawaii’s most iconic images
• Lāna’i City — The island’s only town; colourful plantation-era buildings, excellent coffee, a genuine sense of place
• Off-road 4WD exploration — Much of the island’s interior is accessible only by 4WD; the Garden of the Gods rock formations are extraordinary

Where To Stay

Lāna’i is unique in Hawaii for having just two hotels, both Four Seasons, and both exceptional, but so different in character that many guests book a few nights at each. The Four Seasons Resort Lāna’i on Mānele Bay sits right on the coast, with a clifftop infinity pool overlooking spinner dolphins and some of the finest snorkelling in the state just below. Offering impeccable service, beautiful rooms and direct access to Hulopoe Beach, widely regarded as one of Hawaii’s most pristine stretches of sand.

Up in the island’s cool, misty upcountry, the Sensei Lāna’i, a Four Seasons Resort, takes an entirely different approach. This is an adults-only wellness retreat built around the science of longevity with daily movement sessions, meditation, one-to-one health consultations, spa treatments and a Nobu restaurant.

Good To Know

Part of Lāna’i’s appeal is its sense of seclusion, and getting here feels like part of the experience. The most atmospheric arrival is the 45-minute Expeditions Ferry from Lahaina on Maui. For those flying in, O’ahu is the closest connection at around 35 minutes, with Moloka’i around 1 hour 5 minutes, Kaua’i 1 hour 10 minutes and the Island of Hawaii 1 hour 30 minutes away. Maui, at 1 hour 15 minutes by air but less than an hour by ferry, is the most natural pairing for a two-island stay. Spend a few nights exploring Maui’s dramatic landscapes, then cross to Lāna’i for its complete seclusion.

Moloka’i — The Friendly Isle

For the visitor who wants to enjoy complete solitude and a digital detox

Hawai’i’s fifth-largest island is where Hawai’i’s natural beauty and cultural traditions remain most untouched. At 38 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point, it is home to dramatic sea cliffs, the world’s longest continuous fringing reef and Pāpōhaku Beach, one of Hawaiʻi’s largest white-sand beaches. A high percentage of the population is of Native Hawaiian ancestry, so history runs deep.

Do Not Miss

• Kalaupapa National Historical Park — The former leprosy colony at the base of the sea cliffs; accessible only by mule or on foot — among the most moving sites in Hawaii
• North Shore sea cliffs — Best seen by boat or helicopter; the scale is simply incomprehensible from land
• Pāpōhaku Beach — One of the longest white-sand beaches in Hawaii, and frequently completely empty
• Halawa Valley — A lush, historically significant valley at the island’s eastern tip; the guided hike to its waterfalls is extraordinary
• Moloka’i Fish Ponds — Ancient Hawaiian fishponds still in use — a window into pre-contact aquaculture and a powerful cultural experience

Where To Stay

Hotel Molokai is the island’s most characterful address, a small, friendly inn on Kamiloloa Beach with Polynesian-style bungalows set among tropical gardens, each opening out toward the water. As the sun goes down, the waterfront restaurant Hiro’s Ohana Grill becomes the natural gathering place, cocktails in hand, Hawaiian and cuisine on the table.

Good To Know

Moloka’i is one of the easiest islands to reach, and yet one of the least visited. O’ahu is just 30 minutes away by air, making it surprisingly accessible as an add-on to a broader Hawaiian itinerary. Maui is around 1 hour 10 minutes, Kaua’i and Lāna’i both approximately 1 hour 5 minutes, and the Island of Hawaii 1 hour 20 minutes. Alternatively, a ferry service operates between Moloka’i and Maui for those who prefer to arrive by sea. Public transport is virtually non-existent so a hire car is recommended. The roads are quiet, and the drives are genuinely beautiful.

The post A Guide to The Hawaiian Islands for a Luxury Holiday appeared first on The Luxury Editor.

First opened in the early 1970s as one of Wailea’s first major resort properties and reimagined by Marriott, this hotel has long held prime status on Maui’s resort coastline. On arrival, the sense of scale is immediate; there’s no traditional hotel entrance. Instead, its driveway sweeps you into a vast, open-air lobby, complete with check-in desks, concierge services, bar, shops and coffee outlets all set to a view that can only be described as cinematic.

Check-in is fast and efficient, and in true Hawaiian style, you are welcomed with a fresh flower lei or traditional kukui nut beads along with a welcome drink.

Across from check-in is a playful kids area complete with a glowing giant ALOHA sign primed for a holiday photo opportunity, oversized games and swinging chairs.

Location

Straddling two beaches, Ulua and Wailea, you are moments from the sand, with direct oceanfront access and views as far as the eye can see across the Pacific, while a scenic coastal path links each neighbouring resort together. A short stroll away are ‘The Shops at Wailea’, where designer boutiques, local art galleries and further dining options await. Kahului Airport is a zippy 30-minute drive by car, with valet and self-parking options both available at the hotel. It’s also ideally positioned for day trips to Haleakalā National Park and the famed Road to Hāna, while Wailea’s three golf courses are also close by.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Home to 547 rooms, suites and villas located in a series of low-rise buildings that curve around the resort’s coastline. Each room category comes with a private lanai, while 62 ground-floor rooms offer extended outdoor patio space. All room categories have generous space with either one king or two queen beds. For those looking to be closer to the shoreline, Ocean View and Oceanfront categories provide uninterrupted views, with the most popular being those overlooking the adults-only Maluhia Pool infinity pool. Suites range from Junior Suites to expansive one- and two-bedroom configurations, many of which come with large separate living areas.

My Room During My Stay

During my stay, I was hosted in a Premium Ocean View Room, one of the resort’s most popular room categories and for good reason. Wake up to your own private views from your balcony with the sea so close, I left the balcony door ajar each night to drift off to sleep with the white noise of waves lapping gently onto the shoreline.

Generous in floor space covering 39 sqm, a king bed sits alongside a lounge area complete with sofa, coffee table and armchair. Opposite the bed, a large bureau doubles as a desk and is home to the room’s flat-screen TV. Room styling is very much contemporary island living, with clean lines and ocean-inspired tones and nods without feeling themy.

A built-in amenity nook integrates into the wardrobe alcove. Topped with polished stone and open shelving, it includes a Nespresso machine, a selection of pods, takeaway cups, sugar amd milk sachets. she wardrobe itself is spacious, with a mix of hanging and shelf storage, robes, an iron and board, and subtle island-inspired wallpaper lining the back wall for an added touch of personality.

The resort uses a wearable wristband room key system, which doubles as your access to experiences across the resort property. As part of the resort’s sustainability efforts (and included in the daily resort fee), each room comes with two aluminum refillable water bottles, which can be refilled at filtered stations throughout the resort for free and taken home with you once you leave the hotel.

In the bathroom, a wide marble-topped vanity and large walk-in shower with a rainfall head create a mini spa-like experience in the comfort of your guest room.

Sundeck Garden Oasis Rooms

We also looked around one of the Sundeck Garden Oasis Rooms, which are a relatively new addition to the resort’s accommodation offering. Positioned on the ground floor, this room category offers both enhanced privacy and outdoor floor space. Inside, the layout follows the format of the Premium Ocean View rooms, with a king-size bed, sofa and integrated amenity station. Outside opens onto a 14 sqm completely private walled garden lanai and in the centre sits a deep soaking tub along with a daybed, firepit, seating area and rainfall shower.

This room category also comes with complimentary daily access to Olakino, the resort’s new adults-only wellness pool, along with a reserved pair of loungers. You can even turn the spa into your private open-air spa suite by booking in-room spa treatments from the Mandara Spa via the resort’s Bath Butler menu.

Oceanfront VIllas

Another new offering (at the time of writing) are the Oceanfront Villas, the hotel’s most exclusive accommodations. Ranging from one to four bedrooms, these expansive villa-format rooms are designed to feel like a private residence whilst still being very much connected to the hotel complex. Offering a large open-plan living and dining area, full gourmet kitchens and large lanais for outdoor lounging and dining.

Food & Drink

Dining at Wailea Beach caters to both casual bites and more refined evenings. The resort’s signature restaurant, Humble Market Kitchin, is helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Roy Yamaguchi, who draws deeply from his family’s Hawaiian roots. The restaurant’s concept is a tribute to his grandfather, Rokuro Yamaguchi, a Japanese immigrant who opened the original “Humble Market” store and local taverns in nearby Kihei and Wailuku. Dishes draw on Hawaii’s natural larder think line-caught fish, locally raised pork and Asian-inspired flavours

Other Dining Options

KAPA Bar & Grill sits beside the ‘Ohi Pools area serving a relaxed daytime menu, while Whale’s Tale overlooking the beach provides coffees, juices and cocktails. There is also an outdoor pizza van next to the lobby family area – Andiamo serving pizza by the slice, Starbucks and a pool bar for sunlounger imbibles.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in Humble Market Kitchen, buffet style on a grand scale. There are plenty of options, along with additional hot egg dishes cooked to order, and the breakfast menu also includes a complimentary mimosa to start the day off with, too.

Resort Pools

One of the resort’s major highlights is its impressive array of pools. There are four pool experiences throughout the resort.

‘Ohi Pools

Set beside Kapa Bar & Grill, this pair of oceanfront pools is geared towards families and mixed-age groups. Hot tubs, panoramic views and spacious cabanas make it an easy all-day destination.

Maluhia Pool

This adults-only infinity-edge pool is tranquil and designed for complete relaxation. Overwater cabanas float just above the surface, offering a luxurious space to lounge, with poolside food and drink service available throughout the day.

NALU Adventure Pool

Home to the longest resort slide in Hawaii at 99 m, with splash zones and two waterslides, and yes, we did manage to brave both waterslides with the Wailea Wipeout, not for the faint-hearted….

Wellness

Taking things back to complete relaxation, another new product for the resort, Olakino offers an adults-only wellness experience. With limited spaces per day (meaning it’s not crowded), you can book full-day passes or half-day passes to enjoy in-pool spa treatments, mindful programming and food served by your lounger.

Final Thoughts

Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui, offers resort-scale services without feeling crowded. Its generously sized setting, wide-ranging facilities and scenic views deliver something for every guest, which is why visitors return year after year.

The post Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott Maui – Hotel & Resort Review appeared first on The Luxury Editor.

Just steps away from the surf and sand, Koʻa Kea Resort is notably more intimate than many of its brand-name hotel neighbours, which it happily sits tucked in between. Here it’s all about a quieter pace, there are no waterslides or kids club, just time by the pool, with an outdoor bar within easy reach. By early evening, a gentle stroll along the beachfront path leads naturally back to the property’s ocean-facing lawn, which becomes the setting for sunset cocktails and live music. Rooms and suites each come with a balcony or lanai, while a spa, sushi bar, and destination dining at Red Salt, along with welcome wine in your room and a lei greeting on arrival, make this prized lodging a much sought-after destination in the Hawaiian archipelago.

Location

Sitting directly on Poipu Beach, this area is widely regarded as Kauai’s most sun-blessed coastal area. Calm waters, seasonal turtle sightings (which I was lucky enough to encounter), and coastal walking paths are all on the doorstep, while Poipu Shopping Village and several top snorkelling and surfing spots are a light paddle away.

Lihue Airport is around 25 minutes by car, hotel valet parking is provided on site, and a wealth of cultural and natural experiences are a short drive away, too.

Rooms & Suites

Accommodation is cohesive in format, with all 121 rooms and suites featuring either a balcony or lanai, and in whichever room you stay, the sound of the ocean is never far from earshot. Garden View Guest Rooms are the entry point, private and look onto tropical landscaping. Partial Ocean View Guest Rooms and Ocean View Guest Rooms step things up with glimpses or wider views of the Pacific.

Oceanfront Guest Rooms sit directly facing Poipu Beach and connect guests with the sea with uninterrupted views and easy access to both sand and lawn. And at the top end, Oceanfront Suites and Ocean View Suites provide a noticeable increase in floorspace, with separate living areas and larger outdoor terraces.

My Room

During my stay, I was hosted in a ground-floor Partial Ocean View Guest Room. The room opens directly onto a private patio with a table and chairs, overlooking the lawn and pool area and floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains for privacy. Inside is generously sized and finished in warm wood tones and textured neutrals. A king-sized bed sits beneath a panelled headboard, and a reading chair with ottoman is positioned beside the patio doors. Opposite, a desk with a Nespresso machine, a large flatscreen TV and a fridge completes the setup.

The bathroom features clean lines and soft lighting. The marble walk-in shower is bright and spacious, offering both rainfall and handheld options, full-size Malie Organics products and a built-in marble bench.

A daily resort fee includes many of the hotel’s experiences and practical extras within the stay. It starts on arrival with a traditional lei greeting and a welcome bottle of wine in your room alongside bottled water and two pairs of complimentary flip flops per stay. Nespresso coffee and tea are also included, as is access to the fitness centre and daily oceanfront yoga.

Red Salt

Red Salt, the signature restaurant at Koʻa Kea Resort, is a culinary destination in its own right. The name pays homage to Alaea, the island’s red volcanic salt, traditionally used in Hawaiian cooking and ceremonies. Overseen by Executive Chef Cary Roy, the kitchen places a strong emphasis on seafood and traditional island flavours. An adjacent sushi bar adds an extra dining experience where freshly prepared sashimi and suchi are served directly in front of you.

Private Cababa

During our stay, we experienced Red Salt’s private oceanfront cabanas dining experience, positioned just steps from the shoreline. This exclusive experience is available for two to sixteen guests.

The outlook from the canana can only be described as cinematic as you watch the sun dipping behind palms and the sky turning molten gold. We began with a trio of amuse bouche, chilled soba noodles, ahi sashimi, and pickled seaweed. We then shared a warm round of herbed focaccia, served with a creamy whipped housemade ricotta laced with truffle oil, local honeycomb and bee pollen.

This was followed by delicate slices of hamachi sashimi topped with jalapeño, tobiko and citrus ponzu. To round off the starters, seared Hokkaido scallops arrived perfectly caramelised, set over a sweetcorn and Portuguese sausage ragu, cherry tomatoes and a silky champagne beurre blanc.

Mains included Surf & Turf; Canadian lobster tail alongside a tender Australian Wagyu strip, accompanied by broccolini and poivre sauce. Another highlight was the Seared Ahi Steak which I had coated in sesame and served rare atop a creamy asparagus risotto.

With a dedicated server orchestrating each course, and the sound of the Pacific surf just metres away, this was an experience that captures the romance and tranquillity of Kauai at night. I ended the evening with a classic margarita, thinking to myself, this has to be one of the most memorable dinners I have ever experienced.

Breakfast

Breakfast at Red Salt is as memorable as their dinner service, generous in portion size, we worked our way through a mix of dishes. We went for the Lobster Benedict, layered with tomato, avocado and chunks of sweet Kona lobster beneath a mango and chive hollandaise. The Breakfast Tacos arrive folded around eggs, bacon, potato hash and cheese, served with a salsa. Avocado Toast, served on garlic bread and topped with mushrooms, poached egg and a balsamic drizzle, offered a lighter choice, and I opted for the two eggs with breakfast potatoes and sausage, a Hawaiian classic.

Wellness

The Spa at Koʻa Kea offers treatments draw on Hawaiian techniques and botanicals, with options ranging from traditional massages to hot stone therapies, available either in the spa itself or in an outdoor cabana close to the shoreline. Beyond the spa, daily oceanfront yoga sessions take place at sunrise, while the fitness studio itself is compact, well-equipped, suited to maintaining a routine while on holiday.

And if your idea of wellness is doing absolutely nothing, claim a lounger by the lagoon-style pool, order a drink from the tiki bar and swing by the jacuzzi for a long soak under the palms.

Final Thoughts

Koʻa Kea captures the quieter soul of Kauai. Its boutique scale, beachfront setting and emphasis on tranquillity make it well-suited to couples or solo travellers looking for a refined take on the traditional Hawaiian holiday.

The post Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach – Review appeared first on The Luxury Editor.

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows was one of the first resorts to be built on Maui back in 1962, where it played an early role in shaping the island’s now burgeoning resort landscape. 330 guest rooms lie within its 12-story tower, along with 127 low-rise private bungalows and suites, spread out across the 27-acre, oceanfront property estate. Its appeal lies in its scale, smaller than many of Maui’s sprawling resorts; the atmosphere feels calmer and less crowded, with no daily race for sunbeds and a level of service that benefits from fewer guests. It also delivers a more agreeable room rate than many other luxury properties on the island. Added value comes through inclusions such as wellness and cultural classes, nightly live music beneath the rubber tree at The Branches, tennis and pickleball privileges, fitness centre access, complimentary Kona coffee in room and a free shuttle to Whalers Village.

2021 saw ownership change, and since then $35 million has been spent on an exhaustive list of improvements, including a full renovation to all the private bungalows, a complete overhaul of the resort’s spa and enhancements to the property’s public spaces, pools, as well as the addition of new dining outlets, Lahaina Noon and Pineapple Noon.

Forty minutes from Kahului Airport by car, the area offers an easy mix of coastal relaxation and water activities, along with golfing at neighbouring Kaanapali Golf Courses, tennis at Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch, which can be combined with dining and premium shopping at nearby Whalers Village.

Lahaina Town continues its path to recovery following the devastating 2023 wildfires, with many local businesses continuing to reopen, and every visitor to the area plays a meaningful role in supporting the community and sustaining Lahaina’s long-term rebuilding efforts.

Rooms, Suites & Bungalows

Accommodation is split between the Lahaina Kai Tower and garden bungalows.

Tower Rooms and Suites

Rooms and suites within the Lahaina Kai Tower follow a classic hotel room format with additional private lanais and a wide range of outlooks across the ocean, gardens and West Maui Mountains. Tower rooms begin at around 350 sq ft, while upper category oceanview and oceanfront rooms maximise sunset-facing views over Kaanapali Beach.

The tower’s most spacious options include one and two-bedroom Lanai and Molokai Suites, which range up to 1,370 sq ft and feature separate living areas and expansive dual format panoramas from twin balconies.

Garden Bungalows

The resort’s private bungalows are dotted throughout tropical, manicured gardens and along the beachfront. Residential in format and secluded, bungalow rooms begin at around 350 sq ft with private lanais facing gardens or the ocean.

We stayed in a ground-floor – Royal Bungalow Room King during our stay. These garden-facing retreats are generous in space, with interiors of warm wood finishes and subtle Hawaiian patterning. A king bed sits at the centre of the room in front of a feature wall. A generous bathroom features a wide vanity, walk-in shower, clothing storage and organic amenities. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors flood the room with light and open directly onto a private seating area.

Studio and junior suites expand to approximately 450 sq ft and introduce living and dining areas, with select categories including kitchens. Oceanfront bungalow suites sit closest to the sand with direct access to the shoreline, while larger two-bedroom options and the Royal Beach House Suite offer generous layouts of up to 1,200 sq ft and enhanced privacy, designed for larger families or longer stays.

All rooms include air conditioning, daily coffee, mini fridges, Wi Fi, high thread count linens and Malie Organics bathroom amenities.

Food & Drink

Lahaina Noon is the property’s Hawaiian beachfront restaurant serving fresh fish, island produce and Pacific-inspired dishes throughout the day. Breakfast brings buffet-style servings of local fruit and juices, pancakes and traditional hot favourites, while evenings offer sunset views over the hotel’s larger pool.

Additional dining options include Pineapple Noon poolside bar for light bites and cocktails, Royal Scoop for ice cream and snacks, and Royal Trading Co for grab-and-go choices and local products.

Pools, Beach and Activities

The resort features two outdoor pools with loungers and cabanas set close to the shoreline. Kaanapali Beach is known for its gentle conditions suited to swimming, paddleboarding and snorkelling. You can also enjoy tennis and pickleball at nearby courts along with golf, a fitness centre, lawn games and seasonal events. In winter, keep an eye out for humpback whales, which can often be visible from the shoreline.

The Branches

Set beneath a vast 100-year-old rubber tree at the heart of the resort, The Branches has become one of Royal Lahaina’s most meaningful spaces. The tree itself predates the hotel, and today its wide canopy covers an intimate outdoor venue where live Hawaiian music is performed every evening. The concept was created in response to the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, which destroyed many of the town’s restaurants and left local musicians without regular places to perform.

As dusk falls each evening, lanterns hanging from the branches cast a warm glow across the canopy while musicians play beneath. The atmosphere is calm and quietly absorbing. On the evening we visited, local musician Jason Tepora performed a set before taking time to speak with us, reinforcing the sense of connection that has come to define The Branches.

Spa

The Spa at Royal Lahaina is the hotel’s newly reimagined oceanfront wellness space. The facility includes five private treatment suites, an open-air, oceanfront serenity lanai, and a manicure and pedicure beauty bar. The spa offers massages, facials, body treatments and beauty services. Signature treatments include the Aloha Body Polish, which uses a locally made sugar scrub.

Final Thoughts

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, direct beachfront setting and boutique style format, make this property so appealing. Whether you stay in the tower or opt for one of the garden bungalows, the pace is easy and unhurried. Combine this with a wealth of amenities and experiences on site, and you can really enjoy Maui in a true, relaxed Hawaiian rhythm.

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Originally opened in the 1960s, the Ambassador Hotel has long been a part of Waikiki’s hospitality landscape. The recent transformation retains the building’s mid-century architecture while introducing modern amenities and design elements that reflect the island’s natural beauty. The hotel’s interiors feature tropical-inspired palettes, natural textures, and expansive lanais, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

The hotel offers a variety of room types, including two-bedroom suites and Waikiki’s only lofted bunk-bed rooms, catering to families and groups. Each room is designed with comfort in mind, featuring private balconies, curated décor, and thoughtful touches that immerse guests in the island lifestyle.

Read our review of the Elmbank York, Tapesrty Collection by Hilton

Key facilities include the Waikiki Swim & Social Club, a retro-inspired pool and cabana deck offering tropical beverages and locally inspired bites. Guests can also enjoy a fully equipped fitness centre, weekly poolside pilates classes, and access to Beach Candy Waikiki, which provides beach rentals and bike cruisers. The hotel’s community stewardship initiatives, such as the King Kalakaua Park clean-up, reflect its commitment to the local area.

Favorite Son, the hotel’s indoor-outdoor dining destination, serves hearty comfort food with island flair, including gourmet sandwiches, deep-dish-style square pizzas, and fresh salads. The venue also hosts a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., featuring craft cocktails, light bites, and live local entertainment.

Situated close to significant attractions, the hotel offers guests easy access to the beaches, dining, shopping, and cultural landmarks of Waikiki. Its blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and community-focused approach positions The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki as a distinctive destination for travellers seeking an authentic Hawaiian experience.

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