Start with the island you are considering
Best Places to Stay in Hawaii
An Island by Island Guide — Updated for 2026
Hawaii's accommodation scene is in motion heading into 2026. The Big Island's Mauna Kea Beach Hotel debuted the biggest renovation in its 60-year history in February (the resort now puts the tab at nearly $240 million, and the new spa opened this spring), Oahu's first Hyatt Place/Hyatt House dual-brand hotel opened in May in ʻEwa Beach within the Hoʻopili community, and Kauai's Hale Hokūala is expected to debut in fall 2026.
We've broken down where to stay on each island, covering the best areas, hotel types, and specific property recommendations based on your interests and budget. Each island guide includes region-by-region overviews plus direct links to our hotel, resort, luxury, and vacation rental pages.
How We Choose Hawaii Lodging Recommendations
We start with the traveler decision first: island fit, region fit, drive times, beach access, weather reliability, walkability, hotel and vacation-rental inventory, current property condition, guest feedback, family fit, and value for the price. Some hotel links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you, but our area guidance and property recommendations are editorial. See how we earn money for more detail.
Whether you want a luxury resort on Maui's Wailea coast, a budget-friendly Waikiki hotel, a family condo on the Big Island, or a quiet B&B on Kauai's North Shore, we've got you covered.
Dive into our island guides for the Best Places to Stay on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. Or browse our full accommodations hub for hotel comparisons, booking tips, and specialty guides.
Need help or want to let AI do the heavy lifting? Just click the Concierge Bell.
Search by Island
Oahu has the widest range of accommodations in Hawaii. Waikiki alone has hundreds of hotels, but the island's best stays extend from downtown Honolulu to the North Shore. With the new Hyatt Place/Hyatt House open in ʻEwa Beach within the Hoʻopili community, options outside Waikiki are growing.
Maui's accommodation scene spans luxury Wailea resorts to laid-back condos and upcountry retreats. The Valley Isle remains one of Hawaii's most popular destinations, and new luxury suite additions at several resorts give visitors even more high-end options in 2026.
The Big Island is larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined, so location matters here. The Kohala Coast on the west side concentrates most of the luxury resorts, anchored by the newly renovated Mauna Kea Resort. Hilo and Volcano Village on the east side offer a completely different vibe with rainforest B&Bs and boutique stays.
Kauai keeps things intimate. The Garden Isle has fewer mega-resorts than Maui or Oahu, which means smaller properties, more character, and easier beach access. The upcoming Hale Hokūala (Curio Collection by Hilton) is expected to open in Līhuʻe in fall 2026, adding a fresh option near the airport and East Side lodging corridor.
Top Luxury Hotels in Hawaii
View Our Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Hawaii Statewide →
Hawaii's luxury hotel market has raised its game in 2026. Several properties completed major renovations, and new boutique options are joining the lineup across the islands. If you're spending the money to fly to Hawaii, your hotel should match the destination.
We've selected the top luxury properties on each island based on location, service, amenities, and guest experience. From the Four Seasons on Maui to the newly refreshed Mauna Kea on the Big Island, these are the stays worth the splurge. See our full luxury hotel roundup for the statewide top 5, or explore by island below.
Hawaii Vacation Packages & All-Inclusive Vacations
Compare Hawaii Vacation Packages →
Hawaii vacation packages bundle flights, hotels, rental cars, and often activities into a single price. They're a solid option if you want to lock in costs upfront and skip the logistics. If you are specifically looking for resort-style bundles, our all-inclusive Hawaii vacation packages guide explains what is included and what still costs extra.
From Kauai's Nā Pali Coast to the Big Island's lava fields, these packages cover the highlights without the planning headaches. Start with the statewide Hawaii vacation packages guide, then compare island-specific options for Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai.
Hawaii Hotel vs. Vacation Rentals
Nightly Rate — Statewide Averages (Latest Available Data)
Hawaii Hotel vs Vacation Rental Rates in 2024
Hawaii's Top Condo Rentals
HawaiiGaga.com has been the premier online directory for Hawaii's vacation rentals and condo guide since 2008, featuring legally licensed properties from verified owners and managers.
