Best Resorts in Big Island, Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is unlike any other island in the chain. It’s the youngest, the largest (bigger than all other Hawaiian islands combined), and arguably the most geologically spectacular, where active volcanoes, snow-capped peaks, black sand beaches, and lush rainforests coexist within the same island. And its resorts match that diversity perfectly.

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon at a world-class luxury resort on the Kohala Coast, a family adventure where the kids can watch manta rays from the pool deck, a quiet boutique escape near a waterfall, or a budget-friendly base to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Big Island delivers.

This guide covers the best resorts in every category, backed by real search data and firsthand research, so you can find the perfect stay for your trip.

Quick Resort Comparison: Find Your Perfect Match

Use this table to find your ideal resort at a glance. Scroll down for detailed write-ups on each property.

Resort	Category	Price/Night	Location	Best For
Four Seasons Hualalai	Luxury	$$+	Kohala Coast	Couples, special occasions
Kona Village (Rosewood)	Luxury / Boutique	$$+	Kona Coast	Honeymoons, ultra-seclusion
Mauna Lani (Auberge)	Luxury	$$+	Kohala Coast	Families, couples
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel	Luxury	$$+	Kohala Coast	Beach lovers, golfers
Fairmont Orchid	Luxury / Family	$$+	Kohala Coast	Families, luau lovers
Hilton Waikoloa Village	Family	$$+	Waikoloa	Big families, kids
Outrigger Kona Resort	Family	$$+	Keauhou, Kona	Manta ray fans, waterslide
Waikoloa Beach Marriott	Family	$$+	Waikoloa	Families on budget
Volcano House	Boutique / Unique	$$+	Volcanoes NP	Adventure seekers
Inn at Kulaniapia Falls	Boutique / Eco	$$+	Hilo (East)	Nature lovers, couples
Royal Kona Resort	Budget / Mid-range	~$$	Kailua-Kona	Budget travelers, location
Courtyard King Kamehameha	Budget / Mid-range	~$$	Kailua-Kona	Walkability, families
Grand Naniloa Hilo (DT)	Budget / Mid-range	~$$	Hilo (East)	Hilo explorers, golfers

Where to Stay on the Big Island: A Geographic Overview

One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing which area of the Big Island to base yourself in. Unlike smaller Hawaiian islands, the Big Island is enormous; the drive from one end to the other takes over four hours. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Kohala Coast & Waikoloa (West Side) – Best for Resort Living

This is where the majority of the Big Island’s luxury resorts are concentrated. The Kohala Coast enjoys sunny, dry weather almost year-round, has stunning white-sand beaches, and is home to world-class golf courses. If you want a true resort experience, this is your zone. Towns to know: Waikoloa, Mauna Lani, Kawaihae.

Kailua-Kona (West Side) – Best for Action & Value

The buzzy heart of the Big Island. Kona is walkable, restaurant-rich, and offers a great mix of budget and mid-range properties. You’re close to snorkeling spots, coffee farms, manta ray dives, and historic sites. Perfect for travelers who want easy access to things to do without paying Kohala Coast resort prices.

Hilo (East Side) – Best for Nature & Authenticity

Hilo is the lush, rainy, less-touristy side of the island. It’s close to Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, and is about 30 miles from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hotels here are cheaper, the pace is slower, and the vibe is wonderfully local.

Volcano Village – Best for National Park Access

If watching lava glow is your top priority, stay near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The town of Volcano has charming lodges and B&Bs nestled in misty rainforest. You’ll beat the crowds by already being inside or adjacent to the park.

Best Luxury Resorts in Big Island Hawaii

The Big Island’s Kohala Coast rivals the best resort coasts in the world. These five properties represent the pinnacle of Hawaiian hospitality, each one distinct, each one extraordinary.

1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai – The Gold Standard

Quick Facts: Location: Ka’upulehu, North Kona • Price: From $$/night • Rating: 4.7/5 (1,600+ reviews) • Forbes Five-Star

The Four Seasons Hualalai is not just the best luxury resort on the Big Island, it’s one of the top-rated resorts in the entire world. Set on the dramatic lava fields of the Kona Coast, it earns its Forbes Five-Star designation every year without exception.

What makes Hualalai uniquely special is King’s Pond: a 1.8-million-gallon natural lava rock pool teeming with over 4,000 tropical fish and sea turtles that guests can snorkel with. Beyond King’s Pond, there are seven additional pools (including an adults-only Palm Grove Pool), a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, a Cultural Center with authentic Hawaiian activities, and three exceptional restaurants.

The resort’s bungalow-style accommodations are spread across the landscaped grounds, offering maximum privacy. Families love the world-class kids’ program; honeymoon couples love the seclusion and service. Rates start around $$/night but frequently exceed $$/night for premium rooms.

Best for: Honeymooners, milestone anniversaries, families who want the absolute best.

2. Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort – The Most Romantic

Quick Facts: Location: Ka’upulehu, North Kona • Price: From $$/night • 81 beachfront acres • 150 private hales

Kona Village reopened as a Rosewood property after a decade-long rebuild following tsunami damage, and it’s now arguably the most atmospheric resort in all of Hawaii. The concept is built around 150 standalone thatched-roof hales (traditional Hawaiian bungalows) scattered across 81 acres of black lava fields, freshwater lagoons, and palm groves.

There are no roads running through the property, no TVs unless you request one, and a deliberate sense of disconnection from the outside world. Three pools, three restaurants, a full-service spa, snorkeling, kayaking, and outrigger canoeing are all on site. The resort sits on a protected cove with calm, swimmable water.

If you are planning a honeymoon on the Big Island, Kona Village is in a class of its own. It’s the most secluded, most atmospheric, and most distinctly Hawaiian luxury experience available.

Best for: Honeymoons, couples wanting total seclusion, guests celebrating special milestones.

3. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection – Best Beach Resort

Quick Facts: Location: South Kohala Coast • Price: From $$/night • Rating: 4.6/5 (1,700+ reviews) • $200M renovation (2020)

After a sweeping $$ million renovation in 2020, Mauna Lani emerged as a fresh, modern luxury resort with a gorgeous white sand beach, dramatic pool complex, and elevated dining. The Auberge Resorts Collection brings a distinctly creative, taste-forward aesthetic to this classic Kohala Coast property.

The resort sits on 30 oceanfront acres with 3 miles of shoreline and includes the famous Francis H. I’i Brown golf courses (North and South), sunrise paddleboarding, beachfront yoga, cultural experiences at fishponds dating back centuries, and some of the most inventive farm-to-table dining on the island. Accommodations range from guest rooms to expansive 4,000-square-foot residences.

Mauna Lani skews slightly younger and more family-friendly than Four Seasons, and its more accessible entry price (from $$/night during off-peak periods) makes it the best value in the Big Island’s luxury tier.

Best for: Couples, families, food-forward travelers, golfers.

4. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection – The Iconic Classic

Quick Facts: Location: South Kohala Coast • Price: From $$/night • Undergoing $$M+ renovation • Destination wedding venue

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a legend. Opened in 1965, it was one of the first luxury resorts in Hawaii and sits on what many consider the finest beach on the Big Island, a wide, crescent-shaped stretch of white sand with crystal-clear water. The resort is currently undergoing a major renovation, done one tower at a time to minimize disruption to guests.

Beyond the beach, the property is renowned for its golf courses, exceptional dining, and one of the most impressive collections of Pacific art in the world, over 1,600 pieces displayed throughout the resort. The sister property Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is right next door, and guests can enjoy amenities at both.

If you’re planning a Hawaii destination wedding, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a premier choice, offering multiple event spaces and dedicated wedding coordination.

Best for: Beach lovers, golfers, destination weddings, travelers who appreciate history and art.

5. Fairmont Orchid – Best Full-Service Luxury Resort

Quick Facts: Location: South Kohala Coast • Price: From $$/night • 32 oceanfront acres • 6 restaurants, on-site luau, pet-friendly

The Fairmont Orchid consistently earns its place as one of the most loved resorts on the Kohala Coast, and it’s the one most frequently recommended by repeat visitors to the Big Island. Spread across 32 oceanfront acres, it offers six restaurants (including the legendary Brown’s Beach House), tennis courts, a world-class spa, golf access, and one of the best on-property Saturday luaus on the island.

Unlike some of the more secluded resorts, Fairmont Orchid buzzes with energy while still maintaining a genuinely luxurious feel. The snorkeling in the resort’s protected cove is excellent, and Hapuna Beach, consistently ranked among the best beaches in the US, is just minutes away. Notably, it’s one of the few Big Island resorts that welcomes pets.

The service here is exemplary. The kids’ program is excellent. And the Saturday Hawaiian luau (Hawaiiloa Luau) is one of the more authentic and beautifully produced on the island.

Best for: Families, couples, pet owners, luau lovers, guests who want a full-service resort with energy.

Best Family-Friendly Resorts in Big Island Hawaii

The Big Island is a genuinely incredible destination for families. Active volcanoes, manta ray swims, sea turtle encounters, shave ice around every corner, kids love it here. These resorts make a family vacation seamless.

1. Hilton Waikoloa Village – Best for Kids

Quick Facts: Location: Waikoloa • Price: From $$/night • 62-acre resort village • Pools, lazy river, dolphins on property

For pure, unapologetic family fun, nothing on the Big Island beats Hilton Waikoloa Village. This 62-acre resort is essentially its own theme park. Getting around the property involves either a boat, a tram, or a mile-long museum corridor. Kids think the whole setup is an adventure in itself.

The resort features multiple pools (open 24 hours), a lazy river, a water slide, and the famous Dolphin Quest program where families can interact with dolphins under the supervision of marine experts. There are suites with private outdoor hot tubs, a private beach area, tennis courts, golf, and a staggering variety of dining options. Rooms feel large and kid-friendly, and connecting suite options make it ideal for larger families.

Best for: Families with kids of all ages, large group family trips.

2. Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa – Best for Active Families

Quick Facts: Location: Keauhou Bay, South Kona • Price: From $$/night • 200-foot waterslide • Manta ray viewing from property

Formerly the Sheraton Kona, this resort was completely transformed with a $$ million renovation and is now one of the most unique family resorts on the island. It sits on the cliffs above Keauhou Bay, one of the prime manta ray feeding grounds on the Big Island, and guests can watch manta rays feeding in the illuminated bay from the property at night without even getting in the water.

The pool features a 200-foot water slide that kids absolutely love. Cultural programming is excellent: lei making, hula lessons, and ukulele classes run regularly. The Feast & Fire luau on property gets consistently strong reviews. You’re about 10 minutes south of downtown Kona, close to Kona coffee farms, snorkel spots at Two Step and Captain Cook, and the famous manta ray night dive operators.

Best for: Families who want cultural experiences, manta ray encounters, and an active vacation.

3. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa – Best Family Value on the Kohala Coast

Quick Facts: Location: Waikoloa • Price: From $$/night • Marriott Bonvoy points • Beach access

The Waikoloa Beach Marriott sits in the heart of the Waikoloa resort area, close to the Shops at Mauna Lani and the Kings’ Shops. It’s a large, well-run resort with solid amenities, multiple pools, a private beach lagoon, a spa, and multiple dining options at significantly more accessible prices than its Kohala Coast neighbors. If you have Marriott Bonvoy points, this is an excellent place to redeem them.

The resort is close enough to the Hilton Waikoloa Village, Fairmont Orchid, and Mauna Lani to enjoy day trips to neighboring resorts’ amenities, making it a great value home base for a Kohala Coast vacation.

Best for: Budget-conscious families who still want the Kohala Coast experience, Marriott Bonvoy members.

4. Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel – Best Location for Families

Quick Facts: Location: Downtown Kailua-Kona • Price: From $$/night • Walkable to everything • Calm lagoon beach

This is one of those rare resorts where the location does half the job for you. Positioned at the end of Ali’i Drive in downtown Kailua-Kona, you can walk to restaurants, shops, the Atlantis Submarine tour (one of the best kid activities on the island), and the pier. The hotel sits on a calm, protected lagoon that’s perfect for younger swimmers.

The property has Ululani’s Shave Ice in the lobby, yes, right in the lobby, which earns it instant points with every family that checks in. The pool is well-maintained, the rooms are comfortable and recently updated, and the overall vibe is relaxed and family-friendly without trying too hard.

Best for: Families who want walkability and downtown Kona access.

Best Boutique Resorts in Big Island Hawaii

Beyond the big resort complexes, the Big Island has a collection of intimate, character-driven properties that offer something the large resorts simply can’t: a genuine sense of place. These boutique stays are ideal for travelers who want to feel embedded in the island’s natural landscape and culture.

1. Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort – Most Distinctive Property on the Island

Already mentioned in our luxury section, Kona Village earns a place here too because at its heart it is a boutique property, 150 private hales on 81 acres, no traffic running through, maximum seclusion. It just happens to offer five-star service inside those bungalows. If you want boutique character with luxury delivery, this is the ultimate answer.

2. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls – Best Eco Boutique

Quick Facts: Location: Hilo (East Side) • Small inn perched on a river above a 120-foot private waterfall

Kulaniapia Falls is genuinely extraordinary. This small, eco-conscious inn sits on a working farm above a private 120-foot waterfall that guests can swim below. The setting, rainforest, rushing river, tropical birds, farm animals, is completely unlike anywhere else on the Big Island.

The inn offers a handful of rooms and a VRBO cottage directly above the waterfall property. It’s a completely different experience from the Kohala Coast resorts: quieter, greener, more personal. Perfect for nature lovers, honeymooning couples who want total immersion in Hawaii’s natural beauty, and anyone whose priority is authentic landscape over amenities.

Best for: Eco travelers, nature lovers, couples wanting a unique romantic experience.

3. SCP Hilo Hotel – Best Sustainable Boutique

Quick Facts: Location: Downtown Hilo (East Side) • Eco-certified, certified B Corp hotel

SCP (Soul Community Planet) Hilo is a genuinely cool concept: a B Corp-certified, sustainability-focused boutique hotel in the heart of Hilo. The property is stylish, independently minded, and built around environmental responsibility, something that aligns naturally with the Big Island’s spirit. It’s a great base for exploring Hilo’s waterfalls, farmers market, and botanical gardens, and it costs a fraction of the Kohala Coast resorts.

Best for: Conscious travelers, solo travelers, couples on the east side.

4. Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant – Best Volcano Village Boutique

Quick Facts: Location: Volcano Village, near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park • Romantic lodge with fireplaces

A beloved lodge just outside the national park entrance, Kilauea Lodge offers cozy rooms with fireplaces, a well-regarded on-site restaurant serving hearty European-Hawaiian fusion dishes, and a quintessentially misty volcano village atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you arrive for one night and stay three. The surrounding fern forests and the proximity to Volcanoes make it one of the most memorable stays on the island.

Best for: Romantic getaways, travelers exploring Volcanoes National Park.

Best Budget Resorts in Big Island Hawaii

Hawaii has a reputation for being expensive, but the Big Island has more affordable lodging options than any other Hawaiian island, particularly on the east side. Here are the best options for travelers who want value without sacrificing location or experience.

1. Royal Kona Resort – Best Budget Oceanfront in Kona

Quick Facts: Location: Kailua-Kona (Ali’i Drive) • Price: ~$$/night • Recently renovated • Oceanfront with black sand beach

Royal Kona Resort is the best value oceanfront stay in Kona. Positioned right on Ali’i Drive, you’re walking distance from dozens of restaurants, shops, and the Kailua Pier. The resort recently completed a significant renovation and the rooms are fresh and comfortable. The property has its own small swimming beach (a rare rarity right in town), a pool, and a great bar.

The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious; it’s not trying to be the Four Seasons, and it doesn’t need to be. For the price, the location is almost unbeatable. Note: renovation work on the Lagoon Tower was ongoing through 2025; request rooms in the renovated towers when booking.

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who want central Kona access and an oceanfront stay.

2. Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo, A DoubleTree by Hilton – Best Budget Resort on the East Side

Quick Facts: Location: Hilo Bay, East Side • Price: From $$/night • 9-hole golf, ocean views, Hilton Bonvoy points

The Grand Naniloa is the closest thing to a full-service resort on the Hilo side, and it’s a genuinely solid option. The property sits directly on Hilo Bay, close to Coconut Island Park and just minutes from the Hilo Farmers Market (go on Saturday for the full experience). Ocean-view rooms looking out over the bay are peaceful and beautiful.

Guests get access to a 9-hole golf course (two free rounds per day), two complimentary drink vouchers each evening, and a restaurant serving local Hawaiian cuisine with live hula music several nights per week. If you have Hilton Honors points, this is an excellent redemption property. Being in Hilo also puts you 30 miles from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and close to Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls.

Best for: East-side explorers, Hilton points redeemers, travelers wanting authentic Hilo experience.

3. Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel – Best Mid-Range in Kona

Appearing in our family section as well, the Courtyard King Kamehameha deserves mention here too. At around $$/night, it delivers excellent value for a Marriott-branded property in the heart of downtown Kona with a calm lagoon beach, walkable location, and solid amenities.

Best for: Families and couples who want Kona’s best location on a reasonable budget.

4. Kohala Village Inn – Best Budget Stay in North Kohala

Quick Facts: Location: Hawi, North Kohala • Price: From ~$161/night • In historic Hawi town

Hawi is one of the most charming small towns on the Big Island, a historic sugar town turned arts village in the remote North Kohala region. The Kohala Village Inn is a small, well-run property that gives you access to this quiet corner of the island at very accessible prices. It’s not a beach resort, but if you’re planning to explore North Kohala’s sea cliffs, the Pololu Valley Overlook, and the collection of local restaurants in Hawi, it’s a perfect base.

Best for: Off-the-beaten-path travelers, road trippers, couples wanting an authentic local experience.

5. Kona Islander Inn – Best Budget Property in Kona

Quick Facts: Location: Kailua-Kona • Price: From ~$$/night • 142 rooms in Hawaiian plantation style

If you’re truly on a tight budget but want to be in Kona, Kona Islander Inn is the answer. Rates starting around $$/night for a plantation-style property within walking distance of Ali’i Drive and the waterfront make it by far the most affordable option in Kona. Rooms have been updated with modern decor while keeping a cheerful tropical vibe. Manage your expectations (it’s a budget property, not a resort) and it won’t let you down.

Best for: Solo travelers, budget backpackers, short stopovers.

Insider Tips for Booking Big Island Resorts

• Book during shoulder season (April–May or September–October) for the best rates at luxury resorts. Prices on Kohala Coast properties can drop 20–40% outside of peak holiday periods.
• Avoid Ironman Week in Kona (October). Every resort in the Kona area sells out, and prices spike dramatically. Unless watching the race is your goal, plan around it.
• Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Hyatt points go far on the Big Island. Waikoloa Beach Marriott, Grand Naniloa Hilo (Hilton), and Courtyard Kona (Marriott) are all solid redemptions.
• Resort fees are common on the Kohala Coast. Always verify the total nightly cost including resort fees, before booking. They can add $$/night to your bill.
• Request an ocean-view or garden-view upgrade at check-in. Many Kohala Coast properties will upgrade you at low or no cost during off-peak periods, especially if you ask politely.
• Use Discount Hawaii Car Rental for the best car rates. Getting a Jeep is recommended for accessing some of the Big Island’s more remote beaches and overlooks.
• For manta ray experiences, both the Outrigger Kona Resort and the Four Seasons Hualalai offer guided manta ray snorkel tours. Alternatively, book a night snorkel with a Kona-based operator for about $$ per person.

The Bottom Line: Which Big Island Resort Is Right for You?

For the ultimate luxury experience: Four Seasons Hualalai or Kona Village (Rosewood).

For the best value in the luxury tier: Mauna Lani (Auberge) or Fairmont Orchid.

For families with kids: Hilton Waikoloa Village or Outrigger Kona Resort.

For a unique boutique stay: Volcano House (inside Volcanoes NP) or Inn at Kulaniapia Falls.

For the best budget stay: Royal Kona Resort (west side) or Grand Naniloa Hilo (east side).

No matter which resort you choose, the Big Island will deliver. The diversity of this island, from snorkelling with manta rays to watching a live volcano, is unmatched anywhere else in Hawaii. Book early, rent a car, and explore beyond your resort’s grounds. That’s the formula for a Big Island vacation you’ll talk about for years.