The Big Island has 12 full-service resorts, and where they sit matters more than the brand on the door. Nine are on the Kohala Coast, 30–45 minutes north of Kailua-Kona. That’s where the best white-sand beaches are, along with the highest room rates. Two are in or near Kailua-Kona town: more affordable, less beach. One is in Hilo on the east side.
Price range across the island: Kohala Coast properties run $450–$1,900/night depending on the resort. Kona-side options start around $200/night. All rates are before resort fees, which add $35–$65/night at most properties.
The guide below covers every resort with location, price range, beach access, and what type of traveler it suits best.
Quick Picks: Best Big Island Resort By Category
Hilton Waikoloa Village: three pools, 175-foot water slide, dolphin lagoon, on-site luau. Designed as a self-contained destination.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts: private bungalows with plunge pools, adults-only infinity pool, excellent spa and dining.
Westin Hapuna Beach Resort: direct access to Hapuna Beach, one of the best white-sand beaches in Hawaii.
Royal Kona Resort: oceanfront location in downtown Kailua-Kona from around $200/night. Walking distance to restaurants and shops.
Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort: private thatched-roof bungalows on 81 acres from $1,900/night.
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo: the only resort-style hotel on the east side, from $180/night.
Looking for non-resort options? See our “where to stay on the Kona coast” guide with recommendations for families, solo travelers, and budget-friendly places to stay.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
The resorts below are ordered by location, starting from south Kona and moving counterclockwise up the Kohala Coast to Hilo.
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This overview contains affiliate links to accommodation aggregator websites such as Booking.com and Expedia. Clicking on those links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only include affiliate links when they offer good value to our readers, read more about our use of those links on the Love Big Island website.
You can find most of the resorts listed on this page on the following map that includes all booking.com properties available for your given dates.
Tip: fill in your expected dates to see price and availability.
South Kona District
The south Kona district is lusher and more tropical than the dry Kohala Coast to the north. White-sand beach access isn’t ideal here, but the trade-off is proximity to some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island, Kona coffee farms, and the manta ray night dive.
The only resort south of Kona is the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, 7.5 miles south of Kailua-Kona.
1: Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
Rates from: ~$250/night | Resort fee: ~$40/night | Beach access: Rocky shoreline (no sandy beach; pool is the main attraction) | Best for: Families who want a pool-focused resort close to Kona coffee country and snorkeling
The Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa sits on an ancient lava flow along the Kona Coast. The centerpiece is the multi-level “Manta Ray Super Slide & Pool”: a large freshwater pool complex with a sandy-bottomed children’s play area, the island’s longest water slide, and whirlpool spas.
The resort also hosts the Haʻleʻo Luau and offers spa treatments on-site. As a local bonus, the Hoʻoulu Farmers Market takes place on the resort lawn every Wednesday.
Nearby tours: The manta ray night snorkel departs from nearby Keauhou Bay. Several Kona coffee farm tours are a short drive up-slope.
Where to book:
- On Booking.com or the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa website for direct bookings.
- On VRBO for condos at the nearby Keauhou Resort and Kanaloa at Kona by Outrigger.
The Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Credit: Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa // Leonardo
1: Royal Kona Resort
Rates from: ~$230/night | Resort fee: ~$35/night | Beach access: Private saltwater lagoon on-site; sandy beaches within walking distance | Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who want a resort feel in the heart of Kona town
The Royal Kona Resort sits on 12 oceanfront acres overlooking Kailua Bay in the heart of historic Kailua-Kona. It’s the most affordable full-service resort on the island and its location is hard to beat: restaurants, shops, and the Kona waterfront are within walking distance.
On-site amenities include a split-level swimming pool, a private saltwater swimming lagoon, tennis courts, a fitness club, massage and spa center, and the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau.
From your doorstep: Downtown Kona is the starting point for many Big Island tours, including snorkeling trips, fishing charters, and sunset cruises departing from Kailua Bay.
Where to book:
- On the Royal Kona Resort website.
- Check for deals on suites and condos on Booking.com.
Resort map for the Royal Kona Resort on the Big Island.
2: Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort
Rates from: ~$250/night (2-bedroom bungalow) | Resort fee: Varies | Beach access: No on-site beach; sandy beaches within 10-minute walk | Best for: Families or groups who want a full kitchen and more space than a hotel room
A collection of 2-bedroom bungalows designed with a traditional Hawaiian aesthetic and modern amenities. Each unit has a full kitchen, which is a real advantage for families looking to save on dining. On-site amenities include two outdoor swimming pools, two picnic/BBQ areas, and two outdoor hot tubs.
Located in Kailua-Kona, 1.2 miles from Kailua Bay, within walking distance of beaches.
Where to book:
Prices vary significantly across booking sites and dates: check multiple sources.
One of two outdoor swimming pools in the resort, each including a children’s pool, a picnic area with BBQ facilities, two outdoor hot tubs.
Resorts North of Kailua-Kona (Kohala Coast)
Nine of the island’s twelve resorts line the Kohala Coast between Kona and Kawaihae. The appeal is simple: it almost never rains here, the white-sand beaches are among the best in Hawaii, and the snorkeling is excellent. The trade-off is price and distance from Kailua-Kona town (30–45 minutes by car).
If you’re considering any of the resorts below, also have a look at our guide to the Kohala district.
Which Kohala Coast Resort Is Best for Families?
The Hilton Waikoloa Village has the most built-in entertainment for kids: three pools, a 175-foot water slide, a dolphin lagoon, and a luau on-site. It’s designed as a self-contained destination. The Fairmont Orchid is a strong alternative with a year-round children’s program and a calmer atmosphere. The Waikoloa Beach Marriott is a good middle ground: right on A-Bay with a more relaxed pace and lower rates than the luxury properties.
1: Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort
Rates from: ~$1,800/night | Resort fee: Included | Beach access: Private beach on Kahuwai Bay | Best for: Luxury travelers seeking seclusion and a high-end castaway experience
Twelve years after being destroyed by a tsunami, the Kona Village Resort reopened in July 2023 as a Rosewood property. The 81-acre resort along Kahuwai Bay feels secluded despite its 150 bungalows. Most of the private thatched-roof cottages face the beach or lush lagoons and come with their own lanai (porch) and outdoor tub.
This is the most expensive resort on the island by a wide margin. You’re paying for privacy, exclusivity, and a level of service that matches the price.
Where to book:
- On the Rosewood Kona Village website.
- Check Hotels.com for occasional deals.
2: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Rates from: ~$1,200/night | Resort fee: Included | Beach access: Direct access to a private sandy beach | Best for: Luxury travelers who want top-tier service with more activities than Kona Village
Set at historic Kaʻupulehu on the Kohala Coast, the Four Seasons Hualalai is one of the most luxurious options on the island. The resort features an open-air spa, beachfront dining, boutiques, and a gym with daily yoga.
You are certain to get your tropical fish fix if you get in the water at King’s Pond. Photo credit: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai // Leonardo
One standout feature is King’s Pond: a natural pool carved from lava rock that serves as a live aquarium with more than 4,000 tropical fish you can snorkel among. It’s one of those rare resort amenities that’s genuinely worth experiencing.
Where to book:
- On the Four Seasons Hualalai website.
- Try Booking.com for deals.
Resort map for the Four Seasons Hualalai.
3: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Rates from: ~$550/night | Resort fee: ~$40/night | Beach access: Direct access to Anaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay): one of the best swimming beaches on the coast | Best for: Travelers who want great beach access at a more moderate Kohala Coast price point
The Waikoloa Marriott spans 15 acres facing Anaehoʻomalu Bay and its ancient fish ponds. The beach is almost as close as the pools, which matters: A-Bay is one of the safest and most swimmable beaches on this coast. The resort also hosts the Sunset Luau, one of the more popular luau shows on the island.
Where to book:
- On the Waikoloa Marriott website.
- Try Booking.com for deals.
Several pools on the resort grounds of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Photo credit: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa // Leonardo
Resort map for the Waikoloa Marriott resort, retrieved march 2017 from source
4: Hilton Waikoloa Village
Rates from: ~$350/night | Resort fee: ~$55/night | Beach access: No natural sandy beach; man-made lagoon with imported sand. Nearest beach (A-Bay) is a short walk. | Best for: Families with kids who want a self-contained resort with built-in entertainment
The Hilton Waikoloa Village is the largest resort on the island: 62 oceanfront acres, 1,240 rooms, and an on-site tram to get around the grounds. It’s designed as a destination in itself rather than a base for exploring.
For kids, it’s hard to beat: three pools (including the largest pool on the Big Island), a 175-foot water slide, an adults-only pool, a dolphin lagoon, two golf courses, and the Legends of Hawai’i Luau.
The Kona pool on the resort grounds is the largest pool on the Big Island. Credit: Hilton Waikoloa Village.
The main trade-off: no natural beach. The resort has a man-made lagoon, and A-Bay is a short walk away, but if beach access is your top priority, the Marriott or Westin Hapuna are better choices.
Where to book:
- On the Hilton Waikoloa website.
- Check Booking.com for deals.
Resort map for the Hilton Waikoloa resort, retrieved April 2020 from source.
5: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Rates from: ~$900/night (rooms); higher for bungalows | Resort fee: ~$60/night | Beach access: Beach club with direct access to a small sandy cove | Best for: Couples and adults seeking a refined resort with excellent dining and spa
The Mauna Lani covers 32 acres on the Kohala Coast and operates as an Auberge Resorts property following a full renovation completed in 2020. It has multiple pools: including a nearly 2,000-square-foot adults-only infinity pool, a beach club, spa, and some of the better dining in the resort corridor. The private bungalows come with plunge pools and are worth considering for couples or anyone wanting more space.
The nearly 2,000-square-foot, adults-only infinity pool, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Credit: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
The resort also includes the Francis H. I’i Brown Golf Courses and offers cultural activities including petroglyph walks on the property grounds.
Where to book:
- On the Mauna Lani Auberge website for rooms, suites, and private residences.
- Try Expedia for deals.
Resort map for the Mauna Lani Hawai’i resort, retrieved January 2020 from source
6: Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
Rates from: ~$700/night | Resort fee: ~$60/night | Beach access: Direct access to a private white-sand lagoon | Best for: Families wanting a luxury resort with a children’s program; couples seeking a quieter alternative to the Hilton
The Fairmont Orchid is the most northern of the Waikoloa-area resorts, spread over 32 oceanfront acres facing a white-sand lagoon. It strikes a balance between family-friendliness and calm that larger resorts don’t always achieve.
Amenities include a year-round children’s program, an open-air spa, a 10,000-square-foot oceanfront pool, golf, tennis, the Hawai’i Loa Luau, and six on-site restaurants.
Where to book:
- On the Fairmont Orchid website.
- Try Booking.com for deals.
Aerial shot of the pool at the Fairmond Orchid. Photo credit: Fairmond Orchid // Leonardo
Resort map for the Fairmont Orchid Hawai’i resort, retrieved October 2019 from source
7: Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Rates from: ~$780/night | Resort fee: ~$37/night | Beach access: Direct access to Hapuna Beach with wide, white sand, calm water most of the year | Best for: Travelers who prioritize beach quality over resort amenities
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort sits on natural bluffs above Hapuna Beach, one of the best white-sand beaches on the island. The beach is wide, the water is calm enough for swimming most of the year, and the resort has direct access via a short path down the bluff.
There are both an adults-only infinity pool and a larger children’s pool (pictured here) on the resort grounds. Credit: Westin Hapuna Beach Resort // Leonardo.
The resort itself is straightforward: an 18-hole golf course, an adults-only infinity pool and a larger family pool, spa, fitness center, and tropical gardens. Compared to the Four Seasons or Mauna Lani, it’s less about the resort experience and more about that beach.
Where to book:
- On the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort website.
- Try Booking.com for deals.
8: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Rates from: ~$1300/night | Resort fee: ~$55/night | Beach access: Direct access to Kaunaʻoa Bay: a near-perfect crescent of white sand | Best for: Travelers who want a classic Hawaii resort with one of the island’s best beaches
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was the first resort built on the Big Island, opened in 1965 by conservationist Laurance S. Rockefeller on the shores of Kaunaʻoa Bay. The beach here is often cited as one of the best in Hawaii: a sheltered crescent of fine white sand.
Now run by Marriott, the hotel has 252 rooms with modern island decor, an 18-hole golf course, full-service spa, tennis courts, and the Mauna Kea Luau. It shares the resort complex (and golf privileges) with the Westin Hapuna next door.
From the Mauna Kea area: The Puakō Petroglyph Field is a short drive south: one of the largest collections of ancient Hawaiian rock carvings on the island. Free to visit.
Where to book:
- On the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel website.
- Try Booking.com for last-minute deals.
Resort map for the Mauna Kea beach hotel, retrieved October 2019 from source
Resorts in Hilo
Hilo is the Big Island’s county seat, but its location on the rainy eastern coast means fewer visitors base themselves here. The beaches aren’t comparable to the Kona side, and afternoon rain is almost a daily occurrence. The upside: you’re close to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, and the lush tropical landscape that the dry west side doesn’t have. Prices are also significantly lower.
1: Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo: a DoubleTree by Hilton
Rates from: ~$320/night | Resort fee: None | Beach access: No sandy beach; sits on Hilo Bay with ocean views | Best for: Travelers spending serious time on the Hilo side or using it as a base for volcano/waterfall exploration
The Grand Naniloa is the only resort-style hotel in Hilo. It sits on Hilo Bay with views of Mauna Kea and is two miles from Hilo Airport. Amenities are modest compared to the Kohala Coast: a 9-hole golf course (free daily round for guests), an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, complimentary WiFi and parking, and an on-site restaurant with panoramic bay views.
If you’re splitting your trip between the Kona and Hilo sides of the island (which we generally recommend for first-time visitors) this is the most comfortable base for exploring east Hawai’i.
From Hilo: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is 45 minutes south. Rainbow Falls is a 5-minute drive. The Hilo Farmers Market runs Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Where to book:
- On the Grand Naniloa Hotel website.
- Check Booking.com for deals.
Aerial view of the Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilton in Hilo, retrieved December 2017 from the Hilton website