The 17 Best Luxury Hotels in Honolulu

High above the street: At The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach, two infinity pools sit on the eighth floor, looking over Waikiki to the ocean. Also on the eighth floor, Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani has its Vitality Pool with an infinity edge, a hot tub and semi-private cabanas, reserved for hotel guests. Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort has a family pool and an adults-only pool on a one-acre deck, plus 34 cabanas.The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach · WaikikiFor families: The Helumoa Playground at Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort has a water slide, waterfalls and a hot tub. At ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, a saltwater infinity pool lies on a deck of about 17,000 square feet, and the ninth-floor recreation deck adds tennis courts and batting cages.

Calm and classic: Guests aged 16 and over swim in the Edge Infinity Pool at Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, right on the beach. At Halekulani Honolulu, the heated pool lies by the ocean, with an orchid mosaic glowing on its floor. The Royal Hawaiian Resort Waikiki keeps the saltwater Malulani Pool and its cabanas for its own guests only. Above the yacht harbor, the infinity pool at Prince Waikiki Honolulu, with daybeds, is also for guests 16 and up. Tell us which pool matters most, and we will match your 5-star hotel in Honolulu to it.

Healing waters: SpaHalekulani at Halekulani Honolulu is devoted to the healing waters of Kawehewehe. The Uahi Wai suite has a steam chamber, and there are five more treatment rooms, a Skin Care Suite and a salon. At Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki, the spa comes to you: lomilomi, deep tissue massage or a session on a Gharieni vibroacoustic bed, daily from 9 am to 6 pm in your suite.Halekulani Honolulu · OahuJapanese bathing, garden calm: In the Nami Spa at Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa, you move between indoor and outdoor ofuro baths, cold plunges and Himalayan salt saunas. In the middle of Waikiki, the Abhasa Spa at The Royal Hawaiian Resort Waikiki treats guests in an open-air garden courtyard with cabanas, a steam room and a whirlpool. At The Kahala Hotel Honolulu, the spa has ten spacious treatment suites and an outdoor rest area.

By the water: The Moana Lani Spa at Moana Surfrider Waikiki Beach sits right on the ocean, with massages, body treatments and a lounge where men and women relax together. Planning a spa afternoon at your 5-star hotel in Honolulu? Reserve the treatment before you arrive.

In Waikiki, rates start at 280 € at The Laylow Waikiki on Kuhio Avenue and at 319 € at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort on the beach. Moana Surfrider Waikiki Beach starts at 410 €.The Laylow Waikiki · WaikikiAbove that come The Kahala Hotel Honolulu from 594 € and The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach from 600 €; Halekulani Honolulu costs from 831 €. For a full-floor suite at Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki, expect from 2,738 € per night.

Near Ala Moana, Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa starts at 361 €, and Prince Waikiki Honolulu on the yacht harbor at 320 €. The table lists all 17 properties by location; the hotel list below shows today’s rates and open rooms.

Included through suitespot: Breakfast comes with every property; at Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki up to six guests eat breakfast. Most hotels add a $100 hotel credit; at Moana Surfrider Waikiki Beach it is $75, at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort $50 for food and drinks.

Special extras: At Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki, champagne on arrival, a round-trip airport transfer and, depending on the rate, $300 toward dinner at Mugen await you. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort requires at least two nights; at every other property one night is enough.

Points and status: Plenty of luxury hotels in Honolulu belong to Marriott Bonvoy, such as Moana Surfrider Waikiki Beach and Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa. Double points with Hilton Honors are on offer at Ka La'i Waikiki Beach, World of Hyatt at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and I Prefer at Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani.

Honolulu through the year: Sunshine and warm water are a year-round affair. In winter humpback whales pass offshore; in summer the Pacific off Waikiki is mostly gentle, perfect for a first surf lesson. At the end of the year the beach hotels are in high demand, so booking early pays off.

Length of stay: Three to five nights are enough for a 5-star hotel in Honolulu, with time for the beach, Diamond Head, the Bishop Museum and a day on the North Shore. Many guests then add a few days on a neighbor island.