The Big Island of Hawaii offers a selection of hotels and vacation rentals that appeal to those on a budget as well as to those that are looking for a stay at a luxury property. TripAdvisor does a great job of compiling reviews from guests that stay at all of these properties, but they do not do as good at ranking them on their website so we wanted to bring you what we see as the best rated places to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii by guests. We are limiting this list to properties that fall in the luxury category and must have at least 100 reviews. All of these properties at minimum are at a 4.5/5 stars from TripAdvisor reviewers.
Kolea at Waikoloa Beach Resort
Kolea offers 2 and 3 bedroom beachfront vacation rentals as well as 4-6 bedroom private homes all on a beachfront setting within the Waikoloa Beach Resort. All of these condos offer luxurious finishes and are known for their large pocket doors. Guests staying at Kolea get access to the Kolea Beach Club, which is a exclusive club just steps away from the beach that features a fitness hale, an infinity pool, a lava rock jacuzzi, as well as a sand bottom kids pool. Guests of Waikoloa Vacation Rentals staying at Kolea get access to the nearby Hilton Waikoloa.
Kolea at Waikoloa Beach Resort is the only luxury vacation rental community that has a 5 star rating by TripAdvisor.
Mauna Lani Hotel by Auberge
Recently remodeled in 2019, what was the Mauna Lani Bay hotel is now operated by Auberge Resorts as Mauna Lani by Auberge Resorts. Every aspect of the hotel has been significantly improved. The rooms were completely remodeled and offer a very clean, contemporary feel. The amenities were nicely redone and include 2 pools that each have easy access to the beach at Mauna Lani. Their trademark restaurant, the Canoehouse also receive a nice facelift as well some changes to the menu and is noted as one of the top restaurants on the Big Island of Hawaii.
For the most discerning of guests, the Mauna Lani hotel also offers The Residences. These are 5 private bungalow style residences. Three oceanfront and two that front the golf course and offer ocean views. These are one of the top destinations in the world for those looking for the best.
Since Auberge Resorts has taken over, the Mauna Lani Hotel has become the luxury hotel on the Big Island that has a 5 star rating by TripAdvisor.
Four Seasons Hualalai
The Four Seasons Hualalai has always been known as one of the top places to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii. Located within the famous Hualalai Resort, this hotel offers a unique layout in that there are various small buildings around the property in which the rooms are located in. This gives guests a very exclusive feeling rather than that of larger hotels. At the Four Seasons Hualalai there are amenities for everyone. There are a selection of pools, a salt water lagoon that is great for snorkeling, a beach, and much more. Here you will also find one of the top restaurants on the Big Island of Hawaii in ‘Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge.
While the Four Seasons Hualalai recently dropped from a 5 star to a 4.5 star by guests on TripAdvsior it still ranks as one of the top places to stay.
