This year’s World’s Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

It’s been a big year for the Aloha State: as the U.S. continues to move toward a new normal, travel to Hawaii has soared. Visitors are rediscovering what makes this Pacific Ocean archipelago so alluring. For starters, there’s the cultural influence of ancient Polynesia. Hawaii’s landscapes span ethereal white- and black-sand beaches, interior rain forests, and active and dormant volcanoes. And there’s an increasingly diversified food and restaurant scene, plus an array of hotels to complement almost any getaway.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

This year’s list of the best resorts in Hawaii includes properties on five of the islands popular with visitors: the Island of Hawaii, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, and Oahu.

Courtesy of Halekulani

On the Island of Hawaii, this year’s No. 9 Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, earned plaudits for a magnificent renovation, recently completed. “The transformation was stunning,” said one voter, who has been visiting for 20 years. What hasn’t changed, readers said, is the resort’s warm service. “It always feels like I’m coming home when I stay at the Mauna Lani,” said one voter.

Over on Maui, Hotel Wailea came in at No. 4, thanks to “the setting and the adult-only vibe,” said one reader, who appreciated the property’s no kids policy. Another raved that the property was “wonderfully curated. They have everything you need, nothing you don’t, and the small, intimate feel of a perfect boutique hotel.”

Read on to see which other properties T+L readers deemed the best resorts in Hawaii — and why the storied Halekulani captured the No.1 spot.

  1. Halekulani, Oahu

Courtesy of Halekulani

For decades, this understated Waikiki classic has set the standard for luxury hotels on Oahu — a feat that will likely be taken to new heights in October, when the property reopens after an extensive renovation. “Amazing service, location, restaurants, and spa facilities” is how one reader summed up the experience. The Halekulani is an outlier among the otherwise colorful, busy hotels that line Oahu’s main tourist strip. The look is a quiet, more formal version of island life. Interior spaces utilize tones of white and cream, with light-wood furnishings and towering tropical flower arrangements. The 453 guest rooms are similarly serene — almost minimalist — and nothing detracts from the dazzling views of Diamond Head, the island’s legendary extinct volcano, and the Pacific. The Halekulani’s flagship fine-dining restaurant, La Mer, is widely considered by T+L readers to be one of the best in Honolulu, with a menu inspired by the south of France while using the bounty of local ingredients.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 94.99More information: halekulani.com

  1. Prince Waikiki, Oahu

Courtesy of Prince Waikiki

Score: 94.60More information: princewaikiki.com

  1. Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui

Courtesy of Montage Kapalua Bay

Score: 94.34More information: montage.com

  1. Hotel Wailea, Maui

Brian Leahy/Courtesy of Hotel Wailea

Score: 94.21More information: hotelwailea.com

  1. Timbers Kaua’i

Courtesy of Timbers Resorts

Score: 94.10More information: timberskauai.com

  1. Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Lanai

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 93.22More information: fourseasons.com

  1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Island of Hawaii

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 93.19More information: fourseasons.com

  1. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection, Island of Hawaii

Courtesy of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Score: 92.67More information: maunakeabeachhotel.com

  1. The Laylow, Autograph Collection, Oahu

Courtesy of The Laylow, Autograph Collection

Score: 92.64More information: laylowwaikiki.com

  1. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Island of Hawaii

Courtesy of Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Score: 92.56More information: augergeresorts.com

  1. The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, Island of Hawaii

Courtesy of Fairmont Orchid

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.50More information: fairmont.com

  1. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui

Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

Score: 92.49More information: ritzcarlton.com

  1. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, Island of Hawaii

Courtesy of Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Score: 92.44More information: marriott.com

  1. Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort, Kauai

Courtesy of The Kahala Hotel & Resort

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.00More information: meritagecollection.com

  1. Kaimana Beach Hotel, Oahu

Courtesy of Kaimana Beach Hotel

Score: 91.83More information: kaimana.com

  1. The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

Courtesy of Fairmont Kea Lani

Score: 91.70More information: fairmont.com

  1. Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Score: 91.37More information: fourseasons.com

  1. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 90.96More information: fourseasons.com

  1. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Courtesy of Grand Hyatt Hawaii

Score: 90.78More information: hyatt.com

  1. The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Oahu

Courtesy of The Kahala Hotel & Resort

Score: 90.29More information: kahalaresort.com

See all of our readers’ favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World’s Best Awards for 2021.

This year’s World’s Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

It’s been a big year for the Aloha State: as the U.S. continues to move toward a new normal, travel to Hawaii has soared. Visitors are rediscovering what makes this Pacific Ocean archipelago so alluring. For starters, there’s the cultural influence of ancient Polynesia. Hawaii’s landscapes span ethereal white- and black-sand beaches, interior rain forests, and active and dormant volcanoes. And there’s an increasingly diversified food and restaurant scene, plus an array of hotels to complement almost any getaway.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

This year’s list of the best resorts in Hawaii includes properties on five of the islands popular with visitors: the Island of Hawaii, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, and Oahu.

On the Island of Hawaii, this year’s No. 9 Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, earned plaudits for a magnificent renovation, recently completed. “The transformation was stunning,” said one voter, who has been visiting for 20 years. What hasn’t changed, readers said, is the resort’s warm service. “It always feels like I’m coming home when I stay at the Mauna Lani,” said one voter.

Over on Maui, Hotel Wailea came in at No. 4, thanks to “the setting and the adult-only vibe,” said one reader, who appreciated the property’s no kids policy. Another raved that the property was “wonderfully curated. They have everything you need, nothing you don’t, and the small, intimate feel of a perfect boutique hotel.”

Read on to see which other properties T+L readers deemed the best resorts in Hawaii — and why the storied Halekulani captured the No.1 spot.

1. Halekulani, Oahu

For decades, this understated Waikiki classic has set the standard for luxury hotels on Oahu — a feat that will likely be taken to new heights in October, when the property reopens after an extensive renovation. “Amazing service, location, restaurants, and spa facilities” is how one reader summed up the experience. The Halekulani is an outlier among the otherwise colorful, busy hotels that line Oahu’s main tourist strip. The look is a quiet, more formal version of island life. Interior spaces utilize tones of white and cream, with light-wood furnishings and towering tropical flower arrangements. The 453 guest rooms are similarly serene — almost minimalist — and nothing detracts from the dazzling views of Diamond Head, the island’s legendary extinct volcano, and the Pacific. The Halekulani’s flagship fine-dining restaurant, La Mer, is widely considered by T+L readers to be one of the best in Honolulu, with a menu inspired by the south of France while using the bounty of local ingredients.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 94.99More information: halekulani.com

2. Prince Waikiki, Oahu

Score: 94.60More information: princewaikiki.com

3. Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui

Score: 94.34More information: montage.com

4. Hotel Wailea, Maui

Score: 94.21More information: hotelwailea.com

5. Timbers Kaua’i

Score: 94.10More information: timberskauai.com

6. Four Seasons Resort Lanai

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 93.22More information: fourseasons.com

7. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Island of Hawaii

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 93.19More information: fourseasons.com

8. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection, Island of Hawaii

Score: 92.67More information: maunakeabeachhotel.com

9. The Laylow, Autograph Collection, Oahu

Score: 92.64More information: laylowwaikiki.com

10. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Island of Hawaii

Score: 92.56More information: augergeresorts.com

11. The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, Island of Hawaii

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.50More information: fairmont.com

12. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui

Score: 92.49More information: ritzcarlton.com

13. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, Island of Hawaii

Score: 92.44More information: marriott.com

14. Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort, Kauai

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.00More information: meritagecollection.com

15. Kaimana Beach Hotel, Oahu

Score: 91.83More information: kaimana.com

16. The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

Score: 91.70More information: fairmont.com

17. Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina

Score: 91.37More information: fourseasons.com

18. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 90.96More information: fourseasons.com

19. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Score: 90.78More information: hyatt.com

20. The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Oahu

Score: 90.29More information: kahalaresort.com

See all of our readers’ favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World’s Best Awards for 2021.