13 Best Hotels in Big Island, Hawaii

Four beautifully restored ranch houses and bungalows occupy this historic country estate in Hawi, where guests enjoy their own private swimming pools, horseback riding, round-the-clock concierge availability, and plenty of fresh fruit from the orchards. Listed on the State Historic Register, Puakea Ranch pays homage to the four generations of cowboys and plantation workers who once lived on the property. The two-bedroom Yoshi's House sleeps six and has ocean views from the lanai, plus a lava-rock swimming pool. Cowboy House is a three-bedroom former bunkhouse that sleeps six, while the Miles Away bungalow provides two bedrooms and its own private dipping pool. A large studio, James Cottage shares a swimming pool with Cowboy House and also has its own private hot tub. Decorated with local art depicting the property, each home has its own kitchen, barbecue grills, and washer-dryer. It's 15 minutes to the closest public beach, and just down the road from the artists' town of Hawi. It's one of the few properties on the Kohala Coast that can also be entirely booked for weddings and events. 

This small, oceanfront, walk-up hotel about a mile south of downtown Kailua Village, with modest, pleasantly decorated rooms on the ocean, is probably the best deal in town. Some might call it dated or old-fashioned, while others would say it imbues a cool vintage Hawaiiana charm. All rooms have fridges, but the lack of TVs is a proud tradition the hotel has maintained since the 1950s. Who needs TV when you have the ocean this close? A deposit is required, and you will need to book well in advance to secure a room.

Hospitality abounds at this luxurious B&B in a secluded rain forest, where the separate suites (connected by paths) offer amenities including fine furnishings, dining niches, jetted bathtubs, heated blankets, and private forest entrances. In the lobby, the friendly staff "talks story" with guests and shares complimentary coffee, tea, cookies, and baked goods. On cool Volcano nights, warm yourself in the hot tub set under the stars.

These slightly older condominium units, spread out among three low-rises on the ocean side of Alii Drive, are situated at Kona's most popular surfing spot, Banyans, and also just a couple of minutes' drive from Kailua Village and within walking distance of popular Laaloa (Magic Sands) Beach Park. Kitchens are fully equipped. Choose between the lower-priced mountain view, midrange partial ocean view, and more expensive oceanfront rooms; the rates are surprisingly decent. There's a great Hawaiian poke café (Da Poke Shack) nearby, plus a cash-only sundry shop across the street.

These large and comfy town houses and condominiums, located just off the fairway of the Waikoloa Beach Course, are a short walk from Anaehoomalu Bay. Designed in the style of plantation-era homes, the villas are decorated with rattan furniture and tropical themes and come complete with top-notch appliances in fully equipped kitchens. A five-minute walk from the upscale Kings' Shops, the facility has its own infinity pool, a lava-rock whirlpool spa, and a small gym.

You wouldn't expect to find a top-notch B&B in Kau, but this grand residence offers large private suites with locally harvested hardwood floors and private lanai with ocean and mountain views. Choose between a full hot breakfast or a farm-to-table breakfast that presents locally sourced fruits and baked goods—and comes with award-winning Kau estate coffee. For those who want to explore the area's green- and black-sand beaches, or hike to the Kahuku unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, hosts Kenny Joyce and Kilohana Domingo are happy to share their knowledge of the area. The inn prides itself on its programs involving Hawaiian cultural arts, and guests may take part in Hawaiian feather arts or weaving workshops.

With a prime location in the center of Waimea, this newly renovated boutique inn offers beautiful accommodations that feature Hawaiian-style bed linens and paniolo (cowboy) art, along with polished, upgraded decor such as barn doors, high-definition TVs, granite countertops, and rainfall showerheads. Some rooms even have kitchenettes, but a continental breakfast is included in the price. Baths are equipped with locally made, eco-friendly Hawaiian body products and plenty of fluffy towels.  

The 16-acre grounds provide a peaceful and verdant background for this low-rise condominium complex bordering the Keauhou-Kona Country Club and within a five-minute drive of the nearest beaches, Kahaluu and Laaloa (Magic Sands). The property has three swimming pools, two tennis courts, hot tubs, and barbecue areas. Large units have koa-wood cabinetwork and washer-dryers. Cleaning fees apply. The proximity of Keauhou Bay and Keauhou Shopping Center makes this complex an excellent choice for families.

The former home of the late legendary artist Herb Kane, this luxury boutique guesthouse occupies a 16-acre avocado farm overlooking the South Kona coastline. Internationally traveled proprietors Michael and David leave no stone unturned; amenities include fresh flowers, evening turndown, robes and slippers, Molton Brown products, and tropical fruit baskets. Kane's iconic artwork is displayed in all the suites. Detached from the main residence, the Kane and Kanaloa suites are spacious and private. The Kane Suite opens onto a water garden and porch, and includes koa furnishings designed by the artist along with a minibar, library, marble bathroom, and atrium Zen garden. Breakfast features ingredients grown on the property.

A mile from the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this lodge built as a YMCA camp in the 1930s is now a pleasant inn, tastefully furnished with European antiques, photographs, and authentic Hawaiian quilts. Of the 12 accommodations on the property, all are heated and have private baths; seven have gas fireplaces, and one has a wood-burning fireplace (the Honeymoon Deluxe Room). The charming one-bedroom cottage on the property is perfect for romance. A central common room, the Hale Aloha Building, offers a wood-burning fireplace and library. For a quintessential Volcano Village experience under the stars, guests can use the covered outdoor hot tub, which seats seven. The Lodge's restaurant is open to the public and features island-inspired cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

What the hotel's concrete architecture lacks in intimacy, it makes up for with its beautifully manicured grounds, historical sense of place, stylish interiors, and stunning location on Keauhou Bay. Many rooms have great views of the bay and feel like they're right on the water, and each is decorated in a modern Polynesian style. Those traveling with kids appreciate the pool complex, one of the coolest on the island, with a slide, waterfalls, sand-bottom kids' pool, and an ocean view. There are plenty of activities, including daily historical walking tours, beginning hula, and puka shell bracelet making. A first rate luau, held on a grassy lawn with a backdrop of coconut trees, features the live Polynesian show Feast & Fire, which immerses guests in the area's history and culture. Take a walk in the evenings and spot the mantas that glide below the lanai in the glow of a spotlight.

Stocked with a plethora of adventure gear (for sale) such as snorkels, coolers, and sunscreen along with drinks and snacks in each room's "macro" bar, Kona's newest hip boutique hotel caters to the younger, more adventurous traveler. Rooms are decorated with photography by local artists, and guests can expect ultra-premium linens and towels. The location in the heart of town assures shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés are an easy stroll away, not to mention the beach and pier.  

This iconic Kona hotel is a great option: the location is central; the bar, lounge, pool, and restaurant are right on the water; and the rooms feature comfortable, contemporary Hawaiian decor with Polynesian accents. The hotel is adjacent to numerous shops and restaurants in the heart of Kailua Village. A luau with Polynesian entertainment (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday) is fun and quite popular, and the Lotus Center spa offers massages, facials, and chiropractic. There's also a fitness room on-site. Don's Mai Tai Bar (check out the restaurant's classic South Pacific architecture and authentic tiki decor) unveils incredible oceanfront views of Kailua Bay with a backdrop of authentic Hawaiian music.