Best Pool Hotels in Hawaii

The gorgeous grounds of Honua Kai Resort & Spa occupy a good chunk of Ka'anapali Beach along the western coast of Maui – a location that previous guests just can't help but praise. As for the experience of staying here, travelers have mixed feelings. Honua Kai's suite-style accommodations come equipped with full kitchens, ample living space and balconies or terraces; however, some recent travelers say that some of the balconies' ocean vistas leave much to be desired. And while visitors were generally pleased with the resort's atmosphere, they say to look elsewhere if you're seeking a more romantic ambiance, as this property is popular among families and some partiers. It's easy to see why: Not only can the rooms house larger groups, but the resort also boasts a pool with an accompanying water park. Should you need a break from the family bustle, the Ho'ola Spa can easily serve as a place of refuge.

Flanked by the white sand beaches of Ko Olina on the southwestern coast of Oahu, Aulani brings your favorite Disney characters to life amid lush Hawaiian scenery. The resort's accommodations range from standard guest rooms to three-bedroom villas and they include minifridges, Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. Obviously, this resort was designed with kids in mind: Aulani invites families to take advantage of the kid-friendly pools and water play areas, as well as the resort's own snorkeling lagoon, Rainbow Reef. Should parents need some alone time, they can drop the kids off at Aunty's Beach House for supervised activities and head off to the spa for a massage or to the fairways of the Ko Olina Golf Club. Aulani receives high praise from previous guests, who describe this Disney hotel as relaxed and lovely. Still, some travelers mention that the resort's remote location may not be the best for guests looking to experience the sights of Honolulu.

Some say the Grand Hyatt's exceptional staff will make you feel right at home. However, your home probably doesn't have immaculately kept tropical grounds, a sand-bottomed lagoon pool or a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. This resort treats Kauai travelers to a relaxed getaway, with guest rooms outfitted with flat-screen TVs, complimentary refillable water bottles and private lanais (balconies). But you'll likely not be spending much time indoors, as the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort offers plenty in the way of island activities. On the property, you'll find several pools and lagoons worth laying by, as well as a variety of cultural performances taking place on any given day. Visitors enjoy indulging at the Anara Spa and teeing off on the gorgeous Po'ipu Bay Golf Course. And when it comes to dining, travelers say you really can't go wrong with the Grand Hyatt's restaurants, which serve up a variety of cuisines ranging from Hawaiian to Asian to Italian. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa is along the south coast of Kauai, east of Po'ipu Beach. Members of the Hyatt Rewards rewards program can earn and redeem points here, which helps offset the pricey hotel's nightly room rates.

This sprawling, 22-acre resort is conveniently located next to northern edge of Waikiki Beach, offering access to both the sands and the downtown area. Features of the hotel grounds (like the secluded manmade lagoon and the tropical gardens complete with exotic birds) may be reminiscent of a remote Hawaiian jungle, but if you're looking for peace and quiet, you've come to the wrong place. The Hilton Hawaiian Village offers kid-friendly activities like snorkeling and sailing on the hotel's catamaran, and the resort also features 20 restaurants and bars to satisfy every member of the family. Meanwhile, the Waikiki Starlight Luau – which is held on the premises – is certainly a fun way for a family to spend an evening. Most travelers enjoy the long list of amenities, but others were not pleased with the high resort fee ($35 per day). However, Hilton Honors members may want to book a room here to earn and redeem points.

This Four Seasons Resort underwent a major renovation in 2016 that has impressed recent visitors. Guests say the staff here is consistently attentive and helpful, too. Guest rooms also receive high praise for their spacious floor plans and private balconies or patios. Plus, accommodations feature wireless internet access, an evening turndown service and luxury bath amenities. What's more, this Four Seasons outpost is one of Maui's most kid-friendly locales, offering complimentary kids toiletries, a popular game room and kid-friendly menus in its four on-site restaurants. Those traveling without little ones can make the most of the resort's spa and the property's proximity to three scenic golf courses. Or, spend your days lounging on the island's shoreline where service staff will ensure you have enough ice water and towels to keep you feeling cool and comfortable. The only gripe guests had was with the high room rates at this hotel, particularly during peak seasons. As its name suggests, Maui's Four Seasons sits pretty on Wailea Beach.

Those seeking the best of Oahu may very well find it within the confines of this Four Seasons outpost. Situated along the turquoise waters of the Pacific, nearly 30 miles west of Waikiki, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina features 371 oversized rooms (the smallest options start at 640 square feet) that not only ooze with luxury, but most of which also boast unforgettable ocean vistas. Accommodations feature island-style decor (think palm patterned pillows, banana leaf headboards and wicker accents), 65-inch flat-screen TVs and furnished balconies. Beyond the rooms, the resort offers a 24-hour fitness center, a tennis terrace, a golf course and both adult and family pools, as well as the Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre. The resort also provides direct access to the beach and plenty of activities, including stand-up paddleboarding, sunrise yoga and the opportunity to participate in a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe ride. Plus, there are ample dining options (five to be exact) on-site. While the amenities certainly impressed visitors, many guests agreed that the most memorable aspect was the incredible service. Staff members are known to go out of their way to meet special requests, especially for couples celebrating special occasions. 

The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui is a laid-back suite- and villa-filled resort of which island visitors can't seem to get enough. Travelers use words like "gorgeous" and "paradise" to describe the resort's grounds, while the accommodations feature a laundry list of amenities. Suites come with separate living spaces, oversized marble bathrooms, two flat-screen TVs and furnished balconies that offer excellent views of Maui's coast. Although you may be tempted to hole up in your room, previous guests highly recommend taking advantage of all this AccorHotels property has to offer. The resort rubs elbows with the scenic Wailea Golf Club (making it a popular choice for putters) and boasts its own Willow Stream Spa. Guests also have access to three swimming pools; parents can lounge by the adults-only pool while their children make new friends at the kids club. And everyone can regroup for dinner at one of several in-house restaurants. Meanwhile, members of the Le Club AccorHotels rewards program will receive extra special treatment in the form of perks like spa discounts.

Guests have a habit of falling in love with this Marriott's unbeatable location. The resort sports panoramic views of the Pacific from many different points in the hotel, including its spacious rooms (starting at 437 square feet). Accommodations here sport amenities like private balconies, flat-screen TVs and in-room coffee makers. (If you don't mind paying extra, previous guests suggest splurging on an oceanfront room – some travelers say it's worth the extra coin for the sunset views.) The resort also features the Mandara Spa, the Wailea Golf Club, a fitness center and multiple pools, including the adventure pool with water slides, perfect for traveling families. What's more, many guests cite the staff as outstanding. Because of this hotel's family ties, the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa participates in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.

Sitting pretty on Kauai's southeastern coast near the popular Po'ipu Beach, this resort earns rave reviews from recent guests for its spacious studios and villas (studios start at 475 square feet). Rooms feature up to four bedrooms and include full kitchens or kitchenettes, flat-screen TVs and oversized balconies. Though lodgers praise the roomy accommodations, recent guests had some complaints when it came to housekeeping services. When you're not lounging in your digs, you'll find plenty of resort activities to keep you occupied, including volleyball, soccer and snorkeling. If you've got kids in tow, take your brood to the new 350,000-gallon Signature Lagoon Pool, which recently opened in the spring of 2017. For a more peaceful dip, head to the adults-only Tranquility Waterfall Pool. For more pampering, book an appointment at the spa or join in on complimentary yoga. And now that this sprawling resort is a member of the Marriott family, Marriot Bonvoy members can earn or redeem points by choosing to stay here.

Sitting along Waikiki Beach's coveted sands, the Sheraton Waikiki is one of the larger hotels on the Honolulu shore. That can be both good and bad. On one hand, recent guests say there is plenty to do both on-site and off. On the other hand, some visitors say this hotel can feel crowded – not only are there dozens of travelers milling around, but this Sheraton's proximity to the convention center makes it popular with business travelers, too. However, many visitors are willing to brave the crowds for access to the Sheraton Waikiki's excellent location in the heart of the action. In terms of amenities, there are two oceanfront pools and cultural activities such as hula lessons and arts and crafts on-site. The hotel also features a few dining options to choose from, though dozens of restaurants sit within walking distance of the front door. Plus, members of the Marriott Bonvoy program can earn and redeem points here.

Sitting about 4 miles south of the Kapalua Airport along the Kaanapali Coast, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa feels more like a theme park then a resort. The property features 87,000-square-foot network of five separate pools joined by swim-through grottos, waterfalls and even a giant waterslide – giving nearby resorts a run for their money. But this Westin property will appeal to couples as well thanks to its Heavenly Spa and luxurious guest rooms. Accommodations here are dressed in creamy hues and feature Westin's signature Heavenly beds, HD flat-screen TVs and private lanais (balconies). With such a wide appeal, it's not surprising that travelers complain of dense crowds; in other words, you'll need to get up as early as 7 a.m. if you want a chair to lounge in around the aforementioned pool. And with so many travelers to please, the customer service here isn't always up to Marriott standards, some visitors say. Others say the price is high for what you get, but if you're a member of the Marriott Bonvoy program, you can cut costs by earning and redeeming points here.

Perched on the volcanic cliffs of Keauhou Bay on the western shores of the Big Island, the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa offers beautiful views and kid-friendly amenities. Teens can meet and greet at the Club Le'ale' lounge while younger kids can play in the sand-bottom children's pool. The whole family can take part in manta ray presentations (offered in the evenings Monday through Friday). For a little more excitement, bring the whole family to the Haleo Luau dinner and show, which takes place every Monday. Accommodations here are fairly standard in terms of decor, offering private balconies, flat-panel TVs and Sheraton's signature Sweet Sleeper beds. Though while some travelers weren't too wowed by the rooms, guests can earn or cash in points if they're a part of the Marriott Bonvoy club.

Just northeast of Kekaha Kai State Park, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is one of the most luxurious resorts on the Big Island. Recent visitors suggested indulging in the Hualalai Spa, which features spa treatments with island twists, like a Polynesian Niu (Coconut) Scrub or a Sun Relief Ti Leaf Wrap. Meanwhile, the resort's seven unique swimming spots – from a saltwater pond with a few friendly manta rays to an oceanfront infinity pool – earn high marks across the board. Should you be interested in learning more about Hawaiian life, the Ka'upulehu Cultural Center offers interactive programs that give insight into the island's history, traditions and even music. After a long day of learning (or relaxing), enjoy a fresh seafood meal at one of three restaurants or two lounges before retiring to your room. Accommodations at this Four Seasons resort feature nature-inspired hues and Hawaiian art, as well as balconies, granite bathrooms and plasma TVs. Although recent guests won't deny that room rates and dining costs here are high, they say that the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai's facilities and customer service are worth the price.

Travelers are hard-pressed to find much to complain about at the Montage Kapalua Bay. Located on the northwest corner of Maui, this 24-acre property offers panoramic views of the beach and ocean. Visitors can spend their time on the water with activities that range from sport fishing to snorkeling. The resort also offers more adventurous pursuits like zip lining and helicopter tours, as well as traditional Hawaiian luau shows. Other activity options include shopping, golfing on two award-winning courses or playing a round of tennis at the hotel's courts. If you're looking to relax, you can enjoy the complimentary beach towels and chairs, take advantage of the poolside Hana Hou Bar & Sunset Patio or indulge in a spa treatment. Accommodations here are one-, two-, three- or four-bedroom suites and each come equipped with separate living and sleeping areas, and furnished lanais. Additional amenities include flat-screen TVs, in-room laundry facilities and bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. To top off their great experiences, recent guests said all staff members, from the pool attendants to the restaurant servers, went above and beyond to ensure they had a pleasurable stay. 

Directly overlooking Wailea Beach, the hulking Grand Wailea does everything big. Take the pool, for example: This beloved swim spot is a behemoth set of waterfalls and waterslides connected by a flowing river. Meanwhile, The Spa Grande's 50,000 square feet cover space that host a laundry list of treatments in addition to a fitness center with daily classes. Guest rooms here are also impressive: Each accommodation boasts its own private balcony, as well as a flat-screen TV and complimentary internet access. Although hotel rates here are already high, previous visitors highly recommend splurging on a room that faces the ocean, saying that the views are worth the lofty prices. Because this is a Waldorf Astoria resort, members of the Hilton Honors program can use points to cover the cost of an upgrade. That way, you can afford to splurge on a meal at the resort's super-scenic Humuhumunukunukuapua'a restaurant, which sits atop a saltwater lagoon.

This boutique resort on Oahu's northern shore – about 45 miles northwest of Waikiki Beach – is popular among avid movie- and television-buffs: Turtle Bay Resort was featured in the film, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," and the the hit television show "LOST" used the resort's grounds as a backdrop. It's easy to see why Hollywood is so infatuated with Turtle Bay: The property encompasses roughly 850 acres of Hawaiian flora, fauna and shoreline. Inside, you'll find spacious guest rooms, each boasting gorgeous ocean views, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Outside of the rooms, amenities remain abundant. There's golf courses, a spa, fitness classes, a tennis center, multiple restaurants, a luau experience, water sports activities and much more. Previous visitors have been wowed Turtle Bay's setting above all and give kudos to the staff as well. 

"No beach" – words that could horrify any vacationer to Hawaii. But at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, you shouldn't worry: Guests of this Westin property can access St. Regis' stellar sands via a complimentary shuttle ride. And there is enough at The Westin Princeville to keep you occupied: The resort grounds feature multiple pools and a fitness center, and staying here will put you within easy reach of the fairways at the nearby Makai Club Resort. Guests regularly described rooms here as spacious, coming outfitted with whirlpool baths, kitchens, flat-screen TVs and Bose stereos. While there is plenty on-site, some guests were still pretty hung up on the fact that there is no beach and found it inconvenient to have to travel for it. Though many were in agreement that the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Couples and families are enchanted by the enormous grounds and its various things to do at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. The hotel offers a traditional Lu'au and a unique Tour of the Stars, where guests can view the night sky from a 14-inch reflector telescope. If that's not enough to enough to satiate the curiosity of the little ones, there's plenty else families can do on-site. Parents can take the kids to lei making classes, penguin feedings, hula demonstrations or venture to the pool area, which features a waterslide and manmade lagoon equipped with shady shores and lava rocks. The sprawling Hyatt Regency Maui's also encompasses multiple restaurants, a fitness center with daily classes and more than 100,000 feet of function space. Meanwhile, the guest rooms boast private balconies, flat-screen TVs and iHome alarm clocks. Still, some travelers say that the room decor is starting to look a little tired. You'll find this Hyatt along the shores of Ka'anapali Beach on Maui's northwest coast. Members of Hyatt's rewards program can earn and redeem points here.

The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is located along the coast of Ka'anapali, built into the cliffs of a small cove near the legendary "Black Rock" hardened lava formation, one of Maui's favorite snorkeling spots. Most of these Sheraton rooms and suites also boast ocean views, as well as flat-screen TVs and private balconies. The Sheraton does impose a resort fee, but that gets you "free" internet access in your room, access to an area shuttle and more. A stay here will also grant you access to the Sheraton's pool and The Spa at Black Rock, not to mention several restaurants. Recent guests found the property to be "beautiful," the rooms "spacious and comfortable" and the service "accommodating and pleasant," though several guests mentioned that the bathrooms are tiny. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Sprawling across 62 acres of the Big Island's coveted Kohala Coast, the Hilton Waikoloa Village can sometimes feel more like a theme park than a luxury hotel. The property boasts a variety of activities to keep visitors – particularly families – entertained, including dolphin encounters, three pools (one adults-only and one with a 175-foot waterslide) and evening luaus. And for a more relaxing getaway, this Hilton property features a 25,000-square-foot full-service Kohala Spa, as well as two championship golf courses. But despite everything this massive hotel has to offer, not all visitors are impressed. On one hand, visitors appreciate that every room here comes equipped with the Hilton brand's signature Serenity beds and private lanais (balconies). Guests also praise the hotel employees for their friendly demeanor. On the other hand, some travelers felt that because this is a megaresort, they didn't feel special and instead just one of the masses staying there. Others also complained of the high prices at the on-site restaurants. However, members of the Hilton Honors rewards program can save by using points to pay.

An extension of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, the Grand Waikikian towers over southern Honolulu. Sitting on 22 acres of land, the Village is home to multiple restaurants, a video arcade and the Mandara Spa, so you probably won't have to leave the property to have a good time. But just in case, the complex is within reach of both surfer-famed Waikiki Beach and the challenging hiking trails of Diamond Head Peak. The hotel's one- and two-bedroom suites all boast full kitchens and dining areas, plus private balconies, flat-screen TVs and high-speed Internet access. Though with plenty of room to stretch out — not to mention several different pools to choose from — some guests still couldn't get over the high price for parking, and wish there were cheaper options available to guests. As part of the Hilton family, The Grand Waikikian participates in the Hilton Honors reward program, although it falls under the "Distinctive Rewards" category.

This Four Seasons property attracts beach lovers. Positioned along a beautiful stretch of Hulopoe Bay sand overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this resort offers breathtaking ocean views, manicured grounds and top-notch customer service. During their stays, guests can enjoy outdoor pursuits, such as snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, hiking, whale watching, scuba diving and more. Visitors use terms like "paradise" and "heaven on earth" to describe the property. Guest rooms all feature private patios, as well as amenities like 75-inch flat-screen TVs with Blu-ray players, Nespresso machines and free internet access. One of the most loved features is the complimentary shuttle, which will cart you to and from Lanai Town. Recent visitors do say you should brace yourself for the high cost of meals at the resort's multiple restaurants and treatments at the in-house spa. Still, most travelers enjoy this Four Seasons resort's piece of shoreline and its world-class golf course.

Recognizing The Royal Hawaiian isn't difficult at all. This bubblegum pink property has dominated the Waikiki shoreline for almost 90 years. Guest rooms here feature splashes of bright, bold patterns and feature amenities like flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access and in-room coffee makers. Overall, previous guests enjoyed staying at this hotel. Although you will have to rush to get a seat by the pool, you can always take advantage of how close The Royal Hawaiian is to the best stretches of Waikiki's midway sands instead. The expensive property also houses the full-service Abhasa Spa, while fresh seafood can be enjoyed in style at the Azure Restaurant. But take note: Many visitors say that a stay at The Royal Hawaiian will cost you. However, this hotel participates in the Marriott Bonvoy program, meaning members can cash in their points for perks.

The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is a 297-room beachfront property that boasts views of the Anaeho'omalu Bay (or, A-Bay). Each of the guest rooms and suites comes equipped with a minifridge, a coffee maker, a pillow-top mattress and Wi-Fi access (free for rewards members). Most rooms also have balconies or patios with ocean views. Recent guests enjoyed the spacious and clean rooms, as well as the friendly and accommodating hotel staff. And when you get hungry, a couple different dining options serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. There's also a sunset luau two times per week with food and entertainment, plus a shave ice stand. Other restaurants can be found near the property. Additional on-site amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, multiple outdoor pools, two championship golf courses and a full-service spa. Hiking, kayaking and surfing are a few of the activities available at the resort's private beach, but guests should be aware that there is a mandatory resort fee charged daily. Since this hotel has ties to the Marriott brand, Marriott Bonvoy members can accrue and redeem points by staying here. 

Located less than a mile inland from D.T. Fleming Beach on Maui's northwest coast, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – with its epic views of Molokai Island – is popular with travelers in more ways than one. The rooms are spacious and are dressed in a tropical-yet-refined style brought on by yellow and green decor and wrought-iron lanais (Hawaiian patios). Accommodations at this Ritz-Carlton also feature flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms and high-speed internet access. Past visitors are also bowled over by the quality of this resort's customer service: Guests say that the staff here worked hard to ensure a comfortable stay. While you're here, travelers recommend taking advantage of the pool. And if you're looking to unwind even further, splurge on a treatment at the spa. Others enjoyed the hiking excursions and other outdoor ventures with the Ambassadors of the Environment program. And at the end of the day, refuel with a full plate of fresh cuisine at Hook + Knife at Ulana, one of the resort's six restaurants. Staying here will cost you a pretty penny, especially if you include the $35 daily resort fee. This Marriott-affiliated property participates in the Marriott Bonvoy program, so guests can earn and use points by staying here.