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The best boutique hotels in Hawaii

If you’re looking for the best boutique hotels in Hawaii, you’ll find them here. These 15 trendy and unique Hawaii hotels offer something for everyone.

Hawaii offers accommodations for just about everyone. From simple campsites to luxury resorts and everything in between. Today, we’ll focus on the best boutique hotels in Hawaii.

First, what is a boutique hotel in Hawaii?

What is a boutique hotel?

There is no hard-set definition of a boutique hotel. However, a boutique hotel is typically a more upscale hotel or resort that is smaller in size.

Boutique hotels are often unique, and many have communal spaces for guests to interact. Although a boutique hotel can be a luxury hotel, not all luxury hotels are considered boutique hotels. 

From specializd decor to unique activities, a boutique hotel is designed with the guest experience in mind.  

Do I need a rental car in Hawaii?

No matter which island you’ll be visiting, I recommend having a rental car; I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental.

You’ll find the best prices, great service, and free cancellation. You won’t pay until you arrive, so reserve early to get the best deal.

The best boutique hotels in Kauai

Let’s kick off this list of the best boutique hotels in Hawaii with my favorite island: Kauai. If you love adventure, outdoor activities, and some of the best scenery in the world, Kauai might be the island for you.

If you’re still trying to figure out which island to visit, I recommend reading which Hawaii island is best. Now, let’s get to the boutique hotels in Kauai.

Ko’a Kea Resort

The Ko’a Kea Resort tops my list of the best honeymoon resorts in Hawaii. 

Located on sunny Poipu Beach, the 121-room Ko’a Kea Hotel and Resort is one of the island’s highest-rated resorts.

If you’re looking for an intimate and romantic beachfront boutique resort, I highly recommend the Ko’a Kea. 

The ISO

The 79-room ISO (Island.Sky.Ocean) resort was named  “Best Boutique Resort” by the Hawaii Magazine editor in 2019. 

I have a full ISO Kauai review if you’d like to check it out and you can check current pricing here.

With rates starting around $200/night, the ISO Kauai is one of Kauai’s most reasonably priced resorts.

I love the daily yoga (included in the small resort fee) and free breakfast.

Sunrise yoga at the ISO Kauai. I’m the one in between the trees!

Hanalei Bay Resort

Located on the stunning North Shore of Kauai, the Hanalei Bay Resort is one of the best in Kauai. The resort’s grounds are beautiful, and it’s a quick walk down the hill to Hanalei Bay.

I almost always recommend an ocean view in Hawaii, but a mountain view at Hanalei Bay Resort is equally stunning!

With only 134 rooms, the Hanalei Bay Resort maintains an intimate feel while still offering guests plenty of amenities.

Beautiful Hanalei Bay is just steps from Hanalei Bay Resort.

Timbers Kauai Ocean Club and Residences 

If you need a little room to spread out, Timbers Kauai Ocean Club and Residences offers just that. Set on the 450-acre Hokuala resort, Timbers Kauai offers 47 residences. 

These 3-4 bedroom luxury residences are perfect for extended families or anyone who needs a bit more space. All 47 residences offer ocean views and private lanais. 

With rates starting at over $1000 per night, Timbers Kauai Ocean Club and Residences is not the least expensive option, but it is one of the most luxurious and spacious. 

The best boutique hotels in Maui

Whether you’re planning a Maui honeymoon or family vacation, Maui offers something for everyone. From the best beaches in Hawaii to a blend of outdoor and modern activities, Maui is an easy choice.

Check out 50 things to do in Maui to learn more. Now, let’s get to the best boutique hotels in Maui.

The Andaz Maui at Wailea

This resort in Wailea is one of the best 5-star resorts in Maui and one of the best Maui honeymoon resorts. 

The Andaz Maui at Wailea is also one of the most eco-friendly resorts on Maui. It was Hawaii’s first LEED-certified resort and uses recycled materials and composts food waste.

Although the Andaz Maui is one of the larger resorts on this list of the best boutique hotels in Hawaii, it still has a boutique feel. 

Although the Andaz Maui at Wailea is not adults-only, you’ll find fewer children here as the resort caters toward adults.

Hotel Wailea

If you’re looking for an adults-only resort in Maui, you’ll find it at The Hotel Wailea. There are hardly any adults-only hotels in Hawaii, and you don’t want to miss this one.

The hotel Wailea is the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in Hawaii. This boutique hotel has only 72 one-bedroom suites and is set on three tropical acres. 

Tesla Model X house vehicles make it convenient for guests to explore the beautiful area, even without a rental car.

The Hotel Wailea is consistently voted one of the best hotels in Hawaii and also one of the top 100 hotels in the world by Travel+Leisure. 

The Hana-Maui Resort

The Hana-Maui Resort (formerly the Travaasa Hana) is tucked away near Hana (yes, as in the road to Hana) and is very quiet and different from anything else you’ll find in Maui.

This is one of the very few Hawaii resorts to offer an inclusive option featuring three chef-prepared meals. 

Although it is not truly “all-inclusive” as it does not offer unlimited dining and drinks, it is about as close as you’ll get to an all-inclusive resort in Hawaii.

The Hana-Maui Resort is not an adults-only hotel, but there are fewer families here since it is so removed from Maui’s popular areas.

The best boutique hotels on the Big Island

The Big Island is the perfect destination for those who love to explore. The Big Island offers many different climate zones, and you can visit all of them within a day.

There are two unique and very different boutique hotels on the Big Island.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has a simple name, but it is far from a simple resort! The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is home to fantastic golf courses and is located on one of the Big Island’s best beaches.

This resort also boasts some of the best dining options on the Big Island. Rates start at around $700 per night. Check the pricing for your dates on Expedia.

Kilauea Lodge 

I normally recommend staying in the Kona/Kohala area, but one exception is Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant. Perched on the rim of Kilauea caldera, Kilauea Lodge is the only hotel located inside of Hawaii Volcanos National Park.

In Hawaii, guests generally prefer an ocean view, but at Kilauea, you can choose a crater view for a unique “only on the Big Island” experience. 

Prices start around $275 per night. I would recommend 1-2 nights here and then spending the rest of the time in the resort area.

The best boutique hotels in Oahu

Oahu is the obvious choice for anyone who loves cities, shopping, and nightlife. Oahu is the most popular Hawaiian island to visit and offers more accommodation options than any other island. 

There are several boutique hotels in Oahu, and they’re all very different. 

The Modern Honolulu

The Modern Honolulu is just that, modern. One of my biggest complaints with Waikiki hotels is that they are “old” and outdated. 

Located on the edge of Waikiki, The Modern Honolulu offers one of the most affordable options on this list of the best boutique hotels in Hawaii.

Rates begin around $215 per night. Check prices for your preferred dates here.

The Kahala Hotel and Resort

The Kahala Hotel and Resort is one of the top 5-star resorts in Oahu. Set on a secluded beach, The Kahala Hotel and Resort is just 10-minutes from the shopping and entertainment of Waikiki. 

The Kahala Hotel and Resort is a popular option for destination weddings, honeymoons, and meetings of all sizes.

The resort has four popular restaurants, and The Kahala Spa boasts a suite of nine spacious treatment rooms designed to exude a sense of calm and serenity.

The Royal Hawaiian

Located in Waikiki Beach, the Royal Hawaiian is arguably the most iconic hotel in Waikiki. Opened in 1927 and known as the “Pink Palance of the Pacific,” The Royal Hawaiian is one of the most popular resorts in Waikiki.

Now owned by Marriott, the Royal Hawaiian offers modern amenities while maintaining a vintage feel. Rates for the Royal Hawaiian start around $300 per night.

The Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club

The Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club comes in at the most affordable boutique hotel in Hawaii. Rates begin around $165 per night, which is very affordable by Hawaii standards. About half of the “average” hotel price.

The styling in this boutique hotel is perfect, and every corner is “insta-worthy.” While the Surfjack is not beachfront, it is a trendy, affordable option. You can check prices for your dates on Expedia for the best rates. 

If you want to least expensive boutique hotel in Hawaii that is beachfront, then you’ll have to head to the ISO in Kauai. 

ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki

If you’re looking for an ultra-exclusive and personalized experience (and have $2500+ per night to spend), ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki may be the place for you.

Just steps from Waikiki Beach, ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki offers all-suite accommodations and exclusive and elite services.

Elite services include airport transfers, use of luxury vehicles, butler and concierge services, a roof-top infinity pool, and so much more.

Elevate your culinary experience by dining at Mugen, or take a break at the ESPACIO spa. 

The best boutique hotels in Lanai

Sensei Lanai

Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, is the only boutique hotel in Lanai to make it on the list. This Wellness Resort is located in the heart of Lanai and offers privacy and personalized wellness experiences.

This resort welcomes guests ages 16 and up. Guests can be connected with a Sensei Guide who works to create seamless integration throughout their stay.

There are two Four Seasons Resorts in Lanai, which I know is confusing for such a small island. 

If you’re looking for a wellness experience on a remote island, Sensei Lanai will be perfect for you and unlike anything else in Hawaii.  Prices begin around $700 per night. 

Boutique Hotels in Hawaii

I hope that this list of the 15 best boutique hotels in Hawaii helped you decide where to stay. With boutique hotels on 5 islands, there’s something for everyone.

Let me know your favorite boutique hotel in Hawaii in the comments. Did I miss anything? Let me know that in the comments too! 

Want even more Hawaii travel ideas? Check out some of my most popular Hawaii blog posts:

• 20 things you should never do in Hawaii
• 100 things to do in Hawaii
• How to visit Hawaii on a budget
• How to survive the flight to Hawaii & how to fight jet lag in Hawaii

I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, however, I am only taking on a few clients for 2021. You can contact me if you’d like more information. I would recommend starting with my Hawaii travel guide if you plan to DIY your vacation!

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