They say Big Island has the best resorts in all of Hawaii, and it’s true, especially for big groups or families with kids. But when it comes to honeymoons or more intimate stays, there are really only four resorts you will want to book. Don’t worry though: they’re all great. From charming inns on coffee plantations to expensive five-star affairs, these romantic resorts will make your honeymoon unforgettable.
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Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kailua-Kona, HI, United States
The most booked resort for honeymooners, married couples, gay couples, CEOs and their mistresses, celebrities and their lovers and even millionaires on blind dates is Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. This five-star resort is booked solid in high season, so you better get to their reservation page soon. The self-contained oasis with 243 rooms and suites has fine dining, seven swimming areas (including a natural, outdoor “aquarium” you can swim in with eagle rays and tropical fish), a mind-blowing outdoor spa, and plenty of quiet, secluded spaces to get romantic. Even if you shack up in an ocean-view room (the cheapest option here) you’re still going to be floored. If you have money to blow, though, you might want to woo your girl with a suite. The Superior Suite clocks in at $2,200 a night but it’s basically double the size and has spectacular ocean views. For even more cash, you can live large in the Deluxe Suite ($3,400) with prime ocean views, seemingly more room than an entire Holiday Inn, and a ridiculously huge terrace.
extremely popular | self-contained oasis
Holualoa Inn
Holualoa Inn, Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, HI, United States
You really don’t have to break the bank to have an unforgettable honeymoon. Case in point: Holualoa Inn. This rustic “bed and breakfast” is beyond intimate (with only six rooms), beyond rustic (located on a 30-acre estate with chickens roaming around), and beyond spectacular (its sweeping views of the Hawaiian coastline are completely removed from all the tourist zones.) A true hidden gem, Holualoa Inn was practically built for romance, with its rooftop gazebo, quiet pool, and exotic rooms. Even breakfast here is as fresh as it gets since most produce comes straight from their farm (including eggs from their chickens). The Gardenia Suite is stunning and a steal at $465 a night but we recommend the Darrell Hill Cottage. It’s only $80 bucks more and you get a stand-alone cottage with a full kitchen and private lanai (or veranda).
rustic bed and breakfast | built for romance
Mauna Kea Beach Resort
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Waimea, HI, United States
WOAH. That’s what you’re going to say once you see Mauna Kea. The luxury and service is exceptional, the ocean views are stunning, the beach is one of the best in Big Island and the rooms are exquisite. Opened by the Rockefellers back in the ’60s, Mauna Kea Beach Resort is legendary. We suggest booking the Beachfront Suite ($1,465), which has views of the pool, lawn, and ocean. At 1,268 square feet it also has a bonus garden-view sitting room that’s crazy huge. If even that doesn’t impress you, try booking the Mauna Kea Suite. It’s $4,000 a night (a huge sum, but actually not that bad for Hawaii suites or presidential suites in general) and crowns the top floor with two balconies, huge tubs, and priceless ocean views. One last thing: this resort has manta rays. Tons of them. They come up to a particular spot at the resort every night to be fed. It’s one of the coolest things you’ll ever see, anywhere.
exceptional service | stunning ocean views
Lava Lava Beach Club
Lava Lava Beach Club, Anaeho’omalu Bay
Ever since Lava Lava Beach Club opened a few years back in Anaeho’omalu Bay, the bar/restaurant has been killing it with locals and tourists alike. It’s right on the beach, which is rare for Hawaii (yes… believe it or not, due to zoning laws, there are only a few bars/restaurants actually on the beach ). So the guys who opened LLBC rode that primetime wave and opened four cottages. These are so swank and in such high demand it’s hard to actually book one, but be persistent and you’ve got a shot. Plan your honeymoon around occupancy dates. You won’t regret it. They’re contemporary, rustic, and super chic, with patios that have hammocks and outdoor showers. These are the accommodations that young honeymooners check into and never leave because you’re literally steps from the beach as well as an amazing restaurant and bar (the cottages also have kitchens if you want to cook up your own grub). Rates for the cottages start at $525, and most couples generally change their flights to later dates after one night.
on the beach | high demand | rustic and chic
