Amazing Hawaii Resorts

Hawaii. Just say the word and it conjures up images of tropical paradise, crystal-clear water, fruit-flavored drinks and hula dancers with leis.

Hawaii offers some of the best beaches, waves, destinations and food in the world. With temperatures between 65 and 98 degrees for most of the year, it is hard to come up with too many good reasons not to visit.

Throw in the fact that Hawaii boasts some of the most amazing resorts in the world and it gets even harder to stay away.

If you are planning a trip, here are five of the most amazing Hawaii resorts around. And if you are not planning a trip, you probably will after reading…

Four Seasons Resort Lana’i

There’s a reason this resort was voted one of Travel+Leisure readers’ Best Beach Hotels. Actually, there are a lot of reasons.

The resort is situated just above Hulop’e Beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You are surrounded by exotic plants, roaming wildlife, stunning waterfalls, ponds full of Koi and beautiful, manicured gardens.

Rooms are spacious and each one comes with gorgeous furniture and top of the line amenities. Relax in your spacious bathtub or look out on your waterfront or garden view from your private balcony.

Looking for something to do? There’s no shortage of activities from relaxing on the beach to mountain biking, horseback riding, scuba diving and sailing. Golfers will be thrilled to discover the Jack Nicklaus-designed Challenge at Manele course while tennis players have plenty of courts to volley and serve.

Of course, there are some truly delicious spa treatments available as well. Massages, facials and special services such as the pineapple citrus polish will leave you skin and your soul feeling refreshed.

The Ritz Carlton Kapalua

If you’re looking for exclusivity and luxury, you can’t do much better than this Ritz Carlton. Surrounded by lush hills and the Pacific Ocean, this resort is the ultimate escape.

Recently redesigned rooms include giant TVs, marble bathrooms and bathtubs, spacious balconies and true Hawaiian design.

You know that the Spa offers relaxing treatments of all kinds but the opportunity to relax in a volcanic stone grotto whirlpool or an outdoor couples cabana takes things to the next level.

Golfers will find the 36 hole championship golf course challenging. Feel free to follow up your game with a dip in the 10,000 square foot pool or hop down to D.T. Fleming Beach for swimming, surfing and much more.

Dine with a view of the ocean at The Banyan Tree or enjoy Hawaii’s freshest fish at Kai Sushi before retiring to the Alaloa Lounge for a drink and nightly entertainment.

Turtle Bay Resort

On Oahu’s North Shore, Turtle Bay is already one of the most breathtaking spots in the world. Add this luxury beach resort into the mix and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better holiday location anywhere.

Every single room at Turtle Bay gets an ocean view and that includes the beach cottages, villas, guest rooms and suites.

You’ll not want for things to do here. Their golf course is recognized for its beauty and play, they offer the chance for guests to go horseback riding or hiking or even take a Segway tour, pick up a board and go surfing (or get lessons), or just relax in one of their two gorgeous pools.

The resort is home to Surfer, The Bar, where guests can interact with professional surfers while eating sumptuous food and yummy drinks.

The Grand Wailea

Best Resort Accommodations, Best Resort Restaurant, Best Resort Spa… The Grand Wailea keeps racking up the accolades and awards from local readers and media and it’s understandable why. Surrounded by Mt. Haleakala on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, this Polynesian-themed resort is a playground for both adults and children.

Between the lazy river, the water elevator and a 2,000 foot multi-level pool with waterslides, you can move in any direction in the resort via cool, blue water. Or you can just stay where you are and relax in it as well.

Spa Grande offers unique water therapies as well as aromatic baths to soothe your body and soul.

There’s so much to appreciate it’s hard to list it all. From the world-class art collection to the luxurious gardens to the gourmet restaurants to the three championship golf courses, this resort has every human sense covered for your retreat.

Halekulani

Near Waikiki, this tropical resort makes you feel as though you’re miles away from anyone.

Some consider their rooms to be among the best in Hawaii. They feature amazing views, sperate tubs and showers and the finest amenities.

Dine at the La Mer for a meal worthy of the restaurants’ AAA Five Diamond rating. Their Neoclassic French cuisine features local ingredients to make a sumptuous mix.

You can relax at House Without A Key, where you’ll find cocktails, light meals and great Hawaiian entertainment in this classic indoor/outdoor area.

This guest post was brought to you by Kara Taylor, who is a travel expert and currently enrolled in hospitality school in Chicago.