By Jennifer Olvera
Hawaii, a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, consists of the main islands of Kauai, Oahu, Niihau, Lanai, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Maui and Hawaii (also known as the Big Island). Known for its coffee production and treasured for its
beaches, it's home to many posh, tropical
resorts.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Maui
Sprawling, lavishly appointed guestrooms are set amid white-sand beaches and are augmented by commissioned artwork, gracious ocean views and flat-screen TVs. The resort's spa specializes in everything from wraps to lomi pohaku and ocean aquacranial massage in 13 treatment rooms and three ocean-side hales. Yoga classes, fitness facilities, golf and tennis give guests plenty to do, while around-the-clock business services and a club floor with expanded privileges prove VIP-worthy. A gracious pool, accented by a waterfall, overlooks the beach.
3900 Wailea Alanui
Wailea, Maui, HI
(808) 874-8000
Halekulani Hotel, Oahu
Situated along the beach at Waikiki, this 453-room resort features luxurious rooms appointed with McGuire furniture, terraces, flat-panel LCD TVs and MP3 docking stations. Other in-room amenities include separate seating areas and bathrooms with deep-soaking tubs and glassed-in showers with thermostatic controls. Luxury cars, such as a Maserati GranTurismo and Lotus Elise, are included in the room rate for guests staying in the Vera Wang-designed suite, but they're also offered a la carte to hotel guests. A large, heated pool, numerous dining rooms---both casual and fine---and a spa specializing in Samoa, Tonga and Tahiti traditions complete the experience.
2199 Kalia Rd.
Honolulu, HI
(808) 923-2311
Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele, Lana'i City
Set amid Cook Island pines, this manor-like property---which is nestled into the highlands---feels worlds away from the bustle of more centrally located resorts. A 20-minute ride from the beach, the hotel is beautifully landscaped and overlooks a meadow filled with grazing horses. Some of its 102 rooms feature stone fireplaces; all have a residential feel. Guests can gaze upon a reflecting pond, check out riding stables or simply linger on their private balcony. Elegant eats, not surprisingly, are de rigeur; the resort restaurant emphasizes locally grown ingredients and serves them with culinary precision. Furthering the theme, a variety of massages are offered in a spa suite, but treatments also can be arranged in-room.
One Keomoku Hwy.
Lana'i City, HI
(800) 332-3442
Hotel Hana-Maui & Honua Spa, Maui
Located at the end of Hana Highway on Maui's eastern coast, this luxury resort is a popular choice among honeymooners. Daily yoga classes, a relaxing, acclaimed spa and complimentary amenities such as fruit baskets, three-hole practice golf and a fitness center heighten the experience. Rooms feature soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers, Coyuchi organic cotton sheets and towels and oversized bathrooms. Guests can opt to enjoy box lunches at its two swimming pools, take in live music in the lounge or catch a hula show at the resort's restaurant.
5031 Hana Hwy.
Hana, HI
(800) 321-4262
About the Author:
Jennifer Olvera, a DePaul grad, has been writing professionally--and covering topics from health to weddings, shopping and the green scene--for over a decade. In addition to penning international travel features for Chicago Tribune, LA Times and Frommers.com, she has become one of the preeminent dining, food, and entertainment writers in Chicago. Jennifer's work has regularly appeared in Zagat and Chicago Sun-Times as well as on Citysearch.com and Gayot.com.
