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Hawaii Fairmont Orchid Spa
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Maui, Oahu, Stay, Trip Ideas

Best Hawaiian Resorts for Island-Style Spa Treatments

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A visit to a spa in Hawaii is somewhat different from a stateside pampering. In the islands the experience goes tropical with pineapple, coconut and lime fragrances and earthy with volcanic mud and lava rocks playing a role in your treatment. The islands’ big-name resorts go all out in creating not only fantastic treatments you won’t find back on the mainland, but the perfect surroundings that only a tropical Hawaiian island can provide. So if it’s time to detoxify, relax, get healthy or just spoil yourself, these resort spas are so worth a visit.

Fairmont Orchid, Kohala Coast, Big Island of Hawaii

Pampering in the Hawaiian Islands means connecting with nature and being outdoors where water, wind and the fragrance of the island create a relaxing environment for a spa treatment. At the Fairmont Orchid resort the spa is actually called, the Spa Without Walls, which makes perfect sense. Guest treatment rooms include outdoor huts near waterfalls and oceanfront cabanas where the soothing sounds of water mix with ocean breezes. In this setting, it’s only appropriate to indulge in a lomi lomi massage, one of the most traditional Hawaiian massages. It was used in ancient Hawaii by native healers. Therapists move their forearms and hands in long gliding, rhythmic movements and use medium pressure to relax muscles. They work gently, yet deeply into the tissue, and the continuous flowing strokes, combined with loving touch, ease muscle tension so internal energy can better flow.

Hawaii's Fairmont Orchid Spa

The Fairmont Orchid resort’s Spa Without Walls takes advantage of the Big Island of Hawaii’s waterfalls to create areas for reflection and relaxation. Photo: The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

The Kohala Coast is known for its high-end resorts, and the Fairmont Orchid is right up there with the top properties. Its grounds can rightly boast some of Hawaii’s most impressive tropical gardens and cascading waterfalls, plus a white sandy beach on Pauoa Bay. Rooms have lanais with views of the Pacific Ocean or the lush gardens, and the bamboo- style four-poster beds bring the tropical theme inside. Thatched umbrellas and a tiki bar make the alfresco Hale Kai restaurant an inviting spot for lunch or dinner. 

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalow, Kohala Coast, Big Island of Hawaii

A trip to the spa at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel is like a visit to a Hawaiian village. Thatched-roof huts for treatments and meditation are surrounded by jungle-like foliage and dramatic rocks. Natural lava saunas and a Watsu pool are part of the spa too. The names of the treatments alone are tantalizing: Papaya Pineapple Body Treatment, Kona Mocha Body Scrub, Seaweed Therapy and Lava Flow Body Wrap. If you want to detoxify from all the work-related stress you left behind or too many libations the night before, the Lava Flow Body Wrap is for you. Therapists apply volcanic mud and then wrap your body; the results are smoother skin and the remineralizing of your body. The Lava Watsu Experience is pure stress relief. In the comfort of a pool, where the water is the perfect temperature for your body, a therapist helps you to relax through flotation and rhythmical movements said to relieve pain and promote flexibility.

Mauna Lani Hotel Spa, Hawaii

Tropical foliage and thatched roofs create a Hawaiian village ambience for spa-goers at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii. Photo: Mauna Lani Bay Hotel

Considered one of the Big Island’s most romantic resorts, you’ll be dazzled by its open-air lobby with cathedral ceilings. Koi ponds and illuminated sheets of water add to the decor. Guest rooms have a minimalist decor with graphic orchid artwork and great views of the Mauna Kea Mountain. If you want to splurge, the property’s bungalows at 2,700 square feet of living space are perfect for a long vacation. They have private pools, Jacuzzis and barbecue areas. If you need a reason to extend your stay, we’ll give you one: golf. With two courses that blend mountain and ocean and the Keiki Course for youngsters, one day of golf won’t be enough. 

Grand Wailea, Maui

This Waldorf Astoria resort has bragging rights to the largest spa in Hawaii. Its two-story Spa Grande covers 50,000 square feet and devotes one floor to dry treatments and the other floor to wet indulgences. In fact the spa is known for its Terme Wailea Hydrotherapy. Enjoyed prior to a treatment, the water therapy can include time spent in a Roman whirlpool tub followed by a quick dip in a cold plunge pool, or guests can opt to soak in the hot water of a Japanese furo bath. Another option is the cascading waterfall massage designed especially to knead the neck and shoulders with the pressure of water dropping from a height of 10 feet. The hydrotherapy also includes five Hawaiian sea salt baths and an invigorating loofah scrub. The spa organizes treatments by philosophies: water, fire, earth, air and harmony. Fire, for example, involves heat to warm the body, and the Pohaku massage, using hot lava stones, is said to be one of the most therapeutic.

Grand Wailea Maui, Hawaii Spa

The termé in the Spa Grande at Maui’s Grand Wailea resort lets guests choose their specialty bath: mud, seaweed, aromatherapy, papaya and mineral salt. Photo: Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

The resort, set on 40 acres fronting the Wailea Beach on the southwest shore of Maui, is all about giving you plenty of space, whether it’s a 640-foot room or a huge pool with a swim-in grotto and 19-foot waterfall. There’s also the swim-up Grotto Bar. But guests’ favorite place, no doubt, is a table at the floating seafood restaurant, named after Hawaii’s official state fish, affectionately known as Humu Humu. Its cluster of thatched-roof Polynesian huts and the chance to pluck your own lobster from the nearby lagoon are reasons to go. 

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, Kona, Big Island of Hawaii

After you’ve learned how to make a lei, play the ukulele and dance the hula, you’ll find more Hawaiian-centric things to explore at the resort’s Hoola Spa. The word hoola means to heal, and treatments here range from pure bliss to therapeutic. The Hawaiian Sugar Polish Body Treatment for sensitive skin uses Hawaiian sugar crystals and botanicals to gently scrub the body followed by a Vichy rinse. The Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage is the islands’ version of a Swedish massage, using techniques handed down through generations. The long, gliding strokes and gentle rhythmic motions make this a popular choice. The Hoola Spa also offers a Deep Lomi Lomi Massage for guests who want a firmer, more intense experience. The newest offering at the spa is the Himalayan Salt Spa, a room where guests inhale very fine micro- particles of salt that are said to have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and improve the immune system.

Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa, Hawaii

Guests enjoy the warmth of the sun and the coolness of ocean breezes during a massage at the Hoola Spa in the Sheraton Kona Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. Photo: Sheraton Kona Resort

The Sheraton Kona Resort is perched on the edge of Hawaii’s iconic lava rocks, hugging Keauhou Bay. Although the rooms are stunning with warm wood tones and crisp white linens, you’ll no doubt want to spend your days in the pool area, where a 200-foot lava tube waterslide, hot tubs and a striking view of the water and crenulated coast teases the eye. A bonus is the resort’s special viewing area where guests can see the hauntingly beautiful manta rays, with wing spans up to 20 feet, glide by most evenings. 

Trump Hotel Waikiki, Oahu

At this Trump International hotel in Honolulu, the Spa at Trump pumps up its offerings to include treatments that use traditional Hawaiian botanicals. Think pineapple, lime, coconut and sugar. What could sound more appealing to the senses than the Hawaiian Pineapple Lime Exfoliation Massage? Pineapple has natural exfoliating enzymes and nutrients to renew and revitalize the skin. The exotic combination of pineapple, lime and cane sugar in the hands of a therapist are used to gently cleanse, refresh and rehydrate your skin, before the body massage. The final touch is the application of tropical oils to conclude your hour of bliss. Another Hawaiian-centric treatment is the Kalo Coconut Wrap. Therapists use coconut and the healing kukui nut oil to condition the skin. And while you are wrapped and relaxed, your feet and scalp are massaged, leaving you with a head-to-toe pampering.

Waikiki Trump Hotel Spa, Hawaii, Oahu

Among the signature treatments at the Spa at Trump in the Trump Hotel Waikiki is the gemstone massage, using gem-infused oils that contain diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Photo: Trump International Waikiki

After a visit to the spa, relax at the hotel’s infinity pool, where a watery view of the Pacific Ocean will keep you feeling totally de-stressed. Accommodations at the Trump Hotel include studios with kitchenettes and suites with full kitchens that spoil guests with their Bosch, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. And for the nights you want to dine out, BLT Steak is the top on-property restaurant where a French flair and a contemporary décor give this steakhouse its upscale appeal.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu, Oahu

With a guest roster that includes presidents, royalty and celebrities, the Kahala Hotel & Resort is known for its high standards, and the spa is no different. The Kahala Spa’s treatment rooms are anything but tiny, and include a relaxation area with comfy rattan chairs, a glass-enclosed shower, a soaking tub and a changing area that provides privacy. Wood flooring and slat-style windows add warmth to the room, which opens onto an outdoor area. Each treatment begins with the ritual of Hoomaka, a cleansing and relaxing foot massage. For the ultimate experience, book the Lovely Hula Hands Massage, a four-handed dancing of hands using the lomi lomi massage techniques. Two therapists work in rhythm with each other to ease you into a state of total relaxation.

Kahala Resort Spa, Hawaii

Honolulu’s Kahala Hotel & Resort’s spa suites include private indoor and outdoor relaxation areas for lounging after a treatment. Photo: The Kahala Hotel & Resort

You can follow up your treatment with a leisurely stroll on the resort’s palm tree-fringed shore or by lolling in a hammock. Your room’s lanai is another great perch where you can relax while gazing at the Koolau Mountains. Rooms are airy with a palette of light natural tones and island touches, such as tropical leaf shapes etched into the carpeting, and the luxe bathrooms have deep soaking tubs. Located just minutes from shopping and nightlife, the resort’s complimentary shuttle will whisk you into Waikiki. 

 

Oahu Surf
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Maui, Oahu, Play, Trip Ideas

Catching the Wave: The Best Places in Hawaii to Learn to Surf

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If you’ve ever dreamed of learning to surf, the islands of Hawaii are an ideal place to get started. Yes, this is one of the planet’s premier big-wave destinations, where the world’s best come to test their mettle—and sometimes even risk their lives. But Hawaii is also a great place for first- time surf riders, and novice-friendly surf breaks can be found on all the major islands.

waikiki hawaii surfing, paddling out, learn to surf

Paddling out into beginner-friendly surf at Waikiki Beach, home of the modern surfing movement. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

The powerful waves that experts crave rise up quickly from deeper water to form steep walls. To catch this type of wave, a surfer must jump quickly to a standing position as the board falls down the wave face, then perform a sharp cut near the bottom to turn sideways and keep in front of a breaking curl.

By contrast, a novice-friendly swell will build more gradually over a gently sloping bottom and move more slowly toward shore while maintaining a face that resembles a mound more than a wall. Catching a ride on this type of wave is much easier, as the surfer has more time to paddle into the wave, and can set a straighter path towards shore.

It sounds easy, and it can be, but most people will still benefit from a lesson or two. Fortunately, the Hawaiian Islands excel in the instruction department. Numerous surf schools are located on or near the best novice-friendly breaks, and accommodating surf coaches have helped everyone from toddlers to octogenarians catch their first wave.

The main reason to get surfing lessons rather than going it alone is safety. No, you aren’t in danger of getting punched out by an angry local, that’s only in the movies. But if you simply rent a board at random and head for the shore, you may end up over your head in a surf break that pounds and pummels, leaving you waterlogged and discouraged. Most professional surfing instructors have undergone lifeguard training, first aid and CPR. They know the best breaks, have perfected teaching methods that allow almost anyone to succeed and can provide you with the right equipment.

Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii surf

The steady swells that roll in along Oahu’s Waikiki Beach are ideal for novice and causal surfers, who can enjoy long rides with little fear of dangerous wipeouts. Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority

The best boards for first-timers are usually larger than those the pros use. A bigger board is not only easier to ride on a slow wave, it’s also more stable for learning how to stand atop. A favorite with newbies, the soft-top boards are comfortable to lie on while paddling and provide better traction when you practice standing. Many instructors also furnish comfort items, such as swim shoes and Lycra rash guard shirts that prevent chaffing and provide sun protection.

A typical first-time lesson lasts about two hours and begins with a few minutes of dry land instruction on how to catch a wave and stand up. Many of the areas where beginner lessons take place are fairly shallow, and you may be able to stand in the water. A bit of swimming may still be in order if you wipe out. Fortunately, a fall at a beginner break won’t result in an underwater tumble in foaming surf, and within minutes you’ll be ready to try again. Most everyone gets the hang of it by the end of the first lesson and is able to stand for at least a few brief moments. You’re surfing Dude!

Best Places for Beginning Surfers

 
 

Oahu

The island’s fabled North Shore spawns monster waves each winter. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of Oahu, far kinder swells wash into the waterfront at Waikiki. It was here on a long, steady wave that the modern sport of surfing was born and popularized by Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. Several surf schools operate on this beach, which is sought out by accomplished long boarders, stand-up paddleboard enthusiasts and outrigger canoeists. It’s a very democratic scene, and one where newbies are a common and accepted sight. Among the more established schools serving Waikiki are Hans Hedman Surf Adventures, which is headquartered in the Park Shore Hotel, and to the north of the strand, the Ty Gurney Surf School at the Imperial Resort.

Hawaii surf lessons, waikiki

Savoring the thrill of the first ride during a surfing lesson at Waikiki Beach. Photo: Hans Hedman Surf Adventures

Another popular option for those who are staying in the Ko Olina resort area, or who don’t mind driving a bit to get away from the crowds, is the Hawaii Fire Surf School. Here, the instructors are off-duty firefighters who surf. And though they stand ready to rescue, there’s little likelihood of getting into trouble as you learn on the gentle waves of a nearly secluded beach on Oahu’s West Coast.

A third option takes you to the North Shore where Hans Hedman operates a satellite facility at the Turtle Bay Resort. Rather than attempt the big breakers that pound the outside reef in winter, you’ll be surfing the milder secondary break to the inside. If these waves grow too challenging, the instructors know of several alternate locations nearby that remain novice-friendly.

Maui

Two areas in Maui are favored for learning. Near Lahaina, the break to the south of the harbor breakwater is one of the most consistent and popular spots on the island. Nearby Puamana Beach Park is another favorite site for instruction. What they both have in common are easy water entries, manageable waves to paddle through on the way out, and a fun ride back in without the fear of being overtaken by a towering wall of water. Among the best schools in Maui are the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy, the Goofy Foot Surf School and—though the name doesn’t imply it—Maui Surfer Girls, which in addition to its female surf camps, teaches beginners of all ages and both genders.

Farther down the coast, another favorite spot—and what some say offers the best beginner waves on the island—is Kalama Cove in Kihei. Here, a steady, consistent swell rises in relatively shallow water, and there are excellent shore facilities at nearby Kalama Park. This site, like many, is best in the morning, when there is less wind. Just across the street from the park is Big Kahuna Surf Adventures, which provides instruction and all the necessary gear. Also nearby is Maui Wave Riders.

surfboards, hawaii

Neophytes or casual surfers can find a wide assortment of rental boards available near popular sites. Photo: iStock

Hawaii

Although better known for golf and big game fishing, the Big Island has a vibrant local surf scene too. The central west coast is where you find breaks suitable for first-timers to hone their skills. A few miles south of Kailua-Kona is Kahaluu Beach Park. The clear waters inside the sheltering reef are a favorite with swimmers and snorkelers, while the waves attract beginner and intermediate surfers. There is often a smaller break to the inside, where even youngsters won’t feel intimidated, while the outer break can provide a bit more challenge for those who have mastered the basics. This is where most instruction takes place, and two favorite schools are Surfer Bear Hawaii and Kona Mike’s Surf Adventures.

 

Haunama Bay Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii, Oahu, Plan

Oahu: 10 Reasons to Go

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Oahu is where America’s love affair with the Hawaiian Islands began. Home to the largest harbor, it has long been a favored port of call. Today, Oahu is not only the Pacific’s primary air hub for transcontinental travel, but also a prime destination itself, drawing travelers from around the world. They come not only for the beaches and scenery, but also for the cultural and commercial activities of the region’s most cosmopolitan destination.

1  Picture Perfect

When the first postcards came back from Hawaiian vacations, they were likely emblazoned with images of Waikiki Beach, with the distinct profile of Diamond Head in the distance. This is where generations have come to lay in the sand and play in the surf, and to this day, Hawaii’s most famous beach remains a favorite with vacationers and residents alike.

2  Capital Attractions

Honolulu is a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital known for its diverse cultural influences. As would befit a major international city, it also offers a range of performing arts, including the symphony, ballet, opera and theater, along with a wealth of museums and fine art galleries. Among the most popular art-centric places are the Honolulu Museum of Art and the Hawaii State Art Museum. All told, there are more than 100 museums and art galleries in the Honolulu area.

3  Authentic Eats

Honolulu’s dining scene is as eclectic as its population, offering everything from five- star chefs’ tables to food trucks and native fare, plus a variety of Asian cuisines. Kapahulu Avenue is ground zero for dining diversity. For an authentic local taste, try a plate lunch, and sample some traditional dishes such as laulua pork served with a side of poi. Finish up with another Hawaiian favorite: shave ice.

4  Surfing Roots

Oahu’s wave riders launched the modern sport of surfing. Today, the world’s best challenge the mammoth wintertime waves of the North Shore. You can enjoy a vicarious stoke by catching the pros in action at events such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Meanwhile, on the other side of the island, the smaller and kinder swells of Waikiki delight first-timers and more casual wave riders.

5  Pineapple Ice Cream

Though no longer one of the world’s pineapple powerhouses, Oahu still grows the succulent fruit, which finds its way into the island’s tastiest frozen concoction. Some repeat visitors to Oahu will make the pilgrimage to the Dole Plantation just to savor a scoop of the signature pineapple ice cream. However, while strolling Waikiki you can stop at HU-LA-LA’S Ice Cream for a cone.

6  Service Center

Oahu is not only an R&R favorite of troops and sailors on leave, it is also home to nine military bases representing all five branches of the U.S. military service. No trip to the island would be complete without a visit to Pearl Harbor to pay homage at the USS Arizona Memorial and the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.

7  The Diversity District

Though it’s known as Chinatown, the area of downtown Honolulu centering around South Pauahi Street is now home to a diverse blend of Southeast Asian cultures. Like the Chinese immigrants who settled here when they first arrived in the islands, new arrivals and native Hawaiians of Vietnamese, Laotian, Japanese, Thai, Filipino and Korean descent have also established roots in the neighborhood. Their heritages meld in the eclectic shops and eateries that offer every manner of goods and services, along with a mouth-watering array of ethnic dishes. A favorite is the food hall at the Maunakea Marketplace.

8  Island Designs

The Hawaiian-print or Aloha Shirt is tourist kitsch to some, a passion for others. Like modern Hawaii itself, this iconic design is the result of a melting pot of styles and fabrics borrowed from Japan, China and the Philippines, which melded with the local Palaka work shirt to emerge as an island icon. Today, Honolulu is home to some of the best tailors and designers of the genre, which include names like Tori Richard and Reyn Spooner.

9  Legendary Luaus

When the sun goes down, the torches light and the drums resound across the island at dozens of sites getting ready for a luau. The party’s been going on since the early 1900s, when some of the first tourist hotels on Waikiki Beach began staging their own versions of this traditional island feast for the benefit of visitors. Today, the best luau performances are far more than just a hotel sideshow; they are cultural celebrations wrapped in a party.

10  The Wild Side

There’s more to Oahu than the city of Honolulu. Just a few miles away, wild areas with green valleys and cascading waterfalls await hikers. The family-friendly Waimea Falls Park is an easy visit, while a trip to the remote Maunawili Falls requires a muddy trek through the Koolau Mountains. A favorite closer to town is the mile-and-a-half hike to the summit of Diamond Head for sweeping views of the island.

oahu fish, hawaii
Hawaii, Oahu, Play, Trip Ideas

Into the Blue: Four of Oahu’s Best Snorkel Sites

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The island of Oahu is washed by some of the clearest ocean waters in the world. When they meet the shore, waves sometimes pound with relentless fury. But in other places, the boundary between sea and land is more serene, creating an opportunity to don snorkel gear and see what lies below. But there are other things to consider as well. Some sites may be too distant, others may require challenging climbs down rocky cliffs to reach the water, and many more lack nearby shore facilities. Oahu’s best snorkel sites have not only interesting underwater landscapes and plentiful fish life, but also easy access, nearby parking and a chance to shower off afterward. Here are four of our top picks:

Hanauma Bay

The reefs at Oahu's Haunama Bay are the state's most popular, attracting a million visitors a year.

The reefs at Oahu’s Haunama Bay are the state’s most popular, attracting a million visitors a year. Photo: iStock

Hanauma Bay is undoubtedly Hawaii’s most popular snorkeling destination. Nearly a million visitors a year enjoy this scenic stretch of sand, which is within easy range of Honolulu. The Bay is sheltered from prevailing winds, and provides beachside showers, bathrooms and even a tram for those who lose ambition for hiking back up to the parking lot. You certainly won’t have the beach to yourself, but everything runs smoothly. A mandatory orientation briefing for first-timers is held at the Education Center, which is worth visiting in and of itself. Daily updates on water conditions are posted, and snorkeling equipment is available for renting beachside. The coral formations show evidence of snorkeler traffic, but the underwater life is the focal point. Feeding is no longer allowed, but the fish are plentiful and seem inured to human presence.

Sharks Cove

Shark Cove, Oahu's best snorkel sites

When sea conditions are favorable, Oahu’s Shark Cove is suitable for intermediate to advanced snorkelers. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Sharks Cove offers a slightly wilder take on snorkeling. Located on Oahu’s North Shore near some of the island’s most famous surf breaks, this site is often washed by high surf during winter months, but frequently calms from spring till fall. Parking, public bathrooms and showers are nearby within Pupukea State Park, and a snorkel rental concession sits right across the road. Bring water shoes to aid entry across the rocky shoreline, and snorkel only when there is no sigh of surf or strong surge. Once submerged, you will be treated to clear blue water filled with a variety of fish, turtles, and possibly a sighting of the white-tipped reef sharks that give this site its name. It’s OK; they’re not dangerous to humans.

San Souci Beach

Oahu, Hawaii, Woman Snorkeling

Honolulu’s San Souci Beach provides shallow reefs close to shore and adjacent showers and changing facilities. Photo: iStock

If you are near Waikiki Beach and want to get in a bit of fish watching, the best place to slip on mask and fins is San Souci Beach. This stretch draws fewer crowds than Waikiki to the north, and the coral formations begin in shallow water, close to shore. This topography brings fish life close to the surface, but also means the site is less suitable when there is a swell running. The majority of the time, conditions are favorable for beach entry and a swim over the reef. The best fish population can be found near the rock jetty at the south end of the beach. Afterward, public showers provide a refreshing rinse.

Ko Olina Lagoons

Ko Olina Lagoon Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu’s Ko Olina lagoons are manmade with rock-covered borders ideal for young or novice snorkelers. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

To ensure visitors could always enjoy calm waters and sandy beaches, the developers of the Ko Olina resort complex carved a series of four sheltered lagoons into the coastline of west-central Oahu. These sculpted bodies of water provide an easy, safe way for anyone to ease into snorkeling. And although there are no natural coral formations to admire, you’ll have no problem finding fish life, and turtles sometimes visit the lagoons as well. Because the lagoons are situated in a resort area, there’s ample parking and a full range of amenities nearby.  

 

JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Oahu Hawaii
Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Oahu, Play, Trip Ideas

Families and Fairways: Hawaii’s Top Beachfront Golf Resorts

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Hawaii is home to some of the world’s finest and most scenic golf courses, and you’ve come to play. But if the family is along, you’ll also want to stay at a place that emphasizes the islands’ other great asset: the Pacific Ocean. And it wouldn’t hurt to add in some nice meals, a few beach games, some side trips to see the sights, and maybe a spa session for you and the significant other. Here are some of our favorite ocean-side resorts that combine great golf with an equally outstanding resort experience.

Oahu

Stay At: JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Play At: Ko Olina’s immaculately-maintained par 72 consistently ranks in the top 75 resort courses worldwide. As a bonus, there are a half dozen more first-class courses within a few minutes of the resort. Why Here: Sitting on Oahu’s sunnier western shore, the Ko Olina resort is within a half-hour drive of major attractions and Honolulu. Located ocean-side and shouldering the northernmost lagoon, the property provides panoramic water views, a range of water sports, spa services and walking access to the Ko Olina resort district. Another Favorite: Turtle Bay Resort is perched dramatically on a point of land that delivers ocean views from all rooms. You’ll find a top-rated golf course, a pair of great beaches and proximity to North Shore destinations and adventures.

Maui

Grand Wailea, Hawaii's best beachfront golf resorts

Aquatic elements at the Grand Wailea include adult and family pools, a water park and an expansive beach. Photo: Grand Wailea

Stay At: Grand Wailea Play At: Wailea’s trio of courses—Blue, Gold and Emerald—provide play that ranges from comfortable to challenging, but rarely frustrating. Why Here: Dominant views of Wailea Beach, ranked as one of Hawaii’s best beaches, are breathtaking from this Waldorf Astoria resort. Pool options include the signature Hibiscus pool for relaxation and a sprawling family pool complex and water park, with slides, rope swings and more. Everything you want can be found within the expansive resort, but you are also centrally located for day trips around Maui. Another Favorite: Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is a prime choice if you prefer a north shore location. Sitting above Honokahau Bay, it is surrounded by green lawns and the fairways of its two PGA-worthy courses, Plantation Course and scenic Bay Course.

Hawaii

Mauna Lani Bay Golf

Dramatic vistas, such as the South Course’s famous 15th hole, await golfers at Mauna Lani Bay. Photo: Mauna Lani Bay Resort

Stay At: Mauna Lani Bay Play At: The resort’s two scenic ocean-side courses, North and South, offer championship lay, plus there’s a junior- and novice-friendly nine-hole course. Why Here: It sits on a magnificent stretch of beach, with most rooms having at least partial Pacific Ocean views. In addition to golf, there’s an indoor/outdoor luxury spa, tennis club, an excellent fitness center and one of the island’s best restaurants, the Canoe House. Children’s programs include cultural activities and eco adventures as well as water sports. Another Favorite: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, an upscale yet tastefully subdued property on gorgeous grounds, is adjacent to the Jack Nicklaus-signature Hualalai Golf Course. Its refined yet family friendly, with numerous activities for youngsters and teens.

Kauai

19-Kauai-Grand-Hayatt-Hawaii

Located on the sunny side of the island, the Grand Hyatt Kauai offers activities and amenities for all ages. Photo: Hyatt Hotels

Stay At: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa Play At: Poipu Bay Golf Course, the resort’s championship links-style ocean course that consistently ranks in golf experts’ top-100 polls, is where you want to tee off. Spectacular vistas are mated with conveniences such as in-cart sat-nav systems for exact yardage information. Why Here: Located on the drier south shore, the Grand Hyatt Kauai is known for is ideal blend of upscale adult pampering and active, age-appropriate children’s activities. You’ll find multiple dining options from casual to memorable, the island’s largest spa, on- and off-site recreation programs, a white sand beach, saltwater lagoons and winding lazy-river pools with waterfalls and grottoes. Another Favorite: St. Regis Princeville, with its manicured grounds and oceanfront views, is the showcase property of the north-shore Princeville resort area. It’s home to the freshly-renovated Makai Golf Club and is just down the road from the award-winning Prince Golf Course.

Lanai

Lanai Four Seasons Resort Hawaii

The Challenge at Manele Bay plays along the edge of towering lava cliffs. Shown here is the scenic 11th hole. Photo: Four Seasons Lanai

Stay Here:  Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay Play Here: The resort’s Challenge at Manele golf course delivers dramatic cliffside play that includes one of the most-photographed holes in golf: the par-3 12th hole. Scenery aside, it’s a demanding round of target-style golf with multiple carries over the island’s natural lava rock terrain. Why Here: This is Lanai’s premier oceanfront resort, sitting above the island’s finest beach and the underwater nature preserve at Hulopoe Bay. Several exceptional restaurants for the adults, beach games, surfing lessons and a teen center make it a good choice for a family vacation. Another Favorite:  The Lodge at Koele is Lanai’s other Four Seasons resort. It sits in the mid-island highlands, with commanding views and immaculate landscaping. In addition to playing the Experience at Koele golf course, guests enjoy a wealth of hiking, horseback and off-roading adventures.