Vibe
Waterfalls spill into flamingo ponds in the lobby, opening onto an energetic playground of multi-tiered pools along Kaʻanapali Beach.
“Oceanfront aquatic playground”
A 15,000-square-foot Heavenly Spa with 16 treatment rooms plus saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools.
An 87,000-square-foot aquatic playground with six pools, a 270-foot waterslide, and the Wailele Polynesian Luau.
Wailele Polynesian Luʻau with traditional storytelling, dances, and fire-knife finale on the beachfront garden.
Along Kaʻanapali Beach, steps from the shops at Whalers Village and championship golf courses.
Rooms
Hōkūpaʻa Tower rooms grant exclusive access to The Lānai lounge, featuring private shallow cocktail plunge pools overlooking the ocean.
Wellness
Six pools span the aquatic deck, featuring a 270-foot waterslide, swim-through grotto waterfalls, and an oceanfront spa with thermal saunas.
Backstory
A 160-million-dollar overhaul reimagined the property in 2024, reshaping its oceanfront towers and sprawling aquatic landscape.
Eat & drink
Peter Merriman crafts island cuisine at oceanfront Ulu Kitchen, while the Wailele luau pairs Hawaiian feasts with Samoan fire-knife dancing.
The neighborhood
Paved coastal paths lead straight from the sand to Whalers Village boutiques and championship golf courses bordering the resort.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.