There’s nothing quite like the extra space of a hotel suite, but properties in Hawaii are famous for also treating suite guests to the state’s most spectacular views. And many top-tier properties also sweeten the deal with a free-flowing tap of additional perks — just for suite guests.
Here are some of my favorite suites in the Aloha State.
Lanai
At Four Seasons Resort Lanai, the two-bedroom, three-bathroom Alii Royal Suite overlooks Hulopoe Bay and is veritably arena-size, with a formal living room and dining room that can host up to six. Guests might opt to relax in the double Japanese soaking tub or on a daybed on the large lanais, and will receive a stream of personalized amenities each day, including wines hand-picked by the sommelier, a private poolside sanctuary, laundry service and a Jeep or Tesla rental.
Four Seasons Lanai’s Alii Royal Suite can host up to six guests.
Credit: 2021 Four Seasons LanaiMaui
Four Seasons Resort Lanai’s sister property, Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea, has similar perks for suite guests and offers the resort-within-a-resort Club Level. The 4,000-square-foot, three-bedroom Maile Presidential Suite has a museum-quality Hawaiian art collection and a full-size dry sauna in the main bath, plus magnificent sunset views over the West Maui mountains.
In Kaanapali, meanwhile, guests at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa can choose the Alii Presidential Suite, which takes advantage of one of Maui’s best spots — nestled above the rocky outcrop of Pu’u Keka’a (Black Rock) with postcard views of Kaanapali Beach from the expansive wraparound lanai, private heart-shape lawn or directly from the koa wood four-poster bed.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa has views of Kaanapali Beach.
Credit: 2021 Sheraton Maui Resort & SpaHawaii Island
On Hawaii Island, The Fairmont Orchid’s two Presidential Suites (one in the North Tower, and one in the South Tower) hold oceanfront positions with gorgeous vistas, white-marble baths with amenities from Le Labo and access to the Fairmont Gold lounge with daily food and beverage presentations, along with a lanai for enjoying golden-hour cocktails or continental breakfast.
Fairmont Orchid’s Presidential Suites feature a large lanai.
Credit: 2021 Fairmont OrchidKauai
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa’s 2,254-square-foot Presidential Suite can be combined with adjoining rooms to create a one, two- or three-bedroom suite, all in a prime position to take in oceanfront views. Whatever the capacity, guests will enjoy a full kitchen, a private lanai and a wet-room bath with double rainfall showers and a French bathtub.
Oahu
In Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian Resort was built long before expansive lanais were a trademark of top suite accommodations, so many of the hotel’s top suites are in the newer Mailani Tower. But in the Historic Wing, the King Kamehameha Suite not only has a lanai, but it sits just above the hotel’s famous Ocean Lawn with views of Waikiki Beach and Leahi (Diamond Head Crater). The interior of the suite draws inspiration from the feather capes worn by Hawaiian royalty with a palette of royal reds and yellows alongside the hotel’s signature pink.
Nearby, at Halekulani, the ground-floor Orchid Suite sits upon the site of the original residence, with a private lawn landscaped to maintain privacy — but that doesn’t prevent guests from taking in the backdrop of Waikiki, the House Without A Key restaurant and the hotel’s historic, century-old kiawe tree. The suite also features a full kitchen stocked with fresh island provisions, a spa-style bathroom and an indoor dining room seating six. The suite also comes with a personal butler, breakfast and roundtrip airport transfers.
Guests at Halekulani can dine at the House Without A Key.
Credit: 2021 HalekulaniOutside the excitement of Waikiki is the Presidential Suite at The Kahala Hotel & Resort, clocking in at 2,200 square feet from the top floor of the hotel. The two-bedroom suite is furnished with Ralph Lauren furniture and four-poster beds with luxury linens. Guests will also enjoy daily breakfast; airport transfers; an in-suite appetizer and cocktail service in the evenings; a lomi lomi massage for two; morning coffee or tea delivery; and a complimentary bar setup.