If the sweet sounds of Mele Kalikimaka and freezing temperatures have you yearning for a piece of Pacific paradise, you might be looking up flights to Hawaii as we speak. With the newly added “green tax” for visiting the country’s only island state, a luxury stay on one of the Hawaiian islands comes with a steep price tag, but the state attests it’s an investment in the island’s unique biodiversity, supporting the state’s reef restoration, wildfire recovery and environmental stewardship. If you want to experience some of the Hawaiian islands’ unique culture, breathtaking volcanic vistas, and some of the best surfing in the world, and contribute to the preservation of this tropical locale, these three resort properties put the focus on eco-friendly accommodations, local and sustainable cuisine, and cultural immersion.
Kona Village, Kailua-Kona, HI
Free-standing thatched-roof bungalows, talk story traditions and ocean views remind you at every turn that you are in Hawaii at this Rosewood resort on Kailua-Kona island. Kona Village is designed to preserve the history and eco-system of the island, evident in their solar energy program, sustainable water program and legacy inspired architecture. “At Kona Village, everything we do is grounded in respect for the land, the sea and the cultural heritage that shape this part of Hawai’i,” says Daniel Scott, managing director of Kona Village resort.
The resort reopened after renovations in 2023 with solar power, an on-site water treatment, zero-waste program and original foundations for some of its thatched-roof hales (bungalows) from the resort’s 1966 origins. Crushed coral pathways weave through the property’s 81 acres, which include preserved historical sites and petroglyphs. The property is designed to accommodate everyone, from couples and small groups to families and large gatherings with a range of experiences, including ocean views, garden backdrops, legacy architecture and family retreats.
“What makes a stay is the sense of immersion,” says Scott. “The resort’s collection of standalone hales and our signature suites, which echo the architecture of the original Kona Village, offer an extraordinary feeling of both privacy and togetherness. Many guests describe the experience as rejuvenating, a return to an analogue lifestyle, and a chance to slow down and reconnect.”
The Kilo Kai team at Kona Village can customize guests’ experiences with family friendly activities like eco-friendly fishing and lei making, ocean-centered outings like canoeing and snorkeling, traditional Hawaiian wellness rituals at the Asaya Spa or off-site visits to the local markets, Akaka Falls State Park, Nahuku cave (forged from a lava river 500 years ago) or Parker Ranch Rodeo.
Dine open air at any of the Kona Village eateries, from the Pacific-rim inspired pavilion Moana to Kahuwei Cookhouse and Market, where Kiawe-fired cooking blends with Hawaiian tradition, to the beach-front Shipwreck bar or Talk Story Bar. “Talk Story takes its name from the pidgin phrase for catching up with friends,” explains Scott. “Today, it embodies the classic Hawaiian beach bar, serving timeless cocktails against sunset views. Located in the heart of the resort, it’s a lively spot for pre-dinner drinks and embracing true aloha vibes.”
In 2026, through a new partnership with Wheels Up, the resort recently launched a new Air, Sea and Serenity package, which includes private air travel and a stay in one of the resort’s signature suites allowing for a seamless vacation experience.
Mauna Lani, Weimea, HI
Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection, is set on the Kohala Coast of Weimea where five sacred mountains meet the sea. The resort’s spirit of aloha is emphasized through the traditions, design and dining experiences here—each rooted in the storied history of the island. A piko (infinite circle) at the heart of the resort is the singular vantage point where the peaks of the five sacred mountains, Hualālai, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Kohala, and Maui’s Haleakalā, can all be seen. Furnished lanais have an organic sensibility that is refined but understated with natural woodwork and textures, and ample opportunities to connect to the outdoors.
“What sets Mauna Lani apart is its genuine sense of place,” says Lindsey Craig, director of marketing and communication for the resort. “Guests feel grounded the moment they arrive, surrounded by thoughtful design, meaningful storytelling, and a landscape that encourages both exploration and restoration.”
In February 2026, the resort’s reimagined oceanfront suites will open. One- and two-bedroom suites have been redesigned to provide open-air luxury with up to three private lanais. “Ideal for families or friends, these accommodations create an intimate connection to the ocean’s edge,” says Craig.
At the heart of the resort’s design is a commitment to caring for the land (‘ãina), the ocean (kai) and the living culture of Hawaii. This year, Mauna Lani launched a partnership with the ‘Āko‘ako‘a Reef Restoration Program to support coral and water health monitoring along the coastline, helping to protect and revitalize Hawaii’s reefs. “Guests are invited to participate in reef restoration through engaging, educational programming and hands-on experiences through both our Living Culture and Kainalu Ocean Sports teams,” says Craig.
Sporting activities abound here, from tennis to golf to sunrise canoeing. Guests increasingly seek out wellness and connection during their stay, says Craig: “Across it all, travelers are looking for experiences that feel meaningful, restorative and rooted in a true sense of place.”
Dining here showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional techniques. CanoeHouse is Mauna Lani’s signature oceanfront restaurant led by Executive Chef Rhoda Magbitang, who blends Japanese influences with Hawaiian hospitality. The menu leans on local fisherman, farmers and foragers to provide ingredients. Meanwhile, the Hale Hoaloha Lū’au celebrates the tradition of Hawaiian gatherings. “These experiences highlight island-inspired dishes, live music and cultural storytelling in a way that feels both authentic and uniquely Mauna Lani right here at the resort,” says Craig.
Timbers Kauai, Hokuala, HI
For a one-of-a-kind destination that feels like home, Timbers Kauai is an oceanfront private residence club providing a Michelin Key experience for owners and guests. Residences here can be purchased or rented—but owners enjoy amenities like dedicated concierge, discounts at the resort’s restaurant Hualani, membership privileges at the Ocean Course, their own legacy coconut tree and access to Farm Hale and the owner-only Hoku Deck. The onsite farm at Hokuala is a 16.5-acre organic orchard and garden where owners and guests can wander the farm trails, and participate in hands-on experiences like harvesting and planting. Hokuala practices regenerative agriculture with zero input of non-reusable plastics and no reliance on fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Vegetables and herbs grown here support the resort’s farm-to-table dining menus. Owners can plant and adopt a tree at the farm to remain ever tethered to the island’s rich history.
Wellness is a key part of the resort’s program, which includes spa services rooted in Hawaiian techniques and traditional healing, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, multiple pools, tennis, pickleball and world-class golf on the island’s only Jack Nicholas signature golf course, which draws amateurs and professionals alike.
Residences here are designed for family living with townhomes and residences that have views of the ocean, golf course, lagoon and bay. Each has an open-air patio, chef’s kitchens, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom en suite accommodations and private pools. Lāola Nani 3003, currently on the market for $6,975,000, is a 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom turnkey townhome set above the fairway with views of the Ninini Lighthouse. “Upon stepping into Lāola Nani 3003, you are immediately captivated by the breathtaking ocean views from this residence,” says Debbie Edgerton, senior sales executive at Timbers Kaua’i. Lāola Nani 3003 is the only listing that features an outdoor shower and fenced-in yard.
“The setting is absolute oceanfront with an aesthetic that blends tropical contemporary design with warm relaxed coastal elegance,” says Edgerton about the property’s accommodations. “Owners love the approachable luxury that is rustic, yet refined—barefoot elegance with a relaxed, luxurious and authentic island-living lifestyle.”
Feature image is from Mauna Lani
