- Hotel Website: The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
- Location: Google Maps
- Book: Check availability
- Room Type: Premier Ocean View Suite – Ocean view, Balcony, King, 874sqft/79sqm, Living/sitting area, Separate living room, Full Kitchen
- Review Score: Results of our review
- Hotel Fact: Originally opened in 1994 as the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, it underwent a significant $46 million renovation and rebranding in 2018 to become The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.
Luxurious and Expansive Resort: A sprawling property offering a perfect blend of luxury and natural beauty.
Prime Beachfront Location: Direct access to Hapuna Beach, consistently ranked among America’s best, perfect for relaxation and water activities.
Exceptional Dining Experiences: From exquisite Mediterranean-inspired cuisine to casual poolside delights, the food truly impresses.
Stunning Pools & Outdoor Spaces: Features a family pool and an adult-exclusive infinity pool, seamlessly integrated with lush landscaping and ocean views.
Authentic Hawaiian Welcome: The rare and cherished tradition of a lei greeting upon arrival.
Secluded Location: The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is located within the gated Hapuna Kea community on the Kohala Coast, offering a serene, isolated feel that is a refreshing departure from more crowded tourist hubs. This tranquility means there’s nothing within walking distance, so be prepared for a short, picturesque drive (about 3 minutes from the community entrance) to reach the main resort. This seclusion, however, is a huge part of its charm, enhancing the sense of escape and providing a peaceful sanctuary where the only sounds are the waves and gentle breezes. While you’ll need a car to explore beyond the resort, this separation truly allows you to unwind and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Kohala Coast.
Resort Fee: A mandatory nightly resort fee (around $37 plus taxes) is applied, which can add up but covers a host of valuable amenities. These include unlimited high-speed internet connections throughout the property, daily bottled water in your room, a complimentary hour of snorkel equipment rental for two daily – perfect for exploring the vibrant reef just offshore – and access to enriching cultural activities like lei making or hula lessons, which truly deepen your Hawaiian experience.
Parking Fees: Be aware of the parking costs, which are standard for resorts of this caliber on the island. Self-parking is typically $35 per night, and valet parking is $65 per night (prices are subject to change). It’s wise to factor these into your budget, especially if you plan on renting a car to explore the Big Island’s diverse landscapes.
Spa Reservations: The Hapuna Spa by Mandara is an oasis of tranquility, highly sought after for its rejuvenating treatments. If you plan on indulging in massages or body therapies, it’s strongly recommended to book well in advance – ideally before your arrival – to secure your preferred time slots. Missing out on this blissful experience due to last-minute booking would be a genuine disappointment.
Sister Property Privileges: A fantastic perk of staying at The Westin Hapuna is the reciprocal signing privileges and complimentary evening dining shuttle service to its esteemed sister property, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. This significantly expands your dining and activity options, allowing you to explore additional world-class restaurants, enjoy a different beach experience at Mauna Kea’s iconic crescent bay, or even play a round at their championship golf course. It truly doubles the resort experience!
Room Views: Guestrooms are thoughtfully designed to be ocean-facing and average a generous 600 sq. feet with private lanais. Do note that lower-floor rooms might have slightly more obstructed views due to natural landscaping or ongoing developments in the area, so if a completely unobstructed ocean panorama is a priority, consider requesting a higher floor.
Room Features: Beyond the standard mini-refrigerators, some suites, like the one I was fortunate to experience, may even feature full kitchens. This amenity is incredibly convenient, particularly for families or those planning longer stays, offering the flexibility to prepare snacks, light meals, or even full dinners, which can be a cost-saving and personalized dining option. It’s perfect for storing local produce or leftovers from your dining adventures.
🏖️ Beach
🍸 Bar
🏋️ Gym
🏊 Pool
🍽️ Restaurant
💆 Spa
🌊 Water Activitie
The Luxe Atlas Rating
Design: 9/10
Vibe: 9/10
Romantic: 9/10
Air Conditioning: 8.4/10
Room: 9.5/10
Food: 9/10
Location: 9/10
Gym/Fitness: 8.2/10
Cleanliness: 9.3/10
Wow Factor: 9/10
Overall Experience: 8.94/10
Our Hapuna Journey Begins: Stepping into the Dream
Well, welcome to the magnificent Big Island of Hawaii! Discovering The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort was an absolute revelation, a little dream we stumbled upon that truly exceeded all expectations. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this place deserved a resounding 10 out of 10 – absolutely fantastic! When planning our Hawaii vacation, we were diligently exploring various accommodation options, poring over reviews and images, seeking that perfect blend of unparalleled luxury and authentic Hawaiian charm that would make our vacation truly special and unforgettable. We unequivocally found it in this truly gorgeous property, ideal for our weekend getaway in Hawaii and perhaps even longer stays in the future. The Westin Hapuna possesses a little bit of everything one could desire in a world-class resort: it’s a wonderfully large and expansive property, brimming with an understated elegance that never feels ostentatious, boasting gorgeously updated and intuitively designed rooms that blend modern comfort with island aesthetics. Crucially, it’s perfectly situated right on a world-renowned beach, ensuring effortless access to endless sunshine, pristine sands, and invigorating surf. The multiple pools are stunningly designed and meticulously maintained, each offering a unique ambiance, and the culinary offerings across all their venues are exceptional, surprisingly reasonable in price – a genuine rarity for resort dining of this caliber in Hawaii, making every meal a delightful experience at this top Big Island resort.
First Glimpses of Paradise: Our Grand Welcome
Pulling into the property for the very first time, the drive itself was quite unique and incredibly beautiful, winding gracefully through lush, vibrant landscapes that slowly unveiled the resort as a hidden gem. The anticipation built with every turn. The outdoor valet area immediately struck us with its towering, majestic palm trees, their fronds swaying gently in the Hawaiian breeze, creating a natural, awe-inspiring cathedral-like entrance. It felt like stepping onto a movie set, a truly grand and welcoming introduction to our Big Island paradise. We absolutely reveled in photographing this majestic scene, particularly during sunset when the golden light cast long, dramatic shadows and painted the sky in fiery hues, creating postcard-perfect moments around every corner. As you can see from our pictures, this property offers an abundance of unique and picturesque spots, from the dramatic entrance to hidden garden pathways, making every angle a potential photo opportunity – it was truly a win-win for photography enthusiasts and a genuine 5.0-star experience from the very first impression of this luxury Hawaii resort.
Warm Welcomes & Elite Privileges
Upon entering the hotel lobby, which is impressively spacious and boasts high, open ceilings that create a wonderfully outdoor, airy vibe despite being covered, we found ourselves a little early for check-in. Fortunately, our room was already prepared, a welcome efficiency that set a positive tone. To our absolute delight, we then received a very unique and generous upgrade. This Big Island resort is one of the few remaining hotels that still upholds the cherished Hawaiian tradition of presenting guests with fresh leis upon arrival. Many establishments have sadly foregone this beautiful, symbolic gesture, opting for more streamlined, impersonal processes. So, experiencing the genuine warmth of a fragrant lei placed around our necks was a truly special, authentic, and incredibly memorable touch that instantly immersed us in the spirit of Aloha. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes about their commitment to traditional hospitality and making each guest feel truly special, especially for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members.
Our Luxurious Suite: Comfort & Views
After the smooth and efficient check-in, we eagerly proceeded to our upgraded, expansive suite. Our welcome continued with delightful complimentary wine and exquisite, locally sourced chocolates. What truly stood out was the unexpected inclusion of a full kitchen within our suite – a fantastic and incredibly practical amenity offering immense flexibility. This meant we could easily prepare light meals, store fresh local produce, or enjoy quiet breakfasts with our spectacular ocean view. Our particular suite, the Premier Ocean View Suite, boasted a generous 810-874 sq. ft. (73-79 sqm) of air-conditioned luxury. It was a true haven, featuring a spacious living room perfect for unwinding, a well-equipped kitchen, and a large, comfortable bedroom, all boasting breathtaking, panoramic ocean views that stretched endlessly towards the horizon, offering a constantly changing vista of the Pacific. This suite felt undeniably more luxurious and spacious than our previous experiences at other Westin properties, even surpassing the Westin Moana Surfrider on Oahu in terms of residential comfort and sheer scale. It firmly cemented The Westin Hapuna as one of our absolute top Westin properties for a resort-style, yet intimate, luxury experience on the Big Island. We were particularly pleased with the value, as our room came at a very agreeable price point, making this facility a must-check-out for anyone visiting the Big Island seeking premium comfort and exceptional amenities without breaking the bank. The property also offers residences, suggesting a comprehensive design catering to both short-term guests and longer-term residents, enhancing its appeal and versatility as a Hawaii destination.
Poolside Paradise & Aquatic Fun
Navigating through the grand, airy lobby, we discovered multiple inviting pathways leading to different tiers of the resort, each offering new delights. A large, beautifully designed staircase elegantly descends to the open-air breakfast area, creating a scenic route to start the day with refreshing breezes and stunning vistas. For easier access, well-placed elevators effortlessly whisk guests up and down to the multi-layered pool complex, a true aquatic paradise that caters to every mood. This complex features a serene upper-level adults-only infinity pool, seemingly suspended between the resort and the vast ocean, offering breathtaking panoramic views that truly make you feel like you’re swimming on the edge of the world. Its tranquil ambiance is perfect for peaceful laps or simply soaking up the sun in quiet solitude. Below, a much larger, sprawling family pool provides ample space for relaxation and enjoyment for all ages, complete with inviting shaded areas and comfortable lounge seating for everyone. We absolutely loved spending countless hours here, particularly indulging in the poolside dining; the tacos and margaritas were a number one stunner – the fish tacos were incredibly fresh and perfectly seasoned, bursting with authentic island flavors, and the margaritas were expertly crafted, truly exceptional and a highlight of our culinary experiences at this Hawaii resort.
Hapuna Beachfront Bliss
The beach access at The Westin Hapuna is, quite simply, superb and one of its strongest selling points. This property is a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wealth of activities for those who enjoy being active in the water. You can easily rent canoes and kayaks right on the beach, gracefully gliding across the crystal-clear waters, or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, soaking in the coastal scenery from a unique perspective. Alternatively, for those seeking pure relaxation, you can simply choose to lay back on the soft, powdery white sand of Hapuna Beach, consistently ranked among the best beaches in America, and soak in the glorious Hawaiian sun. The fact that the resort boasts its own direct, private beach access to Hapuna Beach, renowned for its pristine white sands and calm, inviting waters (especially during the summer months), is a significant advantage and adds immensely to the overall appeal, providing an exclusive and uncrowded experience that feels incredibly luxurious at this Hawaii beachfront hotel.
Savoring the Island’s Flavors: Our Culinary Journey:
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort prides itself on its diverse and exceptional culinary offerings, meticulously designed to tantalize every palate. Their approach skillfully blends the freshest local Hawaiian ingredients with international inspirations, creating a truly memorable gastronomic adventure.
Meridia: Fine-dining with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. Open for dinner (5:30 PM – 9:00 PM), with a casual elegant atmosphere and romantic ocean views. Reservations recommended.
Naupaka Beach Grill: Casual poolside fare (salads, seafood, sandwiches, pupus like amazing tacos). Open for lunch (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM), dinner (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM), and cocktails (10:30 AM – 9:00 PM). Relaxed, open-air setting steps from Hapuna Beach.
Ikena Landing: Extensive breakfast buffet with made-to-order options, fresh fruits, and juices. Open daily (6:30 AM – 10:30 AM, weekends until 11:00 AM) in an open-air setting with garden and ocean views.
Piko Coffee+Bar: Central barista bar for 100% Kona Coffee and espresso in the morning (6:00 AM – 11:00 AM). Transforms throughout the day for cocktails, snacks, and grab-and-go options. Offers panoramic resort views.
Room Service: 24-hour availability for gourmet meals and snacks in the privacy of your suite.
Enchanting Grounds & Picturesque Moments
The resort’s unique grounds, characterized by abundant greenery, vibrant tropical flora, and meticulously maintained landscapes, are another significant draw, offering endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Every pathway feels like a leisurely stroll through a beautifully curated botanical garden, with fragrant plumeria and hibiscus blooming around every turn. We thoroughly enjoyed taking photos both out front of the main entrance, capturing the majestic palm trees bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, and exploring the equally stunning interiors and serene, hidden garden nooks. The valet area, surprisingly uncrowded and remarkably well-managed, makes it effortless to step out and capture those picturesque moments of the golden hour, with the lush green grass providing a beautiful foreground to the dramatic Hawaiian skies. It’s truly a haven for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful connection with Hawaii’s natural beauty.
Our Enduring Aloha for Hapuna: The Final Verdict & A Promise to Return
We’d unequivocally choose The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort again for our next Big Island visit. The stunning infinity pool, luxurious suite with its invaluable full kitchen, and genuinely attentive staff thoroughly impressed us. Our October visit offered a serene ambiance, highlighting this beautifully designed, expertly managed resort. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty, sophisticated amenities, and authentic Hawaiian hospitality, leaving a cherished, lasting impression.
Mahalo for reading, and I hope this review inspires your next Hawaii adventure to The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort!
Pictures of The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
More photos here: The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
