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4- and 5-star hotels in Waimea
A shortlist of 4- and 5-star hotels in Waimea, on Hawaii Island, drawn from 15 properties with guest scores from 4.4 to 4.9 out of 5. It is for travellers choosing between the historic upcountry town and the resort coast at Mauna Lani, Hapuna and Waikoloa.
Staying in Waimea
Waimea covers two very different places. The historic town sits inland at 2,676 feet above sea level, with a cooler climate, local restaurants and shops, a Saturday farmers market, historic churches and the Parker Ranch lands. Down on the Kohala Coast, the Mauna Lani, Hapuna and Waikoloa Beach Resort developments offer golf courses, beach access and resort amenities, within a short drive of the town.
The hotels on this list sit on that coast rather than in the town itself: addresses name Mauna Lani Drive, Pauoa Road, North Kaniku Drive, Kauna'oa Drive and Mauna Kea Beach Drive, with distances to the centre ranging from 0.4 km to 7.7 km. Couples and families are well served by the resorts with pools, kids pools and beaches nearby, while business travellers have business centres and meeting rooms at several properties. For a short break, the closest hotels to the centre make the easiest base.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Mauna Lani Auberge Collection
68 1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Waimea, United States
Best for: Families · Pool and spa
- Kids pool
- Spa
- Breakfast
Why stay hereSet 1.4 km from Waimea centre, this 5-star resort pairs a private beach with an outdoor pool and a pool bar, so days can pass without leaving the grounds. Guests rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 1595 reviews. A fitness centre, spa massage and golf course cover active hours, while family rooms and a kids pool make it an easy choice for parents travelling with children.
See Mauna Lani Auberge CollectionFairmont Orchid Gold Experience
1 N Kaniku Drive Kohala Building A, Waimea, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereA 5-star address 0.7 km from the centre, offering the Gold Experience with a fitness centre, massage and a lounge among its facilities. Balconies and bathrobes in the rooms suit guests who settle in for longer stays, and the golf course and canoeing nearby keep the days full. It fits travellers who want a full-service resort base close to Waimea.
See Fairmont Orchid Gold ExperienceIslands at Mauna Lani Collection by KBM 2 Units
68 1375 Pauoa Rd, Waimea, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereTwo units in a 5-star collection 1.4 km from the centre, with an outdoor pool, a garden and a terrace for slow mornings. A cafe, restaurant and supermarket on site mean everyday needs are covered without a drive, and concierge service helps with planning. Best suited to groups or families who want space and self-sufficient surroundings rather than a traditional hotel lobby.
See Islands at Mauna Lani Collection by KBM 2 UnitsMauna Lani Point
68 1050 Mauna Lani Point Dr., Waimea, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereThis 4-star property 2.7 km from the centre has a private beach, an outdoor pool and a spa with sauna and steam room. Guests score it 4.7 out of 5 from 254 reviews. A golf course and floodlit driving range appeal to players, while bicycle hire and a picnic area give non-golfers their own pace. A quiet pick for couples and small groups.
See Mauna Lani PointFairmont Orchid
1 North Kaniku Drive, Waimea, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereAt 0.5 km from the centre, this 4-star resort puts the beach, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre within easy reach, with massage and a jacuzzi for downtime. Family rooms and a games room help with children, and the guest rating of 4.6 out of 5 comes from 3439 reviews. A practical base for families and first-time visitors who want plenty on site.
See Fairmont OrchidMauna Kea Beach Hotel Autograph Collection
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Waimea, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Breakfast in room
Why stay hereA 4-star beachfront address 6.9 km from the centre, with an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and a golf course among its facilities. The 4.6 out of 5 rating rests on 1557 reviews. Canoeing and a games room round out the options, and babysitting service makes it workable for parents. Suits guests who prefer a resort with breathing room over a town-centre stay.
See Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Autograph CollectionThe Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
62 100 Kauna'oa Drive, Waimea, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Kids pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereThis 4-star resort 5.9 km from the centre combines an outdoor pool and kids pool with a fitness centre and a games room, so several age groups are covered. Diving and fishing are on the activity list, and babysitting service helps families. It holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating from 2079 reviews, making it a dependable choice for households and active couples.
See The Westin Hapuna Beach ResortVillages at Mauna Lani
68 1025 North Kaniku Drive, Waimea, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereFour-star villas 1.0 km from the centre, with an outdoor pool, a spa and a jacuzzi, plus a garden and terrace for outdoor meals. A golf course and diving are close at hand, and babysitting service is available. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 63 reviews, it suits families and groups who want villa-style space with resort facilities attached.
See Villages at Mauna LaniHalii Kai by Hawaii Life Vacations
69 1029 Nawahine Place Kamuela, Waimea, United States
Best for: Business trips
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereA 4-star option 5.0 km from the centre with air conditioning, a minibar and a restaurant on site. Conference facilities and lifts make it convenient for guests combining work with a Waimea stay, and the 4.4 out of 5 rating comes from 428 reviews. A straightforward pick for business travellers or couples who want a base with dining downstairs.
See Halii Kai by Hawaii Life VacationsAinamalu 29 At Waikoloa Beach Resort 3 Bedroom Home by RedAwning
69 9242 Ainamalu Street, Waimea, United States
Best for: Step-free access
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereA three-bedroom home in a 4-star rental 2.9 km from the centre, with a garage and garden and sailing nearby. The 4.8 out of 5 rating is drawn from 24 reviews. Wheelchair accessible and built for a group rather than a couple, it suits families or friends who want a whole house and their own parking instead of hotel corridors.
See Ainamalu 29 At Waikoloa Beach Resort 3 Bedroom Home by RedAwningWai'ula'ula A102
62 3600 Amaui Place #A102, Waimea, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereThis 4-star unit 7.6 km from the centre offers an outdoor pool and tennis court, with the beach nearby and a spa for later. Free car parking and shops close by keep errands simple. A 4.9 out of 5 rating from 10 reviews reflects a small number of guests, so it best suits travellers who want a quiet, self-contained stay with sport on the doorstep.
See Wai'ula'ula A102Mauna Kea Residences
62 100 Kauna Oa Dr, Waimea, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereFour-star residences 5.9 km from the centre with an outdoor pool, tennis courts and a beach volleyball court, plus a spa and fitness facilities. A golf course and floodlit driving range are listed, and concierge and business services are on hand. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 10 reviews, it suits active families and groups who want sport and space in equal measure.
See Mauna Kea ResidencesFairways at Mauna Lani
68 1125 North Kaniku Drive, Waimea, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereAt 0.4 km from the centre, this 4-star apartment property includes a kitchen with dishwasher, oven and refrigerator, plus a washing machine and patio. A fitness centre and outdoor pool cover exercise, and the golf course is close. Best for guests who want to cook and settle in for several nights rather than eat out every day.
See Fairways at Mauna LaniWai'ula'ula at Mauna Kea
62 3600 Amaui Drive, Waimea, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Car parking
Why stay hereA 4-star property 7.7 km from the centre with an outdoor pool, jacuzzi and spa, plus a fitness centre and tennis courts. Canoeing, diving, fishing and sailing are all listed, and babysitting service is offered. It suits outdoors-focused families and groups who plan their days around water and sport, with a lounge and terrace for the evenings.
See Wai'ula'ula at Mauna KeaThe Islands at Mauna Lani CoralTree Residence Collection
68 1375 Pauoa Rd, Waimea, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereThis 4-star residence 1.5 km from the centre has a private beach, an outdoor pool and a jacuzzi, with a sauna and fitness centre for indoor downtime. Bicycle hire and a shuttle service make getting around easy, and concierge service is available. A good match for guests who want beach and sport without depending on a car for every outing.
See The Islands at Mauna Lani CoralTree Residence Collection
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mauna Lani Auberge Collection | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 1,595 | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1.4 km |
| Fairmont Orchid Gold Experience | ★★★★★ | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.7 km |
| Islands at Mauna Lani Collection by KBM 2 Units | ★★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | Yes | – | 1.4 km |
| Mauna Lani Point | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 254 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 2.7 km |
| Fairmont Orchid | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 3,439 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.5 km |
| Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Autograph Collection | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 1,557 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 6.9 km |
| The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 2,079 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5.9 km |
| Villages at Mauna Lani | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 63 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 1.0 km |
| Halii Kai by Hawaii Life Vacations | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 428 | – | – | – | – | 5.0 km |
| Ainamalu 29 At Waikoloa Beach Resort 3 Bedroom Home by RedAwning | ★★★★ | 4.8 | 24 | – | – | – | – | 2.9 km |
| Wai'ula'ula A102 | ★★★★ | 4.9 | 10 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 7.6 km |
| Mauna Kea Residences | ★★★★ | 4.9 | 10 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 5.9 km |
| Fairways at Mauna Lani | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | Yes | – | 0.4 km |
| Wai'ula'ula at Mauna Kea | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | Yes | – | 7.7 km |
| The Islands at Mauna Lani CoralTree Residence Collection | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | Yes | – | 1.5 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
Mauna Lani Auberge Collection and The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort both list kids pools and playgrounds, with babysitting service as well. Fairmont Orchid and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Autograph Collection add family rooms or babysitting, games rooms and beaches nearby, so there is plenty to keep children busy between beach days.
Mauna Lani Auberge Collection · The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort · Fairmont Orchid · Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Autograph Collection
For beach and golf
Mauna Lani Point and The Islands at Mauna Lani CoralTree Residence Collection list private beaches, golf courses and outdoor pools, the latter with a shuttle service. Villages at Mauna Lani and Wai'ula'ula at Mauna Kea add fitness centres, jacuzzis and beach access nearby, suiting guests who plan their days around the water and the fairways.
Mauna Lani Point · The Islands at Mauna Lani CoralTree Residence Collection · Villages at Mauna Lani · Wai'ula'ula at Mauna Kea
Highest rated
Wai'ula'ula A102 and Mauna Kea Residences each score 4.9 out of 5, the first with tennis and a pool, the second with tennis, a spa and a golf course. Ainamalu 29 at Waikoloa Beach Resort scores 4.8, and Mauna Lani Auberge Collection scores 4.7 across 1,595 reviews.
Wai'ula'ula A102 · Mauna Kea Residences · Ainamalu 29 At Waikoloa Beach Resort 3 Bedroom Home by RedAwning · Mauna Lani Auberge Collection
Close to the centre
Fairways at Mauna Lani is 0.4 km from the centre and Fairmont Orchid 0.5 km, with Fairmont Orchid Gold Experience at 0.7 km and Villages at Mauna Lani at 1.0 km. These four keep you nearest Waimea while still offering pools, fitness facilities and beaches nearby.
Fairways at Mauna Lani · Fairmont Orchid · Fairmont Orchid Gold Experience · Villages at Mauna Lani
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Waimea is accessible by car via Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) and the Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250). The nearest major airport is Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, about a 30- to 45-minute drive south; from Hilo the drive takes about 1.5 hours. Public transportation is limited, so renting a car is recommended. Once in Waimea, driving is the most practical way to reach the coast, beaches and other attractions.
When to go
Waimea can be visited year-round. The climate is mild due to its elevation, with cooler temperatures than the coast. The dry season from April to October offers the most consistent sunshine, while winter months bring more rain and cooler nights. Pack layers, as evenings can be chilly. Major events like the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo and the Ironman World Championship in Kona draw crowds, so book accommodations early if visiting during those times.
Questions, answered
Is Waimea the same as Kamuela?
Yes, Waimea is often called Kamuela to avoid confusion with Waimea on Kauai. Both names refer to the same town on Hawaii Island, where these hotels are listed.
Are the hotels in Waimea town itself?
No. The addresses name coastal locations such as Mauna Lani Drive, Pauoa Road, North Kaniku Drive, Kauna'oa Drive and Mauna Kea Beach Drive. Distances to the centre range from 0.4 km at Fairways at Mauna Lani to 7.7 km at Wai'ula'ula at Mauna Kea.
How do I get to Waimea from Kona Airport?
From Kona International Airport, take Highway 19 north for about 30 to 45 minutes. A rental car is the most convenient option, and public transportation in the area is limited.
Which hotels are best for families?
Mauna Lani Auberge Collection and The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort list kids pools and playgrounds, with babysitting service. Fairmont Orchid and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Autograph Collection list family rooms, games rooms or babysitting.
Which hotels score highest with guests?
Wai'ula'ula A102 and Mauna Kea Residences each score 4.9 out of 5. Ainamalu 29 at Waikoloa Beach Resort scores 4.8, and Mauna Lani Auberge Collection scores 4.7 from 1,595 reviews.
How far are the beaches from these hotels?
Waimea town is inland, but beaches are a short drive away on the Kohala Coast, including Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach. Several listed hotels, such as Mauna Lani Point and The Islands at Mauna Lani CoralTree Residence Collection, list private beaches.
When is the best time to visit Waimea?
Waimea can be visited year-round. April to October is the dry season with the most consistent sunshine, while winter brings more rain and cooler nights, so pack layers for chilly evenings.
Do the hotels offer golf and pools?
Many do. Golf courses are listed at Mauna Lani Point, Villages at Mauna Lani, Mauna Kea Residences and Wai'ula'ula at Mauna Kea, among others, and outdoor pools appear at properties including Islands at Mauna Lani Collection by KBM 2 Units and Fairways at Mauna Lani.