Luxury Seaside HotelsBeachfront Luxury for the Smart Traveler™
Aerial view of the Wailea–Makena coastline on Maui

Luxury Seaside Hotels in the USA & Hawaii

Grand old resorts, Art Deco beachfronts, Pacific clifftops and Hawaiian lanais — no passport required.

America’s coasts hold some of the world’s most storied beach hotels, from Gilded Age landmarks in Palm Beach and Coronado to modern resorts on the Pacific bluffs and in Hawaii. Florida is at its best from winter to spring; California’s coast shines from late summer into fall; Hawaii is good year-round.

Florida

DestinationWhy stay hereNames to knowCompare rates
Palm BeachOld-money glamour, Worth Avenue and wide Atlantic beachesThe BreakersRoomsCheap »
Miami BeachArt Deco, nightlife and oceanfront towersThe Setai; Faena Hotel Miami BeachRoomsCheap »
NaplesCalm Gulf beaches and sunsetsThe Ritz-Carlton, NaplesRoomsCheap »
Key WestIsland charm at the end of the Overseas HighwayCasa Marina Key WestRoomsCheap »

California

DestinationWhy stay hereNames to knowCompare rates
San Diego & CoronadoYear-round mild weather and a wide beachHotel del CoronadoRoomsCheap »
Laguna BeachCoves and bluffs on the Orange County coastMontage Laguna BeachRoomsCheap »
Santa BarbaraSpanish-style charm between mountains and seaRosewood Miramar BeachRoomsCheap »

Hawaii

DestinationWhy stay hereNames to knowCompare rates
MauiWailea’s crescent beaches and Kaanapali’s resort stripFour Seasons Resort Maui at WaileaRoomsCheap »
OahuWaikiki’s landmark hotels and Ko Olina’s lagoonsHalekulaniRoomsCheap »
KauaiGreen, quiet and dramaticResorts at Poipu and PrincevilleRoomsCheap »
Island of HawaiiKohala Coast resorts on lava-framed beachesKohala Coast resortsRoomsCheap »
Palms and agave above the Pacific on the Southern California coast
Resort pools and palm trees beside the beach in Miami

For honeymoon ideas in the islands see Hawaiian Honeymoon Planner, and for more great U.S. beaches, Best Beaches in the USA.

Planning a U.S. or Hawaii Beach Stay

Seasons

Florida peaks from January to April; Southern California’s beaches are warmest from August to October; Hawaii is pleasant year-round, with bigger north-shore surf in winter.

Budget for extras

Resort fees, valet parking and a rental car can add significantly per day; ask for the all-in cost.

Historic hotels

Landmark hotels such as The Breakers and Hotel del Coronado are sights in their own right; newer wings may be quieter and more modern.

Specialist tip

Hawaii specialists can bundle inter-island flights, cars and hotels, often with a free-night offer.

USA & Hawaii FAQ

What are resort fees?

Daily mandatory charges added to many U.S. resort rates for amenities such as Wi-Fi, beach chairs or fitness classes. U.S. rules now require hotels to show the total price including mandatory fees, but always compare the full cost of your stay.

Which Hawaiian island is best for a luxury beach hotel?

Maui’s Wailea for classic luxury resorts, Oahu’s Waikiki for landmark hotels close to restaurants and shopping, the Kohala Coast on the Island of Hawaii for large resorts, and Kauai for a quieter stay.

Let a luxury specialist plan your U.S. or Hawaii beach stay

Luxury specialists often secure upgrades, resort credits, breakfast and VIP amenities. Get your best-value travel quote free from a true travel specialist through the Official Travel Directory.

Get your best-value quote free »