In this edition of Featured Journeys, we travel to the Hawaiian Islands. Situated in the Pacific Ocean, these volcano-created islands offer blissful beaches, one-of-a-kind sunsets, and luxury hotels with an array of amenities and exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. Plus, each of the island's offers its own unique attractions, cuisine, and adventures from exploring tunnels created by ancient lava flows to kayaking to picturesque waterfalls.
The "Big Island", The Island of Hawaii
Twice as big as the other Hawaiian Islands giving it the nickname the "Big Island", the Island of Hawaii is the youngest of all the islands, and a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Visitors to the island can travel through all but four of the world's different climate zones, ranging from Polar Tundra to Wet Tundra. The island's vast climates are a result of the variying elevations and geological formations created by the massive Maunakea and Maunaloa volcanoes. Travelers to the island will want to visit the lush valleys of the Hilo and Hamakua Coasts, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the black sands of Punaluu Beach.
Mauna Kea Beach Resort
Set along a white sand beach, Mauna Kea Beach Resort is a luxury retreat with world-class golfing at Mauna Kea and Hapuna, 11 seaside tennis courts, and Bocce Ball courts. Offering an array of cultural experiences, guests can partake in nighttime glow-canoe and manta snorkel adventures, art tours, and tropical spa treatments. For children, the Keiki Club Adventures provides supervised programs, and there is a variety of ocean sports and activities for visitors of all ages.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests making reservations with Five Star Alliance will also receive full buffet breakfast for two daily at Manta Restaurant, complimentary WiFi, and a $100 resort credit per stay when booking a room or a $200 resort credit per stay when booking a suite.
Check availability at Mauna Kea Beach Resort
Discover more Big Island Luxury Hotels
OAHU
Home to Honolulu, Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Sometimes called "The Gathering Place", the island is diverse with a fusion of East and West cultures blending with native Hawaiian traditions. Mixing ancient and modern, visitors to this island can dine at an eclectic array of restaurants, partake in a variety of activities, and spend the day in the bustling city of Honolulu, or venture to a laid back surf town.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
Adjacent to the shopping at Luxury Row, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach is a luxury tower hotel celebrating the spirit of the island in a modern way. The all-suite property offers residential-style accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows, gourmet kitchens, living rooms, furnished balconies, and bathrooms with walk-in showers, state-of-the-art toilets, soaking tubs, and dual vanities. The spa offers treatments inspired by Hawaiian traditions, dining options include the first Hawaii locations of Dean & DeLuca and Sushi Sho, and the BLT Market with Hawaiian-infused cuisine. While the eighth floor infinity pool has private cabanas, and the fitness center was designed by celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also include full breakfast for each guest daily in BLT Market (subject to maximum credits per accommodation type) and a $100 USD resort credit per Studio, $200 per One Bedroom Suite, $300 per Two or Three Bedroom Suites and $400 per Four Bedroom Suites (not valid on room rate and no cash value).
Check availability at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
Discover more Oahu Luxury Hotels
KAUAI
Hawaii's "Island of Discovery" is filled with natural wonders to explore. From the Waimea Canyon to native fishponds with 1,000 years of forward-thinking history, visitors can breathe in the oxygen-rich air of the island's Wailua River while kayaking to a cascading waterfall. Be transported back in time along the Napoli Coast to a laid-back island lifestyle, and explore the small coastal towns like Hanapepe and Old Koloa Town. Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed pace to explore natural wonders, the island also hosts a variety of events throughout the year including Ukelele concerts, Hula Shows, and the Princeville Night Market.
Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort
Set on Poi'pu Beach, Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort is an intimate luxury boutique resort. Offering the island's closest accommodations to the beach, the award-winning property has a saltwater lava-inspired pool, and award-winning Red Salt restaurant serving a modern take on island cuisine showcasing locally-sourced Hawaiian ingredients. While the Spa at Ko'a Kea provides Hawaiian-inspired treatments infused with natural and indigenous ingredients, as well as a romantic couple's suite, outdoor seaside cabana treatment area, and candlelit treatment rooms.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive full breakfast for each guest daily at Red Salt, a $50 resort credit, per room/per stay (if not already included in the rate), and a welcome amenity.