The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Hotel Description

You know what really struck me about The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort? It’s one of those places where you actually forget you’re staying at a big resort chain. I mean, sure, it’s got that polished Westin feel, but there’s something genuinely Hawaiian about it that doesn’t feel forced or touristy.

The location is honestly spectacular – right on Hapuna Beach, which locals will tell you is one of the best white sand beaches on the Big Island (and they’re not wrong). When you’re standing on your lanai in the morning with coffee, you’re looking out at this massive stretch of sand that goes on forever, with Mauna Kea looming in the distance. The beach itself gets busy around midday, especially when the tour groups roll in, but early morning and late afternoon? It’s like having your own private slice of paradise. I actually spent most of my time there just before sunset – the light is incredible, and you can walk for miles without seeing another soul.

What I really appreciated was how the resort works with the natural landscape instead of fighting it. The buildings are low-rise and sort of fade into the lava rock and tropical vegetation, which is refreshing when you’ve seen too many concrete towers elsewhere in Hawaii. The pools are nice (there are actually several scattered around), but honestly, with that beach right there, I barely used them. The staff genuinely seems to care about what they’re doing – not just going through the motions – and they know the island well enough to give you real recommendations, not just the standard tourist spots. One front desk guy told me about this little coffee farm up in Waimea that ended up being a highlight of my trip.

The rooms are what you’d expect from Westin – comfortable beds, decent space, that signature shower that actually has good water pressure. Nothing revolutionary, but everything works and feels thoughtfully designed. Some of the oceanview rooms have these huge windows that basically frame the Pacific, which is worth the upgrade if you can swing it. Fair warning though: if you’re a light sleeper, the ocean can be pretty loud at night when the waves are up. I loved it, but my partner needed earpunos after the first night.

Honestly, the thing that sets this place apart is the setting. You’re about twenty minutes from both the Mauna Kea observatories and some of the island’s best snorkeling at Puako. The resort sits in this interesting spot where the landscape is still pretty raw and volcanic – it’s not all lush and tropical like other parts of the island, but there’s something beautiful about that stark contrast. The sunsets are absolutely unreal, and you can see them right from the beach without having to fight crowds or find the perfect viewpoint. After staying at a few different places on the Big Island, this is the one I’d actually come back to.

Rooms

• Premier Ocean Suite, 1 Bedroom Suite, 1 King, Ocean view with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• 1 Bedroom Suite, 1 King, Ocean view, Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Lanai Suite, 1 Bedroom Larger Suite, 1 King, Ground floor with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Premier Ocean, Guest room, 1 King, Ocean view, High floor with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Guest room, 2 Queen, Ocean view, Balcony with 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Guest room, 1 King, Ocean View, Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Guest room, 2 Queen, Partial ocean view, Balcony with 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Guest room, 1 King, Partial ocean view, Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Lanai Room, Guest room, 2 Queen, Partial ocean view, Balcony with 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Lanai Room, Guest room, 1 King, Partial ocean view, Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Premier Ocean, Guest room, 2 Queen, Ocean view, High floor with 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children

Reviews

• Nadja from United States (9/10)

  Staff was very helpful and friendly. Kenji at the reception accommodated all our extras. Pools and beach access are great for swimming and relaxing. Breakfast buffet had a large variety of sweet and savory food, including fresh fruit, a la carte omelette, waffles, pastries, potatoes,

• Iuliia from United States (9/10)

  It was great!!!!!!

• Jones from United States (9/10)

  The breakfast buffet was wonderful. We all were able to choose our favorites. The staff was always ready to accommodate our requirements for a high chair, and special requests for bananas for the baby.

• Zhizhou from United States (9/10)

  Good price! Welcoming staff! Worth of money!

• Sheri from United States (9/10)

  Excellent

• Nicola from United Kingdom (9/10)

  The hotel is in a beautiful location, overlooking Hapuna Beach. We watched the sunrise over the water each morning. It has great facilities; the gym is well equipped, there are complimentary laundry services for guests, ideal for those travelling long haul, an on site medical centre and great pools. The rooms are comfortable, spacious and have a large fridge which allowed us to stock up on a few items from the local shop. We also appreciated the complimentary water bottles and numerous water filling stations, which allowed us to avoid plastic bottles.

• Jana from Czech Republic (9/10)

  I loved the lovely views! Swimming in the pool in the evening was unforgatteble, perffect service in mediteranean restaurant, nice people!!! Fitness center was fine too.

• Sylvia from United States (9/10)

  Beautiful resort. Loved having an adult only pool as well as beach access with chairs and umbrellas. Nicely equipped fitness center.

• Eynaud from United States (9/10)

  Beautiful and creative landscaping and design

• Kate from Australia (9/10)

  Loved the buffet breakfast

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities