Ben Davidson, The Orange County Register, 8/24/25
The whitewashed, Moorish-style oceanfront villas at Maui’s Fairmont Kea Lani are perched just above Polo Beach, a beautiful, arc-shaped cove in south Maui’s Wailea resort region. There are 37 of these deluxe abodes, each wrapped in magenta-hued bougainvillea and framed by flowering plumeria trees. It’s a dreamy scene, like a seaside utopian neighborhood that doesn’t feel quite real.
In fact, these island villas are a real life fantasy, worthy of an over-the-top romantic splurge with someone special, an unforgettable trip with the kids, a special escape with friends, or a once-in-a-lifetime large family gathering. And the Fairmont is one of just a few five-star resorts in Hawaii that offer a variety of amenity-packed oceanfront villas and bungalows just steps from the sea, sand and shore.
Step inside these two-, three and four-bedroom villas and you enter sanctuaries of tasteful design, with island-themed art, supremely comfy sofas and beds crafted from tropical wood, luxurious showers and tubs, big screen TVs, and the latest kitchen appliances. The villas’ oceanside lanais, some equipped with their own plunge pool, are perches where you can grill it up, connect with nature, enjoy island breezes and, of course, soak in spectacular Pacific Ocean sunsets. Better yet, in winter months, many of these villas allow you to watch Hawaii’s spectacular annual whale migration just offshore, with binoculars included at some.
Ready for an over-the-top Hawaiian oceanfront villa or bungalow splurge? A tropical retreat without equal? Here are some of my top choices at Hawaii’s leading resorts, plus a few villas and bungalows outside the resorts that offer similar luxury, escape and beach access.
The view from the lanai of a villa at the Andaz Maui resort .The lodgings come in two-,three- and four-bedroom configurations.
MAUI
While you won’t find bungalows suspended over ocean water like those in Tahiti, Fiji or the Maldives, south Maui’s Wailea region offers a sumptuous collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom oceanfront villas at three sites: the Fairmont Kea Lani, Andaz Maui and Wailea Beach resorts.
The Kea Lani has 30 two-story villas to supplement its 413 one-bedroom suites. Each villa spans 1,800-2,200 square feet. Most are oceanfront, while the rest have an ocean view.
The Kea Lani’s two- and three-bedroom villas are just feet from the ocean and the swaying palms of Polo Beach. Units include fully equipped kitchens with dining areas, master bedrooms featuring spacious en-suites, marble-lined bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and walk-in showers. Private courtyards with plunge pools let you sip a mai tai, take in the sunsets over the Pacific or barbecue for the family.
Guests are welcomed to their villa with a basket of tropical fruit, Hawaiian jams, freshly baked banana bread, cream, milk, butter and snacks. Chilled waters and tropical juices are refreshed in the villas daily. Better yet, villa guests enjoy an expansive buffet breakfast included daily at Kea Lani Restaurant.
The pool area at the Fairmont Kea Lani in the Wailea region of south Maui is near the beach and the resort ’s villas.
Details: fairmont-kea-lani.com
The Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott) has four new oceanfront villas with one- to four-bedroom configurations to complement the exquisite Sundeck rooms, some of which provide immediate access to the shore. The villas feature wellequipped kitchens along with dining seating for four adjacent to the island counter, allowing for private chef demonstrations or entertaining guests. Spalike bathrooms include a standalone soaking tub and spacious showers.
Details: waileabeachresort.com
Andaz Maui’s contemporary, residential-style villas come in two-, three- and four-bedroom configurations and draw their inspiration from the island’s natural beauty. The premier Makai oceanfront villas are just steps away from Mokapu Beach, while the Hema and Ilikai villas are perched at the top and sides of the main resort, allowing for quintessential ocean views.
Each includes a full kitchen with high-end Bosch and Miele appliances, private laundry room, marble floors and modern furnishings. The private lanais have outdoor lounges, dining tables, chairs and Viking grills. Some villas offer a private plunge pool or hot tub.
Details: villasatandazmaui.com
On West Maui’s Kaanapali shore, the Royal Lahaina Bungalows offer several oceanfront lodgings. Although Royal Lahaina is more modest than other Maui resorts, you’ll still find easy beach access and comfortable, well-appointed bungalows such as the 1,200-square-foot Royal Beach House Suite, which sleeps six and has a private lanai, pool, hot tub and gated beach access.
Details: royallahaina.com
Each Andaz Maui villa includes a full kitchen with appliances, private laundry room, marble floors and modern furnishings.
OAHU
On Oahu’s famed North Shore, the Ritz Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay offers luxurious escapes right on the ocean. Some 42 waterfront bungalows are set alongside the resort and offer a blend of indulgence and serenity.
Details: turtlebayresort.com
THE BIG ISLAND
The Four Seasons Hualalai has three oceanfront villas — the Hawaii Loa Presidental Villa, Makaloa Villa and Hoonanea Villa — each with private pools and spacious balconies or terraces.
Details: fourseasons.com
Close to the beach, the Mauna Lani’s Residence collection offers villas with two master suites and 2 1/2 bathrooms. Tailored to large parties, these expansive private homes sleep up to six. You can begin your morning with a stroll up the coast, then return to your private pool for a soak and sunset session before dinner reservations at one of five dining outlets at the resort.
Details: aubergeresorts.com
BEYOND THE RESORTS
Looking for something outside the resorts? Hawaii abounds in luxury beachfront villas, bungalows and condominium-style accommodations, some with privileges at nearby resorts.
Oahu:
Ke Iki Beach Bungalows are on one of the top beaches on the North Shore, offering simplicity, sunsets and solace. Check out the yoga classes held beneath two 100-year-old monkey pod trees.
Details: keikibeach.com
The Big Island:
A wide variety of spectacular oceanfront and ocean view villas are in the Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani, Hualalai and Kohala Coast resort regions.
Details: bigislandvillas.com
Kauai:
The ground level, two-bedroom condominium suites at Hanalei Colony Resort offer sweeping views of Hanalei Bay and Kauai’s lush mountains and are set in traditional, low-rise plantation-style buildings. The sand is close by. Details: hcr.com. Also, the lawn level condos at Whaler’s Cove in Poipu offer sweeping views interrupted only by swaying coconut palms. The resort’s curved oceanfront architecture makes it feel like you are on a cruise ship, hovering above a panoramic ocean view.
Details: whalerscoveresort.com
Maui:
Wailea Elua Village on Maui’s south shore has luxurious one- to three-bedroom oceanfront condos near pristine Ulua Beach and a wonderful shoreline walking path. Details: coraltreeresidencecollection.com Maui: Kapalua Bay Villas has deluxe one- and two-bedroom villas perched on sunny, secluded Kapaula Bay, far from crowds.
Details: hawaiivacationcondos.outrigger.com