Eco Friendly Hotels Hawaii

Guide to Eco Hotels in Hawaii ( 2023 Updated)

An eco hotel, or a green hotel, is an environmentally sustainable hotel or accommodation that has made important environmental improvements to its structure in order to minimize its impact on the natural environment and eco friendly hotels Hawaii are considered excellent place to hang out for a couple of nights in Hawaii and then beyond in Honolulu.

Hawaii is leading aggressively the way to becoming more self-sustaining and creating new energy resources and industries. Conservation has been on the forefront of every citizen with support of each local island to cut daily use and consumption of gas, electricity and import products into the island.

The Hawaii Ecotourism Association defines this kind of travel as “nature and culture based tourism that is ecologically sustainable and supports the well being of local communities.” The Hawaiian islands open to the public – Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, Lanai and Molokai – each offer attractions and services

 

 

1. Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia 5* – Eco Friendly Hotels Hawaii

Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia
Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia

Featuring ocean views and 50 acres of garden, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia is set along the North Kohala coast. The hotel has an outdoor pool and sun terrace. Free parking and WiFi are available on site.

All units offer flowers, a personal water bottle, and a CD player. There are also spacious bathrooms in each unit with a large soaking tub, along with bath robes and free toiletries, while select units feature a private bathroom with a spa bath. Select units have a seating area for your convenience and sea or garden views.

There is a shared lounge, a business center, and a gift shop at the property. Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia offers a yoga studio, spa facilities, and a theater room.

Close to the Kohala Coast, this luxurious ecolodge uses sustainable materials and solar power, and is 1.5 miles from Kamehameha Park.

The 10 colorful rooms and suites feature Hawaiian furniture, soaking tubs, private balconies and gardens, and ocean or valley views. Yurts with a private toilet and sink are also available. WiFi is complimentary.

Set on 50 acres of orchards and ancient valley trails, the property grows and serves its own organic cuisine. On-site there’s also an outdoor spa offering massages and treatments, a saltwater infinity pool, a yoga studio and a library with a media room for guests. Free parking is available.

Nestled among towering pines and cooling ocean breezes Hawaii Island Retreat and Spa is unique among Hawaii Destinations. Located on 50 acres of North Kohala’s coastal land, this boutique hotel is the ultimate in sustainability merged with a luxury spa retreat. Our elite 17 room boutique lodge features farm-to-table dining, spacious yoga studios with polished hardwood floors, and luxurious guest rooms with roomy private bath and balcony.
The entire property is pesticide free, eco friendly, organic and is breathtakingly beautiful with views of the ocean from the seaside cliff. There is a fantastic salt water infinity pool which I felt like I was floating in heaven. I watched the stars at night and felt refreshed each morning. I stayed in one of the luxurious yurts and it was exactly what I wanted. I deeply enjoyed the peace and quiet since I value my privacy and love my solitude which was undisturbed.
I dislike A/C so I really appreciated the fans and natural fresh air that breezed through my yurt windows. My bed was extremely comfortable. The yurts have their own private bathroom with a sink and toilet. The showers are conveniently located close to the yurts and have dispensers of organic body wash, shampoo and conditioner made from the land. They smelled so nice and made my hair and skin feel silky smooth. I felt a genuine connection to nature and I really enjoyed spending time in the gardens and the open courtyard. Positivity and good vibes abound. The architecture and construction of all the buildings on the premises are lovely.

The hotel looks like a mansion,. If I hadn’t see the photos of the construction, I could have believed the main building was built in the last century and not in this one. The gorgeous old-style furnishings contribute to the illusion.

The Golden Peacock suite lived up to its name. At the time of day when light enters at a particular angle, the room takes on a golden glow. It’s large, comfortable, beautifully furnished and private. It has its own deck which looks into a forest of trees. If you peek through the trees, you can glimpse the ocean. Even though you can’t see the ocean directly, you can hear its power.

This section of the coast is wild. The hotel sits on a bluff with no beach access. There is a short hike down to what’s called a “public access” beach but the large boulders and violent sea preclude walking on it. Still, the view from the gulley is breathtaking, with a steady wind and sea spray that’s refreshing. There is also a short hike to a viewpoint from a cliff which allows you to see the wild coast from a safe perch. There are many other lovely short hikes on the property.

The views of the Pacific Ocean from the property were breathtaking. The Eco boutique offered me a variety of choices for wellness classes and not only was the entire staff helpful but friendly too. The food grown on site was prepared beautifully and the entire experience of my week’s stay heightened all of my senses. This is a paradise and I intend to return to enjoy the experience of becoming renewed and refreshed.
The place is absolutely gorgeous with not only the beautiful setting but the way they use their resources, being self-sustainable. Their commitment and practice of eco-friendliness have to be commended. As a scientist, I very much appreciated how much work went into making all the different elements work. And yet, we never felt that it lacked anything unlike a lot of other eco-friendly hotels.
Eco Friendly Hotels Hawaii
Eco Friendly Hotels Hawaii

How much does a room costs at Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia?

Prices start 220$/night for Yurt with Garden View. The Bungalow with Ocean View is 510$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

The most private accommodations, individual bungalows offer ocean views and Hawaiian turn-of-the century decor. The Sunlight series bungalows are a unique expression of what is held most dear at Hawaii Island Retreat: sustainability and elegance.

Where to book online – Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia – Eco Friendly Hotels Hawaii you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Hawaii during Hawaii Performing Arts Festival which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Hawaii on Booking.com or Expedia.com or Agoda.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

2. Paniolo at The Equus 4* – Eco Hotels Hawaii

Paniolo at The Equus
Paniolo at The Equus

Set in Honolulu, 801 m from Magic Island Lagoon Beach, Paniolo at The Equus offers accommodations with a restaurant, private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and an ATM, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel features family rooms.

The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, a shower, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. At the hotel, all rooms are fitted with a private bathroom with free toiletries.

Paniolo at The Equus offers a terrace. Guests at the accommodations will be able to enjoy activities in and around Honolulu, like cycling.

A 3-minute walk from Ala Wai boat harbor, an 11-minute walk from Kahanamoku Beach, this polished boutique hotel is 2 miles from the Honolulu Zoo and 7 miles from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

The relaxed, warmly decorated rooms feature free Internet access, flat-screen TVs and mini fridges, in addition to Keurig coffee makers. Some rooms and balconies.

Parking is available for a fee. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and a casual cafe with a bar.

The Equus is a charming boutique hotel located on Waikiki’s “Upper West Side” where you will find an abundance of restaurants, easy access to one of the world’s largest shopping malls, a quick stroll to the beach and gorgeous sunset views. The hotel guestrooms are warm and contemporary, keeping true to the hotel’s equestrian theme with Ralph Lauren-inspired touches throughout. An intimate lobby and lanai offer a dipping pool, and an open-air coffee shop and bar.

The Paniolo Bar & Cafe is open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Get an early start with hand-crafted artisan coffee and pastries served from morning till noon

All guestrooms are appointed with cozy pillow-top beds, flat screen TVs, refrigerator with freezer, Keurig coffee maker with organic coffee, and complimentary full property WiFi.

Hotel is extremely eco-friendly with power saving guidelines and recycling. There is a nice, clean mid sized pool on lower level with patio cabana. Another huge perk is the outdoor/patio cafe/bar downstairs known as ‘The Paniolo Cafe @ The Equus’. This is laid back patio bar with great signature cocktails and a nice selection of local/national beers and wines. There is also an amazing locally brewed coffee and a great selection of pastries and brunch food items.

The bed was sooooo comfy, and huge! My husband and I both had the best night’s sleep of our entire trip to Hawaii, over 2 islands and several resorts. The furniture is an eclectic mix of timeless pieces, with so many unique touches, little statues, original artwork, and cozy throws.

The ‘Equine’ theme is definitely noticeable, with horse artwork, and polo magazines around the place, but like everything else in this hotel it doesn’t feel overbearing. A bit like an exclusive but friendly polo club I guess! I don’t ride, and don’t have much interest in horses and I still loved the theme.

The bathroom amenities are all a gorgeous local eco friendly brand – not ‘hippie’ eco friendly – they actually work! and included both shampoo AND conditioner, which I always appreciate.

There is tea and coffee in the rooms and free tea, coffee, water, (and amazing mini cookies…), available in the lobby, which feels more like someone’s living room than a hotel lobby.

The room was outstanding, very comfortable bed. Let me restate, very, very comfortable. Fridge and all the normal amenities included, Wi-Fi, cable television, etc. Also, the hotel is very environmentally friendly, with eco shampoo/conditioner, a system that shuts off air conditioning and lights when you remove your room key, as well as neat hotel pens made from recycled materials.

The key lesson of geography is “location, location, location” and this hotel has that. It’s not right on Waikiki Beach, and that’s fantastic. If you want the beach, it is laughable walk of less than five minutes. Restaurants galore are nearby, both local and chain restaurants (Da Smokehouse was a personal favorite). ABC stores are a plenty in the area, including one less than 50 yards from the front of the hotel. And the best part of being tucked away off the beach, is no drunk people bothering you late at night, as well as no tourists creating loud noises that carry up to your window.

Eco Friendly Hotels Hawaii
Eco Friendly Hotels Hawaii

How much does a room costs at Paniolo at The Equus?

Prices start 175$/night for City View King.

This double room has a balcony, tea/coffee maker and air conditioning.

Where to book online – Paniolo at The Equus – Eco Friendly Hotels Hawaii you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Hawaii during Hawaii Performing Arts Festival which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Hawaii on Booking.com or Trip.com or Agoda.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

3. Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui 5* – Hawai Eco Hotels

Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui

Overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean, Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui features a full-service spa and on-site dining. It offers free shuttle service to the Wailea Golf Club, located next to the resort.

Each luxurious cabana-style suite at Fairmont Kea Lani Maui is equipped with free Wi-Fi and has a flat-screen TV and DVD player in the living area and the bedroom. Guests can listen to music on the iPod docking station while relaxing in the bathroom’s deep soaking tub.

The 24-hour gym features flat-screen TVs and free fitness classes. One of Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui’s 3 outdoor pools is adult only and another has a 39 m high waterslide.

Set on 22 acres of tropical gardens overlooking the beach, this upscale resort is a 9-minute walk from Wailea Golf Club and 3.5 miles from Makena State Park.

Featuring balconies and Wi-Fi (fee), the refined, modern rooms offer flat-screen TVs, DVD players and iPod docks, plus mini fridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. The 2- and 3-bedroom villas add free Wi-Fi, along with kitchens, pull-out sofas and private plunge pools.

Dining options include an upscale regional restaurant and a poolside grill, plus a seafood eatery and a cafe. There are 3 outdoor pools, as well as a spa, a 24/7 fitness center and a kids’ club.

Discover the essence of Maui at Fairmont Kea Lani, Hawaii’s only all-suite and villa luxury resort. Nestled on the soft white sands of Wailea’s Polo Beach, this award-winning oceanfront paradise redefines luxury with a state-of-the-art spa, island inspired cuisine and authentic cultural experiences. Fairmont Kea Lani is the ideal island getaway with six dining venues featuring four bars and one market, three swimming pools including an adult-only pool, a comprehensive fitness and wellness program and unrivaled access to the best adventures across the island. Aloha awaits!
It’s hard to make a property this large feel intimate and eco-friendly. Fairmont has succeeded. An ocean-view room allowed us to watch humpback wales breach only a few hundred yards away (housekeeping kindly provided binoculars on request). We did a personal training session on Polo beach as the sun rose. The food was truly outstanding. Maybe the best breakfast buffet I’ve ever had and dinner at Ko was the best meal we had on Maui. Order the Lau Lau! Melts in the mouth. Service was great and you can tell the hotel is making an effort to reduce plastic use!
There are several really good restaurants on the property and Ko is one of our favorites. All of the restaurants had several fresh local fish options every day. We booked our suite with the breakfast buffet option and found the food choices to be top notch-especially all the fresh fruit choices. We liked that the Lani Kai provided free shuttle service in individual SUVs, not shuttle buses, to surrounding shopping and dining spots.
We took advantage of the on-site Willow Stream Spa for 90 minute massages. Stress relief! The on-site Caffe Ciao Deli also added another option for quick breakfast, sandwiches and great lattes. If you want great service, beautiful weather, gracious staff, good local food all in an eco- friendly resort then stay here and get rejuvenated-we did and we will be back again.
The hotel is also environmentally aware and recycles, uses rock salt instead of chlorine in the swimming pools, and has eco mode thermostats, among other programs.
Reminder of really good things:
– lobby, bars, pools, indoor/outdoor spaces… all great.
– Most of the service staff, certainly the ones that have been with Fairmont a while.
– eco-friendly, lots of recycling, lots of use of biodegradable waste products, signs and stuff, staff aware of this issue… which generally costs a hotel money and I’m not so sure everyone that goes there is happy about it, still lots of people want the cheapest whatever possible, not the most responsibly made whatever possible so great to see their leadership here.
– location, beach. bell staff. all great.
most eco friendly hotels in hawaii
most eco friendly hotels in hawaii

How much does a room costs at Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui?

Prices start 1553$/night for Garden View Suite with King Bed. The Ocean View Suite is 1965$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

This 1-bedroom suite features a separate living room with a sofa bed. Views of the pacific ocean are available from the windows and the private balcony. A large private bathroom with a double pedestal sink is also included.

Where to book online –Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui – Eco Friendly Hotels Hawaii you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Hawaii during Hawaii Performing Arts Festival which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Hawaii onBooking.com or Expedia.com or Agoda.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

4.  Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection 4* – Eco Friendly Hotels Hawaii

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Located along a white sandy beach on the Kohala Coast, this oceanfront hotel includes a spa, 2 restaurants and 2 golf courses. Kailua-Kona is 40 minutes’ drive away.

A flat-screen TV and spacious private terrace are offered in each guest room at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows. Tea and coffee-making facilities featuring Kona coffee are provided in each room.

The CanoeHouse offers a farm-to-table menu highlighting Hawaiian cuisine. The Bay Terrace is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features salad, sandwiches, sushi and tropical drinks.

2 championship golf courses are located on site. A junior 18-hole golf course designed for children and a children’s golf academy are also available.

This upmarket oceanfront resort is a 12-minute walk from The Shops at Mauna Lani open-air mall.

The airy, tropical-inspired rooms feature private lanais (many with sea views), plus flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers and mini fridges. Suites add separate living areas, and bungalows provide kitchens, private pools and hot tubs. A daily resort fee covers in-room Wi-Fi.

Complimentary activities include hula and ukulele lessons. The hotel offers 2 championship golf courses, a luxe spa, and a fitness center with a lap pool, as well as an oceanfront restaurant and a relaxed bar/grill. Bikes, canoes, kayaks and surfboards are available to hire.

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, is re-defining a new era of experiential luxury on the Island of Hawaii. Ideally located on 32 expansive oceanfront acres, marked by royal fish ponds, natural lava plains, lush tropical gardens, and bordered by alluring beaches, Mauna Lani – meaning “mountain reaching heaven,” is an inspiring spiritual haven that captures a distinct sense of place deeply rooted in rich cultural traditions, yet seamlessly blends a modern tomorrow. Transformational experiences, enriching cultural immersion, unrivalled amenities, and curated moments – await guests at Mauna Lani.

I can’t say enough great things about this resort. The staff, the rooms, the amenities, and the location are all top notch. It is also probably the most eco friendly resort that I’ve ever visited (which is SUPER awesome!).

The only tiny thing is maybe offer more vegetarian options for dinner at the restaurants.

The newly renovated Mauna Lani is well worth every penny! The staff is amazing, the facilities are brand new and well equipped. The gym has top of the line equipment including a Crossfit set up and Peloton bikes. The resort is located on a beautiful beach. The new pool renovations are amazing! Three pools so they don’t get too crowded. If you want even just a few days of luxury in paradise this is the place to stay.
The renovated property is spectacular with fabulous rooms (we had an high floor, ocean front room), beautiful common areas, upgraded restaurants and improved menus, fabulous beach and great new pools including an adults only infinity pool. In addition to the beautiful physical property, the staff is simply awesome. Everyone, everywhere is friendly, attentive and well managed.
Of course the hotel has been completely remodeled since then (probably a good thing) and our sixth floor room overlooking the pool had a very nice sunset view and I highly recommend that side of the building. The indoor/outdoor gym was amazing and glad it’s open 24 hours as I hit it mostly around 4:00 or 4:30 AM. The Ube Colada is super good and other meals were good as well, but it’s good to get out of the hotel and have dinner in other places like Lava Lava in Waikoloa.
We also did the Sunrise Paddle which was fun but also kind of touristy and I enjoyed yoga on the lawn as well. Bikes are complementary and so was the Turtle Talk. The Market has some really good snacks, pastries, etc. but you can find most things for much less down the street at the Foodland. There is a also very good Juice Bar down the street with huge Açai bowls. Worth the walk or ride.
Eco Friendly Hotels Hawaii
Eco Friendly Hotels Hawaii

How much does a room costs at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection?

Prices start 1100$/night for Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View. The Suite, Ocean View is 1350$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

Where to book online– Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection – Eco Friendly Hotels Hawaii you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Hawaii during Hawaii Performing Arts Festival which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Hawaii on Booking.com or Expedia.com or Hotels.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

5. The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club 5* – Eco Friendly Hotels Huawei

The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

Featuring an outdoor pool, the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club in Waikiki offers vintage inspired bungalows and suites, with optional in-room coffee and cocktail service.

Hand-crafted furniture, custom-tile bathroom floors and eclectic artwork is featured in all rooms, as well as wireless speakers, an alarm system, and a private balcony that is each uniquely crafted. A flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and a coffee machine are also included. The en suite bathroom provides a hairdryer and free toiletries.

The Swim Club offers poolside entertainment, cultural activities and programs. Private cabanas are available for hire. Guests can shop at the onsite boutique, Olive and Oliver. A 24-hour reception welcomes guests.

A 10-minute walk from Waikiki Beach, this contemporary, 10-floor hotel is a mile from the Honolulu Zoo and 2 miles from the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Featuring private balconies and a modern take on traditional island decor, the breezy rooms have flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi (included with a resort fee), minifridges and designer toiletries. Bright 1- and 2-bedroom suites add sofabeds.

Amenities include a renowned restaurant, a designer boutique, and an outdoor pool offering cabanas, a cocktail bar, poolside movies and guest lectures. The resort fee covers daily coffee, a snack basket and the use of board games, as well as towel rentals and pool access.

An authentic Waikiki experience awaits you at this vibrant new hotel located in the center of the action. With handcrafted design elements, surf-culture throwback & modern touches, you’ll feel the energy of Waikiki at the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club. The Surfjack is home to stylish apparel shop, Olive & Oliver, and Mahina & Suns, renowned chef Ed Kenney’s newest eatery.
Guests also gather at the Swim Club – our outdoor pool and sun deck area where we share cultural programs and unique events as you sip on a cocktail (or two) and maybe jump into the pool because the moment was oh, so right. The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club offers renovated bungalow-style guest rooms, in addition to spacious one, two, and three-bedroom suites. Each charming guest room includes air-conditioning, a refrigerator, The Indigenous Soap Company® Hand Soap, and a private balcony. The feel of open space and the handcrafted style in decor creates a sense of curiosity and serves to inspire adventure.
The Surfjack is situated in the heart of Waikiki and offers easy access to prime shopping such as world-famous International Market Place, dining and nightlife, and is located just three easy blocks to Waikiki beach. From morning surf sessions to sunset catamaran cruising – it really is an endless summer. For the moments in-between sand & sun, take a short drive to the art and culture communities of Kaka’ako, Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown for a true urban-Honolulu experience. Join us and immerse yourself in the ebb and flow of the Surfjack, a swell little spot in Waikiki.
Centrally located funky hotel with just a 5 minute walk to the beach but just off the busy main street. Our room was large with lots of space. Live music every night but not intrusive. The pool was great and lots of space to either sunbake or read in the shade. They do their best to be eco friendly with complimentary sunscreen and cool water to refill your water bottles. They have bikes you can use use ( they only have 5 but probably should have a few more). Would definitely stay here again.
Accommodation and location are on point just of Waikiki away from the chaos, but within stumbling distance. Eco and ocean friendly, hut all the little details.

This was my first time to Surfjack, and it won’t be my last. From the minute we walked into the space, we were treated as ohana. The front desk learned that it was my partner’s 30th birthday, and they upgraded our room to a one-bedroom suite as their gift to us.

To be quite honest, the whole establishment is a gift to travelers. You have a ground floor pool / courtyard area which serves as a communal space to plan your day, enjoy your libations, or read a book bought at the boutique / coffeeshop adjoining the space. And, if you want a breakfast burrito, look no further than Mahina & Sons, which also adjoins the property. One of our favorite things to do after our day trips around Oahu was to come back and soak up the warm energy of the Surfjack and its staff. (And I was a fan of how dog friendly they are. The dogs were JUST as happy to be in such a fun locale.)

Mahalo to the staff for being expert guides to the area. They shared tips for Diamond Head Crater hikes and for North Shore Shark Adventures. And the hotel is so convenient to Waikiki Beach and the Honolulu nightlife. And because we wanted to have some of the Surfjack back with us in Manhattan, we bought three prints of places we explored in Oahu from the boutique within the hotel.

Surfjack will definitely be one of our designated spots each time we visit Oahu. It is now our ohana as well.

best eco hotels hawaii
best eco hotels hawaii

How much does a room costs at Hotel The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club ?

Prices start 277$/night for Bungalow

A private balcony is featured in this stylish, air-conditioned bungalow. A refrigerator is provided.

Where to book online – Hotel The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club – Eco Friendly Hotels Hawaii you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Hawaii during Hawaii Performing Arts Festival which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Hawaii on Booking.com or Expedia.com or Agoda.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

by Sorin

Sorin is a freelance travel writer. He is an experienced travel writer and traveller. Since 2012 he explored more than 60 countries on 4 continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Currently is based in Romania after spending the last 7 years in Myanmar.