7 Best Hawaiian Resorts With Private Beaches, Amazing Snorkeling, and Stunning Sunsets

ByRachna Chandira

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Collage of Hawaiian Resorts With Private Beaches
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Hawaii has no shortage of beautiful beaches but if you’re looking for seclusion, world-class snorkeling, and unforgettable sunsets all in one place, these seven resorts stand above the rest. Nestled on some of the most stunning stretches of coastline across the islands, each resort offers a blend of privacy, luxury, and access to Hawaii’s underwater magic. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a peaceful solo recharge, these resorts deliver pure paradise one sunset at a time.

1. Four Seasons Hualalai: Lava Shores and Snorkel Lagoons

Person snorkeling in clear lagoon with black lava rocks on the Big Island
Rafael Silva/Pexels

Located on the Big Island’s dramatic Kona-Kohala Coast, Four Seasons Hualalai offers a rare mix of rugged lava landscapes and refined comfort. Guests enjoy access to a private beach, calm snorkeling lagoons teeming with tropical fish, and a swimmable aquarium-like pond. Sunsets here turn the black rock coastline into a silhouette against gold and crimson skies. Whether you’re lounging in your beachfront bungalow or floating in a saltwater pool, the resort delivers privacy and elegance in every moment.

2. Montage Kapalua Bay: Sea Turtles and Sunset Cocktails

Sea turtle swimming in clear waters at Kapalua Bay, Maui
Jeremy Bishop/Pexels

Perched on Maui’s northwest coast, Montage Kapalua Bay overlooks a horseshoe-shaped beach known for its gentle waters and frequent sea turtle sightings. The spacious residences feel like private villas, and snorkeling along the bay’s lava rock edges reveals a thriving underwater world. Evenings begin with cocktails at Cane & Canoe and end with sunsets that paint the bay in soft pastels. With top-tier dining and spa treatments, the experience is both indulgent and intimate.

3. Mauna Lani: Eco-Luxury and Calm Reef Waters

Serene beach with reef and palm trees near Mauna Lani Resort
Asad Photo Maldives/Pexels

This Big Island sanctuary, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, blends sustainability with serenity. Set beside a calm bay fringed with palm trees, Mauna Lani invites you to snorkel above ancient reefs, paddle through turquoise waters, or relax on a pristine private beach. Sunsets here are best enjoyed with toes in the sand and a handcrafted cocktail in hand. The resort’s design honors Hawaiian heritage while offering modern luxury, making it perfect for couples who want a meaningful, nature-connected escape.

4. The Kahala: Secluded SeaNear Honolulu

Peaceful beach scene near Diamond Head viewed from Kahala Hotel
Jess Loiterton/Pexels

Just a short drive from Waikiki, The Kahala Hotel & Resort offers a peaceful refuge on Oahu’s southern coast. Its crescent-shaped private beach is ideal for quiet mornings, gentle swims, and snorkeling near the reef’s edge. Dolphins play in the adjacent lagoon, while sunset turns Diamond Head into a glowing backdrop. The resort feels hidden in plain sight close to city life but worlds away in mood, with luxurious suites and signature Hawaiian hospitality.

5. Hotel Wailea: Adults-Only Bliss Above Wailea Beach

View from above Wailea Beach with reserved resort area and umbrellas
Ahmet ÇÖTÜR/Pexels

Nestled into the hillside with sweeping views of Maui’s southern shore, Hotel Wailea is Hawaii’s only luxury adults-only resort. Though set above the beach, it offers exclusive access to a private area on Wailea Beach, complete with loungers and gear for snorkeling and sunbathing. The resort’s treehouse dining and garden pathways feel intimate and secluded, making it a top pick for honeymoons and romantic getaways. Sunset here is a slow, quiet spectacle best savored with a glass of wine and no agenda.

6. Ritz-Carlton Kapalua: Marine Life and Ocean Views

a girl at a beach near Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Snow White/Pexels

Surrounded by natural preserves and marine sanctuaries, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is a retreat for ocean lovers. A short trail leads to D.T. Fleming Beach, where you can snorkel with fish or relax under a private cabana. The resort’s design means nearly every room comes with panoramic sunset views. In the evening, the golden hour bathes the coastline in light as gentle waves lap the shore blending wild beauty with refined comfort.

7. Hana-Maui Resort: Black Sands and Cliffside Romance

Black sand beach at Hana with lava cliffs and sunset glow
Gustavo Fring/Pexels

Tucked at the end of Maui’s legendary Road to Hana, Hana-Maui Resort offers a secluded retreat far from the buzz of modern life. This tranquil haven provides exclusive access to black-sand beaches, lava-rock tide pools, and sweeping ocean views places where you’ll rarely see another soul. With minimal cell service and no crowded pools or nightlife, it’s all about slow mornings, sea breezes, and starlit nights. The sunsets here framed by dramatic cliffs and crashing waves are unforgettable. Whether you’re stargazing in silence or soaking in an outdoor tub, this is where you truly unplug and reconnect.

Rachna Chandira is a travel writer and communications professional known for her culturally rich and emotionally resonant storytelling.
With a background in development journalism, she brings a nuanced perspective to her writing, focusing on people, place, and purpose. Her work spans India, Southeast Asia, and Europe, often exploring slow travel, solo adventures, and underrepresented local narratives.
From crafting immersive city guides to curating thoughtful itineraries, Rachna combines journalistic depth with a storyteller’s heart. She views travel as a way to connect cultures, inspire empathy, and leave a meaningful impression on readers seeking more than just destinations.