Are you dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation and wondering where do celebrities stay in Hawaii? Keep scrolling to find out 6 swanky Hawaii resorts that always attract famous people!
This post about where celebrities stay in Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
If you’re planning a Hawaii vacation and dreaming of spotting your favorite celebrity, I’ve got you covered.
After visiting Hawaii over 40 times as a professional tourist and Hawaii travel expert, I’ve learned which resorts consistently attract the rich and famous.
Let me walk you through the swankiest Hawaii resorts where you might just find yourself poolside next to an A-lister.
Fair warning: I can’t promise I’d keep my cool if I ran into Oprah at breakfast either!
Why Celebrities Love Hawaii
Celebrities flock to Hawaii for the same reasons we all do: stunning beaches, gorgeous weather, and a laid-back lifestyle that feels a million miles away from Hollywood.
But there’s something else that makes Hawaii special for famous faces.
Hawaii locals and visitors tend to respect celebrity privacy in a way that’s rare nowadays. No paparazzi camping out on beaches here. Just peaceful island time where everyone, famous or not, can actually relax.
Plus, with direct flights from Los Angeles, Hawaii is incredibly convenient for West Coast celebrities looking for a quick escape.
Celebrity Sightings: Who’s Been Spotted Recently?
Before I share the hotels, let’s talk about recent celebrity activity in Hawaii.
Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber were spotted on Kauai in 2024, enjoying the quieter North Shore beaches and local food trucks.
Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker stayed at 1 Hotel in Hanalei Bay on Kauai in 2023.
Mindy Kaling is a frequent Hawaii visitor who often posts about her trips to Oahu and Maui. The islands remain a favorite escape for celebrities seeking privacy and natural beauty.
Meanwhile, plenty of celebrities actually own homes in Hawaii.
Oprah owns over 100 acres on Maui. Pierce Brosnan has a stunning home near Hanalei Bay on Kauai.
Julia Roberts, Ben Stiller, and Jason Momoa all call Hawaii home. Mark Zuckerberg owns significant property on Kauai.
If you’re serious about planning the perfect Hawaii trip, I’ve put together comprehensive travel guides for each island.
Check out my Maui travel guide, Oahu guide, Kauai guide, and Big Island guide to make planning easier.
The Best Hawaii Celebrity Hotels
1. The Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu, Oahu
The Kahala has been THE celebrity hideaway since opening in 1964.
This legendary resort sits in the exclusive Kahala neighborhood, about 20 minutes from Waikiki, which gives it that perfect balance of luxury and seclusion.
The celebrity wall of fame here reads like an Oscar guest list. Every U.S. president since Lyndon B. Johnson has stayed at the Kahala.
The guest list includes George Clooney, Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Tiger Woods, Snoop Dogg, Angelina Jolie, Julie Andrews, and Elton John.
Most recently, the Kahala was featured prominently in the 2025 live-action “Lilo & Stitch” movie. Disney filmed multiple scenes here in 2023 and 2024, transforming the resort into the fictional “Hoomaluhia Resort and Spa.”
The resort sits on a secluded beach with 800 feet of imported Molokai sand. The lobby features floor-to-ceiling windows and an Instagram-famous “Orchid Wall” with over 100 varieties of orchids.
There’s a lagoon with bottlenose dolphins you can swim with through Dolphin Quest, though I’ll admit watching dolphins in captivity makes me a bit uncomfortable.
What really sets this place apart is the privacy. It’s tucked away on a private road next to Waialae Country Club, so celebrities can actually unwind without constant attention.
Book The Kahala Hotel on Expedia
Want to explore Oahu like a local? Sign up for my free 7-day email course on planning a trip to Oahu.
2. Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu in Honolulu, Oahu
The Modern Honolulu (now managed by Hilton Vacation Club) has been attracting celebrities for years with its sleek, contemporary vibe and waterfront location.
Located right on the waterfront near Ala Moana Boulevard, this modern hotel offers stunning ocean views and sophisticated design.
It’s only steps from Ala Moana shopping center and about 7 minutes from Duke Kahanamoku Beach where you can try scuba diving or kayaking.
The hotel recently underwent renovations and features two pools, including an adults-only pool perfect for peace and quiet. The Grove Restaurant serves meals with gorgeous marina views, and the whole vibe is sophisticated yet relaxed.
Book The Modern Honolulu on Expedia
3. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay in Princeville, Kauai
This is Kauai’s newest celebrity hotspot. The property opened in early 2023 after a $300 million renovation of what used to be the St. Regis Princeville.
Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker stayed here in 2023, and it’s already earned spots on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Gold List and received a Michelin Key.
The hotel overlooks breathtaking Hanalei Bay with 360-degree views of Mount Makana and the ocean.
When this property was the St. Regis Princeville, it hosted celebrities including Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Matt Damon, and George Clooney (who filmed “The Descendants” here).
Julia Roberts and Pierce Brosnan loved it so much they bought homes nearby.
Most recently, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker stayed at the newly rebranded 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay in 2023.
What makes 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay special is its commitment to sustainability. It’s Hawaii’s first Ocean Friendly Hotel certified by the Surfrider Foundation.
The property features an organic rooftop garden, farm-to-table dining at six restaurants, and eco-friendly practices throughout.
The resort sits on Pu’u Poa Beach, perfect for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and tide pool exploring.
The North Shore location gives you easy access to Na Pali Coast adventures and that quintessential Kauai vibe.
Planning a Kauai trip? My free 7-day Kauai planning email course covers everything you need to know.
4. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
If there’s one hotel synonymous with celebrity luxury in Hawaii, it’s the Four Seasons Maui. This resort has consistently attracted A-list celebrities for decades, including Oprah, Jessica Alba, and John Stamos among many others.
Mindy Kaling frequently visits and posts photos from her Four Seasons Maui stays, making it a current celebrity favorite.
The resort was famously featured in HBO’s “The White Lotus” season one. Multiple suites and the spa were restyled during filming, so fans of the show will recognize the property immediately.
From the moment you arrive at Wailea Beach, you’re surrounded by luxury. The resort features two family-friendly pools plus an adults-only serenity pool.
You can get poolside massages, stroll through sculpted gardens, or book custom experiences like whale watching, stand-up paddleboarding, or helicopter tours to organic farms.
The hotel offers private check-in and check-out for VIPs, personal assistants for top guests, and even a private jet liaison.
During the annual Maui Film Festival in June, paparazzi camp out on the beach hoping to spot celebrities.
Book Four Seasons Maui on Expedia
If you’re visiting Maui, don’t miss my free 7-day Maui planning email course for insider tips.
5. Grand Wailea Resort
The Grand Wailea has long been a favorite of celebrities and high-profile guests.
The resort has hosted NFL players during union meetings and was featured in Adam Sandler’s movie “Just Go With It” alongside Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Kidman.
While not directly on the beach, the Grand Wailea is just a five-minute walk to gorgeous Wailea Beach where you can swim, snorkel, or sunbathe.
What sets this resort apart? It has five pools featuring the longest waterslide in all of Hawaii. So even if you don’t spot celebrities, your kids will be thrilled.
Jon and Kate Gosselin of “Jon & Kate Plus 8” renewed their wedding vows here in 2008.
The oceanfront views are stunning from every angle. You’re surrounded by the Pacific Ocean no matter where you are on property.
6. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is known for its discretion and privacy, which makes it perfect for celebrity guests.
The hotel keeps its guest list quiet, but that exclusivity is exactly what attracts high-profile visitors.
The resort completed a $100 million renovation in 2023, so everything feels fresh and luxurious.
The property sits on 54 acres with access to D.T. Fleming Beach and is surrounded by 22,000 acres of Kapalua’s natural preserve.
You’ll find three pools, an incredible spa inspired by ancient Hawaiian traditions with treatments using herbs from their organic garden, two championship golf courses (including the Plantation Course that hosts The Sentry PGA tournament), and six dining venues.
Try Burger Shack for casual beachfront eats or The Banyan Tree for innovative island cuisine.
The location in Kapalua gives you access to hiking trails and stunning beaches away from the Wailea crowds.
Plus, the resort now features the “Tales of the Kapa Moe” luau, a luxury dinner show created exclusively for the Ritz-Carlton.
Book Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Expedia
7. The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay on North Shore Oahu
This resort officially transitioned to Ritz-Carlton management on July 31, 2024. Previously known as Turtle Bay Resort, it’s been a celebrity favorite for years.
The cast of “The Hills” filmed episodes here and were known to hang around the property.
“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” with Mila Kunis and Jason Segal was filmed here. The resort has also been featured in “Lost,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “Magnum P.I.,” and multiple Hallmark movies.
Located on Oahu’s North Shore with five miles of pristine coastline, the resort features 450 rooms including oceanfront bungalows, two golf courses, horseback riding, a full-service spa, and multiple pools.
You can kayak with sea turtles, snorkel alongside coral reefs, or explore the lush forests nearby.
The North Shore location means you’re near legendary surf breaks, local shrimp trucks (hello, Giovanni’s!), and that authentic Hawaii surf town vibe. It’s about 45 minutes from Waikiki but feels worlds away.
Just completed a major renovation in 2023 with newly designed lobby, rooms, fitness center, spa, and dining outlets. The resort also features the Paniolo Pa’ina luau with hula, fire knife dancing, and traditional Hawaiian storytelling.
Book The Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay on Expedia
8. The Royal Hawaiian Resort in Waikiki, Oahu
This iconic “Pink Palace” has been hosting celebrities since opening in 1927. Ellen DeGeneres, Justin Long, and Hayden Panettiere have stayed here.
Historically, it was practically a second home to Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. Aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart stayed here too.
The fairytale-pink hotel sits right in the heart of Waikiki, offering private cabanas, beach activities, and contemporary Hawaiian cuisine. Cultural tours keep you entertained from sunrise to sunset.
The Royal Hawaiian was also featured in Adam Sandler’s 2002 movie “Punch Drunk Love.”
The location can’t be beat if you want to be in the center of all the Waikiki action while still enjoying luxury resort amenities.
Book Royal Hawaiian on Expedia
How to Maximize Your Celebrity Spotting Chances
Look, I’ll be honest. You can’t guarantee you’ll spot celebrities even at these luxury resorts. But here are some tips that might help:
Visit during the Maui Film Festival in June. Celebrities flock to the Four Seasons Maui during this event, and paparazzi have confirmed frequent sightings.
Choose hotels with private check-in options and secluded locations. Celebrities prefer places where they can actually relax without being mobbed.
Hang out at hotel spas, restaurants, and pool areas. These common spaces are where you’re most likely to spot someone famous.
Be respectful if you do see someone. Hawaii locals pride themselves on giving celebrities their space. A quick smile and respectful distance goes much further than asking for selfies.
Planning Your Hawaii Celebrity Hotel Stay
These luxury resorts don’t come cheap. Expect to pay $600-$1,500+ per night depending on season and room type. But the experience and amenities make them special even if you never spot a single celebrity.
If you’re booking activities during your stay, I recommend using Viator, Get Your Guide, or Hawaii Tours to reserve tours and experiences.
Looking for that perfect vacation photo? Flytographer offers professional photography sessions, and you can save $20 using my link.
Need a rental car? Discount Hawaii Car Rental consistently offers the best rates.
Is Staying at a Celebrity Hotel Worth It?
Whether or not you spot celebrities, these resorts offer incredible experiences. The service is impeccable, the locations are stunning, and the amenities are top-notch.
I personally haven’t stayed at any of these properties (they’re definitely splurges!), but I’ve visited several for tours and meals.
The Four Seasons Maui absolutely lives up to its reputation. The Kahala feels like a private retreat. And the views at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay are breathtaking.
If celebrity spotting is a priority, your best bets are the Four Seasons Maui during film festival season, the Kahala for its long history of famous guests, and 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay for its North Shore privacy that attracts A-listers.
Ready to plan your Hawaii celebrity hotel experience?
Whether you’re visiting Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, these resorts offer unforgettable stays. And who knows? You might just end up with a celebrity sighting story of your own.
Want personalized help planning your Hawaii trip? As a Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist who’s visited Hawaii over 40 times, I offer Hawaii travel consultations to help you plan the perfect vacation.
I can help you choose the right island, create a custom itinerary, and navigate all the details so your trip is absolutely perfect.
You can also listen to my Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast at hawaiitravelmadeeasy.buzzsprout.com for more Hawaii travel tips and island insights.
Looking for more luxury hotels in Hawaii? Find out the top luxury hotels on Maui, romantic Oahu honeymoon resorts, Kauai luxury hotels, best villas in Hawaii, whether or not to rent a pool cabana, Maui luxury vacation rentals, and the best Hawaii hotels for families!
