This gem resides in a small town of artists and coffee growers clinging the verdant hillsides of the Kona Coast south of the big resorts. Devastating views from the rooms lead to lethargy in the face of a bit of a drive down the hill to hit the Big Island’s notable beaches on the Kohala and Hualalai Coasts. Which may mean that a morning perched in a comfy lounge chair at the small but entirely adequate infinity pool (a rarity for a six-room inn) will be a preferable alternative. Rooms are each different and all bedecked in flavors of Asia or Hawaii style and flowers in the rooms are grown on the grounds. The hotel is shimmering with lustrous hardwoods, including many native species, used to great effect on interiors. The coffee at breakfast? 100% Kona, naturally. Slurp it down because it doesn’t get any better.

Holualoa Inn (from $260/nt)
76-5932 Mamalahoa Highway
Holualoa, HI 96725
(808) 324-1121