Concierge.com's insider take:

It's near blasphemy to say, but for our money the 450-room Kea Lani outranks the neighboring Four Seasons as the loveliest resort on the island. Sure, boldface names flock to its more stylish, more lavish next-door neighbor, but to us the Fairmont feels friendlier and less pretentious—a more grown-up sort of luxury. There are no bad rooms among the 413 spacious, feng shui–styled suites. Some have panoramic ocean views and all have balconies. And if you want to splurge, the 37 two- and three-bedroom oceanfront villas (upward of $3,200 a night in high season, including rental car) will feel like your own private beach house. Your villa's stark-white Mediterranean-style architecture may seem out of place at first, but you'll have no complaints about the private courtyard plunge pool, great service, or palm-shaded setting. Villas also include an outdoor grill and full kitchen, but since KO restaurant—which serves a menu culled from the food traditions of Hawaii's plantation workers—significantly upgraded the Kea Lani's dining options, you'll be less likely to fire up the grill yourself.