Hawaii and California Dominate Best Resorts in the US

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai takes top spot for second year in a row

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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U.S. News & World Report has released its 2026 ranking of the best resorts in the United States, with the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the Big Island of Hawaii taking the top spot for the second consecutive year. The five-star resort earned an average score of 9.6 out of 10 from over 500 guest reviews, praised for its eight unique swimming pools, including the 1.8-million-gallon 'aquarium' King's Pond. California also had a strong showing, with 25% of the top 20 resorts located in the state, including the Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley and the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa in Rancho Santa Fe.

Why it matters

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are a highly influential guide for travelers seeking the best resort experiences in the country. Hawaii and California's dominance on the list reflects the enduring appeal of luxury beach and wine country destinations, even as travel patterns have shifted in recent years.

The details

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is known for its exceptional amenities, including eight unique swimming pools, a 1.8-million-gallon 'aquarium' called King's Pond that is home to over 1,000 tropical fish, and a cultural center that exposes guests to Hawaiian culture. Rooms at the resort range from $1,200 to over $4,000 per night. California resorts like the Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley and the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa in Rancho Santa Fe were also recognized for their stunning views, Michelin-starred cuisine, and high-end accommodations.

  • The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai has been named the #1 hotel and resort in the US for the second consecutive year.
  • U.S. News & World Report released its 2026 ranking of the best resorts in the United States.

The players

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

A five-star resort located on the Big Island of Hawaii, known for its eight unique swimming pools, including the 1.8-million-gallon 'aquarium' King's Pond that is home to over 1,000 tropical fish.

Auberge du Soleil

A five-star resort located in Rutherford, California, just 62 miles from San Francisco, known for its views of Mount Veeder, Michelin-starred cuisine, and 0.7-mile Soleil trail.

Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa

A luxury resort located in Rancho Santa Fe, California, that was ranked fourth on the U.S. News & World Report list of best resorts in the US.

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What they’re saying

“Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is honoured to be named the #1 Hotel and Resort in the US for the second consecutive year, along with top resort in Hawaii and on the Big Island. This is a tremendous accolade made possible by the extraordinary efforts of our team members and the continued loyalty of our guests, who together create the sense of connection, care and excellence that define the Hualalai experience.”

— Charlie Parker, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (sfgate.com)

The takeaway

The dominance of Hawaii and California on the U.S. News & World Report's best resorts list underscores the enduring appeal of luxury beach and wine country destinations, even as travel patterns have shifted in recent years. These rankings serve as a valuable guide for travelers seeking the top resort experiences in the country.