Two Big Island resorts among top 15 in country by U.S. News & World Report

In the “Best Hotels in the USA” list by the U.S. News & World Report, two Big island resorts made the top 15.

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai was ranked No. 6 and Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection in Puakō came in at No. 15.

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is located northeast of Kekaha Kai State Park in Kailua-Kona. Onsite is an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, which last month hosted the PGA Tour Champions’ Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai.

Visitors recommended its spa, eight swimming pools — which include a saltwater pond and an oceanfront infinity pool — and the Kaupulehu Cultural Center, where guests can learn about the island’s history and traditions.

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection in Puakō along a white sandy beach on the Kohala Coast includes two golf courses and a spa with two saunas, a meditation pavilion and a watsu pool. Cultural activities, including hula dancing and lei making classes are offered.

In case you are wondering how much rooms go for. According to booking.com, now an ocean and golf course view king room at Four Seasons Hualalai is $2,680 a night — and an ocean view king room at Mauna Lani is $1,369 a night. Those prices don’t include taxes and resort fees.

The U.S. New & World Report No. 1 ranking went to Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla. It was followed by The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz. (No. 2), Pendry West Hollywood in West Hollywood, Calif. (No. 3),The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in Kiawah Island, S.C. (No. 4) and The Inn & Club at Harbour Town, The Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head Island, S.C. (No. 5).

Other Hawaii properties that ranked among the top 50 hotels nationwide include:

• No. 17: Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi on Lānaʻi
• No. 25: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea on Maui
• No. 36: Halekulani in Waikīkī on Oʻahu
• #40: Montage Kapalua Bay in Lahaina on Maui

The ranking is based on an analysis of industry awards, hotel star ratings and user ratings, according to U.S. News & World Report.