Best Airbnb In Manoa: Compact But Cute Studio
Looking for adventures during the day but a comfortable home for the night? This Airbnb is exactly what you want. The cute studio is on the 2nd floor of a family house, has a private entrance and is equipped with all the amenities you need after a long day outside. Staying here means you can enjoy the benefits of the city while it still feels like youre out in nature.
Honolulu Vs Oahu Vs Waikiki
Before I visited Hawaii, I honestly had no idea what the difference was between these place names so heres a quick guide so you wont be as confused!
Oahu is an island of Hawaii.
There are 8 islands that make up Hawaii and while Oahu is not the largest by land mass, it is the most populated. Over 1 million Hawaiians live on Oahu and it was also the capital of the last Hawaiian kings and queens.
All of the Hawaiian islands have a nickname and Oahus is the gathering place.
Oahu is one of the most popular islands that people visit, for a couple reasons.
Its beautiful, has a great mix of beaches and culture, and is more built-up and developed than some of the other islands. Its also a major transit hub, as the main international airport is located here in the capital city of Honolulu.
Honolulu is the capital of Oahu.
Honolulu is both a city and a county.
Honolulu city is Hawaiis state capital and covers the southeast section of the island. But Honolulu county comprises the entire island of Oahu.
I guess its kind of like people calling New York CityNew York, when New York really refers to the state.
One of the most famous districts in Honolulu is Waikiki.
Waikiki Beach is famous because its soft white sand beaches are just stunning.
Its glamorous, its breathtakingly beautiful and its also the spot where modern day surfing was born! In the early 1900s the first hotel, the Moana Surfrider, was built.
Diamond Head Where To Stay In Oahu If You Are Looking For A Mix Of City And Nature
Diamond Head refers to the area in which the Diamond Head Crater is located, an extinct volcano known by the natives as Leahi. The name Diamond Head was coined by 19th century sailors who mistook the shimmering calcite crystals foryou guessed itdiamonds.
The Diamond Head State Monument is the best spot to see the crater, and historic hiking trails offer particularly stunning views of Waikikis vistas.
While the Diamond Head State Park is the main draw of the area, visitors can also visit the nearby Fort Ruger, Hawaiis first United States military reservation.
The nearest hotels to Diamond Head are generally located along Waikikis beaches and inland around Honolulu, though there are several resort spas in the immediate vicinity.
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North Shore Top Attractions
Observe sharks in their natural habitat while inside a protective cage! Shark cage diving is a popular activity for many people that visit the North Shore.
The Polynesian Cultural Center offers an educational and entertaining experience for tourists. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of Polynesia through Hula dances, music and authentic Hawaiian cuisine.
The North Shore is home to the world-famous Banzai Pipeline its known for its large waves and thrilling conditions that are popular with surfers.
Laniakea Beach is home to the largest population of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. See these little critters in their natural habitat, but dont get too close! Its against the law to touch them.
Kiteboarding, paddle boarding, and windsurfing are all popular activities on the North Shore. The waves are big enough to get the adrenaline pumping and offer professional athletes the opportunity to practice their craft.
Sharks Cove is known for its clean, clear water thats great for snorkeling and scuba diving. Dont worry, theres no sharks here the water is calm and completely safe to swim in.
Waimea Valley is one of the most scenic spots on the island. If youre looking for an outdoor adventure that will leave you speechless, this is it! The valley offers vistas of a beautiful waterfall that cascades into an oasis below.
Want more ideas? Check out our guide on the top things to do in Oahus North Shore.
Things To See And Do In Diamond Head:
- Put on your walking boots and up to the Diamond Head crater for unbeatable views.
- Hit up the Honolulu Zoo with the kids for a fun day with the animals.
- Pack a picnic lunch and relax in Kapiolani Park.
- After your picnic, head on to nearby Waikiki Aquarium for an afternoon learning about Hawaiis coral reef systems.
- Sans Souci beach is an excellent and safe option for the family with a lifeguard on duty all through the day.
- The Barefoot Beach Cafe is a lovely local option for a quick meal or refreshing drink while you enjoy a day at the beach!
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Where To Stay Outside Of Waikiki
Options for places to stay outside of Waikiki are a little limited, but heres the general breakdown:
Kailua & Lanikai: A mostly residential area on the windward side of the island. Known for having a more community feel and some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii.
North Shore: Called the country by locals, the north shore is famous for big wave surfing and the culture thats developed around that.
Koolina: A resort community on the west side that feels more like Maui .
More details below
Bonus : Top 10 Beaches In Oahu
So that finishes up my recap of the top neighborhoods and best hotels in Oahu. If you are looking for more, make sure to check out these 17 awesome Airbnbs in Oahu.Now that you have chosen somewhere to stay, now its time for the fun stuff! There are so many nice beaches in Oahu, which are spread out in different parts of the island. Luckily, the Island is only a 1-hour drive from end to end, which means each of the following beaches are easily visited on a day trip.
I highly recommend you rent a car as it is the best way to discover these amazing beaches. With that said, here are my top 10 choices for the best beaches in Oahu!
1. Kailua Beach ParkHalf an hour drive from Waikiki Downtown, Kailua Beach is one of the beaches of the island. It is 2.5 miles long, and swimming and kayaking are possible on this beach.
2. Lanikai Beach5 minutes drive south of Kailua, this beach looks like the ones in postcards with its nice blue water and soft sand. It is also possible to windsurf and sail.
3. Waimanalo Beach Located in East Oahu and 35 minutes drive from Honolulu, Waimanalo Beach is a perfect beach for swimming and enjoying soft sand. It can be very crowded on the weekends so try to go in the early hours.
4. Sunset BeachLocated in North Shore, Oahu Sunset Beach is a 10 minutes drive from Haleiwa, the center of the North Shore. It is a very broad beach with white sand. Perfect for relaxing and snorkeling
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The Best Places To Stay In Honolulu
The wonderful Moana Surfrider is right on Waikiki Beach and one of the best hotels for families in Honolulu.
- Best Luxury Hotels in Honolulu
Beautiful Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Beachfront hotels from closest to farthest: Moana Surfrider Royal Hawaiian Sheraton Waikiki Halepuna Waikiki Halekulani. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is just visible at the very end of the beach.
Top Attractions In Waikiki
Waikiki Beach is the most famous beach in Hawaii. Tourists can rent surfboards from one of many rental shops on the beach and try surfing for themselves! Many people also go to Waikiki Beach just to people-watch and admire surfers riding the waves.
Visit Diamond Head Crater, one of Hawaiis most famous landmarks. A volcanic cone that rises above the sea and provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Waikiki Beach and the Honolulu skyline.
The hike up to Diamond Head can be strenuous depending on fitness level, but its well worth the effort to see this beautiful Hawaiian landmark.
Walking around Waikiki is a great way to get a feel for the Hawaiian culture and history. There are many historical sites, such as the Iolani Palace, which was the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchy from 1882 until it was vacated in 1895.
The Honolulu Zoo offers many opportunities to interact with animals native to the Hawaiian islands. Its a great place to spend a day with the family!
Waikiki Beach Walk is a walking path along the beach in Waikiki that takes you through a loop of shops and restaurants and offers beautiful views of the ocean.
Its about 4.8 miles in length and is great for people who are looking for some exercise or just want to enjoy the scenery!
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Best For Nightlife: The Modern Honolulu
Courtesy of The Modern Honolulu
Waikiki Beach might not be Miami Beach when it comes to nightlife, but it still has a number of clubs catering to the out-all-night crowd, most notably Addiction at The Modern Honolulu. Set on the far western end of the beach it actually sits on a marina rather than sand the 353-room independent hotel is surprisingly zen-like in terms of its bar. Most spaces, including the rooms, are decorated in an all-white minimalist style with warm wood details spread throughout. There are some cheeky accents, though, like the broken surfboard sculpture behind the front desk.
Other than Addiction, guests can mingle at the Grove Restaurant and Bar, the Study Lounge a speakeasy sneakily tucked away behind a bookshelf, and the Modern Players Club a poolside bar that shows live sports on TV and has a daily happy hour. When guests have had enough of the partying, they can relax at the Lather Spa or retreat to their serene rooms.
Where To Stay In Ko Olina
This resort community on the west side feels a world away from Waikiki, but very much like a vacation spot instead of the more local Kailua and north shore. I have a sneaky feeling that when most people think of a Maui vacation this is the vibe theyre thinking of. Large resorts with every amenity you can think of, expertly manicured grounds, picturesque beaches that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, and plenty of restaurants and shops within walking distance. Did I mention the faint sounds of ukulele music and palm trees blowing in the breeze? Thats pretty much Koolina.
There are a few large resorts , a golf course, marina, and a small shopping center with some restaurants, tennis, a couple of luaus. The town of Kapolei is also nearby which has conveniences like Target, Costco, a movie theater, a small waterpark, and quite a few restaurants.
The only downside of staying in Koolina is how remote it is from the rest of the island . You really dont feel like youre on Oahu when youre put in Koolina. You definitely need a car if youre planning to get out and explore other parts of the island. There are a couple of rental car locations at some of the resorts if you decide you just want to rent one for the day.
Read my full guide to Koolina here.
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Oahu Where To Stay In Hawaii For Sightseeing
When you step into beautiful Oahu Island be prepared to see a surf scene straight from a movie, epic nightlife, and amazing landscapes. Oahu is also home to Hawaiis capital city Honolulu and the famous Waikiki Beach. You will have so many nice photos in Oahu!
Start your sightseeing by discovering the historical monument Pearl Harbor, then check out the countless museums and art galleries. Once you are done, it is time to discover the islands natural beauties. Hike to Diamond Head to enjoy amazing views, spend some time having a beautiful tropical cocktail at Waikiki Beach, then continue discovering the islands stunning beaches.
I dont think you will have difficulty finding a nice dining place in Oahu either as it offers an epic food scene. Finally, when it gets dark, hit the town to check out the vibrant nightlife in Honolulu. What more could you expect from a perfect vacation spot?
Oahu offers numerous accommodation options for all budgets. I picked the 4 best places to stay for you but if you want more check out my dedicated post for where to stay in Oahu.
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Best Airbnb In Downtown: Incredible But Cheap Condo
Take your shoes off! Apart from this typical Hawaiian tradition, there is nothing else that could go wrong if you book this Airbnb. Perfect for first-time travellers, youll have everything you need or want to see just moments away. As in most condos, youll have access to all onsite-amenities. Your apartment is exceptionally clean, with an amazing view of the city no doubt that youll enjoy it.
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Which Part Of Oahu Should You Stay On
Waikiki, Ko Olina, and North Shore are the best places to stay on Oahu. They each offer a different Oahu vacation so it is good to understand the personalities of the places before you book your hotel.
The three are very different in look, location, taste, and vibe.
Waikiki and Ko Olina offer a selection of family-friendly and luxury resorts all within 1.5-square-miles with beach access. The nice selection of places to stay plus abundant activities, make these stay and play resort areas.
North Shore is a whole different experience. A preeminent Hawaii destination for outdoor fun. Explore the great tropical outdoors with jungle walks, hikes to pillboxes for sunrise, or watch a surf competition. A North Shore vacation is more about experiencing Hawaii like a local.
There are other places to stay in Oahu, like Kailua, Kaneohe, Ewa, and Kapolei. But these towns lack resorts and hotels are few and far between. There are great vacation rentals and I would recommend these if you wanted to stay in those parts of Oahu.
A vacation destination you will want to come back to again is our goal. These unbiased pros and cons put the facts and the ambiance on the table so you can pick the right part of Oahu to stay on for your itinerary and personality.
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Best Budget: White Sands Hotel
White Sands Hotel
White Sands Hotel sports gives you a bang for your buck with clean beds outfitted with whimsical décor, a poolside bar, and private balconies.
GoPro rental available to guests, weekly yoga classes
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Retro design and décor by local artists
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No beachfront or ocean views
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Self-parking only
Without a beachfront locale or ocean views, White Sands Hotels average nightly rate is considerably more affordable than its full-service neighbors. For those looking to spend their days sunbathing on Waikiki Beacha quick two blocks from the hotelWhite Sands is clean, comfortable, and more.
With 91 rooms and three suites, White Sands maximizes design details with whimsical color palettes and quirky touches. White Sands collaborated with local designers to add homegrown personality to typically mundane furnishings like its artsy headboards and shaka hooks. Its onsite open-air restaurant Heydey serves an eclectic menu with dishes ranging from Filipino vegan lumpia to schnitzel with a side of potato mac salad. Its bar features swing seating, tropical cocktails, and rosé on tap.
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Best Airbnb In Honolulu: Incredible But Cheap Condo
Take your shoes off! Apart from this typical Hawaiian tradition, there is nothing else that could go wrong if you book this Airbnb. Perfect for first-time travellers, youll have everything you need or want to see just moments away. As in most condos, youll have access to all onsite-amenities. Your apartment is exceptionally clean, with an amazing view of the city no doubt that youll enjoy it.
If this apartment is booked, no worries! There are plenty more Airbnbs in Honolulu to check out.
Waikiki Beach Where To Stay In Waikiki For Your First Visit
As we mentioned earlier, Waikiki Beach is truly the perfect spot for your quintessential trip to Hawaii! Make the most of your time there and give the world-class surfing a go, take one of the many tours available to you, or simply relax on the beach and let your worries fade away
The hotel selection is plentiful, and if its not beachfront then its only ever a block or two away. There are three hostels in town for budget travellers to pick from, so everyone can get a chance to experience the area. With so much to choose from, weve done the hard work for you and narrowed down the best places to stay in Waikiki Beach.
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Best Hostel In Waikiki: The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel By Ih
This is our favourite hostel in Honolulu because of its excellent location close to the beach, bars and the best clubs in Honolulu. They provide guests with air-conditioned rooms and comfortable common spaces. Theres also a free continental breakfast, free wifi, and free pizza nights on the rooftop lounge.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort : In the heart of Waikiki, this high-end resort is right on the beach. Luxury rooms overlooking the beach, a private lagoon and a free fireworks and dance performance show. Hilton is easily the most recognizable hotel on the Island.
Why I recommend this hotel: It has its own private lagoon. While lots of people love the beach it is perfect for families. Kids can kayak, swim and snorkel with no worries. There are no currents, waves or sea creatures to worry about. The hotel is right on Waikiki Beach so dont worry the beach is right there also. It is one of the best luxury places to stay in Waikiki and definitely not cheap but you get what you pay for with the Hilton.
Every Friday night guests of the hotel are treated to a traditional Hawaiian dance performance before the Hilton puts on an epic fireworks show. Its my favorite fireworks show in the world because you are so close to the fireworks you can feel the reverberations on the ground while you are sitting!
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