Best Places To Stay In Oahu: Your Guide To The Top Hotels In Oahu
If you are wondering where to stay in Oahu, youre in the right place. These are the best places to stay in Oahu. This is your ultimate guide to the top hotels in Oahufor any budget.
Oahu is a beautiful Hawaiian Island and a popular honeymoon destination in the United States. The Hawaiian capital city of Honolulu is located in Oahu. Its the most densely populated Hawaiian Island, and its also the most convenient Hawaiian airport to fly into.
Where To Stay In Hawaii: Koolina
If you are looking for somewhere a little more remote without the crowds of Honolulu but still with quiet, family-friendly beaches then KoâOlina might be worth considering. Located on the west side of the island, about a 30-minute drive from Honolulu, KoâOlina is another popular spot to stay and is known for having some of the best resorts in Oahu. Itâs a good spot for snorkeling, swimming, and beach time and there are plenty of options when it comes to shops and restaurants. However, if you plan on doing day trips and exploring more of the island, then you will definitely need to rent a car. Note that since so many accommodation options here are resorts, it can get a bit pricey.
Best Airbnb In Kapolei: Kapolei Home
Located in one of Oahus best neighborhoods for a peaceful, relaxed stay, this home is ideal for people who really want to explore the island. It offers a kitchen, living room, and backyard with a BBQ area and spa as well as free Cable, parking, and Wi-Fi. Theres also a washer and dryer in the house so you can get your laundry done while youre there!
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How Can I Get A Cheap Hotel In Hawaii
The Best Places To Stay On Big Island Hawaii On A Budget
- Arnotts Lodge: Arnotts Lodge is located a little off the beaten path, close to nature and black AND white sand beaches on Hilos beautiful coastline. Rooms ranging from simple doubles to two bedroom suites for between $65-$160. Laundry facilities, onsite tours , fresh ground coffee and a great patio area round out the impressive amenities at this budget friendly favorite.
- Hamuka Guest House and Camping Cabanas: The Hamuka Guest House and Camping Cabanas is an off the grid gem located not far from the coast and about 13 miles from the Hilo airport. This place is an amazing budget find offers bed and breakfast style rooms, a basic but clean river cabin and guest house and and super budget friendly glamping tents. All accommodations are between $49-$95/night. The guest houses and cabanas are surrounded by nature and the views are amazing. This would definitely be on our short list for when we visit the Big Island on a budget!
- Namakanipaio Cabins at Volcano House: These budget friendly cabins are located in a fragrant eucalyptus grove and are great for families! They have one full sized bed and a set of twin sized bunk beds. Bathrooms are shared and located in the campground. Linens are provided.
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Where To Stay On Oahu: Which Region Is Best For You
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Each region on Oahu is very different and you will give you a slightly unique experience. In this blog post, I hope to help you figure out where to stay on Oahu and which region you will enjoy the most. I lived on Oahu for two years and sampled lots of hotels and have been all over the island. Ive split the island up into five regions when considering where to stay on Oahu:
In each section, I will discuss what that region offers, the pros and cons of that region and make some suggestions on the best hotels in that area.
WHERE TO STAY ON OAHU: 5 MAIN REGIONS
To give you a quick overview of the different regions so you can skip to the region that might best suit you, Ive put together an infographic below about the different regions.
Honolulu Is A Great Place To Travel If You Like Big Resorts
Honolulu is a great place to travel if you like big resorts, mass-market tourism, convenience, and lovely weather. If you dont, its overcrowded, ugly, and blighted by poverty, homelessness, and a drug problem. The only thing to do that I would recommend is the Diamond Head hike: it takes you out of Waikiki and the view is pretty good. As a food-writer, I found that there were very few good places to eat, with the exception of Chinatown which has some decent places . Otherwise, its mainly chains, fast-food outlets, and unimaginative hotel restaurants. I would, however, recommend the Barefoot Beach Cafe near Diamond Head, and Goofys near the Hilton.Its also, hypothetically, easy to get around due to the number of buses/ ubers available, but the traffic is ridiculous, and it takes 30 minutes to travel just one mile. The traffic also means it takes ages to walk anywhere due to all the crossings) and we particularly found the citys homelessness problem very confronting: there are lots of homeless people everywhere, and they often have drug problems. At times, if I was on my own walking back to my hotel , I actually felt quite unsafe.Its ok to stay for one night, but I cant recommend getting out of here enough!
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Best Airbnb In Waikiki: Super Central Apartment
Every night owl needs a great place to stay! If you want to have crazy nights out, this Airbnb is the right one to spend the next hangover day. Youre only a couple of moments from the beach and amazing bars. The apartment is clean and pretty quiet. It comes with Netflix, a super comfortable bed and a brand new AC perfect for the headache days.
What Is The Best Part Of Honolulu To Stay
Those looking for a beach vacation in Oahu are in luck because the Waikiki area offers great accommodations. It is home to a great variety of restaurants, shopping, and attractions. As if taking a photograph of the Pacific Ocean doesnt appeal enough, this charming coast also offers a delightful mix of beaches, food, and sightseeing.
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Best Places To Stay On Oahu: The Ultimate Guide For Every Type Of Traveler
Best place to stay for families:
Waikiki is a great place to start. It’s affordable and offers a variety of activities for all members of your family.
North Shore provides the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. The area offers many luxury resorts and vacation rentals at the edge of Waianae and Haleiwa. It also has many exciting attractions, like luaus, festivals, and surfing. With so many activities to choose from, you’ll be able to bond with your whole family.
Koolina offers affordable, family-friendly accommodations short distance from Waikiki Beach, the bottomless snorkeling of Turtle Bay, and the world-famous Diamond Head Crater. It is also within minutes of many other charming beaches, shopping centers, and cultural attractions.
Kailua offers affordable resort homes and proximity to the beach. It’s also has a wide variety of activities for families, including kayaking, golfing, and hunting.
Best place to stay for Beach Bums:
There are only so many hours in the day. And who wants to spend their time strolling around tourist spots when you can be swimming in the ocean?
The Waikiki neighborhood is the best place to stay in Oahu for those who love to play at the beach. It is a popular tourist destination with great restaurants, shopping, and attractions. The East Coast offers a charming view of the Pacific Ocean and a perfect mixture of beaches, food, and activities. Of course, North Shore provides great sprawling beaches.
Best place to stay for luxury seekers:
Looking For Accommodation In The North Shore
Turtle Bay Resort : Turtle Bay Resort is considered to be THE place to stay in the North Shore. It is high-end luxury and absolutely beautiful property. I stopped on a day trip for a drink at their outdoor restaurant and could quickly see why so many people say itâs worth the splurge. With 8km of beach, two golf courses, several dining options and a full-service spa, this is definitely one of the best resorts in Oahu. Book your stay here.
Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore: A more moderately priced mid-range option is the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore. Thereâs a large outdoor pool and beach nearby. Itâs also right by the Polynesian Cultural Centre. Book your stay here.
Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village: A budget option ideal for solo travellers looking to meet others or those just visiting Oahu on a budget. Itâs a basic place to stay but a great location for beach lovers with the added bonus of free parking. Book your stay here.
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Where To Stay In Oahu: Honolulu And Waikiki
Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and is a typical urban beachside city. However, itâs much bigger than I expected and quite spread out meaning itâs not as fast and easy to get from Point A to Point B as you would think. For this reason, if you are considering staying in Honolulu I would suggest you stay specifically in Waikiki.
Waikiki is, in fairness, the most popular part of the city. But, for good reason. Itâs lined with beaches perfect for tanning, surfing, and swimming . The beaches and streets are lined with hotels ranging from 5* luxury to budget-friendly backpacker hostels. There are tons of bars, restaurants, and cute little shops for some local products and souvenirs. Basically, Waikiki has it all. Plus, itâs super convenient.
Convenience is a huge part of why I chose to stay in Waikiki. My flights were very late so it made it easy to get to/from hotel to airport safely. As a solo traveller in Hawaii, I also chose to use public transit and rely on day tours which was also easiest from Waikiki. Plus, itâs by the beach which is what I wanted.
Yes, itâs busy. Yes, it feels like a big city rather than a quiet tropical island. However, itâs fun. There are a number of options for different budgets and itâs incredibly convenient. If you are a solo traveller, travelling with family, or even just a first time visitor to the island, I would argue that Waikiki might be the best place to stay in Oahu.
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.
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Holiday Inn Express Waikiki An Ihg Hotel
A kid-friendly budget hotel. Situated three blocks from the beach, the hotel has ocean, mountain and skyline view rooms and includes complimentary hot breakfast daily. The 5th-floor sky deck features a 9-hole mini-golf course, shuffleboard, giant chess game, ping pong and foosball tables, as well as a games room with TVs and Wii consoles. There’s also a pool, cabanas, and a fitness centre.
Final Word On Where To Stay In Oahu
Based on convenience and everything in the nearby area, I would suggest staying in Honolulu, specifically Waikiki. As a solo traveller, it was great for me and I also think it would be ideal for first-time visitors and families with children.
That being said, if you are spending a week or so here, I would recommend renting a car and splitting up your stay. Go to the North Shore or one of the more remote areas to really experience the natural beauty of Hawaii and get away from the crowds.
Finally, book early. Hawaii is an incurably popular destination year-round and the best hotel rooms get scooped up really quickly. So if there is a property that you love or an area you really want to base yourself in, dont wait to book or your might end up disappointed.
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West Honolulu For Sightseeing
There are two major parts of West Honolulu. Firstly, Ala Moana is located 2 miles away from Waikiki and is known for its beautiful beaches, upscale restaurants, and shops. Here you will find the worlds largest open-air shopping mall, Ala Moana Center which will make you shop till you drop!
Luckily, there is also the stunning, Ala Moana Beach Park where you can chill on the white sand beach surrounded by palm trees. Up for spending a day in paradise?
If you go 2 miles west of Ala Moana you will reach Downtown where you will find the islands most famous museums, art galleries, and historic buildings. Apart from cultural attractions, you will love the night scene as there is a great selection of cool bars and nightclubs here too. What else do you need?
By staying in West Honolulu you will find a bit of everything so it is a great place to stay in Honolulu whether you are a sightseer, beach bum, or foodie. I handpicked the top 4 hotels here but if you want more options check out the best places to stay in Oahu.
Castle Bamboo Waikiki Hotel Moderate
Tranquil boutique hotel located a 3-minute walk to Kuhio Beach and the Waikiki Boardwalk, a 5-minute walk to the International Market Place, and a 10-minute walk to the Honolulu Zoo. Hotel amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub, garden, and on-site parking . Rooms feature kitchenettes or full kitchens and balconies.
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Beach Front On Kailua Beach
This Beach Front Studio is located right on beautiful sandy Kailua Beach. Kailua Beach offers all types of activities including surf, swimming, kite surfing, hiking and a running path.
Located in a quiet, upscale neighborhood. The stay offers stunning ocean views from the balcony or lawn overlooking the beach and ocean. A beautiful place to wind down after a day of waterfall chasing. Check out a guide to Waimea Falls & the Botanical Gardens.
This condo is reasonably priced but the kicker is that you have to rent it out for 30 days. This is a perfect stay if you work remotely and are looking for a temporary Hawaiian getaway.
Where To Stay In Waikiki For Families
Waikiki, Honolulu is an amazing destination to have a family vacation. You will not only find white sand beaches where you can make sandcastles with your children but also great fun attractions such as the incredible Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium.
Here, I would like to talk about the best family-friendly hotels that have spacious rooms and great kids facilities. All you need to do is make a reservation to catch them and get ready for your unforgettable tropical holiday!
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Best Hostel In Waikiki: Seaside Hawaiian Hostel Waikiki
This excellent family-run hostel is conveniently located in Waikiki. Its close to the beach, bars, restaurants, shops and more. This charming hostel offers a small and intimate environment with a free continental breakfast, cheap surfboard rentals and outdoor movie nights. Guests can also make use of the full kitchen.
Can Hawaii Be Done On A Budget
Answers to frequently asked questions about Hawaii on a budget In many shoulder seasons, Hawaii is at its cheapest. Spring Break runs from mid-April through the middle of June, and Winter Break from mid-September through the end of December. Your family can have a great time traveling to Hawaii as long as you plan ahead. It is the right time to visit Hawaii right now.
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Holiday Inn Express Waikiki An Ihg Hotel Honolulu
2058 Kuhio Avenue
Located in 7 minutes’ walk to the public Waikiki Beach Walk, guests of 3-star Holiday Inn Express Waikiki, An Ihg Hotel Honolulu may find a shared lounge, a shuffleboard court and a tennis court on-site. Situated in Waikiki district, this inn is 30 minutes walk from the centre of Honolulu.
The run Waikiki Aquarium is less than 2.5 km away. The venue has a great location in short walking distance from the beach. Snorkel Manu Kai is also located near the accommodation. The shopping mall “Ala Moana Center” is only a short drive away.
- Wi-Fi
The 3-star Waikiki Beachside Hostel Honolulu lies in 5 minutes’ walk to the water Kuhio Beach Park. It offers non-smoking rooms, free Wi-Fi throughout the property and private parking garage on site.
Located off Saint Augustine by-the-Sea Catholic Church, the venue is set near the 42 – acre Honolulu Zoo. The property is also within a 17-minute walk of the famous Waikiki Beach Walk. Waikiki Beachside Hostel is a short driving distance of the university-run Waikiki Aquarium.
- Free Wi-Fi
The venue is 1.5 km away from the upscale beachfront Moana Surfrider Lodging and 1.6 km from the air mall “Waikiki Beach Walk”. The city centre is close by, about 30 minutes’ walk away. Marina Tower Waikiki is located in proximity to Ala Wai Yacht Harbor Marina.
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms