Best Hotel In Oahu: Polynesian Residences Waikiki
This hotel in Oahu offers the ideal combination of comfort and beach proximity. It has a fitness center, a sun deck, outdoor pool, laundry services and a BBQ area where you can have a meal outside. The rooms have kitchenettes with microwaves and fridges and are spacious enough to ensure your comfort.
You can also check out the epic selection of Oahu VRBOs and vacation rentals!
Best Resorts In Oahu For Families
- Pin
Planning a trip to Oahu with kids? Keep scrolling to find out the best resorts in Oahu for families worth checking out.
This post about the best resorts in Oahu for families contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
The best part about traveling is experiencing the trip with those we love the most.
Here at Hawaii Travel with Kids, we have a bunch of resources organized by island to make your Hawaii trip easy, safe, and enjoyable.
Today, were exploring the best resorts in Oahu for families looking for awesome accommodations perfect for kids and adults. These Oahu family resorts are totally worth booking for your next trip.
From kid-friendly amenities to wallet-friendly villas and space to create more affordable filler meals in a hotel kitchen, these resorts are amazing options for a truly remarkable vacation both on the beach and in the hotel.
Oahu is home to some of the best family resorts in Hawaii with epic pools, amazing kids clubs, and on-site amenities.
Come explore Oahu with us!
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Halekulani Hotel In Waikiki Oahu
At nearly 100 years old, the Halekulani Hotel is one of the first and finest hotels in Hawaii. Its located on a pristine stretch of Waikiki beach with an unobstructed view of Diamond Head.
Because of its romantic tranquility, the Halekulani is one of the most sought-after Oahu honeymoon resorts in Hawaii. Its also located along Kalakaua Avenue, where youll find luxurious shops and trendy restaurants and bars.
This is where you want to stay in Hawaii if you are looking for an attentive staff. The Halekulani has the highest staff-guest ratio of any of the resorts in Hawaii.
What makes the Halekulani Hotel a unique place to stay in Hawaii is that it was the inspiration for the book House Without a Key.
The author used to sit at the Halekulani and chat with a police detective, which resulted in the famous literary character Charlie Chan. Check out the latest prices and more details.
Romantic Things to Do at the Halekulani Hotel:
The first thing you should do is book time at the award-winning SpaHalekulani, their onsite resort spa that features traditional Polynesian and Hawaiian treatments.
They have a Travelers Welcome spa package that helps alleviate jet lag.
They have a 82 foot long, heated swimming pool that overlooks Waikiki. The bottom of the pool has a spectacular mosaic of an orchid
You can also walk out to their intimate beach and participate in a morning stretching class or check out their daily surfing demonstration.
Halekulani Hotel Rooms
Don’t Miss: Places To Stay In Houghton Mi
Fast Facts: Staying At The Sheraton Waikiki With Kids
Activities: Ukulele Lesson, Flower Lei Making session, hula lessons
Kids club: Poppins Keiki Waikiki available for children 3 months 12 years and is available to anyone, not just hotel guests
Restaurants: One child under five eats free with each paying adult at the Kai Market
Pools: Adults-only infinity pool and pool area for families, including a big kids waterslide and a small water slide for little kids.
Location: Right in the heart of Waikiki
Turtle Bay Resort In North Shore Oahu
If you are looking to completely get away and unplug, it doesnt get much better than the North Shore of Oahu, which is about 45 minutes from Waikiki. And the most romantic place to stay on the North Shore is Turtle Bay Resort.
What makes Turtle Bay Resort unique is that because of the way the hotel is designed, you can watch both the sunrise and sunset from their hotel. Thats hard to come by! Check out the latest prices and more details.
Romantic Things to do at the Turtle Bay Resort
Lots of couple choose to stay at Turtle Bay Resort because of their many Oahu honeymoon activities like sunset horseback riding, sipping mai tais in a private pool cabana, or getting a seaside couples massage.
Plus, theres even private butler service!
You can even enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach at Roys Beach House. And then after dessert, kick off your sandals and take a barefoot stroll as you watch the sunset.
Turtle Bay Resort is also where they filmed the hilarious romantic comedies Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.
Rooms at the Turtle Bay Resort
As for the rooms, they have some ocean vista view rooms that come with a dedicated VIP Concierge, plush robes and slippers, Express Seating at Paakai Restaurant, guaranteed late check-out, and so much more.
But if you really want the ultimate Oahu honeymoon, splurge and get a Beach Cottage. These have high vaulted ceilings, deep soaking tubs, cozy lanais, and hammocks out on the cottage lawn.
You May Like: Which Neighborhood To Stay In San Diego
Bonus : Things You Should Know Before Going To Oahu
Even though Hawaii is a state of The USA, it has a more relaxed vibe and different local practices. That being said, there are also some important differences that you should be aware of before visiting this incredible island. Here are some facts that will be helpful for your Oahu trip.
Traffic and drivingHawaiis relaxed vibe goes for driving, as well. Hawaiian people rarely use their horns. However, traffic might be annoying from time to time in Waikiki. So if you plan to rent a car, keep in mind that rush hour is 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. on workdays. So try to avoid driving during these hours.
Bring your own bagKnow that Hawaii has prohibited plastic bags because of ecological concerns. Plastic is one of the significant supporters of the gigantic trash patches skimming in the sea, and numerous marine creatures become entrapped in it or eat it.
Bring your own bags when you shop, or youll be charged 15 pennies for each bag. Additionally, costs for pretty much everything are higher than in the Mainland U.S. since products must be transported here.
In Hawaii, all beaches are publicThe government owns a significant part of Hawaiis islands. That means most of the places are open to the public. The only issue is some beaches are hard to reach. You might need to hike to access some beaches. However, it is totally worth it, and you will be rewarded for having a less crowded beach for yourself.
Best Places To Stay In Oahu
Dont let that give you the wrong impression! Oahu is teeming with natural splendor, wildlife, and adventure. Its the type of place where you can enjoy world-class surfing, snorkel with sea turtles, and cage dive with reef sharks. Check out our interactive attractions map of Oahu.
In Oahu, youll also enjoy freshly caught seafood at elaborate restaurants, unique shopping, and unforgettable nightlife in Oahu.
The best place to stay in Oahu depends on the type of experience you want to have. Well help you find the best hotel on Oahu for your style, budget, and specific itinerary.
Hawaii is the perfect destination to dress your best& relax comfortably.
Also Check: Where To Stay In Venice California
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
Right on Waikiki Beach, the Outrigger is a modern property with sophisticated rooms and suites featuring tropical decor and, in many cases, ocean views. The suites have the best views, and also boast private whirlpools and pullout sofas if you’re traveling with the kids.
Other resort amenities include three restaurants, an outdoor pool, a spa, and a fitness center that’s open 24 hours a day. The staff here is friendly, and housekeeping does a good job at keeping everything tidy.
Top 5 Places To Eat On The Big Island
There are so many classics you must try on the Big Island from poke to traditional Hawaiian comfort food. Here are some great spots to check out.
1. Da Poke Shack
Da Poke Shack is the best place on Hawaiis Big Island to try a variety of fresh poke. This diced raw fish dish is traditional to Hawaii. Spicy Peles Kiss is a local favorite, but you wont go wrong with garlic and sesame flavors. Visit early because they sell out almost every day!
Visit: Located at 76-6246 Alii Dr. in Kailua-Kona. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2. Merrimans
Merrimans has been a Big Island institution for over 2 decades. There are a few other Merriman restaurants around the Hawaiian Islands, though many argue this branch is his best. Its definitely a splurge, but the exceptional cuisine and service are well worth it. Reservations are recommended.
Visit: Located at 65-1227 Opelo Rd. B in Waimea. Lunch is served Sunday through Wednesday from 11:30 am to 2 p.m. Dinner is served daily from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
If you havent tried an açaí bowl in Hawaii yet, this is a great place to do that. This is a no-frills spot that has tons of outdoor seating and is known for healthy and refreshing options.
Visit: Located at 75-5831 Kahakai Rd. in Kailua-Kona. Open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Sundays.
4. Cafe 100
Visit: Located at 969 Kilauea Ave. in Hilo. Open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Visit: Located at 74-5565 Luhia St. in Kailua-Kona. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Recommended Reading: Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Positano
Where To Stay On Oahu With Kids: A Video Tour Of The Best Family Hotels
Before you read the detailed descriptions of each Oahu kid-friendly hotel, take some time to watch the video and get an overview of what every Oahu family hotel has to offer.
The resort and friendly family areas of Oahu are Waikiki, Ko Olina, and the North Shore. There are other nice places to stay on Oahu but they dont offer a selection of family-friendly resorts or lack activities for that the whole family can do.
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.
Don’t Miss: Cheap Places To Stay In Denver
Top 3 Lanai Attractions
Many people choose to just hang out at their hotel and enjoy the resort amenities, such as golf and the epic pools. But there are still plenty of things to explore if you want to leave the resort.
1. Garden of the Gods
The Garden on the Gods, also known as Keahiakawelo, is a vast rock garden located on the north end of the island. You might feel like youve been transported to Mars, with the gardens red dust and rock spires. There are many legends that surround this site. Regardless, youll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get around and explore!
Visit: Rent a 4-wheel drive vehicle from your hotel or in Lanai City. Morning and dusk are the best times to visit if youre interested in taking photos of the scenery.
Get There: Get directions and a map from your rental car facility as the roads arent paved.
2. Lanai Cat Sanctuary
If youre an animal lover, the Lanai Cat Sanctuary is a must-visit. The non-profit organization is a top-notch cat haven that has taken in more than 600 cats in the last few years. It does double duty since the sanctuary helps the Lanai ecosystem by rescuing cats from protected areas where endangered ground-nesting birds live. Who knows, you might even end up coming home with a cat from Lanai!
Visit: Open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 365 days a year. There is no admission fee, but the sanctuary does survive on donations. Also, if you end up adopting a cat, fees apply!
Get There: Located at 1 Kaupili Rd. in Lanai City.
3. Lanai Culture & Heritage Center
Top Secret And Hidden Things To Do On Oahu
Its hard to find truly secret things on this popular island destination, but here are a few things that have fewer tourists and are a little bit off the beaten path.
1. The Byodo-In Temple at Valley of the Temples Memorial Park
You might think youve been transported to Japan when you visit the Valley of the Temples. The temple is a replica of the magnificent 900-year-old Byodo-In Temple of Equality in Japan. You can also explore the beautiful temple grounds, see the peacocks, and even see an 18-foot meditation Buddha.
Visit: The park is open 365 days per year and is free to visit. If youd like to go inside the replica temple, its open between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children under 12.
Get There: Located at 47-200 Kahekili Hwy. in Kaneohe. Youll likely want a car to reach the Valley of the Temples.
2. China Walls
The official name for this stretch of cliffs is Koko Kai Mini Beach Park, but its more commonly known as the China Walls. If youre heading to Hanauma Bay, this would be a great addition to your day. While there isnt technically any beach here, youll find layers of lava rock overlooking the ocean. You can snorkel, fish, and even surf from this spot.
The best thing about China Walls though are the sunset views, so be sure to hang around until later in the evening.
Visit: This spot is free and the trail to access the China Walls is always accessible.
3. Mermaid Caves
Don’t Miss: Affordable Places To Stay In Nashville Tn
Kaneohe And Kailua For The Beaches
East Shore, also called the Windward side, is about a 20 minutes drive from Honolulu Airport. East Oahu is famous for its amazing beaches like Lanikai Beach, one of the best on the island with its turquoise water and soft sand. The steep green mountains that plunge right down to the white, palm tree-lined beaches create a postcard view that you might not even think is real!
One of the nicest towns to stay in this area is Kailua. This beautiful, laid-back town is a good base to discover the surrounding areas. Enjoy many scenic landscapes and relax on any of the beautiful hidden beaches around Kailua.
Alternatively, if you are looking for more adventure-filled days, another town in this area is Kaneohe. Kaneohe offers many activities that families with kids would particularly enjoy, like adventure parks, zip-lining, off-roading experiences and nice restaurants, and many nice accommodation options. Kailua and Makapuu Beach are some of the other nice beaches in the area that you should visit.
- Have a tour at a Tropical Macadamia Nut Farm
- Experience Kahana River by kayak
- Go for an adventure with Kualoa Ranch Tour and discover Oahu with outdoor activities
Where To Stay In Oahu For Your Perfect Hawaiian Getaway
Fancy a tropical getaway to Hawaii and need to know where to stay in Oahu?
Great, because Im here to answer just that!
But first, lets talk a bit about Oahu.
Oahu is Hawaiis most visited island. Oahu is where Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is located. Waikiki, a beach suburb of Honolulu, is the most popular tourist spot in all of Hawaii!
Waikiki is undoubtedly where most tourists to Oahu end up staying. In fact, my husband, Harrison, and I stayed in Waikiki on our honeymoon!
But there are definitely some other places worth checking out too! Though we loved our honeymoon, we decided to try a new area on our most recent Oahu trip and were pleasantly surprised. Ill get more into that later.
Also, you can check out my video of our trip to Oahu below!
Oahu is divided into five main areas:
- the North Shore
- the Windward Coast on the east
- the Leeward Coast on the west
- the South
- and the Central area.
In this guide, well look at the best places to stay in Oahu and some of the best hotels in Oahu!
Also Check: Places To Stay In Downtown Boston