Best Places To Stay In Kailua Oahu
Hawaii has long being a very popular tourist destination and although many people seldom get any further than Honolulu there are in fact another extremely popular destination a short distance away. Only 30 minutes drive from Honolulu there is the very picturesque seaside town by the name of Kailua Oahu. This town is amazingly popular among its inhabitants and the general opinion of these people is that they are on vacation all year round even though many of them are employed in the big city. They say that they never fail to feel an intense feeling of relieve and a vivid realization of been home again the moment that Kailua Oahu comes into view.
Best Airbnb In Oahu: Luana Waikiki
Located in the best neighborhood to stay for travelers of all kinds, this studio offers enough space for up to 4 guests. It offers free parking and beautiful views close to the beach and to local shops. Theres a fully equipped kitchenette in the apartment as well as air conditioning and quality, comfortable furnishings and decorations. This is why its my top Airbnb in Oahu!
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
What are some popular services for resorts?
Some popular services for resorts include:
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What are people saying about resorts in Kailua, HI?
This is a review for resorts in Kailua, HI:
âEnjoyed this resort â conveniently located. Be advised, no close beach access from the grounds. But the grounds are beautiful, the pools and hot tubs are all nice and conveniently located. Enjoyed sitting in the back patio next to the golf course in the mornings listening to the birds. Comfortable place to stay.â
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Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Located on Hapuna Beach, one of the best beaches in Kona, this recently renovated resort is perfect for a beach vacation. As a matter of fact, this is where we had our Kona honeymoon back in the day! Hapuna Resort includes adult and family pools, a white sand beach, fitness center, restaurant, cultural activities, and golf course. We once saw dolphins from our table at breakfast!
Location: Hapuna Beach, Kohala Coast
Cost: $$$/$$$$
Lodging style: Resort rooms and suites
Amenities/highlights:
- White sand beach
- Breakfast included in some rates
Guests Say:My husband and I have been at this resort 4 times and love it oh so much. The open air floor plan and setup of the resort the adult only pool and hot tub the white sand perfect beach with snorkel spots right off it with sea turtles! the morning coffee or breakfast that hits the spot or the furniture perfectly placed around for perfect spots to just lounge and enjoy and embrace the ocean.You will not be disappointed with this place & staff.
Things To See And Do In Kahaluu

- Snorkel or dive with manta rays on a night-time snorkeling tour.
- Go out scuba diving for a day with a local dive shop.
- Spend a day with the kids at the Kahaluu Beach Park.
- Rent a surfboard and hang-ten on some of those famous Hawaiian waves. If you have never surfed before, there are many surf schools that offer lessons. FBI Surf School and Kona Surf Company are two of the most popular.
- Sample locally grown fruit and yummy baked goods at the Keauhou Farmers Market.
- Charter a boat and spend the day on the open water catching some fish.
- Play a round of golf at the Kona Country Club.
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Best Hostel In Oahu: Polynesian Hostel Beach Club Waikiki
This hostel in Oahu is a great choice when youre deciding where to stay in Oahu on a budget. It has a laidback vibe as well as indoor and outdoor areas that encourage socializing. You can hire a surfboard or snorkel from the hostel or eat free pancakes in the morning with all your new friends. The hostel is also eco-friendly, close to public transport and the beach, and offers dorm and private rooms.
Search Among 25 Available Hotels And Places To Stay In Kailua From 50+ Providers
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In the downtown area you will find 341 Hualani St with room rate starting with 154US$ or Helen’S Beach House with only 5067US$. An option near the city center is Tropical Sands Luxury Suite – Walk To The World Famous Kailua Beach next to Island Treasures.
Choose a hotel next to Oneawa Hills, such as Kailua Ocean View Estate, which is a 5-minute walk away.
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Final Thoughts On Where To Stay Near Kailua
The Kailua-Kona area is one of our favorite places in all of Hawaii! Many people skip Kailua-Kona and the Big Island in favor of Oahu or Maui, but dont be one of them! We guarantee you will not regret your visit, and that you will be bragging about your time here for years to come! As you have seen, Kailua-Kona and the surrounding area has accommodation options for everyone, no matter what you are interested in or what your budget may be.
We hope that this guide has helped you decide where to stay on your next trip to Kailua-Kona. Did you find what you were looking for? Let us know in the comments!
And dont forget to take out Travel Insurance for your trip! I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. Theyre easy to use, professional, and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once youve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.
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Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Oahu
According to most travelers, the best areas are all in Waikiki. But this isnt even close to the truth. The discerning traveler, who isnt afraid to get off the beaten track, knows that there are many more beautiful beaches and towns in Oahu.
And if you really want to get to know this laidback island, then you need to get out of the main areas and out among the locals. That will give you not only a more authentic view of Oahu but pictures and memories that few travelers ever get!
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Kona Coast Resorts At Keauhou Gardens
Address: 78-6842 Alii Drive Unit 1-204
Treat yourself to spacious rooms, a coastal estate spanning across 7 acres , and a wide range of views of the Pacific Ocean from your private apartment. In addition to providing all the amenities you will need for your stay, including a kitchen and laundry facilities, Royal Sea Cliff Kona by Outrigger has weekly activities that include historical lessons, cultural dances, and presentations and even activities related to local food and cuisine styles for guests to get involved with. We particularly love the hula dance classes and the free local drinks that are encouraged!
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua
Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a highly rated accommodation for its friendly staff and great location close to restaurants, grocery store, town, and beach. Guests staying at this resort can enjoy clean rooms, swimming pool, fitness center, and delicious continental breakfast.
Location: Walking distance to Hale Halawai waterfront park and Kona Farmers Market
Cost: $$$
- Continental breakfast
Guests Say:
I loved the comfort and cleanliness of the facility. | I was very pleased with the accommodation, the facility was nice and clean. The front desk personal was super nice! | The locations is great, walking distance to lots of places.
Cultural events at the Saturday Market in Kona
Kailua Village on Alii Drive in Kona
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Best Hotel In Oahu: Polynesian Residences Waikiki
This hotel in Oahu is like a luxury resort and 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.
Each region in Oahu is very different, from the busy, tourist saturated area around Honolulu to the wild, laid back region near Diamond Head. This Oahu neighborhood guide will help you find the area that suits your tastes, whether you want a quick holiday with easy access to everything, or if youre looking for something more unique.
Diamond Head is a good choice when youre deciding where to stay in Oahu for the first time. It offers easy access to Waikiki and all its charms but is a more relaxed area surrounded by lots of natural places and activities.
If youre on a tighter budget, then spend some time in Ala Moana. This is a more local area, where few tourists ever venture, so youll be able to take advantage of local prices.
Kapolei not only has a safe and welcoming atmosphere its also filled with activities and attractions that will appeal to kids. This makes it a great choice when youre deciding where to stay for a family vacation.
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Staying On The Leeward Waianae Coast

Including Ko Olina & Makaha
On the drier west Leeward side of the island, youâll discover the resort community of Koâolina. It has the same resort feel to the area, unlike along the north and east/windward coasts, which have a more âlocalâ vibe.
Why Should You Stay in Leeward Waianae Coast Including Ko Olina & Makaha?
This area offers a remarkable array of natural wonders, including crystalline waters, cascading waterfalls, spectacular mountains, and lush tropical rainforests. Here youâll find a selection of resorts, a golf course, a marina, and shopping and dining options in a small shopping center. Thereâs even a Target, Walmart, and Costco nearby in Kapolei.
The Drawbacks of Staying in the Leeward Waianae Coast Including Ko Olina & Makaha
The restaurantâs specialty areas have been very popular with visitors to the islands for a while, mainly because of their accessibility from Waianae. The areaâs beauty has also attracted developers who have put up high-rises near famous beaches. Unfortunately, you may find it problematic to reach the rest of the island in these secluded areas. With the increase in popularity, traffic has been an issue, and parking is even more difficult.
Our Recommended Places to Stay in Ko Olina & Makaha
A couple of our favorite properties in Ko Olina include the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina and the. For families, we also highly recommend the Aulani Disney Resort & Spa,
The Pros and Cons of Staying in Ko Olina & Makaha
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Where To Stay In Kona Hawaii Big Island: Best Areas
The Big Island of Hawaii has two airports. On the East is Hilo International , but Ellison Onizuka Kona International on the West is the islands primary airport. Its just a short drive south along the coast to reach the town of Kailua-Kona.
Kona is the dry side of the Big Island. Most of the islands tourist amenities, beaches, resorts, hotels, restaurants, and shopping are found on the Kona side.
When staying in Kona, you can still visit other attractions around the island by car. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or the waterfalls on the Hilo side are about a 2 hour drive.
If youre looking for a great Kona vacation rental, resort, or hotel thats close to shops, restaurants, supermarkets, and beaches, consider staying in town. There are lots of things to do in Kona, and it can be a good base for day trips.
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Shops at Kailua Village, Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona town
If you have a rental car and prefer a little more distance from town, you can find great places to stay in Konas outer neighborhoods. Magic Sands Beach Park has rare access to sandy beaches just south of town, whereas the rest of the coast tends to be more rocky. Alii Kai, Holualoa, White Sands, and Kuakini Heights are nearby neighborhoods where you can find Kona Airbnbs and VRBO houses.
Next, well show you some of the best places to stay in each of these areas of Kona.
Waikiki Best Area To Stay In Oahu For Nightlife
Of course, youve heard of Waikiki. Its the most popular area for tourists and is filled with everything you could want on a beach holiday. Its a great choice when youre deciding where to stay for nightlife and for easy access to local beaches and great shopping. The whole area is based around the famous beach, with lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes packed close by.
If youre in Oahu for a short holiday, then this is probably where youll stay. The water is warm, the people friendly, the cocktail ubiquitous, and the neighborhood safe. Youll find a huge range of accommodation in Waikiki, from top quality luxury hotels to cheaper hostels and apartments. So, no matter your budget, you can spend some time in this area without breaking the bank.
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Holualoa Where To Stay Near Kailua
Holualoa is directly south of Kailua-Kona. Most people dont even know where one stops and the other starts, they merge right into each other. It is a small, artsy town that is somewhat off the traditional tourist path, but if you are a coffee lover, its a paradise.
Its located smack in the middle of the Kona Coffee Belt, and is home to some of the best coffee in the world. Taking a trip to Hula Daddy Kona Coffee, or one of the other coffee farms in the area, is an absolute must-do whether you drink 10 cups a coffee a day, or none.
Best Hotel In Waikiki: Wyndham Waikiki Beach Walk Hotel Honolulu
Located in the best area in Oahu to stay in, this hotel offers easy beach access and modern, comfortable rooms. It has an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, gym, and booking desk where you can book tours. Theres a restaurant on-site for late-night meals and the area around the hotel is filled with restaurants, so you definitely wont go hungry when you stay here.
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Things To See And Do In Holualoa:
- Visit a coffee farm and take a tour to try some delicious island grown coffee, and learn how its grown.
- Grab your binoculars and cameras and go on a whale watching tour.
- Take a scenic drive through the Mamalahoa Kona Heritage Corridor.
- Stroll through the Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens.
- Relax and catch some sun at White Sand Beach.
- Walk around the town and check out the many small local art galleries.
- Carve your own tiki with a master local craftsman.
Best Condo In Kahaluu
This giant condo is a marvelous home base for any stay in Kahaluu-Keauhou. With enough beds to sleep six, you can easily fit the whole family into this spacious home. Out the back, there is a private patio and garden space with stunning views of the ocean. Inside the complex, you will find a swimming pool and three tennis courts. Schedule a lesson with the local tennis pro if you want to improve your game.
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Best Hotel In Holualoa: Aston Kona By The Sea
Ashton Kona By The Sea is a beautiful hotel right on the Pacific Ocean. You can choose from a standard hotel room, or larger suites that come with a fully-equipped kitchen. All the rooms has private ocean facing terraces. Also, it has its own private beach only available to guests! It is a flawless place, ideal for sun bathing or taking in the sunset at the end of the day. There are multiple swimming pools and hot tubs to soak in around the property.
Best Hotels And Vacation Rentals In Kailua

Kailua-Kona town is situated around Kailua Bay. It has plenty of restaurants, historic landmarks, the farmers market, and all the other shops and amenities you could need during your vacation in Kona.
Here, weve put together some of the best places to stay in the town of Kona itself. Next, well share places a bit further beyond.
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Best Hostel In Holualoa: My Hawaii Hostel
This beachside hostel is our favorite budget recommendation near Kailua-Kona! They have a wide variety of private and dorm room options for budgets of all shapes and sizes, and cooking your own food in their large public kitchen is a great way to save some additional money!
My Hawaii Hostel is a top choice for solo travelers. They have two large common areas fantastic for socializing, one indoors and one outdoors. Want to go snorkeling or biking with your new friends? You can rent gear directly through the hostel at unbeatable rates! Its a budget travelers best friend.