Where to Stay in Oahu

My Favorite Hotels in Oahu

• 5-Star Resort: The Four Seasons
• Honolulu: Halekulani
• ‧ Mid-range: Coconut Waikiki
• Budget-friendly: VIVE Waikiki
• ⋅ For Families: The Turtle Bay Resort
• For Couples: Surfjack Waikiki • Highest quality pool: Halekulani
• Best Beach: Four Seasons
• Suite with Kitchen: Ilikai Waikiki

Best Areas to Stay in Oahu

• Map of Hotels on Oahu Island

Oahu, the most cosmopolitan Hawaiian Island, is home to over one-third of all Hawaiians and the state’s capital, Honolulu. Known as the Gathering Place, Oahu skillfully combines urban living with natural wonders, offering trendy dining, vibrant art, shopping, white-sand beaches, and legendary surfing. Many of Hawaii’s top hotels and family lodgings can be found on Oahu, particularly in Honolulu, but excellent options abound island-wide.

Honolulu, situated on Oahu’s South Shore, is Hawaii’s lone metropolis. It offers fabulous hotels, top-tier restaurants, art and heritage museums, bustling Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head’s volcano hiking trails. Oahu’s compact nature means nothing is distant. A 45-minute drive takes you to the rural North Shore, renowned for its unfussy atmosphere and iconic surf spots like Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay. The bright, arid Leeward Coast on the island’s west side features elite resort area Ko Olina, pristine beaches, great snorkeling, and neighborhood markets. On the east side, the Windward Coast provides a relaxed vibe, charming beachfront B&Bs, and outdoor activities for example zip-lining. Lastly, Central Oahu houses historic Pearl Harbor but has restricted accommodations, as it is generally occupied by military installations and the international airport.

Best Places to Stay in Oahu

• Best Luxury Hotels in Oahu
  The Moana Surfrider • Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina • Halekulani
• Best Family Hotels in Oahu

  Costa Calma Beach is also an ideal setting for a family vacation, and the southern areas of the beach are beneficial for surfing. In addition, you’ll find lots of modern services like chair and umbrella leasing, lifeguards, and stations where you can book activities and tours. If you’re short on time, I recommend this buggy tour to get a quick overview of Costa Calma.

• Best Boutique Hotels in Oahu
  Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club • Shoreline Hotel Waikiki • Coconut Waikiki
• Best Cheap & Midrange Hotels in Oahu
  The Equus • VIVE Hotel Waikiki
• Best Hotels in Honolulu
  Halekulani • Moana Surfrider • The Modern Honolulu • Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club • Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites
• Top TripAdvisor Hotels (Best Value)
  The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa,Prince Waikiki,Hotel La Croix,Halekulani,VIVE Hotel Waikiki, and Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger

Best Areas in Oahu for…

• Prime Beaches in Oahu: Honolulu, North Shore, Leeward Coast, Windward Coast
  Midtown Manhattan is where the Christmas activities take place, especially along Fifth Avenue: enormous street decorations, the ice-skating rink and towering Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, and famously elaborate window displays in department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s. Though it’s cold at this time of year, the weather is generally dry and sunny, but note that the streets are often crammed with visitors and locals alike (especially on Fifth Avenue and around Rockefeller Center), who come out to enjoy the festivities. Christmas Day itself tends to be quieter, with most shops and attractions closed, though plenty of restaurants remain open.The focus at New Year’s Eve is on Times Square, where there’s a massive party and the “ball-drop” at midnight – you’ll need to arrive early in the afternoon to secure a good spot (the roads around Times Square are usually locked down by late afternoon). Outside of Manhattan, the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights is so famous for its crazy, over-the-top holiday decorations, it has its own guided tours (easily arranged from your hotel in Midtown).

• Top Spots for Sightseeing in Oahu: Honolulu, Windward Coast
  Though Honolulu is Hawaii’s largest city, it is fairly compact, allowing ease of getting around on foot or by public bus transportation. This serves as the perfect home base for visiting some of Oahu’s best attractions, including ‘Iolani Palace (the only official royal residence in the U.S.), the Bishop Museum (exhibits on Hawaiian, Polynesian, and natural history), shopping at Ala Moana Center (one of the world’s largest outdoor shopping centers), hiking Diamond Head (a dormant volcano), plus a zoo, aquarium, bustling beaches of Waikiki, and easy access to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial just a few kilometers west of the city. The Windward Coast requires use of a motor vehicle to visit but offers wonderful historic and natural attractions, including the Makapu’u Lighthouse (hiking, scenic views at sunrise, tide pools), Byodo-In Temple (small Japanese Buddhist temple in a jungle-like setting), Kualoa Ranch (adventure park and location of Hollywood film shoots), plus wonderful beaches, botanical gardens, waterfalls, and more.
• Best Places for Families in Oahu: Honolulu, Windward Coast, Leeward Coast, North Shore
  With a wide selection of kid-gentle hotels, family-friendly Honolulu offers an ideal environment for a family getaway on Oahu. Opt for one of the central beach communities like Ala Moana or Waikiki and be just steps from world-renowned beaches and urban amenities. Plus there’s a complimentary fireworks exhibition every Friday night at Hilton Hawaiian Village. Families with young children should consider remaining in Ko Olina on the Leeward Coast; resorts here boast sunny beaches with calm waves, shallow lagoons for playing and learning to swim, stunning pools with culinary and drink service, and kids’ groups with actions. Active families with older kids will enjoy the Windward Coast with its blend of experience parks, hiking trails, varied beaches, and water sports. Finally, the North Shore has a charming, small-town, family-friendly vibe with great surfing and swimming beaches, paddleboarding in the river of Haleiwa, and watching the sea turtles at Laniakea Beach.

• Best Honeymoon Location for Couples in Oahu: Honolulu, Leeward Coast
  Honolulu as the honeymoon capital of the islands. Beachfront hotels south of Sand Island offer direct sunset views over the ocean, many with private balconies ideal for intimate dining and most with blissful pools providing food and drink service. Stay on the north side of Waikiki for a lively beach scene and Friday night fireworks displays, head toward Kaimuki and Kapahulu for a local vibe and the city’s trendiest restaurants and bars, or get closer to nature at Diamond Head State Monument, a dormant volcano with lush greenery, hiking trails, and panoramic views. For a more relaxed vacation, base yourselves on the Leeward Coast at Ko Olina. Spend your days exploring the rustic coastline with secluded beaches, hike the Waianae Range to swim beneath remote waterfalls, visit the farmers’ market or even take a farm tour. Back at the resort, lounge poolside, beachside, or in one of seven lagoons, savor fine cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and lavish rooms and suites.
• Best Places for Food Nightlife in Oahu: Honolulu
  Without a doubt, Honolulu is the top location on Oahu for fine dining and nightlife. The Kaimuki and Kapahulu regions especially are home to invigorating farm-to-table eateries and eclectic cuisine. Downtown presents the best in upscale dining and handcrafted cocktails. Waikiki and Ala Moana host most of the city’s bars and nightclubs, ranging from refined cocktail lounges to casual sports bars.
• Best Spots for a Local Vibe in Oahu: Honolulu, North Shore, Windward Coast
  Most locals from Hawaii reside in Honolulu, which makes it the area in the state that feels the most like home. The coastal strips of Ala Moana, Waikiki, and Diamond Head are almost entirely focused on tourism, but the inland neighborhoods and beach locales just outside of the popular places cater more to local population. Some of the best regions off the beaten track include Kaimuki, Kapahulu, and Downtown, though lodging alternatives in these communities are sparse. The North Shore is another wonderfully authentic area with a string of charming surf towns (Hale’iwa being the largest) along the coast presenting a relaxed vibe, art galleries, and casual dining (keep an eye out for the shrimp trucks). The Windward Coast offers a similar, mellow feeling but is more active than the North Shore. Kailua is the main town here with three farmers markets, a touch of nightlife, two stunning beaches, and wonderful hiking
• Safest Areas of Oahu
  While Oahu in Hawaii is generally very safe with low rates of violent crime, property theft from rental cars and purse snatching occur more often than the national average. As with any major city, do not leave valuables unattended in your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings, and after dark stick to busy, well-lit areas. Other secure locations on Oahu encompass the North Shore, Windward Coast, and the southern portion of the Leeward Coast.
• Unsafe Areas of Oahu
  Again, Oahu is generally a very safe region overall, but there are certain regions where it’s advantageous to be extra watchful with your possessions, such as Waikiki. Heavily populated and well-lit, but tourists are easy to discern and regularly carry cash, expensive cameras, and phones with their map screens exposed. Another region to pay attention in is the northern part of the Leeward Coast; the main town here, Waianae, in particular, has a higher rate of burglary and theft, and travelers stand out distinctly here. It’s an incredible region to visit, but it’s better to stay overnight in a different region.

The Best Places in Oahu for Tourists

1. Honolulu

The city of Honolulu occupies the vast majority of land on Oahu`s southern coastline. Its metropolitan region stretches approximately 30 kilometers from the airport located in the western section all the way to Makapu`u Point, which marks the dividing line where the Windward Coast begins in the east. Honolulu can be divided into distinctive neighborhoods, each with their own unique atmosphere. From west to east, some of the most worthwhile areas for visitors include Downtown (the historic and administrative center), Ala Moana (famous for its white sand beaches and massive outdoor shopping complex), Waikiki (busy shores, lively nightlife, abundant dining options, and tall hotels), Kaimuki and Kapahulu (adjacent neighborhoods renowned for excellent restaurants and local flavor), and Diamond Head (a national park featuring a dormant volcano, more serene beaches, and proximity to the zoo). As the epicenter of island life, no other part of Oahu is as conveniently situated as Honolulu near spectacular beaches, delectable cuisine, historical sites, and a range of hotels to suit all budgets. This locale presents the ideal accommodation choice for those preferring not to rent a vehicle and drive themselves. Reliable and affordable public transportation in the form of buses connects the neighborhoods with each other as well as farther destinations like Pearl Harbor and Hale`iwa. One-way fares cost $2.75 while full-day unlimited passes are priced at $5.50; kids under 5 ride free.

• Top Hotels: Halekulani – Moana Surfrider – Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

2. North Shore

The North Shore of Oahu offers a relaxed alternative to the bustling South Shore and city of Honolulu for most of the year, featuring quaint towns surrounded by nature preserves, waterfalls, and numerous pristine beaches suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and diving in their white and golden sands. Extending across the northern third of the island just north of the Dole Plantation attraction, the North Shore ranges from Ka’ena Point State Park in the west to Kahana Bay in the east. The largest community of Hale’iwa contains a handful of art galleries and museums chronicling the region`s heritage, including opportunities to standup paddleboard along the ‘Anahulu River or indulge in treats from rival shaved ice vendors. Notable historic sites here involve the educational Polynesian Cultural Center and Puu O Mahaka State Monument. Renowned for turtle habitats, Laniakea Beach along with shark diving excursions out of Hale’iwa – with or sans protective cages – attract visitors. Though the spring, summer and fall months bring a sedate atmosphere, mammoth waves during winter summon the world`s elite surfers particularly to Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline, and Sunset Beach. From November through January depending on swell magnitudes, the North Shore sees a massive influx for premier competitions like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and The Eddie as waves commonly tower from 9 to 15 meters but occasionally exceed 20 meters.

• Top Hotels: Turtle Bay Resort • Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore • Mokule’ia Beach Houses at Owen’s Retreat

3. Leeward Coast

Situated on Oahu`s west coast and shielded from prevailing winds by the Wai`anae Mountains, the Leeward Coast experiences the highest levels of sunshine and driest conditions across the island. Until recent times, this area saw little development and primarily consisted of a string of isolated beaches and local farms stretching up the coastline to the northern boundary at Ka`ena Point State Park. While most parts of Oahu have faced commercialization, the Leeward Coast remains the least developed region with the sole exception of the luxury Ko Olina resort area located at the southern end. Boasting five-star hotels, a golf course, marina, seven artificial lagoons and over a mile and a half of white sandy beaches, Ko Olina offers visitors world-class amenities alongside natural beauty. Outside of Ko Olina, the northern stretches of the Leeward Coast preserve rugged landscapes, secluded beaches and trails ideal for hiking amid pristine scenery. For a taste of local culture, visit the towns of Wai`anae on Tuesdays, Saturdays or Thursdays afternoon to peruse the farmers market featuring homemade goods, island specialties and produce fresh from the land.

• Top Hotels: Aulani Disney Resort & Spa • Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina • Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club

4. Windward Coast

The eastern flank of Oahu, termed the Windward Coast, experiences milder conditions and lusher landscapes relative to elsewhere on the isle. An ideal blend of unorthodox beach towns, pristine coastlines, sunrise routes, and cultural destinations – livelier than the freer North Shore and western Leeward Coast, yet less congested than bustling Honolulu further south. Moving northward reveals gems such as Makapu`u (with lighthouse, hiking trail, tidepools and popular bodysurfing), placid Waimanaló Beach ideal for novices, continually ranked top worldwide Lanikai Beach, busy town and beaches Kailua alongside 3 farmers` markets and eateries, small Japanese temple Byodo-In within scenic gardens, and adventure-rich Kualoa Ranch with ziplining, past film sites, and off-road vehicles. Inland await several mountain paths overlooking cascades, botanical gardens, and noteworthy panoramas, for example Nu`uanu Pali Lookout.

• Topnotch Hotels: Seaside Resort Paradise • Waimanalo Coastline Huts