Where is the best place to stay in Oahu?
By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023
Known as “The Gathering Place” Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands and it is the home to the state capital of Honolulu. Some of the places to consider when choosing where to stay in Oahu are Honolulu, Kapolei, Kailua, Waimanalo Beach and North Shore.
Honolulu is the vibrant centre of Hawaii where you can find world-class shopping, historic landmarks and it is the top spot on the island for arts, culture and entertainment. With Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor close by a stay in Honolulu is recommended for families, groups, couples and friends. Kapolei is the second city of Oahu and has fabulous coves, luxury hotels and is a great all round family holiday destination. Kailua is a chic beach resort great for couples looking for a romantic and peaceful stay in Oahu.
On the eastern side of Oahu is Waimanalo Beach which is more peaceful than the ever-popular Waikiki Beach. It is recommended for couples and friends looking for a little piece of Hawaiian paradise yet still close enough to Honolulu for a day out. Towards the north of Oahu and stretching from Kaʻena Point to Kahuku Point is the area of North Shore. For water sports fans this legendary surf mecca is the best place to stay in Oahu.If you are interested in where to stay in Oahu, you may also be interested in where to stay in Maui, where to stay in Kauai and where to stay in Big Island.
Choosing where to stay in Oahu
Honolulu & Waikiki Beach
Best place to stay in Oahu with family
The sprawling city of Honolulu has everything. The historic places such as Kawaiahao Church and Iolani Palace must be visited and in the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum local artefacts can be seen that tell the story of Honolulu and Hawaii. In Honolulu’s Chinatown there is a hodgepodge of lei makers, antique and art dealers, temples and herbalists. Some of the hottest places to eat and drink such as underground bars, clubs and restaurants can be found in urban Chinatown. In the day time explore the sights and sounds of the bustling Maunakea Marketplace and the Oahu Market.
Neighbouring Pearl Harbor is a fascinating place to visit for anyone that wants to learn more about the events that happened here during WWII. For the ultimate beach holiday, just south of Honolulu is Waikiki Beach. The three places are all closely linked together and there is plenty to see and do for everyone.
The former playground of Hawaiian royalty Waikiki Beach is now one of the best known beaches in the world, albeit backed by high rise hotels. It is the nucleus of the tourist industry in Hawaii and this 2.4 kilometre stretch of sand will give you a holiday in style, although you might need a king’s ransom to pay for it!
Despite the concrete jungle appearance this is the place to stay in Oahu and just about everything is in walking distance. If not, use the Waikiki Trolley system; shopping and dining Pink trolleys will take you to the Ala Moana Mall and the Green trolleys run to Diamond Head and Kahala Mall. Bicycle and moped hire is quite common although it can be dangerous!!
The main shopping mall is the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Centre with over 100 shops and restaurants and the DFS Galleria. The zoo and the aquarium are close by as well as the Kapiolani Park where the green grass meets the ocean and there is more than enough room for everyone to enjoy the fresh air.
The choice of places to stay in Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach range from executive hotels to cheap rooms in local houses. You can stay in all-suite hotels overlooking the wonderful Waikiki Beach and Pacific Ocean or choose a tiny family run hostel in the downtown centre of Honolulu. Many of the big brand chains have hotels close to Honolulu International Airport and around Honolulu Harbour. There is an aparthotel on the shores of Pearl Harbor as well as a family run guest house.
Read more about where to stay in Honolulu.
Recommended hotels in Honolulu:
The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort: Known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” The Royal Hawaiian offers a luxurious and iconic stay in the heart of Waikiki. The resort features elegant rooms with a touch of historic charm, a private beach area, a swimming pool, a spa, and multiple dining options. Guests can enjoy beachfront access, indulge in Hawaiian hospitality, and explore the vibrant Waikiki neighborhood.
Halekulani: Situated on the shores of Waikiki Beach, Halekulani is a luxurious and sophisticated beachfront hotel. The hotel features stylish rooms and suites with private lanais, a swimming pool overlooking the ocean, a spa, and award-winning dining options. Guests can relax on the beach, take advantage of the hotel’s exceptional service, and appreciate the stunning views of Diamond Head.
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa: Located on Waikiki Beach, the Moana Surfrider is a historic and elegant beachfront resort. The hotel features comfortable rooms with a blend of classic and modern decor, a swimming pool, a spa, and multiple dining options. Guests can relax on the beachfront veranda, enjoy traditional afternoon tea, and explore the shops and attractions of Waikiki.
Kapolei
Best place to stay in Oahu for snorkeling
On the south shore of the island Kapolei is a very upscale resort with superb lagoons which have sheltered areas for swimming and beautiful beach coves. Eating and drinking opportunities are everywhere from sandwich and coffee shops to noodle bars where nearly everything is served with a coconut flavour!
For families this is a great location as Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii is located here with 25 acres of watery fun. Kahe Point Beach Park has great snorkelling and you can share the water with turtles and tons of brightly coloured fish swimming around the reefs. For golfers the Kapolei Golf Club sprawls across 190 acres of a former sugar cane plantation.
Close to the ocean much of the accommodation is around the Ko Olina lagoon in luxury hotels with superb facilities for all the family. Away from the beach and lagoons there are a number of townhouses, villas and B&B’s.
Recommended hotels in Kapolei:
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa: Located in the Ko Olina Resort area of Kapolei, Aulani is a family-friendly resort that offers a unique blend of Disney magic and Hawaiian hospitality. The resort features beautifully themed rooms and suites, a water park with pools and slides, a lazy river, a private beach, a spa, and multiple dining options. Guests can enjoy Disney characters, cultural activities, and a range of entertainment options for all ages.
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina: Situated along the coastline of Kapolei, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina offers a luxurious and tranquil stay. The resort features spacious rooms and suites with private balconies, a swimming pool, a spa, a golf course, and several dining options. Guests can relax on the beach, enjoy water sports, and experience the world-class service and amenities provided by Four Seasons.
Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club: Nestled on the shores of Kapolei, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club offers comfortable accommodations ideal for families and larger groups. The resort features well-appointed villas with kitchens, a lagoon-style swimming pool, a fitness center, and on-site dining options. Guests can enjoy beach access, explore the surrounding area with its beautiful lagoons, and take advantage of the resort’s recreational activities.
Kailua
Best place to stay in Oahu for beaches
On the Windward Coast the stunning beaches and turquoise seas of Kailua Beach draw locals and visitors alike to this buzzing community. If relaxing on the miles of pristine white sand isn’t enough you can rent kayaks and paddle out into the crystal clear ocean or kite surfing and kite flying are popular sports helped by the warm trade winds.
The Thursday evening farmer’s market is a popular hangout and the sunny lifestyle and artistic talents of Hawaii’s residents are captured in various boutiques and galleries. Kailua has just enough trendy bars, excellent restaurants and enough places to hang out to make this a very special destination. The atmosphere is very chilled and if you want to wander hand-in-hand along the sand this is definitely the place to do so.
Accommodation is mainly in cosy beachside B&B’s and small hotels although self-catering house rentals are another popular choice.
Recommended hotels in Kailua:
The Kahala Hotel & Resort: Although not located directly in Kailua, The Kahala Hotel & Resort is a luxury beachfront resort situated nearby in Honolulu. The resort offers elegant rooms and suites with private lanais, a private beach, multiple swimming pools, a spa, and several dining options. Guests can enjoy the tranquility of the Kahala neighborhood, experience world-class service, and take advantage of the resort’s amenities and activities.
Paradise Bay Resort: Located in Kaneohe, a short drive from Kailua, Paradise Bay Resort provides a peaceful retreat in a tropical setting. The resort features comfortable rooms and suites with stunning views of the bay, a swimming pool, a private dock, and complimentary kayak and paddleboard rentals. Guests can relax in the tranquil surroundings, explore the nearby beaches and hiking trails, and take in the beauty of Kaneohe Bay.
Pillows in Paradise: This boutique vacation rental property in Kailua offers cozy and well-appointed accommodations. Guests can choose from a variety of stylishly furnished cottages and suites, each with its own unique charm. The property features lush gardens, a shared outdoor space, and a convenient location near Kailua Beach and the town’s amenities. Guests can enjoy a comfortable and private stay in the heart of Kailua.
North Shore
Best place to stay in Oahu for surfing
The winter months are when the North Shore becomes a magnet for professional surfers and water sports fans. The swells on the famous surf spots of Sunset Beach, Pipeline and Waimean Bay can reach around ten metres or more and they attract crowds of brightly clad and tanned bodies. The rest of the year the crystal clear water, white sand and romantic sunsets attract visitors who want to enjoy conditions that are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
For anyone that wants a day off from the beach Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau is Oahu’s largest and oldest religious site and can be found a short distance away from North Shore. There is also the Turtle Bay Championship Golf Course and at Dillingham Airfield intrepid visitors can swap the sea for the sky and take part in thrilling glider rides and skydiving.
Opportunities for dining experiences abound along the North Shore with locally caught North Shore shrimp, a simple Hawaiian plate lunch or a snack from a lunch wagon or a sandwich. Coffee shops, ice-cream shops and bars are plentiful and offer a variety of local and international cuisine.
The shopping is great here with shops located in plantation style buildings that offer not just souvenirs and everyday items but unique clothing, much of it surf related, beautifully made pearl jewellery, surfboards and many one-off treasures.
Accommodation in and around Haleiwai, North Shore Oahu can range from ocean front villas, beach cottages and suites to simple bungalows, backpacker hostels and shared rooms or a room in a local family house.
Recommended hotels in North Shore:
Turtle Bay Resort: Located on the northern tip of Oahu, Turtle Bay Resort is a luxurious beachfront resort that offers a variety of accommodations, including hotel rooms, suites, and beach cottages. The resort features beautiful ocean views, multiple swimming pools, a spa, tennis courts, and several dining options. Guests can enjoy the resort’s private beach, surf the famous waves of the North Shore, and explore the nearby hiking trails and natural attractions.
Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village: This budget-friendly accommodation option is situated in the heart of Haleiwa town on the North Shore. Backpackers Vacation Inn offers a range of rooms, including private rooms and shared dormitories. Guests can enjoy the communal kitchen, common areas, and the vibrant atmosphere of Haleiwa. The location provides easy access to the North Shore’s popular surf spots, beaches, and local shops and restaurants.
The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club: Located in Waimea, The Surfjack Hotel offers a retro-chic ambiance with a laid-back surf-inspired style. The hotel features stylishly designed rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a coffee bar. Guests can relax in the retro-modern atmosphere, rent bicycles to explore the area, and visit nearby beaches such as Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach.
Our recommended hotels in Oahu
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in OahuNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
