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Best Places to Stay in Oahu: Your Guide to the Top Hotels in Oahu

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If you are wondering where to stay in Oahu, you’re in the right place. These are the best places to stay in Oahu. This is your ultimate guide to the top hotels in Oahu –for 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. It’s the most densely populated Hawaiian Island, and it’s also the most convenient Hawaiian airport to fly into. 

best places to stay in oahu pin
best places to stay in oahu pin

aerial view of Waikiki Beach

Best Places to Stay in Oahu

Don’t let that give you the wrong impression! Oahu is teeming with natural splendor, wildlife, and adventure. It’s 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, you’ll also enjoy freshly caught seafood at elaborate restaurants, unique shopping, and unforgettable nightlife in Oahu. 

Ko Olina beach in Oahu

The best place to stay in Oahu depends on the type of experience you want to have. We’ll 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.

Best Places to Stay in Oahu: Top Hotels in Oahu

The places to stay on Oahu have beach access, pool access and are walking distance to restaurants. These are the best places to stay on Oahu, and they are top-rated by guests. 

Waikiki Beach in Oahu

These places to stay on Oahu Hawaii are organized by cost. 

Budget hotels will cost you under $150 per night. Mid-Range hotels should be between $150 -250 per night. Our affordable luxury category is for travelers who want finder touches for under $400 per night. the ultimate luxury hotels are the most expensive and most impressive hotels on Oahu. They can cost you over $400 per night. 

Budget 

These cheap places to stay in Oahu are cute, comfortable, and convenient. These are the perfect Oahu hotels for the smart economic traveler. 

Waikiki Hotels lit up at night

You don’t need to stay at motels on Oahu to save a few bucks, Most of these incredible Oahu Waikiki hotels will cost you less than $100 per night (or just about $100 per night depending on the season). 

So, if you’re wondering where to stay in Oahu Hawaii on a budget, read on!

 PriceStarsPool AccessFree Breakfast Kitchenette
Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel$⭐⭐✓ Shared
Hotel Renew$⭐⭐⭐⭐
Waikiki Grand Hotel$⭐⭐✓ Select Rooms
Coconut Waikiki$$⭐⭐⭐✓ Select Rooms

The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel 

The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel is the cheapest place to stay in Oahu for young adults and students. This hostel is an excellent option for Oahu lodging if you’re looking to meet new people or if you are a solo traveler. 

At the Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel, you can choose from private, semi-private, or group rooms. You can get a gender-specific group room or a mixed one. 

If you stay at the Waikiki Boutique Hostel, you aren’t just getting one of the cheap places to stay in Oahu Hawaii, you’re getting a community experience. Another perk at the Waikiki Boutique Hostel is daily free shuttles to various locations on the island of Oahu. This is a great way to see the island without having to rent a car!

Reserve your room at the Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel.  

The hostel is also located within walking distance to all the top Oahu hotels in Waikiki, as well as Waikiki Beach. Waikiki Beach is one of the top places to stay in Oahu hi because it’s super lively.

This is where you’ll find the crowds of fun-loving beachgoers, shopping, and restaurants. The Waikiki Beach Hostel helps to connect you with fun free activities around town like hula lessons, ukulele lessons, and beach fireworks.

Hotel Renew 

If you are traveling to Hawaii on a budget, the best hotel to stay in Oahu is the Hotel Renew. It’s another one of the amazing hotels in Oahu Waikiki. Hotel Renew was designed for active travelers who want to explore Oahu off the beaten path. 

Hotel Renew is one of the only hotels near Oahu Hawaii to offer Wellness Concierge services. This includes personalized recommendations on yoga, meditation, and nearby juice bars.

Guests don’t stay at Hotel Renew just because it’s one of the cheap places to stay on Oahu. Guests stay at Hotel Renew because they connect with their mission to promote healing, community conservation, and sustainability. 

While this hotel doesn’t have a pool or beach access, the service and amenities are everything you need! It’s one of the unique hotels in Oahu with a warm, modern, personality yet reasonable rates. 

Book your stay at Hotel Renew. 

The concierge at Hotel Renew will help you to plan a perfect itinerary and discover hidden gems on the island. Some of the best towns in Oahu are just a short walk away from Hotel Renew. These include Kaimuki, Kapahulu, and Kaka’ako. If you stay at Hotel Renew, you’re also a short walk from the famous Waikiki Beach. 

Don’t forget to try authentic Kona coffee at Hotel Renew’s cozy coffee bar. 

Waikiki Grand Hotel 

Skip the motels in Oahu, you can get excellent amenities and still stay on a budget. The Waikiki Grand Hotel is also the best place to stay in Oahu with family. 

It’s located on the corner of Kapiolani Park right by the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium. It’s the best place in Oahu to stay because you’re at the center of it all! This location is just steps away from Queens Beach and a few blocks from Waikiki Beach. 

The Waikiki Grand Hotel is one of the best hotels in Oahu for travelers looking for homey touches. Each hotel room has a kitchenette and unique funky decor. At the Waikiki Grand Hotel, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of downtown Waikiki or the dramatic Diamond Head crater from your personal Lanai.

See more pictures of the Waikiki Grand Hotel.

You won’t get that at any Airbnb in Oahu! Diamond Head is the best place to hike in Oahu. You can get to Diamond head in 20 minutes bike riding and 10 minutes driving from the Waikiki Grand Hotels.

Coconut Waikiki Hotel

The Coconut Waikiki Hotel is one of the top-rated cheap places to stay Oahu. Hawaii Magazine even named the Coconut Waikiki as one of the best places to stay in Oahu for families. 

Coconut Waikiki offers guests complimentary daily breakfast as well as coffee, tea, and juice. They have a wonderful outdoor space with a heated pool, grills, and patio seating for guests.

Most rooms also include a private lanai and kitchenette. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Ko’olau Mountains or the city of Waikiki.

Find your perfect room at the Coconut Waikiki. 

The Coconut hotel in Oahu Waikiki is a favorite among guests. It’s steps away from restaurants, shops & entertainment. That’s why Waikiki is one of the best places to stay on Oahu island!

Mid- Range

If you care about the price tag but aren’t willing to compromise…These are the best hotels in Oahu Hawaii in the mid-range price bracket. These are hotels on Oahu hi that will cost between $150 – 250 per night. 

All these mid-range hotels are located on Oahu’s south shore. It’s the best area to stay in Oahu because it’s well connected to hiking, snorkeling, and countless other adventurous activities. These hotels on Oahu island are also perfectly positioned near restaurants and bars. 

 PriceStarsBike RentalsCultural ActivitiesBeach AccessGood for Families Good for Couples
Surfjack Swim Club$$⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Laylow$$⭐⭐⭐
Hilton Hawaiian Village$$$⭐⭐⭐⭐
Modern Honolulu$$$⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best place to stay on Oahu is within your budget! You’ll need pool access, nearby beach access, and delicious tropical drinks. You’re in Hawaii, after all. You’ll be surprised by how much you can get for your money at these hotels on Oahu hi. 

Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club 

The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club is one of the interesting hotels on Oahu. 

Stay at the Surfjack, and eat at Mahina & Sun’s and Olive & Oliver. Mahina & Sun’s takes fresh, locally grown, ingredients and serves up Hawaiian favorites in a hip yet casual setting. Olive & Oliver is a unique Hawaiian chain that offers a unique retail clothing brand as well as freshly ground coffee. 

At the Surfjack Hotel, bikes are included in your stay. You can bike to Diamond Head in 30 minutes. The swim club at this Oahu Hawaii hotel also offers complimentary towels, reef-safe sunscreen and beach chairs for guests.

The surf club at Surfjack is also perfect for couples because the pool area is reserved for adults only between 6 – 9 PM. You can also enjoy movies poolside at this Oahu hotel!

Find your perfect room at the Surfjack Swim Club.

The Surfjack Hotel is located in the best part of Oahu to stay. It’s in the heart of Waikiki Beach –home of surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku. It’s where you’ll find the legendary Pink Palace and the world’s best mai-tai. This is more than just lodging on Oahu, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience. Waikiki is also the best place to eat in Oahu! 

The Laylow, Autograph Collection 

The Laylow is one of the top places to stay in Oahu. Rooms are sleek with mid-century modern touches. Think fresh white linens and bright lighting. 

This is one of the best hotels in Oahu Hawaii because they offer incredible amenities. Guests can enjoy Ukulele lessons, nightly live entertainment, and bicycle rentals. There are also poolside treats like frozen fruit, shaved ice, and drink samples. 

Let the Laylow be the perfect backdrop to your couples trip.

The Laylow has also been recommended by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top accommodation on Oahu. So, you know you’re getting luxury touches at a reasonable price. It’s one of the best places to stay in Oahu for couples. 

Hilton Hawaiian Village

This is one of the best hotels in Oahu HI! Guests can enjoy a tropical cocktail next to one of 5 swimming pools! One of those pools includes the longest water slide in Waikiki. 

But that’s not all… You can also swim in the private Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. It’s perfect for stand-up paddleboarding or trying out your mermaid skills (seriously). Guests will soon realize that they’ve found the best place for sunset in Oahu. It’s beautiful here!

This resort also offers exclusive access to Duke Kahanamoku Beach which was rated one of the best beaches in America. 

This is the best place to stay in Oahu Hawaii for groups and families! 

The Hilton Hawaiian Village offers amazing opportunities for guests like the Waikiki Starlight Luau. This spectacular night out includes live music, energetic dancing, and fire performances. And this show includes dinner! 

Enjoy the perfect family vacation at the Hilton Hawaiian.

There are also daily free activities offered like yoga, tai chi, Lei Making, hula dancing, and ukulele lessons. Even though you’ll be in the best area to stay on Oahu, you won’t want to leave your hotel!

The Modern Honolulu 

The Modern Honolulu offers simple, elegant rooms with impeccable balcony views. It’s an excellent Oahu Hawaii accommodation!

This hotel has a world-class spa. You can book a traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage or hot stone therapy treatment. Relax next to the sophisticated sunrise pool. 

Check out these elegant rooms at the Modern Honolulu. 

It’s one of the most rejuvenating places to stay in Oahu Hawaii && it’s in the best location to stay in Oahu. The pool deck features unforgettable SoHo inspired landscaping. It’s an unforgettable Oahu oasis! 

All the food served at the Modern Honolulu is made with local, artisan, ingredients. It’s paired with signature cocktails.

Nearby, you’ll find the best place to kayak in Oahu. 

Affordable Luxury

Have we not checked all your boxes yet? Get excited for this next section of hotels. These are the best Oahu hotels you can get for under $400 per night. 

These accommodations in Oahu Hawaii have all the finer touches you can imagine. We’ve got some Waikiki Oahu hotels & one beautiful hotel in Waialae Kahala. 

sunset in oahu

Every single resort listed below includes beautiful beach access. Among other reasons, that’s what makes them some of the best places to stay in Oahu Hawaii. 

 PriceStarsHistoric CharmWaikiki BeachRegular Luau Sport Rentals
Moana Surfrider $$$$⭐⭐⭐⭐
Royal Hawaiian Resort$$$$⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kahala Hotel$$$$⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Moana Surfrider 

Let’s kick this off with the Moana Surfrider. The Moana Surfrider is the epitome of beachfront luxury in Waikiki. This is the most historic accommodation in Oahu! It’s also widely referred to as ‘the first lady of Waikiki,’ and they first opened their doors in 1901.

You’ll feel that vibe once you arrive. There are many unique Victorian style design features as well as all the contemporary amenities you’d want. 

Book an amazing room at the Moana Surfrider. 

The Moana Surfrider also boasts the only beachfront spa in Waikiki. Guests can dine in one of 6 on-site bars and restaurants, or step out to Waikiki’s glamorous shops. Views of Oahu are incredible from the Moana Surfrider’s Beach Club Lounge.

Royal Hawaiian Resort 

The Royal Hawaiian is arguably the best hotel in Oahu. It’s also known as the ‘pink palace,’ and it’s one of the premier 5-star accommodations on Waikiki Beach.

If you don’t decide to stay at the Royal Hawaiian, you must stop by for a visit!

The Royal Hawaiian offers 4 impressive on-site restaurants and bars. The most famous of these is the classic Mai Tai Bar –this is the best place to drink Mai Tais in Oahu! Also, the Royal Hawaiian is legendary for putting on the Luau, ’Aha’aina. It’s considered the best place to eat on Oahu. 

See more photos of the Royal Hawaiian Resort.

The Royal Hawaiian also offers an enchanting history. It was built on the site of King Kamehameha’s summer palace. The Royal Hawaiian opened in 1927, so it remains one of Hawaii’s oldest hotels. 

It’s distinct Moorish-style architecture and pink walls are easily recognizable in postcards and pictures. The hotel is an international symbol of Waikiki and Oahu. For these reasons, the Royal Hawaiian holds its title of being one of the best places to stay Oahu. 

The Kahala Hotel & Resort 

The Kahala Resort is another one of the Oahu best hotels. It’s a seaside resort tucked away from the crowds and tourist buzz of Waikiki Beach. It’s situated in Honolulu’s exclusive residential, so you’ll feel more like a local. 

While you aren’t on Waikiki Beach, the hotel offers complimentary shuttles to Waikiki. So, you can easily access dining, shopping, and entertainment but you don’t have to be overwhelmed by it. This is another hotel in Oahu Hawaii that offers free bike rentals.

Guests can also enjoy golf or tennis facilities included in their stay. You can also rent kayaks, snorkeling gear, or boogie boards for a small fee. The best place to snorkel in Oahu is sometimes right at your hotel. Also, there are excellent walking and jogging paths around town.

This is one of the amazing places to stay in Oahu if you love adventure!

Check out these stunning rooms at the Kahala Resort.

This is a 5-star resort with over 800 feet of pristine white sandy beach.  Call ahead to reserve luxurious chair rentals by the pool. This is one of the most romantic accommodation in Oahu Hawaii for honeymooners. Couples can book a complimentary photo shoot on the beach

Ultimate Luxury

If you’re not worried about your wallet, these are some of the absolute best hotels on Oahu! They’ll cost you more than $400 per night.

These are the most luxurious, the most stunning and impeccably modern Oahu Island hotels! Obviously, all of these Oahu accommodations include beach access, pool access, and top-tier amenities. 

surfer in oahu hawaii

If you’re looking for a hotel in Oahu that will blow your mind, keep reading!

 PriceStarsExclusivityCultural Activities Waikiki LocationNorth Shore Location Ko Olina Location
Turtle Bay Resort$$$$⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Four Seasons Ko Olina$$$$⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jewel of Waikiki$$$$$⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is top-tier lodging in Oahu.

Turtle Bay Resort 

Turtle Bay Resort is an incredibly unique Oahu accommodation. That’s because it’s the only 5-star resort located on Oahu’s North Shore. In fact, it’s on Turtle Bay and it’s one of the best places to stay in north shore Oahu!

Oahu’s North Shore is the best place to surf in Oahu and it’s the best place to see turtles in Oahu! The area is also known for excellent snorkeling, hiking, and a waterfall. 

The North Shore of Oahu is about an hour’s drive from Waikiki. On the North Shore, you won’t have as many shopping, nightlife or fine dining opportunities. Although, you’ll find a bunch of casual, locally owned mom & pop shops instead. The North Shore is perfect for travelers looking to avoid crowds.

Check out more beautiful photos of Turtle Bay Resort.

Turtle Bay is well known for its spa, golfing opportunities, fine dining restaurants, and beautiful views. Turtle Bay is the best place in Oahu for adventure lovers. 

Four Seasons Hotel 

The Four Seasons Hotel is the ultimate luxury accommodation in Hawaii Oahu. It’s located in Oahu’s Ko Olina district, meaning “place of joy.” Ko Olina one of the unique places to stay in Oahu. It is known for awe-inspiring ocean and mountain views, calm lagoons, and charming seaside pathways. This is arguably the best place to see sunset in Oahu. 

Forbes Magazine called their penthouse suite, “the most dramatic hotel suite on any of the Hawaiian Islands.” Rooms are impeccably furnished with inspiration from the local surroundings. You’ll find banana leaf, local wood & airy feels. Each room includes a private lanai and lounge space. 

Guests enjoy weekly workshops in lei making, hula dancing, and ukulele. There are also regular mixology classes in Mai Tais. How fun? 

Find out more about this amazing hotel.

They also enjoy access to golf as well as the Ko Olina Marina. There are 4 pools on-site –including a gorgeous infinity pool. You can also choose from 6 wonderful dining options. 

This is the best place to stay in Oahu for couples! 

Jewel of Waikiki 

The Jewel of Waikiki is unlike any of the other hotels in Hawaii Oahu! It’s the most expensive one on our list. The Jewel is the absolutely exclusive. It’s one of the best hotels to stay in Oahu. 

It’s located in Waikiki, and it’s so exclusive that there are only 9 suites! Each suite is 2 or 3 bedrooms and takes up an entire floor of the hotel. The best place to see the sunset in Oahu is overlooking the ocean from your private balcony at the Jewel. 

The on-site hotel is called Mugen — it’s a quirky and lavish Japanese-French fine dining establishment. The menu was designed and expertly crafted by Chef Jason Yamaguchi. 

Discover the ultimate luxury experience in Oahu.

Don’t forget about world-class spa services

best places to stay in oahu pinbest places to stay in oahu pin

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