Best places to stay in Honolulu
When you’re visiting exotic Hawaii and have chosen to stay in Honolulu, Oahu, you’ll be in the heart of Aloha land! The trendiest, busiest and most energetic among all the Hawaiian islands, Honolulu is the hub of food, fashion, shopping, and entertainment. The city offers a wide range of accommodation options and is the ideal island to enjoy farm-to-table culinary attractions, beachside entertainment, and an active nightlife.
Waikiki
The vast majority of hotels in Honolulu are located along Waikiki beach. All the premier international hotel brands, such as Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton, and Hyatt offer exclusive, luxury accommodation in this area. Just steps away from Waikiki Beach, enjoy the beaux-arts architecture of the historic Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa hotel. This luxury accommodation features an on-site spa and several modern and unique amenities. Or, consider The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort which offers an activity-filled exclusive strip of Waikiki beach and is just a 5-minute walk to the International Market Place. For a mid-range option, look at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort which hosts daily cultural activities such as lei-making and ukulele lessons. The hotel has been awarded the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Kahili Award for authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences.
Downtown Honolulu
A bustling political and business hub, Downtown Honolulu perfectly blends tall glass skyscrapers with the lavish Iolani Palace and features several trendy restaurants, cafés, and bars. If you’re not too keen on the beachfront properties of Waikiki, stay at the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra, in the heart of downtown. The hotel is located right next to the world’s largest open-air shopping mall, Ala Moana Centre, and features over 1000 rooms with impressive views of the Honolulu cityscape and the surrounding mountains. For exceptional service and spacious accommodation within walking distance of the State Capitol and the city’s financial district, try the Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel on Bishop Street.
Waialae – Kahala
This is an upscale area with secluded beaches and is home to the Diamond Head Summit Trail. The only accommodation in this area is The Kahala Hotel & Resort, an iconic 5-star luxury property set on the pristine white sand beach, just 15-minutes from Waikiki’s shopping and dining options. The resort also features several beach activities, on-site restaurants, a golf course, and a natural ocean water lagoon called Dolphin Quest, where guests can interact with a family of playful Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins.
Cheap hotels in Honolulu
There is a handful of cheap hotels around the Waikiki beach area. Try the Polynesian Hostel, a lively, simple place within a 2-minute walk to Waikiki beach, or the Waikiki Beachside Hostel which is located almost right on the beach, close to Waikiki restaurants, nightlife and shopping. You also have the family-run Holiday Surf Hotel on Ala Wai Boulevard, a 7-minute walk from the beach. For casual comfort and value-for-money, stay at the Waikiki Grand Hotel close to the Diamond Head end of Waikiki beach.
