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Where to Stay in Honolulu

By Seattle Dave

My Favorite Hotels in Honolulu

• 5-Star: Halekulani
• 4-Star: Moana Surfrider
• 3-Star: VIVE
• For Couples: Surfjack
• For Families: Hilton Hawaiian Village
• Suite with Kitchen: Ilikai
• Best Pool: Sheraton Waikiki
• Best Beach: Hilton Hawaiian Village

Me and my family on Honolulu, Oahu beach.

My wife, two boys, and I having fun on Waikiki beach in Honolulu.

The Best Areas to Stay in Honolulu

Honolulu, the vibrant heart of Hawaii and the world’s most remote major city, is the essential base for any first-time visitor to Oahu. This bustling tropical metropolis stretches along the island’s sunny southern shore, offering a unique blend of high-rise energy and relaxed beach-town charm.

For travelers, the key thing to understand is that while Honolulu is a large city, the visitor experience is centered around the famous neighborhood of Waikiki. This iconic 1.5-mile stretch of beach is where you will find the vast majority of hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

Getting Around Honolulu
You likely do not need to rent a car for your stay in Honolulu, especially if your hotel is in or near Waikiki.

• Walkability: Waikiki is incredibly compact and walkable. You can easily get to the beach, hundreds of shops, restaurants, and activities on foot.

• Public Transit (TheBus): Honolulu’s public bus system is excellent, clean, and connects the entire island. It is the perfect way to visit destinations outside Waikiki like Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, or the North Shore. Adult Fare: $3.00 for a one-way trip (includes two hours of transfers). Children 5 and under ride for free. Fares can be paid with cash (exact change required) or a HOLO card. All-Day Pass: $7.50 for unlimited rides on a single day.

Ziplining near Honolulu, Oahu.

My wife and I on a zipline tour near Honolulu.

Choosing the right neighborhood is key to a great trip. Each area offers a distinct personality.

Waikiki: The iconic center of the action. This is the best choice for first-timers. It offers the widest selection of hotels (from budget to luxury), world-class shopping, endless dining and nightlife, and the famous crescent-shaped beach perfect for swimming and learning to surf.

Ala Moana: Located just west of Waikiki, this area is known for two things: the Ala Moana Center (Hawaii’s largest open-air shopping mall) and Ala Moana Beach Park, a beautiful local favorite with calm waters perfect for families.

Downtown & Chinatown: This is the historic and cultural core of Honolulu. Stay here for a more urban feel, with historic buildings like Iolani Palace, a thriving arts district, and some of the city’s most innovative and exciting restaurants and bars.

Kaimuki & Kapahulu: These adjacent neighborhoods just outside Waikiki offer a more local, residential vibe. This is where you go for fantastic, authentic food, from legendary plate lunch spots to trendy new eateries, away from the main tourist crowds.

Diamond Head & Kahala: Situated on the eastern edge of the city, this upscale residential area is quieter and more luxurious. It is home to peaceful beaches, magnificent homes, the famous Diamond Head State Monument for hiking, and the legendary Kahala Hotel & Resort.

The Best Places to Stay in Honolulu

Where to stay in Honolulu Beach.

The Halekulani has a marvelous spot on Waikiki Beach and is the best luxury hotel in Honolulu.

Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club in Waikiki, Honolulu

The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club is the best boutique hotel in Honolulu.

Best Places for Families in Honolulu

• Waikiki: The most convenient choice for families, offering a vast selection of hotels and resorts with family-friendly pools, kids’ clubs, and on-site restaurants. Every hotel is either directly on the beach or just a short walk away, making it easy to keep everyone entertained.

• Diamond Head: A fantastic area for active families. You can spend your days exploring the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium or hiking the famous trail to the summit of the Diamond Head crater, a rewarding challenge for older kids and teens.

• Ala Moana: An excellent choice for families with younger children. The beach park features a shallow, protected lagoon that is perfect for little swimmers. The area also has great snorkeling (you can often spot sea turtles) and the endless dining and shopping options of the nearby Ala Moana Center.

Best Beaches in Honolulu

• Waikiki: This is the iconic, world-famous beach. Expect a high-energy atmosphere with bustling crowds, but also unbeatable convenience. This is the best spot for surf lessons, canoe rides, and easy access to rentals for all kinds of water sports. Hundreds of restaurants and bars are just steps from the sand.

• Ala Moana Beach Park: A local favorite just west of Waikiki, this long, beautiful beach is protected by an outer reef, creating calm, waveless waters. Its lagoon-like conditions make it the perfect beach for families with young children and for relaxed swimming and stand-up paddleboarding.

• Diamond Head Beaches: This stretch of coastline offers more variety and fewer crowds than Waikiki. You will find excellent spots for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, all near family attractions like the zoo and aquarium.

• Kahala: If you are looking for peace and quiet, this is the neighborhood for you. The beaches here are serene, secluded, and ideal for sunbathing or a romantic stroll, though some parts can be rocky.

The lagoon at Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village’s massive five-acre Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon is a protected saltwater paradise, offering families perfectly calm, wave-free water where children can safely swim, paddleboard, and play.

Best Places for Sightseeing in Honolulu

• Downtown: The historic and cultural heart of Hawaii. This is where you will find Iolani Palace (the only official royal palace in the U.S.), the King Kamehameha I statue, the Aloha Tower, and numerous art galleries, museums, and performance venues.

• Waikiki: While more famous for its beach, Waikiki offers its own iconic sights. Stroll along Kalakaua Avenue to see public art and statues, including the legendary Duke Kahanamoku. You can also visit the Hawaii Army Museum (free admission) and the Lucoral Museum.

• Diamond Head: This area is the hub for family-friendly attractions and natural wonders. It is home to the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, the expansive Kapiʻolani Regional Park, and the famous Diamond Head State Monument itself.

My kids taking surf lessons near Honolulu.

My kids doing surf lessons in Oahu.

Best Places for Shopping in Honolulu

• For Major Brands & Luxury: The Ala Moana neighborhood is the undisputed champion. The enormous Ala Moana Center is Hawaii’s largest open-air mall, featuring over 350 stores from luxury designers to popular brands. The nearby Ward Village complex adds another 170 shops and restaurants to explore.

• For Boutiques & Local Finds: Head to the neighborhoods of Kaimuki and Kapahulu. Their main streets are lined with charming small boutiques where you can find everything from vintage aloha shirts and surfboards to handmade jewelry, local crafts, and unique souvenirs that go beyond typical tourist kitsch.

Most Romantic Places in Honolulu

• Waikiki: For couples who want energy and excitement. This area offers the best selection of fine dining restaurants, sophisticated rooftop bars, and vibrant nightclubs. Many luxury hotels cater specifically to couples with sunset-view balconies, private pools, and spa services.

• Kahala: The ideal choice for a quiet, luxurious, and secluded romantic getaway. This neighborhood is known for its serene beaches, elegant beachfront dining, and the legendary Kahala Hotel, making it a perfect spot for a honeymoon or anniversary.

• Diamond Head: Best for couples who love natural beauty and incredible views. A morning hike up the volcano offers unforgettable panoramic vistas of the city and ocean. The neighborhood’s quieter beaches are perfect for a romantic walk away from the crowds, while still being close to Waikiki’s nightlife.

Beach in Honolulu with resorts and swimming.

The Moana Surfrider (first hotel on left) on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu.

Best Places for Food and Nightlife in Honolulu

• The Foodie Destination (Kaimuki & Kapahulu): For the most authentic and exciting food scene, explore these two neighborhoods. They are packed with everything from generations-old diners serving local plate lunch to innovative farm-to-table restaurants.

• Craft Cocktails & Upscale Dining (Downtown & Chinatown): This is the city’s hub for sophisticated dining. You will find a high concentration of award-winning restaurants and inventive craft cocktail bars perfect for a special night out.

• The Hub of Nightlife (Waikiki): This is where you will find the highest density of bars, live music venues, and nightclubs. While last call is typically 2:00 a.m., some clubs in Waikiki with a cabaret license can serve alcohol until 4:00 a.m.

Best Places for a Local Vibe in Honolulu

The neighborhoods of Kaimuki and Kapahulu are the best places to experience Honolulu like a resident. In this part of town, you swap major tourist infrastructure for authentic plate lunch spots, trendy cafes, and boutiques that cater to local tastes. You will not find large hotels here, making it an area to visit for an afternoon or evening to get a true taste of modern island life.

Safety in Honolulu

• Honolulu is a safe city, but like any major tourist destination, its primary issue is petty theft, not violent crime. Use common sense to keep your belongings secure.
• Protect Your Valuables: Never leave anything of value visible in your rental car, as it makes you a target.
• Quieter Neighborhoods: Residential areas like Kahala and Kaimuki naturally experience less tourist-targeted crime due to fewer crowds.
• After Dark: As in any city, stick to busy, well-lit streets after dark for added peace of mind.

Where to stay on Honolulu Beach.

Beautiful Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Beachfront hotels from closest to farthest: Moana Surfrider • Royal Hawaiian • Sheraton Waikiki • Halepuna Waikiki • Halekulani. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is just visible at the very end of the beach.

Staying in Waikiki

Waikiki neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaii

Once a tranquil retreat for Hawaiian royalty, Waikiki is the historic and undisputed center of tourism in Hawaii. While two-thirds of all hotels in the state are on Oahu, the vast majority are concentrated right here. But this is more than just a tourist destination; it is a vibrant neighborhood where high-rise condos and local residents share the streets with world-class resorts. Bounded by the ocean on one side and the Ala Wai Canal on the other, Waikiki feels like its own energetic island paradise.

The Beaches of Waikiki
Waikiki is famous for its stunning coastline. While it appears as one long stretch of sand, it is actually a series of connected beaches, each with its own character. The waters are generally calm, protected by an outer reef, making them perfect for swimming and playing in the gentle waves.

• Duke Kahanamoku Beach: Located in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, this wide beach features the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, a calm, enclosed body of water perfect for families with young children, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
• Fort DeRussy Beach Park: This is the widest and most spacious section of Waikiki Beach, offering plenty of room to spread out. It is fronted by a lovely park and is a popular spot for beach volleyball.
• Royal Hawaiian Beach: Often called “Waikiki Beach,” this is the iconic heart of the area. Backed by the famous pink Royal Hawaiian Hotel, this bustling spot is the center of the action.
• Kuhio Beach: Known for the “Waikiki Walls,” a set of sea walls that create an exceptionally calm and protected swimming area. This is a favorite spot for families and anyone looking to float in tranquil waters.

Attractions & Activities
Beyond sunbathing, Waikiki is packed with activities for every type of traveler.

• World-Class Water Sports: As the birthplace of modern surfing, Waikiki is the ideal place to take a lesson. You can also easily rent stand-up paddleboards, go for a traditional outrigger canoe ride, or snorkel in the clear waters.
• Friday Night Fireworks: A beloved local tradition. Every Friday night, the Hilton Hawaiian Village hosts a free fireworks show. The display typically begins at 7:45 p.m. from September through May, and at 8:00 p.m. from June through August.
• Shopping on Kalakaua Avenue: Waikiki’s main thoroughfare is a world-class shopping destination, featuring everything from luxury international brands like Gucci and Chanel to local boutiques and souvenir shops.
• Dining & Restaurants: The neighborhood boasts an incredible density of dining options. You can find casual plate lunch spots, food trucks, and an exceptional number of high-quality Japanese restaurants, alongside upscale fine dining from world-renowned chefs.
• Family Attractions: At the eastern edge of Waikiki near Kapiʻolani Park, you will find the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium, both perfect for a fun family outing away from the beach.

Best Iconic & Luxury Hotels
• Halekulani: The pinnacle of quiet, understated luxury and service in Waikiki.
• The Royal Hawaiian: The iconic “Pink Palace.” Stay here for historic charm and five-star service on a legendary stretch of beach.
• Moana Surfrider: Known as the “First Lady of Waikiki,” this is the oldest hotel in the area. Stay here for its grand, historic architecture and central location.
• The Modern Honolulu: A true style icon, this hotel trades traditional Hawaiian decor for minimalist luxury, a chic social scene, and two of Waikiki’s most famous pools.
• The Ritz-Carlton Residences: The top choice for modern, apartment-style luxury with incredible service and ocean views from every room.

Best Large Beachfront Resorts
• Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort: A massive, self-contained resort perfect for families. It has its own lagoon, multiple pools with waterslides, a luau, and over 20 restaurants. It is a destination in itself.
• Sheraton Waikiki: Best for its unbeatable location and incredible oceanfront infinity pool. It has a high-energy atmosphere and is always bustling.
• Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort: A fantastic, lively beachfront hotel with a strong local vibe, home to the famous Duke’s Waikiki restaurant.

Best Boutique & Trendy Hotels
• Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club: The best choice for a retro-chic, Instagrammable vibe. It is a few blocks from the beach but has a famous swimming pool and a vibrant social scene.
• Shoreline Hotel Waikiki: Designed to be photographed, this hotel is an explosion of color, blending a vibrant, neon-lit aesthetic with a fun boutique atmosphere just a few blocks from the beach.

Best Value & Mid-Range Hotels
• Coconut Waikiki Hotel: A great value choice with a bright, cheerful, and retro-modern style, offering a welcoming atmosphere just a short walk from the main action of Kalakaua Avenue.
• Hotel Renew: This hotel focuses on a minimalist, calming aesthetic, providing a tranquil and intimate boutique retreat for travelers looking for style on a budget.
• The Equus: A charming boutique hotel with a unique Hawaiian equestrian theme, offering excellent value at the western end of Waikiki near the Ala Moana Center.
• VIVE Hotel Waikiki: A stylish and social hotel with a bright, modern design and complimentary beach gear, perfectly located just two blocks from the heart of Waikiki Beach.

Staying in Ala Moana

Honolulu hotel for couples.

Located northwest of Waikiki, across the Ala Wai Canal, Ala Moana is a vibrant urban neighborhood best known for two major draws: great shopping and a fantastic local beach park. While conveniently close to the energy of Waikiki, Ala Moana has its own distinct, modern identity.

World-Class Shopping
Ala Moana is Oahu’s premier shopping destination. The area is anchored by the immense Ala Moana Center, the largest open-air shopping center in the world, which features over 350 stores and restaurants. Beyond the main mall, the neighborhood is a hub for retail and local goods.

• Ward Village: A short walk from Ala Moana Center, this newer shopping and dining complex offers another 170 shops and restaurants in a modern, walkable setting.

• Farmers Markets: You can find locally sourced produce, flowers, and food at the Honolulu Farmers Market (held at the Blaisdell Center on Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) and the nearby Kakaʻako Farmers Market (Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.).

Ala Moana Regional Park & Beach
Spanning 100 acres along the coastline, this park is a favorite among Honolulu residents and a wonderful alternative to the busier beaches of Waikiki.

• The Main Beach: The park features a long, beautiful white-sand beach with consistently gentle surf, as it is protected by an offshore coral reef.

• Magic Island: This man-made peninsula at the edge of the park is home to a shallow, protected lagoon with almost no waves. It is an ideal and very safe spot for families with small children to swim and play.

Staying in Downtown

Iolani Palace in Downtown Honolulu, Hawaii

Downtown Honolulu is the historic, cultural, and government heart of the city. Unlike the resort atmosphere of Waikiki, Downtown offers a more urban, business-centric feel during the day and transforms into a vibrant dining and nightlife hub in the evening. It’s the perfect base for travelers who prioritize history and arts over immediate beach access. The closest beach at Ala Moana Park is a 15-minute bus ride away.

Historic Landmarks
This area is home to Hawaii’s most important historic buildings, most of which are within easy walking distance of each other.

• Iolani Palace: The only official royal residence in the United States and the meticulously restored home of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs.

• Aliʻiolani Hale: Originally designed as a palace, this iconic building is now home to the Hawaii State Supreme Court and features the famous King Kamehameha I statue out front.

• Mission Houses: Dating back to 1821, these are some of the oldest Western-style buildings in Hawaii, offering a glimpse into the lives of the first missionaries.

• Washington Place: The former home of Queen Liliʻuokalani, this beautiful mansion now serves as the residence of the Governor of Hawaii.

• Hawaii Theatre: An exquisite historic landmark, beautifully restored to its 1922 glory, hosting concerts and events.

• Aloha Tower: This ten-story lighthouse, built in 1926, was once the tallest structure on the island and offers fantastic panoramic views from its observation deck.

Neighborhood Highlights
Downtown is a collection of smaller, distinct districts, each with its own character.

• Chinatown: One of the oldest Chinatowns in the country, this vibrant area is a mix of old and new, with traditional markets and temples sitting alongside trendy bars, art galleries, and boutiques.

• The Arts District: Centered around the Hawaii Theatre, this area boasts numerous galleries, performance venues, and lively street art.

• Kakaʻako: This former warehouse district has transformed into one of Honolulu’s trendiest neighborhoods, famous for its colorful street murals (part of the POW! WOW! festival), craft breweries, and innovative eateries.

Staying in Kaimuki and Kapahulu

A residential street in Kaimuki, Honolulu

For an authentic taste of local Honolulu life, head to the adjoining neighborhoods of Kaimuki and Kapahulu. Located just east of Waikiki’s tourist hub, these charming residential areas have no high-rise hotels. Instead, they offer a treasure trove of legendary local eateries, unique boutiques, and a genuine neighborhood atmosphere found along their main thoroughfares: Waialae Avenue in Kaimuki and Kapahulu Avenue in Kapahulu.

Kaimuki Highlights
Slightly more spread out with an old-school “main street” feel, Kaimuki is a food-lover’s destination.

• KCC Farmers Market: One of the best farmers markets on the island, held every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Kapiʻolani Community College. It is packed with local produce, flowers, and fantastic food stalls.

• Innovative & Classic Local Dining: This area is famous for its chef-driven restaurants like Mud Hen Water which focuses on creative, farm-to-table Hawaiian cuisine. Get a delicious and incredibly affordable meal at Okata Bento, or visit the Crack Seed Store for a nostalgic taste of local dried fruit candy, a tradition for over 70 years.

Kapahulu Highlights
Running directly from the edge of Waikiki, Kapahulu Avenue is a world-famous “foodie street” packed with iconic institutions.

• Leonard’s Bakery: A mandatory stop. This famous bakery has been serving its legendary malasadas (hot, sugar-coated Portuguese donuts) since 1952.

• Ono Seafood: Widely considered one of the best poke spots on Oahu. Expect a line out the door for their incredibly fresh, perfectly seasoned ahi poke bowls.

• Waiola Shave Ice: A local favorite known for its super-finely shaved ice that absorbs syrup perfectly. Be sure to order it with a “snow cap” (a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk).

There are no hotels in Kaimuki or Kapahulu.
This lack of tourist infrastructure is precisely what preserves their authentic, local character. These neighborhoods are best experienced as a dining destination for an afternoon or evening.

• Best Lodging Options Nearby: Travelers who want to be close to this area should look for hotels at the far eastern edge of Waikiki, such as the Lotus Honolulu Hotel or the Kaimana Beach Hotel. These boutique hotels are located across Kapiʻolani Park, putting them within a 15 to 20-minute walk of Kapahulu’s main attractions.

Staying in Diamond Head

Diamond Head State Monument in Honolulu, Hawaii

The serene, upscale neighborhood of Diamond Head offers a perfect blend of outdoor activity and beach relaxation away from the crowds of central Waikiki. Located south of the Kapahulu and Kaimuki neighborhoods, this area is defined by the iconic volcanic cone known as Lēʻahi in Hawaiian. While there are a few excellent restaurants here, visitors should expect to walk or take a short ride into neighboring Kapahulu or Waikiki for a wider variety of dining options.

The Diamond Head Summit Trail
The neighborhood’s most famous attraction is the historic hiking trail that takes you to the summit of the volcano. This rewarding climb offers absolutely unforgettable panoramic views of Waikiki, the turquoise ocean, and Oahu’s entire southern coastline. Be aware that reservations are now required for out-of-state visitors.

Parks & Beaches
At the foot of the volcano, you will find some of Honolulu’s most beautiful and relaxed outdoor spaces.

• Queen Kapiʻolani Regional Park: This massive, beautiful green space acts as a buffer between the hustle of Waikiki and the tranquility of the Diamond Head neighborhood. It is home to both the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium.

• Kaimana Beach (Sans Souci): This is the main beach in the area and a local favorite. It is livelier than the small surf breaks nearby but significantly calmer than the main beaches of Waikiki, making it perfect for swimming and relaxing.

• Local Surf & Sunset Spots: At the southern base of the crater, smaller beach parks like Leʻahi and Makalei are popular with local surfers and are fantastic spots to watch the sunset.

Best Hotels in Diamond Head
This area is known for its sophisticated boutique hotels that offer a tranquil escape from the main tourist zones.

• Lotus Honolulu Hotel: A serene and stylish boutique retreat situated across from Kapiʻolani Park, offering beautiful park and ocean views.

• Kaimana Beach Hotel: The only hotel located directly on the sand at the beautiful Kaimana Beach, offering recently renovated rooms and a vibrant beachfront restaurant.

Staying in Kahala

Kahala Beach in Honolulu

Often called the “Beverly Hills of Hawaii,” Kahala is Honolulu’s most affluent and exclusive neighborhood. Located just east of Diamond Head, this quiet residential enclave is where you will find some of the state’s most magnificent homes and celebrity vacation properties tucked away on a pristine coastline. For travelers, Kahala offers a truly secluded and luxurious escape from the energy of Waikiki.

The neighborhood features a series of tranquil, often uncrowded, white-sand beaches. Protected by an outer reef, the waves are typically gentle, making the waters perfect for calm swimming and sunbathing.

Things to Do in Kahala
While the main draw is relaxation, Kahala has a few key points of interest.

• The Kahala Hotel & Resort: This legendary hotel is an attraction in itself, home to some of Oahu’s best fine-dining restaurants and the Dolphin Quest lagoon, where guests can interact with dolphins.

• Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design: A must-visit cultural gem. This stunning museum is located in the former oceanfront estate of heiress Doris Duke. Note that tours are required and typically begin at the Honolulu Museum of Art.

• Kahala Mall: The neighborhood’s convenient commercial hub, offering a mix of casual restaurants, cafes, local boutiques, and a movie theater.

Best Hotel in Kahala
The choice here is simple, as there is only one hotel in the neighborhood.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort: This legendary property is known for its secluded beachfront location, impeccable service, and a timeless sense of “Old Hawaii” glamour, far removed from the bustle of Waikiki.