21 April 2023
Honolulu, Hawaii, is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, thanks to its beautiful beaches, rich culture and stunning natural scenery. And since Honolulu is a major international gateway, it’s no surprise that Oahu is one of the best islands in Hawaii for travelers visiting the state for the first time.
With so many tourists visiting every year, it’s no surprise that Honolulu has a wide range of accommodations. But a few hotels stand above the rest. When it comes to location, amenities and overall value, these are the best hotels in Honolulu — and, often, some of the best hotels in the Aloha State.
So, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a vacation for the whole family, these hotels will surely give you a memorable experience in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9453″ post-id=”1470827″]
Nestled among the towering buildings of the Sheraton and Outrigger Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian is an iconic hotel known for its vibrant pink facade. The hotel’s ideal location on Waikiki Beach’s wide and long strip of white sand is complemented by its easy accessibility, as it’s only a 9-mile drive from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). The lobby features a leafy central corridor instead of a sea view, and the hotel’s rich history is evident in its original rooms, featuring pink patterned wallpaper, paddle fans and four-poster beds. The newer Mailani Tower offers more contemporary rooms and suites with balconies and breakfast and snack services.
The hotel delivers a deeply personal and upscale experience, with a flower lei at check-in, traditional banana nut bread delivered to rooms, a full-service Abhasa Spa and various dining options. Families will enjoy the hotel’s large pool and the luau-like Ahaaina feast.
Rates for The Royal Hawaiian start from $386 or 53,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9444″ post-id=”1470818″]
Halekulani offers guests an elegant beachfront stay in the heart of Waikiki. Originally built in 1907 as a residential hotel named Hau Tree, its owners transformed the property into a resort in the 1930s. The hotel now offers 453 rooms and suites featuring the property’s signature “seven shades of white” design, private balconies or patios, plus modern amenities such as Nespresso coffee makers and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
The hotel also features six bars and restaurants, including House Without A Key, which offers the best views for the nightly Hawaiian music performed at sunset. The newly reimagined SpaHalekulani utilizes the healing traditions of the Hawaiian Islands, while Les Clefs d’Or concierges offer access to some of Oahu’s top arts and cultural venues. With its luxurious amenities and tranquil atmosphere, Halekulani is an oasis of calm that transports guests to Hawaii’s golden era.
Rates for Halekulani start from $665 per night.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9624″ post-id=”1471124″]
With the Pacific stretching out as far as the eye can see, guests can revel in the beauty of this island paradise from The Ritz-Carlton Residences. The premium studios and suites, complete with Italian linens and floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic ocean views, provide the perfect setting for a relaxing stay. The suites feature living and dining rooms as well as fully equipped kitchens, catering to the needs of families or those traveling in large groups.
The hotel’s amenities are nothing short of exceptional, with a trio of drinking and dining venues, including an upscale sushi restaurant. Plus, guests have access to a luxury spa, a 24-hour fitness center and an eighth-floor infinity pool with private cabanas.
Rates for The Ritz-Carlton Residences start from $615 or 91,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9442″ post-id=”1470816″]
This resort boasts airy rooms and suites with all the modern amenities you could ask for, including flat-screen TVs, free Internet access and 24-hour room service. But, if you want to take your stay to the next level, upgrade to a room with a balcony offering stunning beach or lagoon views, or splurge on a high-end suite with separate living areas and designer furnishings. But the resort isn’t just about the rooms. Guests can enjoy various free activities, from surf and paddleboard lessons to bike and beach towel rentals. And for those looking to relax, there’s a spa and fitness center on-site. Dining options abound, with five restaurants, but the real standout is the private lagoon with resident dolphins. It’s the perfect place to unwind and make unforgettable memories.
Rates for Kahala Hotel & Resort start from $495 per night.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9776″ post-id=”1470926″]
This Waikiki Beach resort hotel has been around since 1901, and it continues to be a popular choice among visitors to Honolulu. The hotel has bright, casual rooms with essential amenities such as flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi, minifridges and coffeemakers. Some rooms and suites also have balconies with ocean views where you can enjoy that Hawaiian sunshine from the comfort of your accommodations. Or, work on your tan at the outdoor pool. There’s also an upscale restaurant with ocean views, a cozy cafe and a beach bar, plus a 24-hour gym and a spa. The location is also a major selling point, as it’s just an 11-minute walk from the Honolulu Zoo and 3 miles from Diamond Head State Monument. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the city and the rest of the island.
Rates for Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa start from $296 or 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9631″ post-id=”1471127″]
The traditional Polynesian artwork and understated rooms at this hotel on Waikiki Beach make for a classic Hawaiian experience. Fort DeRussy Beach Park is just a two-minute walk away, while the Hawaii Convention Center is just a mile away, making it popular with business travelers. The hotel’s rooms come equipped with all the necessary comforts of home, such as Wi-Fi, coffee makers and flat-screen televisions. Your room might even have a whirlpool tub, a balcony with ocean views and a dining area. Guests who opt for club rooms can enjoy the perks of a lounge with complimentary breakfast, snacks and cocktails. There are two restaurants on the premises, and guests can enjoy nightly Hawaiian music and complimentary Hawaiian-style vow renewal ceremonies. The hotel also has an exercise room, a spa and an outdoor pool. To-go items from a coffee shop and valet parking are available for a fee.
Rates for Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort start from $309 per night.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9247″ post-id=”1445919″]
Just a mere 10-minute stroll from vibrant Waikiki Beach, this modern and contemporary 10-story hotel perfectly fuses traditional island decor with a touch of modernity. The breezy rooms, with private balconies, feature a sleek design balanced by top-of-the-line amenities such as flat-screen televisions, designer toiletries and minifridges. The hotel’s bright and spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, complete with plush sofa beds, are perfect for families seeking more space.
Additionally, the hotel boasts an impressive range of on-site offerings that will impress even the most discerning travelers, including a world-renowned restaurant, a designer boutique and an outdoor pool that offers cabanas, a cocktail bar, poolside movies and even guest lectures. Travelers should expect to pay a resort fee, which fortunately covers an array of perks such as daily coffee, a snack basket, towel rentals and board games. With the Honolulu Zoo only a mile away and the Honolulu Museum of Art just 2 miles away, the hotel’s prime location is also perfect for guests who wish to explore the city’s nearby attractions.
Rates for Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club start from $182 per night.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9641″ post-id=”1471129″]
The Waikiki Trade Center has been transformed into a refined hotel that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve’s mountains. Plus, the hotel is conveniently located just an eight-minute walk from the world-famous Waikiki Beach, making it an ideal spot for travelers who want to soak up some sun and enjoy water activities. The hotel boasts polished rooms with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, minifridges and Keurig coffee makers. Guests can choose between rooms with mountain or ocean views; some rooms even come with pull-out sofa beds for added guests. For even more space, the suites come with separate living rooms.
After working up an appetite on the beach, guests can indulge in island-inspired tapas at the hotel’s warm, inviting restaurant. There’s also a lobby bar and a Starbucks cafe for guests who need a quick caffeine fix. The hotel’s outdoor splash pool is perfect for taking a dip and enjoying the warm Hawaii weather. Additionally, the hotel offers a shopping concourse for guests to browse through.
Rates for Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach start from $219 or 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9632″ post-id=”1471128″]
Overlooking Waikiki Beach, this high-rise all-condo hotel offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. The hotel’s location is ideal for tourists, as it’s a seven-minute walk from the Honolulu Zoo and a 15-minute walk from the Ala Wai Golf Course. The one- and two-bedroom condos are elegantly designed with classical furnishings and tropical-inspired accents. Each has a private lanai with an ocean view, a fully equipped kitchen with a washer and dryer and a living room with a pullout sofa bed. Additionally, free Wi-Fi, cable television and game consoles are available in each room, and kids 17 and under stay free with an adult. Guests can enjoy various amenities, such as a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub and a sauna. The hotel also offers a billiard table and a grocery delivery service, making it an ideal location for extended stays.
Rates for Aston Waikiki Beach Tower start from $509.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9642″ post-id=”1471130″]
Prince Waikiki is an upscale high-rise resort located in Ala Wai Harbor near Ala Moana Beach Park and the airport. The hotel boasts swanky rooms with modern amenities such as flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi, minifridges and coffee makers. For travelers who prefer more space, suites have separate living areas; some even feature balconies with breathtaking ocean views. Book a club-level room for access to a private lounge with complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon snacks. In terms of dining, guests can choose from two restaurants, a coffee shop and a bar. The hotel also offers various activities, including a 27-hole golf course, a tennis club, a pool and a spa.
Rates for Prince Waikiki start from $399 per night.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9643″ post-id=”1471131″]
The Sheraton Waikiki is known for its stunning views of Waikiki Bay. Located just 3 miles from Diamond Head and 9 miles from the airport, the resort offers a convenient and picturesque location for travelers visiting Hawaii. The rooms are decorated with vibrant pops of color and have modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions and minifridges. Upgrade for rooms with breathtaking views of the ocean and separate dining areas, or reserve a suite for a pullout sofa bed. Guests can choose from various cuisines, including Japanese, pizza and an international restaurant, plus an open-air Pacific Rim eatery. The resort also features a cocktail bar, an infinity pool and a spa, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Rates for Sheraton Waikiki start from $386 or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9446″ post-id=”1470820″]
From the moment you step into The Laylow, you are greeted with a vibrant and breezy atmosphere. There’s an informal yet refined Hawaiian restaurant and bar offering an array of local cuisine and drinks, a cozy coffee bar, a meticulously landscaped outdoor pool with cabanas, a fully equipped fitness room and more.
The colorful rooms are exquisitely adorned with tropical accents and spacious balconies, well-appointed sitting areas and fully stocked minifridges. Upgraded rooms offer picturesque ocean views and feature plush pullout sofa beds, while the club-level rooms grant entry to an exclusive VIP lounge that provides complimentary breakfast and snacks. The hotel is pet-friendly too, for those traveling with furry companions. Plus, the hotel’s unrivaled location provides travelers with effortless access to the nearby Diamond Head hiking area.
Rates for The Laylow start from $288 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9454″ post-id=”1470828″]
Nestled on the picturesque harborfront, this contemporary resort offers chic and sophisticated accommodations for visitors to Waikiki. It’s less than a 10-minute walk to the Ala Moana shopping center and only a mile from Waikiki Beach. After spending a day exploring, you can return to a room or suite with Italian linens and marble bathrooms, plus amenities including free Wi-Fi, iPods and iPads with Hawaiian music and apps on request, and private balconies with stunning views of the city, harbor, pool or ocean. The resort boasts two pools, where live music is played most nights, and a trendy lobby bar and nightclub for evening entertainment. For dining, guests can indulge in the gourmet Japanese restaurant or one of the two other upscale restaurants. Ocean suites are also available and include separate living areas and breakfast for two.
Rates for The Modern Honolulu start from $149 per night.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9646″ post-id=”1471132″]
This resort showcases elegant and sophisticated rooms with tropical embellishments and all the essential amenities for a comfortable stay. These include flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, balconies with stunning views, minifridges and coffee makers. For families traveling with young kids, one- and two-bedroom suites offer ample living space. Indulge in the relaxed ambiance of the resort’s Hawaiian restaurant, maintain your fitness regime at the state-of-the-art fitness center or take a dip in the outdoor pool. Other amenities, such as the department store and nightly entertainment, add a touch of convenience and excitement to your stay.
Rates for Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel start from $210 per night.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9775″ post-id=”1470925″]
The Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort is a tropical oasis that promises an unforgettable experience for travelers. With its iconic Rainbow Tower presiding over the shores of Waikiki Beach, the resort’s enviable location is just a stone’s throw away from the pristine sands and sparkling waters. The rooms in the updated Rainbow Tower boast custom-designed beds, Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions, but the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from your private balcony will genuinely take your breath away. Whether you’re in the mood for authentic Hawaiian cuisine or succulent steak and seafood dishes, the resort’s 20 restaurants and lounges have something to satisfy every palate. Relax and unwind at the saltwater lagoon, check out all five pools and the spa, or stay active in the fitness room. Families with kids will also love the resort’s kids program, snorkeling and hula dancing lessons.
Rates for Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort start from $265 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9455″ post-id=”1470829″]
The newly transformed Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach boasts world-class dining by “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto and an awe-inspiring saltwater infinity pool that is a hub for the city’s social scene; it’s not hard to see why this hotel is the talk of the town. Located just across the street from the famous Waikiki Beach, the Alohilani Resort is perfect for anyone looking to experience the best of Honolulu. Guests can easily explore the area’s attractions, with the Royal Hawaiian Center shopping just a 10-minute walk away and the Honolulu Zoo a mere nine-minute walk away. The resort boasts beautifully furnished and spacious rooms and suites with private balconies. The suites are particularly impressive, with additional living rooms and pullout sofa beds that offer ample space for relaxation and comfort. Plus, guests can indulge in two Asian restaurants and two bars, a relaxed eatery and a 280,000-gallon aquarium that is nothing short of mesmerizing. For those seeking something active, the resort offers an outdoor pool, a fitness center, tennis courts and batting cages.
Rates for Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach start from $299 per night.
[roundup-affiliate type=”hotel” capi-id=”9629″ post-id=”1471126″]
Wayfinder is a new addition to the vibrant Waikiki neighborhood that promises to offer a unique and immersive Hawaii hotel experience. The hotel is in the heart of the bustling downtown area, surrounded by lush greenery that adds to its charm. The hotel offers guests a choice between poolside studios and spacious hotel rooms, each with a distinct design aesthetic featuring local touches that make it feel like home. For those looking for a refreshing start to their day, the B-Side cafe is the perfect spot to grab a cup of coffee. Guests can also dip in the 70-foot saltwater pool or unwind in the hot tub, surrounded by tropical plants and serene surroundings. The hotel’s upcoming offerings are equally exciting, with Lost + Found, the poolside speakeasy. Guests can also look forward to trying the most innovative poke bowls on the island at Redfish.
Rates for Wayfinder Waikiki start from $160 per night.