This post will help you decide where to stay in Oahu for your trip to Hawaii. From the world-famous Waikiki Beach, to the surfing mecca of the North Shore, and many hidden gems in between, Oahu has a lot to offer.
O’ahu, “The Gathering Place” is home to Honolulu, the capital city of Hawaii. Of the 1.4 million Hawaii residents, over 1 million of them live in Oahu. And it also makes up the majority of tourism in Hawaii.
Volcanic craters and stunning beaches are highlights of Oahu. And two stunningly green mountain ranges with endless ridges and valleys create a beautiful backdrop.
Oahu has so much variety from beautiful beaches to epic hiking, waterfalls, watersports, helicopter tours, Hawaiian culture, restaurants, and entertainment.
This article explains the different regions of the island so you can easily decide where you should stay in Oahu.
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Honolulu & Waikiki | Where To Stay In Oahu
The capital city of Honolulu has the highest concentration of hotels in all of Hawaii, mostly clustered on the coast in Waikiki. If you are looking to experience city life close to the beach, then Waikiki is the best place to stay in Oahu.
In Waikiki, there are tons of options for accommodation, from luxury hotels, to budget high rises, and even vacation rentals.
City Life Meets Beach Life
Visitors have access to an endless variety of restaurants, shops, museums, nightlife, and more. And the beaches along this coast are known for sunny weather and calm waters. Gentle enough for families with kids, but usually still some small waves suitable for beginner surf lessons.
There are actually surprisingly few hotels in downtown Honolulu. Instead, you will find most hotels along the coast southeast of downtown in the Waikiki District.
Waikiki Beach
By far the most famous beach is Waikiki Beach, where tall hotels and resorts line the beach. This area has stunning views of Le’ahi (Diamond Head Crater).
And directly adjacent to the beach you have the bustling city streets with endless shops and restaurants. There is so much to do within walking distance.
A couple of popular hotels with ocean view guest rooms right on Waikiki Beach are The Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider, and Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Expect hotel rooms priced between $200-400 per night.
Or if you are looking for something a little more budget-friendly a short walk from the beach, some top picks are the Coconut Waikiki Hotel or Illima Hotel.
Other Beaches In Waikiki
But there are many other popular beaches in the Waikiki district of Honolulu. Beaches like, Ala Moana Beach Park, Kahanamoku Beach, Fort DeRussy Beach, Kuhio Beach, Queens Beach, and Kaimana Beach.
If you want to escape the massive crowds at Waikiki Beach but still be close to the action, you can find a little bit quieter setting at these other beaches.
From Waikiki, a short 10-15 minute drive to Downtown Honolulu gives you access to popular attractions like Iolani Palace, Honolulu Museum of Art, Punchbowl Crater, and more. And exploring a little further from downtown you can visit the Honolulu Zoo, Pearl Harbor Memorial, Bishop Museum, Children’s Discovery Center, and the Ala Moana Center.
The Ala Moana Shopping center is a massive open-air mall with 350 shopping/dining options, a multi-million-dollar art collection, a 20-foot climbing structure for kids, live music, and hula performances.
Or maybe you are looking for a more secluded luxury resort feel just outside the city. The Kahala Hotel & Resort on the far east side of Honolulu is one of the best resorts for families and honeymoons.
And even though it’s on a public beach, it still has more of a private feeling. (Hawaii doesn’t allow any beaches to be private). They make sure you have everything you need right at the resort. There’s an outdoor pool, sauna, spa, fitness center, tennis courts, golf course, and casual & fine dining.
But if you are craving something beyond the on-site amenities, it’s still only a 10-minute drive to Waikiki, or 15 minutes to downtown Honolulu. They offer a free shuttle to Ala Moana Shopping Center. Or a short drive the other direction brings you to popular spots like Hanauma Bay and Koko Head Crater.
Ko Olina | Where To Stay In Oahu
If you are trying to choose where to stay in Oahu and want something family-friendly or away from the city, you should consider Ko Olina.
This area on the west side of the island of Oahu has a few luxury hotels and resorts along 4 man-made lagoons backed up by the Ko Olina Golf Club.
The lagoons make perfect little protected beaches that are one of the best places for small children. They are great for snorkeling and west-facing (i.e: great sunsets).
The best place to take your kids on vacation is Disney Aulani Resort at Ko Olina. It has so many fun things for kids (and adults who never want to grow up). Aulani has a spa, several pools, hot tubs, water slides, lazy river, Disney characters, and other bits of Disney magic that make it more than just a hotel.
If you are looking for that true luxury 5-star hotel, The Four Seasons at Ko Olina is quite possibly the best luxury hotel in Oahu. But a hotel room can easily exceed $1000 per night here.
Other great options in Ko Olina are the Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club, Beach Villas at Ko Olina, and Ko Olina Resort.
The Northwest Coast | Where To Stay In Oahu
If you want to stay even farther from the typical tourist hubs, you can find a more peaceful local vibe further up the west coast. The towns of Makaha and Waianae offer a quieter setting away from the tourist crowds of Oahu.
And if you drive even farther up the coast you can find some truly remote beaches.
The hotels are few and far between up this way, but vacation rentals are quite abundant. The Hawaiian Princess Resort is pretty much the only big hotel up this way.
To visit this area you likely need a car. It’s about a 50-minute drive to and from the airport and Honolulu (with no traffic).
The weather here is the driest on Oahu, which means less chance of rain and clouds on your vacation. But also the mountains aren’t quite as green and lush as other parts of the island.
There are enough restaurants to keep you well-fed for a one week vacation, but not nearly the abundance found in other parts of Oahu. But it’s a great option if you want a beach with a mountainous backdrop and no crowds.
The North Shore | Where To Stay In Oahu
The North Shore of Oahu is famous for big-wave surfing, attracting surfers from all over the world. But it’s also known for food trucks, sea turtles, and a laid-back vibe.
It’s about a 45-minute drive from the airport to reach the North Shore. The small surf-town vibes up here are a big change from the action in Honolulu.
The massive waves, especially in the winter months, make this coast a little less enticing (and safe) for your typical tourist.
However, there are still some protected coves for family-friendly swimming. Other attractions found on the North Shore are Waimea Bay, Waimea Falls, Bonzai Pipeline (famous surf break), Ted’s Bakery, and Turtle Beach.
Many tourists choose to just visit the north shore as a day trip rather than finding accommodation up here.
But there are a few hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals on the North Shore.
The Turtle Bay Resort is the best luxury resort on the North Shore. Up here, the beaches are not really ideal for swimming. But the area makes up for it with several swimming pools, golfing, green sea turtles, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and just a 15-minute drive down to the Polynesian Cultural Center.
The East Coast | Where To Stay In Oahu
If you want to live and feel like a local, then the East Coast is where to stay in Oahu. However, there are very few traditional hotels on Oahu’s East Coast. Instead, you will find many vacation rentals, like homes and apartments tucked into suburban neighborhoods.
Despite feeling far removed from city life, the towns of Kailua, Kaneohe, and Waimanalo Beach are essentially suburbs of Honolulu. There are plenty of restaurants and shops around for you to explore. But if you are craving the attractions of Honolulu/Waikiki, it’s only a quick 20-minute drive over the mountains to the city.
But as you make your way up the east coast, it becomes much more remote, with few towns and places to stay.
The East Coast of Oahu is the windward side of the island. This means a rougher ocean, and more frequent clouds and rain storms. But the coast itself is still usually sunny and has great beaches.
Kailua Beach, Lanikai Beach, and Waimanalo Beach are all long sandy beaches with plenty of space for visitors to spread out. They are popular for kite surfing, and good swimming is dependent on the wind/waves.
For nature lovers, the mountains on the east side are steeper and more impressive to look at. The natural beauty of Oahu’s mountains is always on display here.
The East side is closer to the best outdoor activities in Oahu, like hiking trails, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens, and Kualoa Ranch. Kualoa Ranch is a popular Hollywood film location and a unique experience. They have movie sites tours (like Jurrasic Park, LOST, Kong Skull Island), ATV tours, catamaran tours, and more.
What To Expect When You Stay In Oahu
Everything is Expensive
The reality is that accommodation in Hawaii is expensive. Really, everything is expensive. But it’s worth it because Hawaii offers things that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the United States. Most hotels are between $200-500 per night. A few rare budget-friendly options can be found for under $200 per night. And luxury resorts and 5-star hotels are easily over $1000 per night.
But if none of that fits within your budget, you can turn to hostels and camping in Oahu for the only truly cheap accommodation.
Food and gas are also expensive. If you do plan to buy your own groceries, it’s best to stock up at the bigger stores in Honolulu before going to your accommodation. If you have a membership, Costco is the most popular place to save some money on food, gas, and other necessities. Otherwise, Safeway is a good second choice.
Waikiki Beach Is Not Continuous
It’s worth noting that Honolulu doesn’t offer one continuous beach. Prior to the 1950s, Waikiki beaches were continuous. But erosion and coastal development has left only sections of disconnected beaches. Many stretches along Waikiki have a sea wall, with no beach at all.
So if it’s true beach-front accommodation you desire, you need to choose the right spots. Otherwise, expect a short walk or taxi ride to the beach.
Vehicle Break-Ins
Sadly, Hawaii has a problem with vehicle break-ins. If you do have a rental car, don’t leave any valuables in the car unattended. Or if you have a sedan, put things in the trunk so they are out of view.
Explore The Island With Day Trips
O’ahu isn’t really that big. So you can usually explore anywhere on the island as a day trip. As in, you don’t need to choose your accommodation just to be “near” something you want to visit.
Most drives around Oahu are between 15 minutes to an hour. From Waikiki to the North Shore is usually around 1.5 hours.
However, expect traffic around Honolulu during normal rush hour times.
How To Get Around Oahu
The best ways to get around Oahu are walking, rental car, public transportation, taxi, and ride share.
Many of the tourist hot spots have plenty to do all within walking distance. But just remember that the sun and heat can make longer walks uncomfortable. If you are in Waikiki or other resort areas, you can likely find everything you need within walking distance.
But if you want to explore farther away, you will need another means of transport.
Oahu actually has great public transportation provided by “The Bus”. It’s a great affordable way to get around the island if you prefer not to get a rental car. The bus system is very convenient for getting around Honolulu, but can even take you as far as the North Shore (albeit with less frequent service).
Taxis and ride share are more personalized methods of transportation but of course much pricier than the bus. And there are also ride-share type scooters and bikes for rent in Honolulu.
A rental car is a popular way for getting around the island, as well as transport to and from the airport to your accommodation.
A rental car is a better fit for people staying outside of Honolulu, because many hotels around Honolulu do not offer free parking.
So paying another $30-50 per night to park your rental could be more of a burden than it’s worth. But for getting around to more remote beaches, trailheads, and other attractions, there is no more convenient option.
Asian Cuisine And Culture
Honolulu has a really big Asian population. So beyond just Hawaiian food and culture, there is actually a lot of Asian food and culture to explore here. Don’t miss out on trying some sushi, sashimi, and poke bowls on your trip to Oahu.
Conclusion | Where To Stay In Oahu
Choosing where to stay in Oahu doesn’t need to be a difficult decision. Knowing a little bit about each part of the island will help you narrow it down quickly. Here’s the bottom line about each area.
Waikiki / Honolulu
The Waikiki District in Honolulu is the most popular place to stay in Oahu. Quite simply, it has more hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals than anywhere else in Hawaii. It is said that about 60% of the millions of tourists that visit Hawaii, come to Waikiki.
The sheer volume of Waikiki hotels means that it’s the best place for tourists looking for more budget-friendly accommodation. However, if you are looking for luxury or mid-range accommodation, you can find that here too.
The leeward coast of Waikiki is known for sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and calm ocean. But if you are someone who gets a little bored with the beach, then Waikiki/Honolulu is the place to find big-city attractions, like restaurants, shopping, big retailers, museums, and more.
For young adults, bachelor parties, or bachelorette parties, Waikiki has the best nightlife anywhere in the Hawaiian Islands.
While Waikiki’s beaches are fine for kids, taking your children on the city streets can be a little bit stressful.
Ko Olina
The lagoons at Ko Olina are the best place for families or a honeymoon trip. You still get the benefits of being on the west coast (nice weather and beautiful sunsets), but without the crowds and traffic of Waikiki.
Ko Olina is rather isolated and thus ideal for people who don’t want to leave their resort. But luckily it has some of the best hotels in Oahu.
The protected lagoons are great for sunbathing and swimming in the ocean. The calm ocean water is ideal for a family vacation, especially the unique Aulani Disney Resort.
East Coast
The windward coast of Oahu is the perfect place to stay if you want to settle into a neighborhood feel. It’s more likely you will find a good Airbnb or VRBO in this area, rather than a hotel or resort.
On the East Coast, you still have easy access to beautiful beaches and restaurants, though you will likely want to rent a car.
If you are an early riser, you can catch some great sunrises over the ocean here.
The North Shore
The North Shore of Oahu is the best place to stay for advanced/expert surfers. The quieter surf town vibes are a great place for visitors looking to escape the bustle of the city. It’s quite isolated from the rest of the island which can be good or bad, depending on your point of view.
The beaches on the North Shore are less suitable for swimming and sunbathing, especially in the winter when big waves come through. But that reputation actually makes these beaches a hidden gem when the water is calmer in the summer.
There are only a few modest hotel options along the north shore, except for the nicer resorts on the northernmost tip at Turtle Bay. Vacation rentals are a popular accommodation option up here with people opting for longer stays.
Northwest Coast
The northwest coast of Oahu is another more isolated area to stay. It’s far enough away from Honolulu to have that local vibe and quieter beaches. But there are still plenty of restaurants in the main town of Wai’anae.
It has a mountainous backdrop, and facing west means you still get great sunsets on the beach.
But maybe you are not yet sold on spending your Hawaiian vacation in Oahu. This post can help you decide which Hawaiian island is best for you.
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