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Best Places To Stay In Waikiki: 17 Best Hotels & Resorts

Best Places To Stay In Waikiki: 17 Best Hotels & Resorts

Waikiki Beach is the hub of Oahu Island with the majority of the island’s hotels on this famous strip of sand. There are hundreds of restaurants, cafes, tour centers, transport options, and convenience stores. It has a great little surf break perfect or beginners. The water is warm, the cocktails are flowing and it is an all-around beach vibe. This ‘Best Places to Stay in Waikiki’ guide will help you figure out where to stay in Waikiki during your vacation to Oahu Island.

My personal favorites are The Modern Honolulu for its value for money and beautiful views and Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort  for its amazing location.

QUICK PICKS: 3 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN WAIKIKI

Don’t have time to read my detailed breakdown of all the best places to stay in Waikiki? No worries! These are my three top picks for where to stay in Waikiki. If you book one of these three, you are guaranteed to have a great stay in a great location!

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The Modern Honolulu

  • Value for money
  • Balconies
  • Best views
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Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort 

  • Family
  • High-end
  • Amazing location
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The Royal Hawaiian, A Collection Resort, Waikiki

  • Beachfront
  • Beachfront
  • Beautiful sunrise and sunset

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN HAWAII

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WHY WAIKIKI IS THE BEST PLACE TO STAY ON OAHU FOR FAMILIES

Waikiki is the best place to stay for familiescouples, and older travelers and Waikiki even has a few hostels for backpackers. It’s a bit of an all-rounder destination, which I’ll explain below. 

Waikiki is the number one choice for families. You will be centrally located for all of the tours to different spots around the island. Kids have protected beaches to swim in without worrying about waves as there are several man-made reef-breaks, which act as saltwater swimming pools.

Kids love these and it takes the stress out of beach days. Lots of resorts have their own pool and the Hilton even has it’s own lagoon with water activities. For mom and dad, there are plenty of nightspots and relaxed bars throughout Waikiki. It is a safe beach district and it is also shopping heaven with lots of high-end retailers.

WAIKIKI IS A GREAT PLACE TO STAY FOR COUPLES AND HONEYMOONERS

Honeymooners and couples have found the perfect getaway spot in Waikiki. Think of dining out and nice restaurants each night after a day of sunbaking and sightseeing. It is the perfect base to hit the beaches, adventure the island but still have the luxury of great accommodation, dining, and convenience on your doorstep. 

WHY DO OLDER TRAVELERS CHOOSE TO STAY IN WAIKIKI?

The older travelers among us love Waikiki for a few reasons. It’s simple. Everything is on your doorstep. The tours pick you up and drop you off at your hotel lobby. There are quality restaurants in all directions and the famous Waikiki Beach is within walking distance. You are never far from a refreshing dip in your hotel pool, the ocean or an air-conditioner.

 17 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN WAIKIKI

This list has a detailed review of the 17 most popular places to stay in Waikiki. I’m sure you’ll find one that fits your budget and suits your style.

HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE BEACH RESORT

Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort (Family): In the heart of Waikiki, this high-end resort is right on the beach. Luxury rooms overlooking the beach, a private lagoon and a free fireworks and dance performance show. Hilton is easily the most recognizable hotel on the Island.

Why I recommend this hotel: It has its own private lagoon. While lots of people love the beach it is perfect for families. Kids can kayak, swim and snorkel with no worries. There are no currents, waves or sea creatures to worry about. The hotel is right on Waikiki Beach so don’t worry the beach is right there also. It is one of the best luxury places to stay in Waikiki and definitely not cheap but you get what you pay for with the Hilton.

Every Friday night guests of the hotel are treated to a traditional Hawaiian dance performance before the Hilton puts on an epic fireworks show. It’s my favorite fireworks show in the world because you are so close to the fireworks you can feel the reverberations on the ground while you are sitting!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort 

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Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort 

  • Family
  • High-end
  • Amazing location

SHERATON WAIKIKI 

Sheraton Waikiki (High-end): A luxury resort with the most amazing infinity pool on the island, which overlooks the beach. The bar and nightclub at the Sheraton are a great place to relax after a long day of island adventures.

Why I recommend this hotel: The Sheraton is always exceptional no matter the location but imagine you are leaning over the edge of an infinity pool, the ocean is below you and you turn to your left and watch Diamond Head crater in the distance. That’s where you will be at the end of each day, having a Mai Tai cocktail in your infinity pool.

Later on, in the evening Rumfire is a great bar venue, which is actually part of the Sheraton. It is open to the public and is one of the best high-end venues on Oahu. It has a small dance floor but is mostly standing and seating areas for drinks, chats, and good times.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Sheraton Waikiki

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Sheraton Waikiki

  • High-end
  • Amazing infinity pool
  • Great location

WAIKIKI BEACHSIDE HOSTEL

Waikiki Beachside Hostel (Budget): A budget alternative, which is still in an amazing location. Walking distance to Waikiki beach and a central location to base yourself for a week of adventures.

Why I recommend this hostel: Unfortunately Waikiki and Hawaii, in general, are not cheap. But they are still worth visiting. You can grab a dorm room for under $45 a night within walking distance to Waikiki surf beach.

Having said that this location really is great. You are near a lot of attractions and can take public transport to a lot of great east coast beaches and hikes. It is the number one beachside hostel in Waikiki and I’m sure you will meet other adventurers to go on hikes with!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Waikiki Beachside Hostel

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Waikiki Beachside Hostel

  • Budget
  • Amazing location
  • Worth visiting

HALEKULANI HOTEL

Halekulani Hotel (Service/Amenities): Consistently rated as one of the best luxury hotels on Oahu, Halekulani is an elegant hotel with 453 rooms offering the best ocean and mountain views.  It is located on the placid end of Waikiki yet close enough to all the luxury shops and exquisite restaurants. With bright, lavish rooms and of course its heavenly restaurants on-site, this luxury hotel takes pride in providing the best amenities and relaxation every holiday goer needs.

But the top-notch service is what really makes you set aside the strains of the real world for a moment when you set foot in the hotel. They’ll welcome you with a fruit bowl and a box of chocolate to sweeten your stay. This is easily one of the best places to stay in Waikiki.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Halekulani Hotel

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Halekulani Hotel

  • Service
  • Amenities
  • Lavish rooms

THE RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES

The Ritz-Carlton Residences (Best View): Tucked a little away from the heart of Waikiki, The Ritz-Carlton Residences combines the elite amenities of a luxury hotel with the conveniences of residences. This property has simple, minimalist-style rooms with a full kitchen, big flat-screen TV, and a washing machine so it feels so homely. Although it is not right on the beach, the amazing views and the best proximity to many popular attractions make up for it. They have two infinity pools with lots of loungers and some even have a Jacuzzi- not to mention it’s overlooking the ocean giving the best panoramic views of Diamond Head and Waikiki beach. It’s not all about the best views, though. This luxury hotel is also famous for having a famous sushi restaurant (Sushi Sho) and Dean & DeLuca which is a gourmet New York deli. I think when it comes to the food, the Ritz-Carlton is up there as one of the best places to stay in Waikiki.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Ritz-Carlton Residences

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The Ritz-Carlton Residences

  • Best View
  • Minimalist-style rooms
  • Panoramic views

THE MODERN HONOLULU

The Modern Honolulu (Value): You’ve been wanting to have a luxury beach holiday but are a little bit anxious about your budget? Well, not all 5-star hotels on Oahu cost a fortune, in fact, stay at The Modern Honolulu. For around $200 a night, you’ll get chic, spacious, and clean rooms fitted with balconies that give you insane ocean views. It’s good value for money considering that you are staying in a luxury hotel. It’s in a great location, just walking distance to the shopping centers and a stone’s throw away from Waikiki beach.

In each room, I find the Ukulele and three sarongs as decor inside each room cute making guests really feel the Aloha vibe. They have a hidden bar just behind the study area in the lobby which is way so cool and unique. What’s more, you’ll get to show your dance moves at the popular nightclub in Honolulu— yes! It’s at The Modern Honolulu. As an overall pick this is the best place to stay in Waikiki.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Modern Honolulu

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The Modern Honolulu

  • Value for money
  • Balconies
  • Best views

THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN, A COLLECTION RESORT, WAIKIKI

The Royal Hawaiian, A Collection Resort, Waikiki (Beachfront): When it comes to Waikiki hotels, The Royal Hawaiian is the most quintessential. This 5-star hotel is technically right on the beach of Waikiki making it so convenient for beach lovers visiting Oahu. Close enough to the bustling Waikiki, this property is very noticeable given the fact that it’s the only pink hotel on the island. It’s also Instagram-worthy and so beautiful that you wouldn’t want to leave.

Of course, your stay at The Royal Hawaiian is not complete if you don’t try their Mai Tai. The hotel rooms have everything you need with balconies of course enough for you to witness all the beach scenes such as surfers paddling their boards, swaying coconut trees, and beautiful sunrise and sunset. Personally, I highly recommend you stay in Mailani Tower as it doesn’t only offer you a gorgeous beach view but the Diamond Head view too! With the infinity pool and beach, this sure is a great package!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Royal Hawaiian, A Collection Resort, Waikiki

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The Royal Hawaiian, A Collection Resort, Waikiki

  • Beachfront
  • Beachfront
  • Beautiful sunrise and sunset

AQUA ALOHA SURF WAIKIKI 

Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki – Best Budget Hotel in Waikiki: If you’re looking for one of the best budget hotels in Honolulu then this is it. Set just a few blocks from Waikiki Beach, Aqua Aloha Surf has got a fun surf style and a laid-back ambiance. Budget, chill, and fun!

Yep, you get a lot for your money here- there’s an outdoor swimming pool, and a gym and you get a free breakfast on top of that. It’s very modern and a hotel you will be excited to return to after a day of adventures. I’m not sure how the owners have kept the price of this one so low. Rooms have a microwave and fridge so you can do a bit of eating-in as well to save money as well as the free breakfast so lots of savings to be made here. When it comes to value, this is the best place to stay in Waikiki.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki

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Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki

  • Budget
  • Chill & fun
  • Outdoor swimming pool

EWA HOTEL WAIKIKI

Ewa Hotel Waikiki: (Value): Hotels in Waikiki can be expensive. Deciding where to stay on Oahu can be difficult if you don’t have much cash. Luckily, there is an accommodation option on the edge of Waikiki that is of excellent value.

Why do I recommend this hostel/hotel: This is the perfect hotel if you want a good location but are willing to sacrifice a pool and some luxury items to save up to $200 per night. All of the hotels in this area are a minimum of $300 per night and often much more. Ewa Hotel is just one block back from the beach and is just over $150 USD. If you are like me, I never swim in the hotel pool anyway. Didn’t you come halfway across the world to swim on the beach!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Ewa Hotel Waikiki

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Ewa Hotel Waikiki

  • Value for money
  • Excellent
  • Nice views

COCONUT WAIKIKI HOTEL 

Coconut Waikiki Hotel – Family Pick: Coconut Waikiki Hotel is a family-friendly hotel in Honolulu. The location of this hotel is something that really appeals to me. It is right in the heart of the action, and just a few minutes from one of the world’s most famous white-sand beaches. 

A little more expensive than other budget offerings in Waikiki, but this clean, modern hotel has a lot to offer for the price. Most rooms have kitchenettes, so you can save even more money by making a few of your own meals. Even if you’re in a room without a kitchenette, you can grill up a quick dinner in the hotel’s communal BBQ area.

The rooms are very modern with seating areas, flat-screen televisions, and a bit more of a luxury feel than some of the older hotels on this list. If you want to stay somewhere a little more luxurious but still stay within budget, then this is one of the best budget hotels in Honolulu.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Coconut Waikiki Hotel

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Coconut Waikiki Hotel

  • Family Pick
  • Modern and clean
  • Kitchenettes

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS WAIKIKI

Holiday Inn Express Waikiki – Location/Facilities: This 44-story hotel offers perfect panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and is near beaches, restaurants, shopping centers, and other attractions.  With a mini-golf course, epic pool, and games center you really get an experience at the Holiday Inn.

It’s way, way cheaper compared to all other regular hotels in Honolulu. The rooms are actually super nice so if you are a couple or a small family this would be my number one pick on this list. 

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Holiday Inn Express Waikiki

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Holiday Inn Express Waikiki

  • Location
  • Facilities
  • Perfect views

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL WAIKIKI

Trump International Hotel Waikiki (Service): If you want a more upmarket place to stay whilst taking a splurge in Waikiki, Trump International Hotel might be your best pick! This lavish 38-story hotel provides rooms from one to three-bedroom suites to penthouse suites that accommodate up to 6 guests.

The location is excellent as it’s only a few feet away from the famous beach, wide-ranging restaurants, and classy boutiques. The beautiful view from your room is not just it alone but this hotel also gives you the utmost luxury from the moment you step into the lobby to the last day of your stay. It’s elegant and extravagant, in fact, it’s been awarded as the only Forbes Travel Guide 5-star hotel on Oahu island. The hotel staff does a great job in providing for guests’ needs and what else you can expect here is that they have lots of food options. It’s perfect for your ultimate travel getaway. 

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Trump International Hotel Waikiki

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Trump International Hotel Waikiki

  • Service
  • Best pick
  • Excellent location

THE NEW OTANI KAIMANA BEACH HOTEL

The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel (High End): The drawcard with this hotel is that there is a big park between you and Waikiki. You essentially have a private beach away from the masses but are still within walking distance of shopping and restaurants. If you prefer to be in the thick of the action this one isn’t for you but it’s great to be close by Waikiki but far enough away to enjoy some peace and quiet.

Why I recommend this hotel: For $300 a night you can get yourself a luxury getaway within walking distance of Waikiki but far enough away you will feel the tropical vacation! There is a big stretch of sand in between you and the nearest Waikiki hotel. In fact, most people in Waikiki will never venture near your private little beach so you can really just enjoy the sun and saltwater. I used to come to this beach when I lived on Oahu when I couldn’t be bothered dealing with the Waikiki crowds.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel 

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The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel 

  • High End
  • Peace and quiet
  • Best location

KUHIO BANYAN HOTEL

Kuhio Banyan Hotel (With Kitchenette): Perhaps you don’t fancy staying in a hostel this time – maybe you want a little more privacy and more room for yourself but still keep within your budget. Kuhio Banyan Hotel is one of the budget hotels in Waikiki. This hotel is not luxurious but it has everything you need for a very good price in the middle of everything in Waikiki. What’s amazing is that this budget room actually has a kitchenette so you can save more money on doing a little home cooking. 

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Kuhio Banyan Hotel

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Kuhio Banyan Hotel

  • With Kitchenette
  • Budget-friendly
  • Comfortable

THE LAYLOW AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

The Laylow Autograph Collection (Special Mention): The Laylow gets a special mention because I stayed in their luxury apartment for four days in January of 2018 while doing some filming with them. I just loved the vintage style of the place and I personally prefer more personal accommodations.

The Laylow is part of the Autograph Collection, which was created by the Marriott. The idea is to create a boutique style, luxury hotel encompassing a local flavor. What the Laylow has managed to do is create a luxury accommodation on par with a Marriott super hotel but with the feel of a smaller, one-off boutique. This place was so cool it was locals visiting the bar at night, not just the guests.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Laylow Autograph Collection 

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The Laylow Autograph Collection 

  • Luxury
  • Good location
  • Modern design

HYATT REGENCY WAIKIKI BEACH RESORT & SPA

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa (Convenience): Just across Waikiki beach, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa is a 2-tower hotel with 1,230 rooms and posh amenities. Without some of the other luxury resorts’ price tags, this hotel is affordable yet still provides the luxury experience and convenience with customized service like no other, numerous boutiques under the towers and within easy access to what Waikiki has to offer.

The room was huge, very modern with partial ocean and city views from its privy terrace not to mention there are lots of power ports in each room which is a plus.

Some of the aspects of the hotel which really impressed me were the open-air lobby between the two towers, the nice outdoor patio giving you the best beach views, and the breakfast buffet at SHOR restaurant and dinner buffet at “The Buffet at Hyatt” on-site.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

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Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

  • Convenience
  • Luxury
  • Ocean and city views

ROYAL GROVE WAIKIKI

Royal Grove Waikiki (With Kitchenette)

Royal Grove Waikiki is a budget-friendly and vintage hotel in Waikiki for just $100 a night. The location is superb- just in the heart of dining, beaches, shopping, and attractions. The rooms are quite old-school but in a charming Hawaii style. The rooms come with a kitchenette and seating area so they are really spacious and practical.

The sweetest part of the stay was the Monday night Hawaiian music and the mini hula dance show was so much Aloha! Totally one of the top places to stay in Waikiki!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Royal Grove Waikiki 

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Royal Grove Waikiki 

  • With Kitchenette
  • Superb location
  • Top hotel

I hope this guide about where to stay in Waikiki helped you narrow down your search. I’m sure on this list you found some of the best places to stay in Waikiki and you can now be all set for a great vacation.

THE FOUR MOST POPULAR OAHU TOURS

WHERE TO STAY ON OAHU

  • Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort (Overall Favorite): In the heart of Waikiki, this high-end resort is right on the beach with a private lagoon.
  • Sheraton Waikiki (Luxury): A luxury resort with the most amazing infinity pool on the island, which overlooks the beach.
  • Ewa Hotel Waikiki: (Value): Ewa Hotel is just one block back from the beach and is just over $150 USD.
  • Waikiki Beachside Hostel (Budget Choice): A budget alternative, which is still in an amazing location.
  • Disney Aulani Resort (Family Choice): This is a resort your kids will never forget. It honestly feels like you are living in a theme park.

MORE OAHU BLOG POSTS

I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! These are my most popular blog post and guides from the beautiful island of Oahu to help you plan your trip!

What are my favorite pieces of travel gear?

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  • Packing Cube Set: Once you cube you’ll never go back. Organize your clothes within your luggage with these smart mesh containers. It will revolutionize your packing.
  • Quick-Dry Towel: A quick-dry towel is a must for travelers. It hardly takes up any room and dries in seconds.
  • Travel Wallet: Keep your passport, wallet, and vaccine card safe as well as any forms and important documents you need to store.
  • Grayl GeoPress Water Filter Bottle: I’ve used this for three years. It filters your water with one press and you can drink directly from it. Never buy a plastic water bottle again!

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Monday 30th of September 2019

Thanks for these tips. I heard that Waikiki is a beautiful place to travel in. I am planning to go their so I can experience the beautiful places there. So I can bond with my family and eat all the delicious foods their.