Hawaii is one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the world. With gorgeous beaches, adventurous hikes, a rich culture, and beautiful resorts, it’s an amazing place for an island getaway. However, its popularity comes at a price, as it’s one of the most expensive tourist destinations on earth. Luckily, having spent my college years on Oahu, I’ve discovered the best cheap places to stay on Oahu.
My personal favorites are Backpackers Vacation Inn for its North Shore setting and Hotel Renew for its modern rooms.
Best Cheap Places to Stay on Oahu, Hawaii
If you’re traveling on a budget and want the most out of your accommodation, look no further. Having lived on the island as a (broke) college student and revisiting as a (value-conscious) traveler, I’ve compiled the best cheap places to stay on Oahu. From surf villages on the North Shore to the top-value hotels in Waikiki, these are the best budget hotels to stay on Oahu.
QUICK PICKS: 3 CHEAPEST PLACES TO STAY ON OAHU
Looking for affordable places to stay on Oahu and don’t have time to read the whole guide? No worries. These are the 3 cheapest places to stay on Oahu.
BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN HAWAII
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CHEAP OAHU ACCOMMODATION COMPARISON TABLE
If you’re searching for the best cheap places to stay on Oahu, you’ll find my favorite options below, along with current nightly rates. The prices are listed for two guests at the hotels, and one guest at the hostels. These rates reflect the cost for the most basic room category during the high season and are subject to change.
Best Cheap Places to Stay on Oahu: Budget Accommodations
I’ve listed the 13 cheapest places to stay on Oahu, from the best budget hotels to beachside hostels. These accommodations are listed by price, high to low. So if you want the best deal, you can start at the bottom of the article or check my quick picks above. If these budget hotels are a bit pricey, try my Best Hostels on Oahu Guide instead. Happy hunting!
COCONUT WAIKIKI HOTEL
Coconut Waikiki Hotel (Family Pick): Coconut Waikiki is a family-friendly hotel in Honolulu. Set on a corner next to the Ala Wai Canal, guests can enjoy beautiful views of the Koʻolau Range. Each room features a private patio or balcony, as well as a wet bar and microwave. Some rooms have full kitchenettes, a welcome convenience alongside the fitness center and pool.
Why I recommend this hotel: Coconut Waikiki is great because it combines easy walking to Waikiki Beach with a quiet location on the Ala Wai. You can take a stroll along the canal with mountain views, or walk into the hustle of Waikiki for endless dining and entertainment options. The rooms themselves are comfortable and clean, and the complimentary coffee is a nice touch.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Coconut Waikiki Hotel
Hotel Renew
Hotel Renew (Modern): This is one of the best affordable hotels on Oahu. Chic and modern, Hotel Renew offers comfortable rooms with ensuite baths and flat screen tv’s with smart functions. Some rooms offer private balconies with sea views, and I’d recommend the Ocean View King Bed with Balcony to make the most of your stay.
Why I recommend this hotel: Hotel Renew has everything you’d want from a stay in Waikiki, without the things you don’t. Meaning you have a great experience at a lower price. The friendly staff, comfortable beds, and convenient location are all just a bonus.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hotel Renew
AQUA ALOHA SURF WAIKIKI
Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki (Swimming Pool): This is a classic Waikiki hotel, boasting a central location, a gym, and an outdoor pool. Each room has a microwave and minifridge, a bath, and city views. I recommend the Superior and Delux Rooms for the private balconies overlooking the lively streets of Waikiki.
Why I recommend this hotel: Aqua Aloha Surf is convenient, with easy access to everything in Waikiki. The staff are very friendly, and the price is good value. It’s an all-around solid place to base for island adventures and one of the best cheap places to stay on Oahu.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Aqua Aloha Surf
Ewa Hotel Waikiki
Ewa Hotel Waikiki (Kitchen with Stove): Ewa Hotel offers a convenient and comfortable stay. Rooms are equipped with a refrigerator and coffee machine, and some rooms offer full kitchens with stovetops. I recommend the Studio with Balcony for a private lanai as well as a small kitchen. The hotel also offers an 8th-floor sun deck with views of the city.
Why I recommend this hotel: Ewa Hotel is an easygoing accommodation that provides a comfortable room at a good price. The stove-top kitchens are also extremely handy, as eating out for every meal in Waikiki can get pricey. This combined with its central location in Waikiki makes it one of the most affordable hotels on Oahu.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Ewa Hotel Waikiki
KUHIO BANYAN HOTEL
Kuhio Banyan Hotel (With Kitchenette): This is a great budget hotel on Oahu. It’s not luxurious, but it has everything you need for a very good price (considering its prime location). There are shops and local eateries just downstairs, and each room comes with a kitchenette and bar seating.
Why I recommend this hotel: Kuhio Banyan Hotel is extremely central to convenience stores, and across the street from the Waikiki International Market Place. The fact that every room has a kitchenette is extremely helpful for those on a budget, and the rooms are quite spacious too.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for the Kuhio Banyan
ROYAL GROVE WAIKIKI
Royal Grove Waikiki (With Kitchenette): Royal Grove Waikiki is a budget-friendly and vintage hotel in Waikiki. The location is in the heart of great dining, shopping, and a short walk from the beach. The rooms are quite vintage, in a charming Hawaiian way. Some rooms come with kitchenettes, and I’d recommend the Deluxe Studio with Full Kitchen room category and above.
Why I recommend this hotel: Royal Grove is centrally located, with great eateries just outside your doorstep. It’s not the Four Seasons, but it’s exactly what you need out of a cheap place to stay on Oahu.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Royal Grove
Kalani Hawaii Private Lodging
Kalani Hawaii Private Lodging (North Shore): Kalani is the first non-traditional accommodation on the list, as well as the first place outside of Waikiki! Kalani is a North Shore property just across from Sunset Beach. Guests can choose from private rooms, suites, and dormitory-style rooms. It’s a combination of a hostel and apartment-style living, all with a beautiful garden and convenient North Shore location.
Why I recommend this hotel: Kalani’s location just across from Sunset Beach is to die for. Guests also love the great hospitality, clean and well-kept rooms, and amenities. It’s a great way to experience life like a local on the North Shore.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Kalani Hawaii
The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel
The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel (Best Vibe): This 3-star hostel is the perfect place to stay on Oahu if you’re looking to make friends and hang out in a cool spot. Rooms range from 4-bed dormitories to deluxe private rooms, all with access to a shared kitchen and fun rooftop deck. Amenities include free surfboard and snorkeling gear rentals, a major win in my book.
Why I recommend this hostel: The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel is new and refreshed compared to the Oahu hostels of the past (I would know, I used to stay in them). Guests love its cleanliness, the warm staff, and the island tours the it offers. The Beach Hostel also seems to attract adventurous and outgoing guests from around the world, making your stay on Oahu even more colorful.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Beach Hostel
Backpackers Vacation Inn & Plantation Village
Backpackers Vacation Inn & Plantation Village (Surf Vibes): This is a classic North Shore accommodation for surfers and backpackers. Set just across the street from Three Tables Beach, it’s got a great location for surf in the winter and snorkeling in the summer. The rooms range from private cottages to standard guest rooms and hostel-style bunk beds.
Why I recommend this hotel: The Inn combines a great vibe, comfortable rooms, and a fantastic location. You’re just across the street from a great beach and a walk down the block from the grocery store and food trucks at Pupukea. It’s among the best cheap places to stay on Oahu.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Backpackers Inn
Honu Waikiki by ALOH
Honu Waikiki by ALOH (Ala Moana): Honu is another recently refreshed Oahu hostel. It has great prices on 6-bedroom dorm rooms, but I recommend the One Bedroom Suites for their full kitchens (and ability to sleep 4). It’s one of the best value accommodations on Oahu.
Why I recommend this hotel: Honu is popular for its great atmosphere, friendly staff, and convenient location closer to Ala Moana. It’s neighbors Waikiki Brewing Company (a local favorite) with plenty of great eats nearby. It’s also out of the grungy area of Waikiki that some of the hostels are located in.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Honu Waikiki
Polynesian Hostel Beach Club
Polynesian Hostel Beach Club (Budget/Location): With a 4-star rating, this hostel is rated better than many of the hotels charging $200 per night on Oahu. Ironically, it’s one of the cheapest places to stay on Oahu. Polynesian Hostel is great for its convenient location right at the edge of Waikiki and Queen Kapiolani Park. This is one of my favorite areas in Waikiki for its close access to beautiful green spaces.
Why I recommend this hostel: It’s a great place to meet other travelers, with surfing, the outdoor gym, and endless nightlife and dining at your doorstep. There’s a poke truck in the alley that’s one of my favorites on the island.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Polynesian Hostel
WAIKIKI BEACHSIDE HOSTEL
Waikiki Beachside Hostel (Great Tours): This is one of the best cheap places to stay on Oahu if you’re adventurous and love the outdoors. Waikiki Beachside combines a great location just one block from the beach with incredible tour offerings and free beach equipment rentals.
Why I recommend this hostel: Whether it’s surfing at Waikiki, joining the free Sunday tour, or cozy movie nights, this hostel is an awesome place to stay and play. The location in the heart of Waikiki doesn’t hurt either.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Beachside Hostel
ALOH Seaside Hostel Waikiki
ALOH Seaside Hostel Waikiki (Value): Formerly known as Seaside Hawaiian Hostel, this recently renovated property has been making travelers feel at home for over 20 years. The homely property is set on a quieter street on the Ala Wai side of Waikiki, within walking distance of the shopping, dining, and surf rental shops in Waikiki.
Why I recommend this hostel: It’s a great location, on a slightly quieter street (you’ll sleep better). My friend used to work here when she first moved to Oahu and still hangs out with her co-workers and travelers she met. It’s a great community vibe.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for ALOH Seaside Hostel
Conclusion: Best Cheap Places to Stay on Oahu, Hawaii
That’s it to my complete guide on the Best Cheap Places to stay on Oahu. Budget Accommodations don’t always have to be rough, and while the word “budget” is relative, especially in a place like Hawaii, I hope you found the best value deals for your upcoming stay! Happy Travels!
THE FOUR MOST POPULAR OAHU TOURS
- Doors-Off Oahu Helicopter Flight Tour: My number one recommendation is to do a heli-flight (doors off) and be blown away when you see Oahu from the air.
- North Shore Shark Cage Tour: The biggest adrenaline rush you can have in Hawaii is beneath the surface with sharks!
- Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Tour: One of the best experiences I had on Oahu was swimming with the beautiful spinner dolphins on this exact tour.
- Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran: The number 1 MOST POPULAR snorkel tour on Oahu. GUARANTEED Turtles!
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 to pack for Hawaii: THE HAWAII PACKING LIST: WHAT TO PACK
- A helpful guide to choosing accommodation: WHERE TO STAY ON OAHU
- Most epic hike on Oahu: THE STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN OAHU, HAWAII
- The best Waterfalls: AMAZING WATERFALLS ON OAHU, HAWAII
- Ultimate Cliff Jumping Guide: 11 BEST CLIFF JUMPING SPOTS ON OAHU
- Guide to Swimming with Sea Turtles: WHERE TO SEE TURTLES ON OAHU
- The best Waterfall Hikes: TOP WATERFALL HIKES ON OAHU
- Best Tours: 20 BEST TOURS ON OAHU
- The Ultimate Guide to Oahu: 80 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON OAHU
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Tuesday 31st of October 2023
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