With its incredible beaches, stunning mountains, and top-class accommodations, everyone falls head over heels in love with Oahu. There’s no doubt you will have an epic time sightseeing and enjoying the beaches of Oahu but the most important part of your vacation is your accommodation. I’ve created this list with the top ten luxury hotels on Oahu so you can select one of the highly-recommended, luxurious places to stay during your visit to Hawaii.
My personal favorites are Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort for its location and performance show and The Modern Honolulu for its luxury and ocean views.
QUICK PICKS: MY 3 FAVORITE LUXURY HOTELS ON OAHU, HAWAII
Don’t have time to read my detailed breakdown of all the best luxury hotels on Oahu? No worries! These are my three favorite luxury hotels on Oahu. If you book one of these three, you are guaranteed to have a great vacation in a great location!
TOP 10 LUXURY HOTELS ON OAHU COMPARISON TABLE
To summarize, here’s a handy chart of the 10 best luxury hotels in Oahu, Hawaii.
BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN HAWAII
When you book your Hawaii Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Discover Cars. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!
BEST LUXURY HOTELS ON OAHU
In this blog, I’ve detailed the top 10 luxury hotels on Oahu and put them up against each other to see who comes out on top. My recommendations below are split up by location:
- Honolulu (including Waikiki)
- Ko Olina
- North Shore
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. Seriously, this hotel is worth the splurge!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Halekulani Hotel
FOUR SEASONS RESORT OAHU AT KO OLINA
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina (Tranquil): Another best luxury hotel in Hawaii is the Four Seasons, a three-year-old splendid resort set on Ko Olina Beach (leeward coast) on Oahu Island. Unlike any other 5-star hotels on Oahu, this resort is not so crowded and it also offers quite a few spacious rooms and suites with everything you need from comfy beds to built-in outlets on the bedside table.
When it comes to giving extremely high standard quality rooms and service, no one can beat Four Seasons! But another highlight here is the beautiful man-made lagoons making it ideal for kids and older guests as it’s pretty safe from Oahu’s massive waves.
Compared to Waikiki, the shops around Four Seasons are not so crowded because it’s not as touristy as Waikiki which is very convenient for shopaholics. There is a golf course, chic infinity pools for adults and kids, fancy restaurants and let’s not forget the full breakfast daily served for two. Easily the top pick (out of Waikiki) of all the luxury hotels on Oahu, Hawaii.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
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 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 the famous sushi restaurant (Sushi Sho) and Dean & DeLuca which is the gourmet New York deli. The Ritz is also kid-friendly as they have a small slide for little ones.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Ritz-Carlton Residences
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. Among many reasons, this is why I award it best luxury hotel on Oahu for kids.
The hotel is right on Waikiki Beach so don’t worry the beach is right there also. It is one of the high-end hotels 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
THE MODERN HONOLULU
The Modern Honolulu (Value): You’ve been wanting to have a luxury beach holiday but 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 a 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 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.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Modern Honolulu
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
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-storey 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 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 in the lobby to the last day of your stay. It’s elegant and extravagant, in fact, it’s been rewarded as the only Forbes Travel Guide 5-star hotel on Oahu island. The hotel staff do a great job in providing 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
TURTLE BAY RESORT
Turtle Bay Resort (Serene): Turtle Bay Resort is known to be the best luxury hotel on the North Shore. This resort is only 15 minutes from Banzai Pipeline Beach where you can see the epic seasonal surfing competition. But you don’t have to go far to experience some of the popular activities on the North Shore, Turtle Bay offers a lot on the property including horse-back riding, surfing lessons, scuba diving, snorkeling with turtles plus its laid-back and relaxed vibe will make you want to extend your stay.
When it comes to dining, this resort does have plenty of choices from its signature restaurant (Pa’akai) to pool bar (The Point). You should also try their coconut milk and macadamia nut latte at the lobby lounge–they’re amazing! You’ll pay a bit more for food but expect to have the best holiday in life at Turtle Bay Resort! I can’t highly recommend this luxury resort on Oahu enough!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Turtle Bay Resort
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.
During our stay at the Laylow, we enjoyed all the facilities you would expect from accommodation produced by the Marriott. Spacious studio rooms with modern design, a large gym, a stunning pool, and a rooftop restaurant/bar. A daily, free shave ice stand and Ukelele lessons were several activities offered among many.
The Laylow Autograph Collection is ideal for the upmarket traveler, who wants to stay somewhere with more thought than a big chain but wants the luxury that big chain comes with. It’s the aloha vibes mixed with pure luxury.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Laylow Autograph Collection
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 tag, 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.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
I hope this was a helpful guide to the top luxury resorts on Oahu, Hawaii.
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
What are my favorite pieces of travel gear?
There are four pieces of gear that I simply never travel without. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! Here are my travel essentials.
- 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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