Where to Stay in Waikiki – 21 Amazing Hotels for All Budgets

The world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki in Oahu, Hawaii, is one of the most sought-after locations in the beautiful Hawaiian islands. This vibrant area hosts world-class shopping, incredible beaches, and, of course, plenty of hotels, so deciding where to stay in Waikiki can prove challenging! 

To help you out, I compared all Waikiki hotels and handpicked the very best ones in each price category. From the best luxury resorts to incredible beachfront hotels and options for those traveling on a budget, there is something for any pocket and taste… I even included a bonus with some romantic honeymoon hotels!

But just a tip before we start: when you find the perfect hotel, make sure you book it immediately so you can secure a spot in this idyllic destination – places sell out super fast here!

Let’s jump right in!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Don’t have time to read the whole post? Here are the best Waikiki hotels in each price category:

luxury hotel

Halekulani

Best luxury hotel

Check price

mid-range hotel

The Laylow, Autograph Collection

Best Value For Money 

Check price

budget hotel

Sheraton Princess Kaiulani

Best affordable accommodation in the centre

Check price

Check out this map to know where the best hotels in Waikiki Beach are located:

Luxury (US$550 and up)

• Halekulani – located on Waikiki Beach and overlooking Diamond Head, Halekulani is within walking distance of all the luxury shops and it’s the best place to stay in Waikiki if you want to splurge. This top-rated luxury hotel hosts 3 restaurants, a live jazz lounge, an outdoor swimming pool, and a day spa. Here, you will be welcomed with a fresh fruit bowl and signature chocolates in the spacious guest rooms. Better yet, you can have the best dinners at the oceanfront restaurant… a real dream!
• Aston Waikiki Beach Tower – the Aston Waikiki is the best hotel near Waikiki Beach for luxury travelers. The property has a lot to offer, like fully equipped guest rooms with views of the Pacific Ocean, an open-air dining area, a jet spa, Yoga classes, and more. If you want to play golf, the Ala Wai golf course is just half a mile away, and if you’re traveling with a family, you can take the kids to the Honolulu Zoo – it’s just a 10-min walk away! 
• The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach Hotel – this 5-star Waikiki beach resort is just an 8-minute walk from the beach and combines homely conveniences with luxury resort amenities. The Ritz-Carlton Residences offers ocean-view rooms, which give you access to the best amenities, including the premier fitness center, a yoga room, and a movie theater. This is also one of the best resorts in Waikiki when it comes to dining options – the Ritz features as many as 6 restaurants! 

• The Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki – The Royal Hawaiian resort is one of the best luxury hotels on the entire island, centrally located in the heart of Waikiki (one of the best areas to stay in Honolulu!). This Waikiki beach resort is located in the Pink Palace, and it’s also known as the Pink Hotel. It offers a full-service spa, an on-property bakery for the most delicious snacks, and an exclusive beach bar where you can sip refreshing cocktails. 
• Sheraton Waikiki – the Sheraton Waikiki is located in Waikiki Beach, within walking distance of the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. This is one of the best hotels on Waikiki Beach, perfect for any kind of traveler – for couples, families, and groups of friends. You can get one of the free bikes from the hotel and explore your surroundings, or you can choose to stay in and swim a few laps in the infinity pool, play some billiards, or grab a drink from the bar. 
• Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach – less than a 5-min walk away from the beach, Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach is among the top hotels in Waikiki for a spa experience. The Spa at Ka La’i Waikiki offers a variety of treatments, many of which implement traditional Hawaiian plants and techniques. Besides the spa, there’s also a fitness center to keep active on your vacation, a pool, and an amazing lounge where you can enjoy lunch, dinner, and delicious cocktails. 

Mid-range (US$300 – US$500)

• The Laylow, Autograph Collection – The Laylow is a boutique hotel and part of the Autograph Collection created by Marriott, offering luxury amenities but at a smaller scale with more affordable prices. This mid-century, modern hotel is centrally located close to the Diamond Head Crater Hike, beautiful beaches, and the International Market Place! The property also offers nightly entertainment and complimentary shaved Hawaiian ice served by the pool!
• Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani – Halepuna is a 4-star hotel in the heart of Waikiki Beach, perfect if you are looking for some relaxation! Here, you will wake up with the best ocean views from one of the spacious rooms of the property, start your day with a delicious breakfast at the on-site restaurant, and have romantic strolls with your special one on the beach located just a few steps from the property… one of the top places to stay in Waikiki for families or couples!
• Prince Waikiki – located a few steps from the beautiful Ala Moana Beach and Waikiki Beach, Prince Waikiki will offer you some of the best ocean views on the whole island! If you’re a foodie, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll have access to traditional Hawaiian food as well as authentic Japanese and international dishes. I also have to talk about the great modern amenities and facilities, including a full-service spa, a fitness center, and a quiet library!

• Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Hilton Hawaiian Village – the Hilton is a huge Waikiki beach resort located on the North Shore of Waikiki Beach. Here, you’ll have access to endless attractions, including scuba diving with beautiful sea turtles, deep-sea fishing, and playing on top-rated golf courses. The property is a real village, and it even has its own lagoon with water activities like kayaking and paddle boarding. Best of all, the village puts on a fireworks show every Friday night! 
• Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach – if you’re wondering what is the best area to stay in Waikiki to enjoy views of Diamond Head, the answer is: right around the Hyatt Centric! Here, you can have the best dinners or drinks at the on-site restaurant and bar, relax in the outdoor pool on the rooftop, and stay in shape at the fitness center. The rooms are also great, offering floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views. Other perks of staying here include on-site parking, an ATM, and a 24-hour front desk. 
• Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger – this is one of the ultimate hotels in Waikiki if you want to have easy access to the beach! Located only a 2-minute walk from the beach, this 4-star property will spoil you with an amazing restaurant serving Hawaiian cuisine, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a cool bar and. The hotel is also perfect for exploring some popular points of interest, like Waikiki Beach, Kuhio Beach, and Fort DeRussy Beach!

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Budget (up to US$300)

• Sheraton Princess Kaiulani – if you were wondering where to stay in Waikiki Beach on a budget, the ultimate choice is the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani. The hotel is located right across the street from the beach and features a swimming pool, a poolside bar, and a restaurant serving local cuisine. And if you need help with your itinerary, a tour and activities desk is available in the hotel and can help you with everything you want to do during your stay. 
• Wyndham Vacation Resorts Royal Garden at Waikiki – do you want to have great service without having to spend a fortune? Then check out this amazing hotel in Waikiki, just a few minutes away from the beach. Here, you will finally enjoy some well-deserved relaxation, chilling at the outdoor swimming pool, healing your body at the onsite sauna, or sleeping in the comfy bed of your spacious room. The suites are clean and beautiful, boasting a private balcony and a kitchen area.
• The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club – The Surfjack Hotel is the perfect spot to have a getaway with your special someone on a low budget! You will stay in amazing vintage-inspired bungalows, cabanas, and suites, with optional in-room coffee and cocktail service, so you really won’t need to make any effort. The property also offers poolside entertainment, cultural activities and programs, and a restaurant serving food with organic ingredients sourced by local farmers.

• Ilima Hotel – this property offers great value for the price and is near the best shopping and dining options in Waikiki Beach. The rooms are spacious and offer everything you might need, including a fully equipped kitchen, a balcony, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a seating area, and a full bath. Relax on the sundeck or in the pool, and join some cool activities in the surroundings, like exploring the Honolulu Zoo, browsing the International Market Place, or playing golf!
• Imperial Hawaii Resort – if you want to stay in Waikiki Beach but you are traveling on a tight budget, this may be the best option for you! This Waikiki resort offers the best location right in the middle of shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options, as well as being steps away from Waikiki Beach. Keep yourself entertained from morning to night with activities such as golf and tennis or working out in the hotel’s fitness center. 
• The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel – this is one of the best accommodations on Oahu for solo travelers, offering the best prices and a very cool atmosphere. In fact, thanks to the shared rooms and the common areas (like the picnic area and shared kitchen), it’s really easy to meet new people… so prepare to party and have a lot of fun! At the hostel, you’ll also have access to free parking, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour front desk – everything you need for a comfortable stay! 

BONUS: Most romantic hotels in Waikiki for your honeymoon

With its white-sand tranquil beaches, crystal clear waters, cocktail bars, and stunning sunsets and sunrises, Waikiki Beach is the ultimate destination to spend your honeymoon, anniversary, or just a romantic holiday with your special one!

So, if you’re considering Waikiki for a romantic getaway, you’ll be happy to know that it brims with upscale resorts and boutique hotels offering special suites for couples and many amenities to enjoy some privacy and quiet time with your other half!

Check out this quick list of the best honeymoon hotels in Waikiki, I selected one option for each price range, listed in descending order from the most to least expensive one:

• Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa – this is a newly renovated oceanfront resort offering breathtaking views of Diamond Head. While here, you will sleep in luxurious rooms with stunning views, have a romantic dinner at the beach restaurant serving Hawaiian cuisine, or enjoy couples treatments at the on-site spa. You can also join some activities offered by the hotel, like snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing. 
• Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head – this 4-star Hawaiian hotel is located right by Diamond Head and provides easy access to 2 beaches – Kaimana Beach and Queen’s Surf Beach. The rooms at this hotel are spacious and super stylish, with all the modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. The on-site restaurant is open for dinner, and you can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or order one of their house cocktails – you won’t go wrong either way! 
• VIVE Hotel Waikiki – who said you cannot have a romantic getaway if you are on a budget? Check out this lovely hotel, just a 7-min walk from Waikiki Beach. Here, you can choose from modern Honolulu guest rooms with mountain, city, or ocean views that will give you access to an incredible continental breakfast every morning (with a wide range of options)! You will also love the staff, who are super friendly, helpful, and available for whatever you may need!

FAQs about lodging in Waikiki, Honolulu

Final words on where to stay in Waikiki

Well, here we are! We finally reached the end of this extensive guide on where to stay in Waikiki. By now, you probably have your heart set on a specific hotel, and you may have even booked your stay! 

But if you have any difficulty choosing, these 2 are my absolute favorite hotels in Waikiki: 

• Halekulani – a luxurious beachfront hotel boasting an amazing pool, a spa center, and 7 restaurants
• The Laylow, Autograph Collection – this boutique hotel offers comfortable and bright rooms, pool access, and complimentary shaved Hawaiian ice

If you like any of the hotels featured in this post as much as I do, make sure you book your favorite immediately – or at least some months in advance. You don’t want to lose your spot in paradise!

And if you have any questions or you want to share your experience with one of the hotels mentioned in the post, please do so in the comments below. I am looking forward to reading your comments and getting back to you!

Have the best time in Waikiki, 

Elena 

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