Victoria Lupascu 
Sunshine and big waves! Ready to uncover Hawaii’s capital city? If so, then jump on this guide and discover where to stay in Honolulu.
After doing thorough research I found the top neighborhoods in this Hawaiian city for tourists and included a list of the best hotels in each area for all budgets.
In short, Waikiki is the best place to stay in Honolulu as that’s where you’ll find some of the most amazing beach hotels and attractions. But if you’d prefer something different, definitely check the other areas too.
Since Honolulu is such a major holiday destination, I’d recommend booking your hotels here in advance, as everyone will be in a hurry to get the great ones.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you’re in a hurry to book your accommodation, then check out this short list which has the best hotels, all set in Waikiki:
Contents
Here is a map to give you an overview on where to stay in Honolulu with all the best areas I’ll be talking about in this blog post so you can easily understand them:
- Waikiki: for first-timers
- Downtown: for culture
- Near Diamond Head: for great views
- Ala Moana: for shopping
1. Waikiki – where to stay in Honolulu for the first time
Sandy shores, amazing waves, Waikiki is for sure one of the best places to stay in Honolulu, especially if this is your first time here.
Home to the famous Waikiki Beach (map), this area is known for being the home of some of the best Honolulu resorts (stay tuned for an amazing list just below), numerous restaurants, water sports centers and surf schools.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn surfing, this is your chance! You can look for an instructor at Star Beachboys (map) and Kahu Surf School (map).
Although the beach is the main attraction here, there are some other things to check out like the International Market Place shopping mall (map), the Hawaii Army Museum Society and the Ala Wai Golf Course (map).
Honestly, the best way to spend your time in Waikiki is to chill on the beach all day long, swim and try all the water sports. Make sure you check the other beaches besides Waikiki. There’s also Kuhio Beach (map) which is pretty great for families as the waters are shallow, Kahanamoku Beach (map) and Fort DeRussy Beach (map).
If you’re looking for some fab places to dine, try Yard House (map) which serves American dishes and Heavenly Island Lifestyle Waikiki restaurant (map).
Chill on the private beach area of this stunning hotel that has 4 restaurants, a freshwater pool and a spa center where you can unwind and relax. Their rooms offer stunning ocean or city views.
Other accommodation options in Waikiki
A nice boutique hotel that offers stylish rooms with a walk-in shower and sea views
Wake up to a stunning view in the comfy rooms of this hotel that have balconies and a stylish design
Perfect for 4 guests this studio comes with a kitchen and a shared pool
Here are 3 more Waikiki, Honolulu luxury hotels, for those who want to go all out during this trip:
- Halepuna Waikiki – chill by the infinity pool of this hotel which has 3 restaurants, a pool bar and a garden
- Outrigger Reef – set right on the beach, this hotel offers an outdoor pool and family rooms.
- Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach – enjoy a full day in the spa center of this hotel that has 2 restaurants and a library.
Things to do in Waikiki
- Enjoy the sun on Waikiki Beach
- Take surf lessons at Kahu Surf School
- Visit the Hawaii Army Museum Society
- Shop for souvenirs at International Market Place
- Check out the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue (map)
2. Downtown – best place to stay in Honolulu for culture
If you want to immerse yourself in the culture and history of Honolulu and visit all sorts of fun attractions like museums and palaces, then Downtown is the place for you!
Downtown is located a 20 min bus drive away from Waikiki, so you can easily get to the beach too!
PRO TIP: If you want to see the whole of Honolulu I’d recommend getting a ticket for the Waikiki Trolley. This trolley goes around the main touristic parts of Honolulu and you can hop on or hop off at any time you want. If you’d like to learn more about it, check their official website.
But let’s get back to the area and see what fun sites you can see here! If you’re interested in history, definitely head to the Iolani Palace (it dates back to the 19th century!). Here you can learn more about Hawaii’s last monarchs.
There’s also the Honolulu Museum of Art and Capitol Modern Museum which you should definitely visit. As well as the Aloha Tower, the iconic lighthouse, that’s actually one of the most popular buildings in Hawaii.
For those who want to feel a bit of the “local vibe”, I’d recommend heading to the Kaka’ako Farmers Market (map), which takes place every Saturday morning. Grab your wallet and get ready to try some local delicacies.
I’m sure you’ll also want to catch some Polynesian dance performers. If so, you can head to the Ka Moana Luau dinner theater (map), which is set right here in Downtown, next to the lighthouse.
You’re going to love the spacious rooms which have large windows that overlook the ocean! When you’re not out and about exploring the town, you can chill by the swimming pool here.
Other accommodation options in Downtown
Such a cool hotel that has a modern design, an on-site restaurant and a bar
Here’s something super affordable with a shared bathroom and a balcony
Boasting amazing city views, this condo comes with a shared pool and shared hot tub
Things to do in Downtown
- Visit the amazing Iolani Palace
- Admire the art at Honolulu Museum of Art
- Buy some yummy fruits from Kaka’ako Farmers Market
- Check out Aloha Tower (map)
- Learn new things at Capitol Modern
- Take a trip to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Museum
- Have fun with the kids at the Children’s Discovery Center
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3. Near Diamond Head – for the amazing views
Diamond Head is Oahu’s dormant volcano that’s known for its incredible hiking trail that offers some breathtaking views!
This is a great place to stay for those of you who want to explore the trails and also for those who want to enjoy those views I mentioned, for the whole trip!
You’ll find there are a couple of hotels set near the volcano (which I included in the section below) so you’ll definitely get to wake up to some incredible sights.
This area is also right near the end of Waikiki Beach and Kuhio Beach (map), so you can head there to enjoy some time on the sandy shores. That’s where you’ll also find the Honolulu Zoo which is home to over 900 animals and the Waikiki Aquarium.
NOTE: You can get around Honolulu without a car, by using the bus. However, if you’d like to explore more of the island or even of Honolulu (which has in total 24 areas) you could rent a car and reach even the most remote spots of the island. Since Honolulu has so many neighborhoods it’d definitely be such a fun experience to stay in multiple places during your trip, so definitely consider that too.
The hiking trail that leads to the Diamond Head State Monument (map) is pretty accessible, but I highly recommmend you wear appropriate shoes and something on your head.
Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head
Mountain and ocean views from the balcony of your comfy rooms, a fab restaurant and a bar, this hotel for sure is a keeper! The accommodation also has a tennis court and a gym.
Other accommodation options near Diamond Head
Such a stylish hotel with a restaurant, a fitness center and rooms that have balconies
A fully-equipped studio that comes with a kitchen, a balcony and free street parking
Perfect for 2 guests, this hotel offers a kitchen, laundry facilities and a Tv
Here’s one more amazing luxury hotel that’s set a bit further away from Diamond Head, around a 15 min drive, but that looks so incredible that I wanted to share it with you:
- The Kahala Hotel and Resort – set right on the beach, this hotel offers culture and wellness classes, a spa center and 2 swimming pools.
Things to do near Diamond Head
- Visit the Waikiki Aquarium
- Have fun hiking to the Diamond Head State Monument
- Take the kids to the Honolulu Zoo
- Enjoy the sun on Kuhio Beach
4. Ala Moana – where to stay in Honolulu for shopping
Conveniently located between the Downtown area and Waikiki, around a 30 min walk away from both, this area is perfect for those who want to do a bit of shopping and be close to countless stores.
The area is home to the Ala Moana Shopping Center (map), a big department store where you can find lots of shops, restaurants, and food courts. You’ll definitely have a fun time there.
Don’t worry though, there are other things and activities that you should check out here. Just across from the mall, there’s the Ala Moana Regional Park, which is home to a green area and to a beach (map).
Ala Moana Beach is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of shopping!
Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
This hotel has some great rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the city and the ocean. While here you can sunbathe by the outdoor pool, and eat yummy food at the 2 on-site restaurants.
Other accommodation options in Ala Moana
Enjoy your coffee by the pool of this hotel that has a hot tub, a fitness center and rooms with balconies
Catch a scenic sunset by the rooftop pool of this hotel which has a spa and 2 restaurants
Nice, cozy rooms in a hotel that has a swimming pool and parking spaces
Things to do in Ala Moana
- Chill all day long on Ala Moana beach
- Enjoy a sunset walk on the Magic Island (map)
- Buy some cool souvenirs from Ala Moana Shopping Center
- Grab a yummy meal at Istanbul Hawaii (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$450 |
| 🏨 Mid-range: | US$280 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$170 |
| 📍Best area: | Waikiki |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Moana Surfrider |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Vive Hotel Waikiki |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Wayfinder Waikiki |
FAQs about where to stay in Honolulu, Hawaii
🤔 Is Honolulu a good place to stay in Hawaii?
Yes, Honolulu is one of the best places to stay in Hawaii. Set on Oahu island, this town offers amazing attractions and fun activities like hiking, surfing and diving.
🗺️ What is the best area to stay in Oahu, Hawaii?
Honolulu is one of the best areas to stay on Oahu Island. The city is filled with cool attractions and fun activities.
⏱️ How many days do you need in Honolulu?
I recommend staying at least 5 days in Honolulu to discover the beaches, cultural sites and maybe take some day trips to the other parts of Oahu island.
💸 Where should I stay in Honolulu on a budget?
You can find some affordable Honolulu hotels in Downtown Honolulu or in the Ala Moana area. Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra is a great one!
🏖️ Where is the best place to stay in Honolulu on a beach?
You’ll find some of the best beach hotels in Waikiki. Moana Surfrider and Halepuna Waikiki are some of the best ones, set right on the sandy shores.
📷 What should I not miss in Honolulu, Hawaii?
Don’t miss relaxing on Waikiki Beach, hiking to Diamond Head, surfing and visiting the cultural attractions in Downtown Honolulu.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Honolulu
Some sun and beach time would feel heavenly now! Well, luckily you’re going to enjoy those on one of the most amazing islands in the world.
I hope this guide on where to stay in Honolulu helped you decide which area and hotel to pick for your trip.
It’s a hard call, but if you need some further guidance, check out these 2 top-rated hotels, both set in Waikiki:
- Moana Surfrider – a stunning hotel with a private beach that has a spa and 4 restaurants
- Vive Hotel Waikiki – this boutique hotel comes with family rooms that overlook the ocean or city
Definitely book your hotel in advance. Honolulu is the capital city of Hawaii and it gets lots of tourists, so it’s better to secure your spot early.
Have fun riding the waves and exploring the whole island of Oahu! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop me a comment below. I’d be happy to help you out!
Have an amazing vacation,
Victoria
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