Where to stay in Oʻahu

Waikīkī

Mid-century modern design hotel that stands apart from cookie-cutter Waikiki. The Hideout pool bar is excellent. No resort fee — extraordinary for Oahu. Book partial ocean view.

Waikīkī

The benchmark for Hawaiian luxury since 1907 — "House Befitting Heaven." La Mer is Oahu's only AAA Five Diamond restaurant. The orchid-mosaic pool on the ocean floor is iconic. Request a Diamond Head view room.

Waikīkī

Artsy boutique on the quieter end of Waikiki. Rooftop pool. Best budget option that doesn't feel cheap. No beach access but 5-min walk.

Waikīkī

Massive resort complex (lagoon, 5 towers, 20 restaurants) — great for families who want a self-contained resort. Friday fireworks from the beach. Can feel overwhelming; book a Rainbow Tower room for the best views.

Waikīkī

Beachfront, solid value, great location. Less pretentious than the luxury flagships but has everything you need — beach access, pool, multiple restaurants.

Ko Olina

Disney magic meets Hawaii. Incredible water park, lazy river, character breakfasts. Leeward coast so less rain than Waikiki. Best pick for families with kids under 12 — worth the price for the full experience.

Waikīkī

Intimate boutique hotel one block from the Ala Wai Canal. Quiet end of Waikiki, walkable to everything. Rooms are small but clean — best value on the strip.

Waikīkī

Studio and one-bedroom suites with kitchenettes — ideal for families on a budget. Five-minute walk to beach. Outdoor pool. Good for stays of 7+ nights.

Waikīkī

Farthest east in Waikiki — quieter, cheaper, closest to Diamond Head trailhead. Complimentary continental breakfast. No resort fee (rare). Best for hikers.

Waikīkī

Oceanfront with a 280,000-gallon aquarium visible from the lobby bar and Swell Pool deck. Prime Kalakaua Avenue location. Ocean-facing rooms at sunrise are spectacular.

Waikīkī

Newer property with complimentary breakfast included — rare for Waikiki. One block from beach. Rooftop pool bar. Book direct for best rates.

Waikīkī

The "Pink Palace of the Pacific" — a 1927 landmark on the best strip of Waikiki Beach. Historic wing rooms have more character than the tower. Mai Tai Bar is the best seat in Waikiki at sunset.

Ko Olina

The only true luxury resort on Oahu's calm west side. Four protected man-made lagoons ideal for families and snorkeling. 35 minutes from Waikiki but a world apart.

Waikīkī

One-bedroom condo suites with a kitchen and an ocean-view lanai, two blocks from the beach at the quiet Diamond Head end of Waikīkī. Her default Oʻahu stay for families.

Waikīkī

Condo tower at the Ala Moana end of Waikīkī with two-bedroom units and full kitchens; the marina side is quieter. Good for a family of five.

Waikīkī

Modern four-star above the International Market Place, a short walk to the beach. Ocean-view rooms; no beachfront, better value than the beachfront names.

Waikīkī

Twin towers across the road from Waikīkī Beach; ask for the Waikīkī-view rooms. Resort fee and parking are charged at check-out.

Waikīkī

Small beachfront hotel on Sans Souci beach below Diamond Head, away from the Waikīkī crowds. Diamond Head-view rooms are the ones to book.

Waikīkī

Big beachfront resort in the centre of Waikīkī with the infinity pool; family rooms with a third bed. Resort fee and parking at check-out.

Waikīkī

Boutique retro hotel two blocks inland; the one-room bungalows are the pick. Loud pool scene by day, quiet rooms.

North Shore

The only full resort on the North Shore — 5 miles of coastline, two Arnold Palmer golf courses. Magical in winter when big wave season hits. Book the Ocean View rooms. 45 min from Waikiki; rent a car.