Hawai’i is home to more than 137 individual islands. However, only six of the islands—Hawaii, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, Maui, and Oahu—have permanent human populations. Oahu is one of the four big islands of Hawaii’s archipelago. It is also called the Gathering Place because everyone can find something for themselves there. You can get lost in the lush green gardens, enjoy the heavenly beaches across the island, experience the colorful nightlife of the region, or sit back and just relax. Hawaii’s capital and one of its most famous cities, Honolulu, is also on Oahu Island. The best thing about Oahu is that it has beautiful weather all year. It has the best weather conditions amongst all the other islands for many visitors. If you want to visit the island during the off-season, April and May or September and October are great times to visit. If you want to visit the island during the high season, you can book your vacation from late May to early September. Finding unique places to stay in Oahu during the high season can be challenging. Thus, you should book your reservation in advance.
Places to Visit in Oahu
The island hosts a wide variety of attractions. From dazzling, pristine beaches or volcanoes to vibrant nightclubs, you can find something to suit you. On Oahu, there are five major regions. The island’s regions are the North Shore, East Oahu, Central, Waikiki and Honolulu, and Leeward Waianae.
Best Hotels to Stay in Oahu 🏨
Oahu is one of the most visited islands in Hawaii. Thus, you can find many hotels on this island. Some of the most luxurious hotels on the island are located in the Waikiki and Honolulu parts of Oahu. Here are the best hotels to stay at on Oahu.
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach 🔗
As you can imagine, one of the most luxurious hotels on the island is located in Honolulu. Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is a hotel that goes beyond your dreams. In the lobby of the hotel, there is a two-story-high oceanarium. Inside this oceanarium, there are many reef fish collected from Hawaii’s stunning seas. You will not believe your eyes when you see the oceanarium. Moreover, all the features of the hotel are not limited to this. The hotel rooms overlook the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head. In addition to the breathtaking view, the rooms are pretty spacious. There is a salty infinity pool on the hotel’s terrace overlooking Waikiki Beach and a hot tub beside it. You can try the most extraordinary flavors of Asian cuisine at Morimoto Asia, located within the hotel. Although the hotel has a private beach, if you want to try a different beach, Saint Augustine by the Sea or Kuhio Beach is very close. Shortly Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is the best place to stay in Oahu.
The Modern Honolulu 🔗
The Modern Honolulu is another excellent hotel to stay at in Honolulu, in a great location right next to Waikiki Beach. You know you are in for a great holiday as soon as you enter the hotel. There are three excellent restaurants and a bar within the hotel, and The GROVE restaurant is a favorite dining destination for many visitors with its delicious samples of Pacific culture. The hotel’s oceanfront rooms have stunning views. Due to its convenient location, the hotel also has a private beach for visitors. If you prefer the pool to the beach, the hotel has two beautiful pools, one on the terrace. The hotel is also very close to the city center. You can explore the city from The Modern Honolulu and reach many places on foot within minutes.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei 🔗
The Embassy Suites by Hilton in Kapolei is one of the great hotels for visitors who prefer to stay in different parts of the island. The hotel offers a complete holiday experience in Kapolei, in Central Oahu. The hotel is located in the center of Kapolei. It is straightforward to get to many places. The Coral Crater Adventure Park is just a short walk away. Kapolei Regional Park, Kapolei Community Park, and Kahiwelo Neighbourhood Park are all close to the hotel and offer great outdoor activities. Sights such as Pearl Harbor and the Pacific National Monument are within a half-hour’s drive. If you are looking for a place to escape the crowds and stay in a quiet and peaceful environment with easy access to the places you want to go, choose Embassy Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei. It is an excellent alternative to where to stay in Oahu, Hawaii.
Best Places to Visit in Oahu for Couples, North Shore
The northern side of the island has a massive coastal area. You should visit the North Shore on Oahu if you want to try watersports like surfing, windsurfing, snorkeling, or diving. The island’s beach paradise is also located here. Over 50 beaches stretch for 17 kilometers. There are many places to visit on the north shore of the island. These include Malaekahana Beach, Waimea Bay Beach Park, and Sunset Beach. Sunset Beach is amongst the most prolonged surfing spots in the world. If you want to visit places other than the beach, Laie Falls and Waimea Valley are some places to see. Hotel options on the North Shore are more limited than in the island’s center.
Best Hotels to Stay in Oahu for Couples 🏩
The North Shore is a popular place to visit, but many people consider staying in the island’s central region. For this reason, finding a hotel in this part of the island cannot be easy. However, this does not mean that there are no places to stay. There are several places to stay in the region. If you are considering staying in this part of the island, book the hotel you want before you come. Finding accommodations on the North Shore may take a lot of work. If you want a fabulous romantic holiday, you do not want to have a problem with accommodation.
Turtle Bay Resort 🔗
Turtle Bay Resort is the best place to stay on Oahu’s North Shore. With its vast grounds, the hotel has everything you could possibly want. You can stay in one of the hotel rooms with stunning ocean views or in one of the bungalows for a more secluded holiday experience. The hotel’s garden has a playground and workshop area where kids will have a great time. Those who are feeling adventurous can explore the resort on foot or bike along the resort’s roughly 20 kilometers of trails. In a stunningly verdant setting, you can have a life-changing encounter. As you can imagine, the hotel has a restaurant where you can taste local delicacies and exciting flavors from international cuisine. Most of the food you eat at Alaia is locally produced. Turtle Bay Resort is a great place where to stay in Oahu.
Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay 🔗
Turtle Bay is the most popular spot on the North Shore, with many great hotels. If you’re searching for a high-end vacation rental that still offers some privacy, consider the Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay. This can be an excellent option for couples and families with children. You can choose a villa at Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay to enjoy Hawaii as a family and have a great time. You can either enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool, surrounded by palm trees, or choose one of the beautiful beaches in the area. Each villa also features a private hot tub, which can be used for additional relaxation or fun. The Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay also have an excellent restaurant where you can try authentic Hawaiian flavors. Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay is one of the best Oahu hotels on the beach.
Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore 🔗
The Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore is one of Oahu’s most glamorous hotels. The Courtyard by Marriott is the ideal place to experience Polynesian culture and enjoy the North Shore. You can visit the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn about the region’s indigenous people and take an unforgettable hike at Laie Point State Wayside Park with its stunning scenery. The hotel has a large fitness center. The fitness center’s spa provides excellent massage services. The hotel has a beautiful pool and a private beach. You can sip your exotic cocktail while lounging by the pool. The Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore is a great hotel where to stay in Honolulu to spend a wonderful summer holiday and enjoy the ocean.
Places to Visit in Oahu with Kids
Central Oahu is literally the heart of the island. It is also home to large pineapple plantations. Central Oahu is a great place to visit. One of the most significant places in US history, Pearl Harbor, is in Central Oahu. You can see some of the WWII battleships. The USS Missouri Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, and Pacific Aviation Museum are the most visited places in the region. Pearl City, Mililani, and Wahiawa are the other places to visit in Central Oahu. Dole Pineapple Plantation in Wahiawa is a great place to visit. You can have a great adventure in the Dole Pineapple Garden Maze. It is the most extensive pineapple garden maze in the world. Central Oahu is the best area to stay in Oahu if you are visiting the island with kids.
Places to Stay in Oahu with Kids 👨👩👧👧
When you go on vacation with kids, their priorities are often yours. Some important things to look for are rooms that are well-lit and have enough space, playgrounds for kids, workshops, closeness to the city center, and proximity to important places like museums so you can learn about the area you are visiting. Here are the best hotels in Oahu to stay in with kids.
See also; Where To Stay in Hawaii?
Ala Moana Hotel 🔗
You can choose the Ala Moana Hotel to spend a wonderful holiday in Hawaii with your children. The hotel offers an unforgettable holiday experience with both city and ocean-view rooms. Enjoy the hotel’s pool on the terrace, or take a short walk to the beach. Ala Moana Beach Park is just a short walk away. The hotel’s location in the city’s heart makes it easy to explore the surrounding area. The Ala Moana Hotel has two restaurants where you can enjoy great food. You can be sure the children will have a great time while you enjoy your holiday. The children’s playground at the hotel will be a blast for the little ones.
Trump International Hotel Waikiki 🔗
The Trump International Waikiki is one of the best hotels to stay in if you want a dream holiday in the center of a beautiful island. You’ll want to spend a lot of time in the hotel’s spa. After receiving a massage here using native Hawaiian oils and techniques, you will feel refreshed and revitalized. The Trump International Hotel Waikiki is centrally located, just a couple minutes from the Waikiki Aquarium and Ala Wai Golf Course. Thanks to its unique playgrounds for kids, it is also considered one of the best places to stay in Oahu for families.
Best Western The Plaza Hotel 🔗
The Best Western Plaza Hotel is one of Oahu’s best budget-friendly family hotels. The hotel has spacious rooms that provide great comfort for families with children. Although the Best Western Plaza Hotel is budget-friendly, it will impress you with its facilities. Kids can have fun at the hotel’s pool. There is also a restaurant at the Best Western Plaza Hotel where you can enjoy outstanding Hawaiian cuisine. Many places are within walking distance if you want to get out and explore the area. The Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial is just a few kilometers from the hotel.
Best Places in Oahu for Backpackers
The island’s eastern side is a great place for adventurers and backpackers. There are many untouched beaches, lush green valleys, and steep hiking sites; you can even visit a volcanic crater here. It is possible to find many campers and backpackers in the small town of Kane’ohe. The island’s eastern side may sound like a remote and secluded place. It is about a half-hour drive from Waikiki and Honolulu. Thus, regional ease of access is ensured.
Best Hotels in Oahu for Backpackers 🎒
Many hotels in Oahu will suit you if you want to discover the cultural texture and natural wonders of the places you go. Away from the city, noise, and crowds, you can choose hotels surrounded by green nature. There are also plenty of hotels in the city center that are easy to get to. But you also have an excellent alternative for your stay. Staying in Waikiki and Honolulu and traveling to the island’s east coast can be convenient and comfortable. Since about 90% of the hotels on the island are in this area, your choice is very important. Here are the best hotels in Oahu for backpackers.
Kaimana Beach Hotel 🔗
Kaimana Beach Hotel has excellent features for nature lovers. The rooms have a stunning ocean view, and the hotel is near the Diamond Head State Monument. You can visit this lush green park and hike to the summit of Diamon Head Crater. This picturesque path is easy to get lost in. If you want to pamper yourself and enjoy the sea, the hotel has a private beach for visitors. Kaimana Beach Hotel is one of the great places to stay in Honolulu for backpackers.
Paradise Bay Resort 🔗
At first glance, Paradise Bay Resorts looks like an expensive place with a lot of amenities. But this hotel is an excellent option for backpackers. Located in Kaneohe Bay, the hotel is surrounded by nature. If you want to explore the area, the Koolau Mountain Range is right next door. Paradise Bay Resort offers free daily yoga and meditation classes in the oceanfront garden. If you want to see marine life, Kaneohe Bay is home to Hawaii’s largest barrier reef. You can snorkel through this natural beauty. As well as scuba diving, you can also try other water sports, such as kayaking and surfing. If you want to relax and enjoy your holiday in a quiet place away from the city, Paradise Bay Resort is a truly heavenly place.
Ewa Hotel Waikiki 🔗
If you are looking for a place to stay in the city center with easy access to everything, the Ewa Hotel Waikiki may be just what you are looking for. The Ewa Hotel Waikiki is a cheap hotel that many people choose when they come to the island. Although the hotel is located in the center of town, you can enjoy a sunbath on the terrace on the eighth floor. Ewa Hotel Waikiki is a short walk from Waikiki Beach. Diamond Head State Monument, Kapiolani Park, and Ala Moana State Recreational Area are nearby. While enjoying a great holiday experience at the Ewa Hotel Waikiki, you can also easily explore the area. All in all, this is one of the best places to stay in Honolulu for backpackers.
See also; Where to Stay in Kauai?