Where to Stay in Honolulu: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Honolulu? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Honolulu very well, I have created this guide of:

• Honolulu’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Honolulu

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Honolulu, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

• Where to stay in Honolulu for the first time: Waikiki Malia, located in the heart of Waikiki, just steps from the beach.
• Best 5-star hotel in Honolulu: Halekulani, an iconic luxury hotel in Waikiki
• Where to stay in Honolulu on a budget: Waikiki Beachside Hostel
• Where to stay in Honolulu with family: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
• My favorite hotel in Honolulu for a romantic stay: Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani

In Waikiki

Waikiki is the most famous neighborhood in Honolulu, and for good reason. It’s the heart of tourism in Hawaii.

With its world-renowned beach, turquoise waters, and backdrop of the Diamond Head crater, Waikiki is a paradise for visitors.

It’s the best area if you’re visiting Honolulu for the first time.

You should stay in this district if you want:

• To enjoy easy access to the most famous beach in Hawaii for swimming, sunbathing, and learning to surf.
• To have a huge variety of restaurants, bars, and shops right on your doorstep.
• For a lively vacation filled with activities from morning to night.

This is the perfect area to see:

• Waikiki Beach, the iconic stretch of white sand perfect for all kinds of water sports.
• Diamond Head (Le’ahi), the volcanic crater offering breathtaking panoramic views of the coast after a rewarding hike.
• Kalakaua Avenue, the main street lined with world-class shops, restaurants, and hotels.
• The Duke Kahanamoku Statue, a tribute to the legendary Hawaiian surfer and Olympic champion.
• Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium, great attractions for families located at the edge of Kapiolani Park.
• Royal Hawaiian Center, a premier shopping and dining destination.
• Free hula shows often held at Kuhio Beach Park, offering a taste of authentic Hawaiian culture.

Where to Stay in Waikiki?

• Waikiki Malia: A few minutes’ walk from Waikiki Beach. Renovated, comfortable rooms starting at 170$. Strong points: great location, outdoor pool and hot tub, very friendly staff. A fantastic choice for its value and location in Waikiki.
• VIVE Hotel Waikiki: Just a few blocks from the beach. Stylish, modern rooms start at 190$, breakfast included. Strong points: excellent location, very friendly staff, beach gear provided for free.
• Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach: Across the street from the beach. Modern and chic rooms from 320$. Strong points: a saltwater infinity pool, and multiple restaurants by Iron Chef Morimoto.
• OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort: Located directly on the beach. Beautifully renovated rooms with ocean views from 350$, breakfast available. Strong points: incredible beachfront location, lively pool area, live Hawaiian music. My top pick for a classic beach resort experience!
• Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani: A tranquil, luxury boutique hotel just steps from the beach, from 420$. Strong points: serene infinity pool and hot tub, exceptional service, and complimentary access to some of Honolulu’s best art museums. A great choice for a peaceful and romantic stay.
• Halekulani: This legendary 5-star hotel offers unparalleled luxury on Waikiki Beach. Spacious rooms start from 600$, breakfast included. Strong points: exceptional service, award-winning restaurants, a beautiful heated pool with ocean views, and a tranquil spa. This is simply the best luxury hotel in Honolulu!

In Downtown Honolulu

Downtown Honolulu, a short distance from Waikiki, is the historic and cultural heart of Hawaii.

This district is where you’ll find Hawaii’s most important historical landmarks mixed with modern skyscrapers and a bustling business district.

Staying in Downtown Honolulu offers a more authentic experience of the city.

You should really stay in Downtown Honolulu if you want:

• To immerse yourself in Hawaiian history and culture.
• To explore arts scene, especially in the adjacent Chinatown.
• To enjoy some of the city’s best and most innovative restaurants and bars, away from the Waikiki crowds.
• To experience the city like a local.

This district is perfect for discovering:

• Iolani Palace, the only official royal palace in the United States and former home of the Hawaiian monarchy.
• The King Kamehameha I Statue, a famous landmark honoring the first king of Hawaii.
• Aloha Tower, a historic lighthouse with an observation deck offering great views of the harbor.
• Chinatown, one of the oldest in the US
• Kawaiaha’o Church, the “Westminster Abbey of the Pacific,” made from coral blocks.
• Hawaii State Art Museum, showcasing the work of local artists.

Here are my favorite hotels in Downtown Honolulu district

• Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel: Located in the heart of the business district. Suites with kitchenettes from 180$. Strong points: rooftop swimming pool, great city views, ideal those wanting a central, non-tourist location.
• AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu: A stylish and modern hotel near the waterfront. Sleek double rooms from 250$, breakfast available. Strong points: beautiful infinity pool, walking distance to key downtown sites.
• Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa: A new 5-star hotel offering luxury and comfort. Elegant, spacious rooms from 400$, with breakfast options. Strong points: stunning outdoor pool deck with a jacuzzi, full-service spa, excellent fitness center, and sophisticated design. The best luxury choice for a stay in the downtown area.

In Ala Moana

Ala Moana is a district perfectly positioned between Waikiki and Downtown.

You can stay in Ala Moana:

• If you are a serious shopper
• For a family-friendly vacation, thanks to the calm, protected beach that is perfect for children.
• To enjoy a slightly more local vibe while still being very close to Waikiki’s main attractions.

Best things to see and do around Ala Moana:

• Ala Moana Center, a massive shopping paradise with over 350 stores and restaurants. It’s the world’s largest open-air shopping mall!
• Ala Moana Beach Park, a 100-acre park with a beautiful sandy beach, calm swimming areas, and picnic spots.
• Magic Island, a man-made peninsula at the end of the park offering fantastic views of Diamond Head and the Waikiki skyline.
• Hawaii Convention Center, the state’s premier events venue with its distinctive glass architecture.
• Kaka’ako Neighborhood, adjacent to Ala Moana, known for its trendy street art, breweries, and restaurants.

The Best Hotels to Stay in Ala Moana

• Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra: Connected directly to the shopping center. Comfortable double rooms from 200$. Strong points: incredibly convenient for shopping, nice swimming pool, great views from higher floors.
• Prince Waikiki: A luxury hotel overlooking the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. Modern, ocean-view rooms from 320$, breakfast included. Strong points: every room has an ocean view, stunning infinity pool, free shuttle to Waikiki and Ala Moana Center. A superb hotel for its amazing views and service.
• The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach: While technically on the edge of Waikiki, it offers great access to Ala Moana. This 5-star hotel offers luxurious residential-style suites with kitchens from 550$. Strong points: two of the highest infinity pools in Hawai, exceptional service, and world-class dining.

Where to Stay in Honolulu on a Budget

If you’re traveling on a budget, here are a few great hotels for a stay in Honolulu without spending too much:

• Waikiki Beachside Hostel: Located just one block from Waikiki Beach. Dorm beds and private rooms from around 100$. Strong points: unbeatable location for the price, friendly social atmosphere, free breakfast. This is a top choice if you want to stay in Honolulu for cheap.
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki: A 10-minute walk from Waikiki Beach and the Ala Moana Center. Comfortable double rooms from 155$. Strong points: great location for both beach and shopping, outdoor pool.
• The Equus: A boutique hotel at the entrance to Waikiki, near Ala Moana. Charming, comfortable rooms from 160$. Strong points: lovely small swimming pool, no resort fees, friendly staff.

Where to Stay in Honolulu with Family

• The Twin Fin: Located directly across from Waikiki Beach, next to the Honolulu Zoo. Rooms with two double beds perfect for families start at 240$. Strong points: outdoor pool, on-site restaurant with kids’ meals, and many rooms offer connecting options. A fantastic choice for families!
• Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort: A massive resort right on the widest stretch of Waikiki Beach. Offers a huge range of rooms and family suites from 300$. Strong points: five pools including the Paradise Pool with waterslides, a private lagoon for swimming and paddleboarding, kids’ programs, and nightly entertainment. This is the ultimate family-friendly resort in Honolulu.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk: Located in the lively Beach Walk area. All-suite hotel with separate living rooms and bedrooms, perfect for families, from 350$. Strong points: complimentary full breakfast and evening poolside reception, spacious suites, great pool area.
• Aston Waikiki Beach Tower: Directly across from the beach. Large one and two-bedroom apartment-style suites with full kitchens from 500$. Strong points: tons of space for families, in-suite washer/dryer, heated swimming pool and jet spa.

What is the best hotel in Honolulu?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Honolulu, I recommend you the Halekulani.

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you should book a night or more at Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani or the OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

Where to stay in Honolulu: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Honolulu, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

Hotel	District	Price (from)
Waikiki Malia	Waikiki	170€
VIVE Hotel Waikiki	Waikiki	190€
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach	Waikiki	320€
OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort	Waikiki	350€
Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani	Waikiki	420€
Halekulani	Waikiki	600€
Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel	Downtown Honolulu	180€
AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu	Downtown Honolulu	250€
Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa	Downtown Honolulu	400€
Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra	Ala Moana	200€
Prince Waikiki	Ala Moana	320€
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach	Ala Moana	550€
Waikiki Beachside Hostel	Cheap Hotels	100€
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki	Cheap Hotels	155€
The Equus	Cheap Hotels	160€
The Twin Fin	Hotel for families	240€
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort	Hotel for families	300€
Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk	Hotel for families	350€
Aston Waikiki Beach Tower	Hotel for families	500€