Travelers often forget about the importance of hotels. Sure, you want to see the culture, history, and nature of a place, but you also need to sleep somewhere. Hotels are an important part of travel. They help us rest and recharge after a long day. Some really great hotels are scattered throughout the world.
Oahu is the most visited of all the Hawaiian Islands. It lives up to its billing as a high-end, world-class tourist destination with hotels and resorts that are among the best in the world. Oahu also has exceptional budget accommodations, fulfilling the “something for everyone” stereotype that tourism thrives on.
Oahu is full of exciting things to do, including some of the best restaurants going. These are the best hotels in Oahu.
1. Prince Waikiki
Prince Waikiki is a high-class gem by the water that doesn’t cost like one. This hotel offers complimentary parking and shuttles, free Wi-Fi, and free local calls.
The hotel includes a rooftop infinity pool with stunning views of the ocean. The hotel’s contemporary decor is accented by hand-painted Nai’o flowers on guestroom walls, and local art is present throughout the property.
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2. The Royal Hawaiian
This is where Joan Didion stayed when she and her husband decided to give their marriage another chance after a big fight. Though they were going to divorce, they decided to stay in Hawaii instead at the pink palace, which is colloquially known as the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The soothing pink façade, Spanish-Moorish arches, and cerulean blue waters gently washed away their cares.
The historic wing of the hotel has a few flourishes that are reminiscent of the hotel’s opulent heyday. These flourishes include antique-style chairs and curtains, a fireplace, and marble statues.
3. Turtle Bay Resort
Turtle Bay is a gorgeous hotel that offers a beachside location on the North Shore and spacious rooms. What’s more, it’s one of the only hotels at this price range ($300 or less) that has a beautiful ocean view. This means it’s perfect for launching your vacation in Hawaii.
4. The Laylow
The new Oahu hotel is a contemporary oasis. It is located in the middle of Waikiki and offers a posh hideout restaurant with fire pits, where guests can view the streets below. The chic hotel rooms offer a modern minimalism, offset with cheery wallpaper.
5. Vive Hotel Waikiki
When you stay here, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy the beach. For example, they have multiple outlets for all your electronics so you can charge everything at once, and tablets where you can check out the weather and surf conditions. The beds are cozy, and there’s even free boogie boards and beach gear in every room.
After eating a healthy breakfast that’s included with your stay, take a short walk to the Duke Kahanamoku Statue on Waikiki Beach. Here you can swim, splash, surf, and sunbathe. Then head back to the hotel for coffee and tea that you can enjoy all day long.
6. Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
The Waikiki Outrigger Beach Resort is a marvelous location for vacationers who want to enjoy the beach. It offers a huge pool that overlooks the ocean and immediate access to Waikiki Beach. The only tough decision is whether to go swimming or surfing.
Luxury resort amenities, including a jacuzzi suite and spacious balcony, are available here. Top off your stay with an amazing dining experience at Duke’s Waikiki, an onsite restaurant that pays tribute to local surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku.
7. ‘Alohilani Hotel
The Alohilani is a chic and contemporary hotel with a white-beach aesthetic. The rooms have been renovated to create a fresh, white beach aesthetic with pops of color and wood accents.
The hotel’s infinity pool on the top floor overlooks the ocean. It seems to stretch out into the water. You can even order drinks at the adjacent bar while you enjoy the view. The Oceanarium is next to Swell Bar, where you can sit and relax after a day of sunbathing. It contains over 1,000 animals from the sea.
8. Hotel Renew
Hotel Renew is a small, tranquil hotel in downtown Waikiki that offers a Zen-like experience. It has an ‘aroma concierge’ who will customize your room with your favorite scents. The rooms are small, but it has a buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
But with tons of restaurants and the beach a block away, it’s perfect for those who don’t need a lot. But if you need to bring your pet dog along, they have dog-friendly rooms.
9. Lotus Honolulu
Lotus Honolulu offers a quiet hideaway with a stunning view of Diamond Head. Open up your windows and feel the cooling trade winds on your face, like you’re in a tropical paradise. This is the only hotel on Waikiki Beach where you can leave your windows open and hear the sound of nature, not city noise.
10. Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
The Surfjack was once a boring hotel in Waikiki. Now it’s one of Honolulu’s hippest places to hang out. It has an awesome mid-century modern-meets-aloha vibe, with many local artists behind the design. The shaka wallpaper print is now Instagram-iconic, and the ‘Wish You Were Here’ tiling in the pool has gone viral.
A major draw of the hotel is its restaurant, Mahina and Sun, which serves island-inspired cuisine. The hotel also hosts events that range from art exhibitions to talks on the poke bowl trend.
11. The Kahala Hotel & Resort
The Kahala is a ten-minute car ride away from Waikiki, but it feels like it’s on a different island. On the other side of Diamond Head, it’s secluded and private. For this reason, many celebrities have stayed here: Elizabeth Taylor, Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Right in front is an empty beach that feels like it’s private.