Where to Stay in Honolulu
Leis, waves, and caves – Hawaii is one of most naturally beautiful stages on Earth, and Honolulu always finds itself in the leading role for all that’s wonderful and active about America’s 50th state.
Whether you’re interested in the great outdoors, the phenomenal beaches, or Hawaii’s exploding restaurant and shopping scene, there’s plenty for everyone in the capital.
Keep reading for our favorite places to stay in Honolulu, Hawaii!!
Best Hotels in Honolulu
To summarize, here’s a handy chart of our recommended Honolulu hotels. All include free wifi and are known for comfort, great locations and great customer service.
Best Honolulu, Hawaii Hotels – Summary Comparison Chart
| Name | Location | Best For | Price |
| The Kahala Hotel & Resort | Beachfront | Luxury | Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com |
| Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach | Waikiki Beach | Families | Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com |
| The Modern Honolulu | Ala Wai Harbor | Families | Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com |
| Lotus Honolulu | Diamond Head | All | Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com |
| Vive Hotel Waikiki | Waikiki Beach | All | Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com |
Below is more information about each hotel and why we recommend it!
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Located just ten minutes away from the entertainment of Waikiki, the 53-year-old Kahala Hotel & Resort is one of Honolulu’s most famous, boasting royalty, Hollywood stars, and heads of state as its former guests.
With eight varieties of beachfront and oceanfront lanais, the Kahala Hotel offers potential guests a diverse range of options to curate the perfect Hawaii vacation!
What makes this one of the best hotels in Honolulu?
Whether it’s their private dolphin lagoon, Holokino guided sailing tours, or pristine white sand beaches, there is something for everyone at this 5 star luxury resort.
And when every 4th night of your stay is free, you and yours have that much more time to enjoy all that’s luxurious about this Honolulu hotel on the beach!
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
Located directly on Waikiki, the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort has all the amenities and convenience anyone could ask for in a Honolulu hotel.
From dining on freshly caught fish in the shadow of Diamond Head to grilling your own fruits of the sea at the Outrigger’s beachfront “grill-your-own” deck, nothing’s finer than a stay at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki!
Why is this luxury hotel one of Honolulu’s best?
Besides having incredible amenities throughout its grounds, the Outrigger Reef Resort is unrivaled in its convenience to all that’s great about Waikiki.
Many top Honolulu attractions including the Kalakaua Fashion Mile, the Waikiki Aquarium (a Honolulu favorite!) and the Honolulu Zoo are all within walking distance for Outrigger Reef guests! Consider this the top choice among Waikiki hotels.
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
The Modern Honolulu
As the only full-service lifestyle hotel in Honolulu, it’s easy to city why guests keep coming back for more at the Modern Honolulu, located right on Waikiki Beach.
With 353 rooms, suites, and penthouses featuring a variety of ocean, city, pool, and yacht harbor views (many of which include my personal favorite – private terraces and balconies!), The Modern Honolulu is the perfect place for a perfectly escapist Hawaii vacation.
Why stay here?
As great as the rooms are, The Modern is even better for the exciting range of activities it offers its guests throughout Honolulu.
Guests at the Modern will enjoy everything from two pools (one featuring each of the Waikiki sunrise and sunset), guided culinary tours through the natural flora and fauna of Oahu, and extreme sports activities including helicopter tours, and even shark diving!
Plus this Honolulu hotel is right on the beach!
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head
The Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head has long had a treasured reputation as one of Honolulu’s best boutique hotels, and it’s easy to see why.
Nestled between Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach, the Lotus Honolulu provides its guests a great opportunity to be near the natural awe of Diamond Head but also not too far from the shopping and entertainment of Waikiki Beach.
What makes this one of the best Honolulu hotels?
When it comes to blending the perfect amount of activity and relaxation the Lotus Honolulu seems to hit it on the (Diamond) head.
Whether it’s offering complimentary evening wine receptions, hosting beachfront yoga classes, or making accessible beach cruises bikes, the Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head always seems to go the extra mile for its guests!
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
Vive Hotel Waikiki
Though it may be one of Honolulu’s newest boutique hotels, the Vive Hotel Waikiki has quickly earned a deserved reputation was one of Honolulu’s hottest hotels!
The Vive is perfect for those wanting to spend their entire week just steps from the famed Waikiki Beach! This is our choice for cheap hotels in Honolulu that are near the beach.
Why is this one of the best Honolulu hotels on the beach?
In addition to offering great promotions for its minimalist yet stylish boutique, the Vive does a great job offering packages for its guests to explore greater Honolulu.
Whether it’s the famed Holokai snorkeling cruises, sunrise bicycle rides along Waikiki beach, or simply relaxing poolside, the Vive Hotel Waikiki has something to tickle everyone’s adventurous spirit!
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
And that’s it! Our guide to Honolulu’s best hotels to make the most of your stay.
Whether you’re looking for a family friendly hotel that won’t break the bank or a 5 star luxury Honolulu hotel on the beach, these top hotels in Hawaii are sure to please.
Hawaii Vacation Checklist
- Check for last minute Honolulu accommodation deals here
- Get travel insurance for your trip – get an immediate online quote here
- Find current flight deals to Hawaii here
- Visiting Hawaii? Don’t miss gorgeous Kauai
