The Best Hotels in O'ahu

This bustling hotel is in the middle of Waikiki's main street, Kalakaua Avenue, just across the street from the beach. You're within walking distance to Diamond Head Crater, Honolulu Zoo, and Waikiki Aquarium with more than two dozen shopping and dining options right on property within the Pualeilani Atrium Shops. The resort fee includes new weekly cultural classes ranging from ‘Ohe Kāpala (bamboo printing) and Ulana Lau Hala (pandanus leaf weaving) to hula-cise, an exercise class inspired by hula movements.

Nā Ho‘ōla Spa is a highlight, with unique treatments utilizing homegrown Hawaiian ingredients and some of the best therapists in Waikiki. Plus, the spacious co-ed relaxation lounge has incredible views overlooking Waikiki Beach from comfortable body-contoured loungers.

• Nā Ho‘ōla Spa
• Unique cultural programming
• Laundry machines
• Hertz car rental on-site

This new hotel opened in October 2019 as a sister property to grande dame Halekulani across the street. Guests here tend to skew younger, and it's a smart pick for girls' getaways with a very international crowd and world-class shopping at your doorstep. The first seven floors are reserved for parking and rooms begin on the ninth floor.

The gym is small but well-equipped with the latest Technogym gear and a virtual trainer. Also on the eighth floor, there's an urban escape outdoor oasis with a synthetic grass garden that's perfect for yoga sessions or sipping wine at sunset. The sun deck has private cabanas and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. There's no spa on the property, but the hotel is a short walk from Remedy Spa Hawaii, an excellent independent day spa with advanced face and body treatments.

• Heated Toto toilets in every room
• Laundry room
  
• Yoga mats upon request

There's nowhere on O'ahu with better service or more well-appointed rooms than this Four Seasons property. Employees here are earnest and enthusiastic, going above and beyond to make every guest's experience top-notch. Weekly cultural programming might include musical performances, art classes, and outdoor wellness experiences like yoga and sound healing. There is even an artist-in-residence program showcasing local O'ahu artists.

You could easily spend all day relaxing in the new cabanas by the adults-only pool while sipping cocktails from Dr. Mai Tai's swim-up bar. But there are many nearby adventures to be had too, whether you prefer a spiritual hike with local hula teacher La`akea Perry to Ka‘ena Point, a visit to Kō Hana Distillers, or an excursion with up to 10 guests on Four Seasons' own outrigger canoe for snorkeling and whale and dolphin watching. Guests should be sure to explore the nearby calm lagoon that's ideal for stand-up paddleboarding.

• Complimentary kids' club
  
• Complimentary house car takes guests anywhere in Ko Olina

Right next door to the Four Seasons, Aulani is the world's only standalone Disney resort that isn't connected to a theme park. Throughout the property, guests will notice a celebration of Hawaiian culture, from kapa print fabric on the lobby ceiling to opportunities to learn about traditional Hawaiian languages. Book a Disney Vacation Club villa for access to a full kitchen, and washer and dryer (which aren't available in standard hotel rooms).

Between three separate pools, waterslides, a lazy river, and Menehune Bridge aquatic playground, kids could easily spend all day splashing around. Although there is no adults-only pool, the adults-only split-level infinity hot tub is a beautiful place to catch the sunset. Guests should also be sure to enjoy private snorkeling in the saltwater lagoon area. When it's time for a snack, families will find that poolside food shacks (where you can order Mickey Mouse shaved ice) are modeled after the surf towns on O'ahu's North Shore.

There's plenty of Aulani-exclusive Disney merchandise to purchase and if you care to venture off property, local shopping mall Ka Makana Ali'i offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the resort every afternoon.

• Disney character breakfasts
  
• Car rental on-site

This centrally located boutique hotel is just a short walk from Waikiki Beach and world-class dining and open-air shopping at Royal Hawaiian Center and International Market Place. The hotel has plenty of outdoor communal spaces for smaller groups to gather and for solo travelers to meet new friends. 

Rooms are brightly decorated and kitchenettes include a wet bar with plates, silverware, tea kettle, and microwave, making it easy to heat up leftovers. Service is friendly and the staff has some insightful local recommendations.

• Heated outdoor swimming pool with sundeck and BBQ grill
• Giant outdoor games include Jenga

This retro-inspired hotel celebrates Hawaiian surf culture with chill vibes and a young (or young-at-heart) crowd mingling around the property's iconic “Wish You Were Here” pool (the words are written in the bottom of the pool). Guestrooms feature vintage-inspired headboard upholstery by Hawaiian fashion designer Tori Richard, local art prints, and mid-century modern coffee tables. Guests can see what locals are up to during the weekly market highlighting local artisans.

They take pet-friendly to the next level here, with complimentary dog walking, doggie daycare, and doggie paddle-boarding, swimming, and surf lessons in partnership with SUPDog Hawaii.

There's a tastefully curated gift shop and coffee bar and elevated Hawaiian home cooking at Mahina & Sun’s, where the happy hour menu, including kalua pork tacos, taro burgers, and lilikoi cocktails, is served from noon until 5:30 pm daily.

• Complimentary AquaZumba classes