Oahu’s Famous Waikiki Beach
On Oahu there are only four major hotel resort areas:
- Waikiki Beach – dozens of hotels ranging from basic economy to luxurious
- Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore – ocean front 4-star resort built on a peninsula and flanked by two beaches.
- Ko Olina in the southwest Oahu - resort community with a mix of condos and hotels. The JW Marriott Ihilani is popular here and a new Disney resort, Aulani has recently opened.
- Kahala Resort on southeast Oahu – oceanfront luxury resort
By far the most popular area to stay on Oahu is Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. You’ll also find some of the least expensive Hawaii lodging at Waikiki Beach. This area hosts Hawaii’s most famous beach, fine hotels to match any budget, excellent shopping, gourmet and casual dining, and most any water sport your heart desires.
Since Waikiki offers a huge selection of hotels to suit any budget, let’s look at it a bit closer. As you might expect, ocean front resorts tend to be more expensive while hotels a couple of blocks away from the beach are much more budget-friendly.
There are only eight Waikiki hotels in the heart of Waikiki that are on the beach. They are:
- Hilton Hawaiian Village
- Hale Koa (Military only)
- Outrigger Reef on the Beach
- Halekulani
- Sheraton Waikiki
- Royal Hawaiian
- Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach
- Moana Surfrider (Westin)
- I should also mention that New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel is oceanfront, though please note that this hotel is beach front, but not in the heart of Waikiki’s shops and restaurants. It’s close to Diamond Head.
Other hotels on Waikiki beach that have rooms with very good ocean views, but are directly across from the beach on Kalakaua Avenue are:
- Hyatt Waikiki
- Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort
- Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel
If you are looking for the place to go to in Hawaii that offers a bit of nightlife, then staying Waikiki Beach is your best bet. The other resorts at Ko Olina, Turtle Bay and Kahala tend to be quite a bit more relaxing.
Want to stay where there’s a great pool in Waikiki? See our list of the Waikiki hotels with the best pools.
>> Go back to the main page of the Oahu Vacation Guide
