Hotels Honolulu: Best Places to Stay in Waikiki & Near Honolulu Country Club, Plus Tips for Deals & Areas

The Best Waikiki Hotels for Your Hawaii Vacation

Aloha!

Your dream of visiting Hawaii is about to become a reality, and you’ve wisely chosen world-famous Waikiki Beach to begin your Hawaiian fantasy. Waikiki is a Honolulu neighborhood where more than 30,000 hotel rooms tower above white sand beaches, thousands of palm trees, and the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean beckon you to play.

While there are hotels scattered around the island, Waikiki is definitely the energetic heart of Oahu, commonly known as “The Gathering Place”. Waikiki/Honolulu lives up to its name as it is the shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural center of the Hawaiian Islands.

Waikiki Welcomes Visitors from Around the World

Since 1901 when the Moana Surfrider Hotel opened, the south shore of Oahu has been the place to go for new visitors to Hawaii. The Surfrider, affectionately nicknamed “The First Lady of Waikiki”, was the first Hawaii hotel to offer ice machines, elevators, and even telephones in each guest room. The destination has come a long way since those days and is now known for its huge array of hotel properties, with plenty of room inventory. There are hotels that won’t break the bank for budget travelers, and dozens more for those seeking a hotel with added benefits such as restaurants, a pool, and a balcony to take in the amazing views from high above.

If you’re lucky enough to have saved up for 5-star luxury accommodations, there’s no shortage of resort hotels with all of the bells and whistles you could wish for. Travelated, my preferred hotel reservations website offers numerous properties with multiple restaurants, upscale shopping, 24-hour room service, spa/wellness services, kid’s programs, and elaborate tropical-themed pool areas where you can do nothing but relax for hours on end.

Waikiki is the Heartbeat of Honolulu

No matter where you choose to stay, your Waikiki hotel will be no further than two or three blocks from the beach. The waters are mostly calm, so taking a dip, strolling along the beach, or even partaking in your first surfing lesson will be just minutes away from your room.

Waikiki is rather compact as most of the hotels are high-rises, so there’s no need to rent a car if you are staying here. It’s easy enough to rent a car for a day if you are heading out to explore other parts of Oahu, with numerous rental car companies having pick-up locations in the heart of Waikiki.

During your visit to Waikiki, you won’t want to miss hiking to the top of Diamond Head State Monument, checking out the adjacent Honolulu Zoo in Kapiolani Park, and the Waikiki Aquarium where thousands of marine animals and plants make their home. Of course, plan a non-beach day of your Hawaii vacation to tour Pearl Harbor and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, locally known as the “Punchbowl”, where the views of Honolulu, Waikiki, the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head are incomparable.

Kalakaua Avenue is the “Main Street” of Waikiki, where you can easily spend hours checking out shops that sell touristy trinkets, Hawaiian coffee, clothing, and macadamia nuts. The Royal Hawaiian Center features upscale boutiques selling tropical clothing and art, as well as a diverse collection of dining spots that are perfect for lunch or dinner. There’s also no shortage of dining options at the International Market Place, where you can also take your first hula lesson on select evenings. A popular spot for selfies is in front of the iconic 160-year-old banyan tree located in the heart of the shopping center.

There are several hotels located directly on Waikiki Beach that feature beautiful grounds, but if you only have time to see one, take a stroll through the 5-star luxury Royal Hawaiian Resort, also known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific”. One of the oldest Hawaii hotels which opened in 1927, it evokes a charm and elegance of earlier days that is still felt when spending time here.

Top Rated Waikiki Beach Hotels

If you haven’t been to Hawaii before, determining what island or islands to visit and where to stay can be overwhelming. Waikiki alone has more than 30,000 hotel rooms in dozens of high-rise hotels, so you’re probably wondering, “where do I start?”

I always recommend finding a price-competitive website that’s easy to navigate, offers accurate hotel descriptions, and reliable ratings based on thousands of reviews by past travelers. For me, that means Travelated.com, where I’ve consistently found the best deals and an extensive selection of popular hotel properties that I know won’t disappoint.

Here are 12 of Waikiki’s best hotels that are highly recommended (listed alphabetically) by past travelers. Bear in mind that there are higher rated hotels at all price levels, so you can find not only the best luxury properties here, but also the best options in more moderately priced categories. There are nearly 100 properties on the Travelated website.

1. 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

Address: 2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, 96815, HI, US

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach rated 4 stars. Two towers of 17 and 31 floors offer a total of 839 first-class rooms. Directly across Kalakaua Blvd. from Waikiki Beach. Excellent central location within easy walking distance of numerous Waikiki sites. Amenities include a health club, health spa with massage, outdoor adult and children’s pool, hot tub, three on-site restaurants and many more just steps away.

2. Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani - NO RESORT FEE

Address: 2233 Helumoa Road, Honolulu, 96815, HI, US

Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani at Waikiki Beach – NO RESORT FEE. Rated 4 stars. Just across from the 5-star rated sister property, Halekulani. Two-minute walk to the beach. Trendy and stylish accommodations in a 23-story tower. Total of 288 rooms. Amenities include an outdoor pool, sun deck, fitness center, hot tub, and three on-site restaurants. The neighboring Halekulani is home to three additional restaurants and a lounge with entertainment. Room service is available.

3. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

Address: 2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu, 96815, HI, US

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort – With 2,872 rooms in multiple towers encompassing 35 floors, this is far and away the largest hotel complex in Hawaii. While rated 4 stars, the Ali’i Tower is considered the most luxurious with a boutique hotel feel to it. Fans of large resort properties will love it here. Amenities include four outdoor pools plus a kid’s pool, hot tub, fitness center, health spa with massage at the adults-only Kalia Tower, plus snorkeling in the hotel’s private lagoon. There are three restaurants on-site, many more in the immediate neighborhood, and room service available.

4. Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu

Address: 1775 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, 96815, HI, US

Hilton Vacation Club, the Modern Honolulu – Stylish, tropical, and rated 5 stars, this Hilton Vacation Club property features 240 rooms in a 17-story tower directly on the waterfront and yacht harbor. The Hilton Hawaiian Village and lagoon are within a short walk, as is the famous Lagoon Food Truck. The Modern defines what laid-back luxury is all about. Amenities include a sandy beach, outdoor pool, health club, and a health spa with massage. A combined restaurant and pool bar is on-site, with a multitude of restaurants in the local neighborhood and at the HHV.

5. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

Address: 2424 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, 96815, HI, US

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa – Rated 4 stars. In the heart of Waikiki on Kalakaua Blvd, this twin-tower, 1,230 room deluxe property has been a mainstay for 50 years. Deluxe rooms offer spectacular views, especially on the higher floors. Amenities include an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, health spa with massage, and a small on-site shopping arcade. There are three restaurants on-site, and dozens more within a short walk of the property. Room service is available.

6. Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head

Address: 2885 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, 96815, HI, US

Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head – Rated 4 stars. An intimate property directly on the beach at the east end of Waikiki. There are just 51 first-class units in the 13-story tower that is just moments from the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Kapiolani Park, and Diamond Head. Amenities include a health spa with massage, and one on-site restaurant. There are several local dining places a short walk away.

7. Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach

Address: 2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, 96815, HI, US

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki – Rated 4 stars. With 791 total rooms in the 1901 Victorian-style original building, the Diamond and Banyan wings, and the Tower. Even if you decide to stay elsewhere, this historic property is well worth a visit. Located on the beach, other hotel amenities include an outdoor pool, boating/sailing, a health club, health spa with massage, and a hot tub. The Surfrider offers three restaurants including one poolside, as well as room service.

8. OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel

Address: 2300 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, 96815, HI, US

Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel – Rated 4 stars. This modern Waikiki mainstay is centrally located with the beach less than one block away. There are 496 comfortable rooms in two towers with both mountain and ocean views. Amenities include an outdoor pool, sun deck, fitness club, health spa with massage, hot tub, and two on-site restaurants. The Royal Hawaiian Center and International Market Place with many more dining spots are just steps away.

9. Renaissance Residences Oahu Honolulu

Address: 1390 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, 96814, HI, US

Renaissance Residences Oahu/Honolulu – This elegant and luxurious 5-star rated property opened in 2023 just minutes from Ala Moana Beach and snorkeling. Located just outside of Waikiki in Honolulu, the 39-story tower with 187 apartment units features an on-site restaurant (room service is available) and bar, outdoor pool, fitness center, and a health spa with massage.

10. Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

Address: 2255 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, 96815, HI, US

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort – Rated 4 stars. 1,636 deluxe rooms with multiple high-rise wings directly on the beach. An extremely comfortable property in an ideal location. Amenities include a health/fitness club, spa with massage, two outdoor pools, hot tub, three on-site restaurants, plus, a beach café. Room service is available.

11. Waikiki Malia

Address: 2211 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu, 96815, HI, US

Waikiki Malia – Rated 3 stars. 327 comfortable rooms in an 18-story tower located three blocks from Waikiki Beach. Two moderately priced restaurants are on-site including a coffee shop, and the busy neighborhood offers many more dining options. Hotel amenities include an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and health spa with massage.

Your Hawaii Dream Vacation is More Affordable than you Think.

Stop dreaming about “someday” going to Hawaii and make plans to come here. By planning ahead, you will find the best selection of hotels and the lowest room rates. Nonstop flights are offered from dozens of cities across the U.S. and Canada, as well as from New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Seoul, and multiple cities in Japan.

With so many free and reasonably priced tourist activities, contrary to popular opinion, Hawaii is much more affordable than you can imagine.