11 Best Boutique Hotels in Oahu

As Hawaii’s most populous island, Oahu provides a multitude of experiences for travelers. There’s a lot to do in Oahu, from visiting the museums to shopping to surfing opportunities. Not to mention, the island’s landscapes are virtually unrivaled! To accommodate travelers, you can rest assured there are countless amazing hotels in Oahu. But today, we want to show you some of the top boutique hotels in Oahu, Hawaii! Sometimes, bigger isn’t always better, and these boutique hotels are proof. With unique personalities, stylish rooms, and pampering amenities, these hotels will make your stay in Oahu more fun! So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Oahu now and decide which boutique hotel from our list below will be your temporary home!

Prince Waikiki

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Only mere minutes away from the famous Waikiki Beach, Prince Waikiki is the ideal option to kick off this list. As one of the top-rated boutique hotels in Oahu, Hawaii, this hotel won’t disappoint. Places like the Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Beach Park, and many others are only a short walk away. Apart from its amazing location, it also offers upscale amenities. There are two restaurants ready to fill your tummy with delicious Hawaiian cuisine as well as a coffee shop and bar. Want to stay active throughout your stay? The hotel also boasts a 27-hole golf course as well as a tennis club!

If rejuvenation is what you want, feel free to relax in the oversized pool or enjoy the services offered in the spa center. But if you prefer something more challenging, why don’t you train your endurance in the fitness center instead? All of the swanky rooms at this hotel are bright and spacious, and they come with standard amenities. Our favorite, however, is the club-level room. It offers you access to the lounge with free continental breakfast and snacks! Fun fact: did you know that Prince Waikiki is also one of the oldest hotels in Waikiki?

Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani

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Up next is the Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani, one of the best boutique hotels in Oahu, Hawaii, that offer views of the stunning Waikiki Bay. Waikiki Beach is only a short 12-minute walk from this four-star hotel. Pretty close, isn’t it? The crowded Diamond Head is also only a short drive away. Other nearby attractions include the Honolulu Zoo, Honolulu Stadium Park, and Shangri La. If you travel by car, you can park your vehicle in the designated parking area for free!

We also love the fact that this hotel has plenty of first-class amenities. If you want to relax but aren’t in the mood to meet lots of people at the beach, you can take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool instead. Surrounded by sun loungers, it’s the best spot on the property to unwind. Also included is a modern fitness center for gym rats. In addition to that, the rooms at this hotel are airy and come with all the amenities you could think of. Some even allow you to wake up to the breathtaking views of the bay.

Coconut Waikiki Hotel

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The Coconut Waikiki Hotel is one of the most colorful boutique hotels in Oahu, Hawaii (you’ll see more of them on this list). It’s not a luxury hotel in Waikiki, but it’s a fun place where you and your friends or family can have tons of fun! While you’re here, make sure to make a splash in the heated swimming pool! The round pool might not allow you to have a serious swimming session, but we find it super relaxing! Plus, there are enough chairs and loungers for you to take a nap! In addition to the pool, there’s also a modest fitness center that’s equipped with modern equipment.

Another reason why we recommend this hotel is that it offers free coffee and tea 24/7! Who doesn’t love free stuff? The colorful rooms come with standard amenities like coffee makers and free Wi-Fi. Many of them offer private balconies with either city or mountain views! Our favorite has to be the Executive Suite, though. It’s spacious and features a comfy seating area along with a sofa bed, perfect for those searching for family hotels in Oahu.

VIVE Hotel Waikiki

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Who says you have to spend a lot to enjoy a stay at one of the top boutique hotels in Oahu, Hawaii? The VIVE Hotel Waikiki is proof that budget-friendly hotels are worth your attention as well. What makes this hotel stand out is none other than its unique styling. Though some might say the rooms are small, we love how lively they are! Graphic art can be found in the rooms, and don’t get us started with the beds! They’re super comfy! And if you’re okay with spending a bit more, you can book the suite, which has a comfy seating area.

Another reason why you should stay here is that it offers plenty of freebies. Of course, complimentary Wi-Fi is a must. But aside from that, guests can also fill their tummies with free continental breakfast every morning! Want to spend a few hours at Waikiki Beach, which is only three blocks away? Lucky for you, the hotel also offers free beach gear. From mats to towels and umbrellas, you name it!

Shoreline Hotel Waikiki

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Best Budget. If you’re on a budget and are searching for boutique hotels in Oahu, you should consider spending your nights at Shoreline Hotel Waikiki. Since it was renovated in 2018, this boutique hotel in Waikiki has garnered attention from locals and travelers alike because of its neon/nature theme. Here, you can expect bright, neon colors on the walls and even on the furniture. It can be overwhelming for some, but if you love everything bright and colorful, we’re sure this hotel will be your new favorite hotel!

Though not beachfront, the beach is only a short walk away from the hotel. But if you’re too lazy to walk, the hotel has a rooftop pool! In addition to that, public transportation is also nearby, so you can explore the culinary scene easily. After a long but fun day, retreat to your bedroom! Each room comes with a welcome basket featuring yummy local snacks. On top of that, all of them feature private balconies, which are the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee. Speaking of which, free coffee is also available in the lobby!

The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

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Best Hotel with A Pool. Yes, many hotels in Oahu feature swimming pools. However, there’s one particular hotel that boasts a unique pool that might be your new favorite. Enter The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club! This hotel’s star is its Instagrammable swimming pool, which says “Wish You Were Here.” Yes, it’s written in the tiles! This surf-inspired outdoor pool area is easily one of the most stunning pools in Hawaii. It’s both charming and relaxing. To make your experience better, the poolside restaurant also offers daily cocktail hours!

Of course, this hotel offers more than its fun swimming pool. If you’re a dog person, we’re sure you’ll be thrilled to meet Jack! The hotel dog can often be found around the hotel’s lobby. Though the rooms are on the smaller side, we find them super comfy. If you need more space, suites are also available. But we doubt you’ll be spending your entire day in your room when the beach and some of Waikiki’s best restaurants and shops are in the vicinity.

Hotel Renew

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Are you looking for one of the most relaxing boutique hotels in Oahu, Hawaii, that isn’t boring? Take a look at Hotel Renew! This hotel allows you to enjoy Waikiki to the fullest and the comfort of a boutique hotel without emptying your wallet. First, let’s talk about its location! This boutique hotel is only a block away from Kuhio Beach, making it a highly popular option for beachgoers. In addition to that, it’s also a short stroll away from some of the city’s top shopping destinations and restaurants. All of these make up for the hotel’s lack of extra amenities.

Yes, unlike other fancy boutique hotels, this one doesn’t feature a pool, restaurant, or spa. It’s not surprising, though, if you consider it’s budget-friendly rate. However, it doesn’t mean you can have a good time here! Since the beach is only moments away, the hotel offers its guests free beach gear. And though there’s no fitness center on-site, each room at this hotel comes with in-room fitness equipment! If you want to save your budget but want to stay at a laid-back boutique hotel that can offer you a good night’s sleep, this is the place to be!

Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head

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Though small, the Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head still manages to earn a spot on our list of the top boutique hotels in Oahu, Hawaii. The location of this hotel can’t be better. It allows you to have easy access to the best of Waikiki. Places like the Honolulu Museum of Art, the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, and more are only moments away. At the same time, this hotel is located in a perfect area where you can relax without any interruption. Staying here means you’ll be isolated from all the noise of Waikiki.

When you’re in the mood to take a dip, this hotel is only steps away from San Souci Beach. This explains why the hotel doesn’t feature a swimming pool. Thankfully, you can get free towels from the hotel! On top of that, you can also rent a bike for free. That way, you can easily explore the top things to do in Oahu. Also, did you know that Kapiolani Regional Park is right behind the hotel? There are free wine tastings every Wednesday, so make sure to stop by!

The Laylow

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Most Fun. When you’re staying at The Laylow, you’ll always want to have your phone or camera in your hand, as every corner of this hotel is worth photographing! This hotel sure knows a thing or two about pleasing its guests. Once you arrive, you’ll be welcome with a welcoming basket that consists of hotel goodies and flip-flops! Thoughtful, isn’t it? In addition to that, there are plenty of activities that’ll keep you busy without leaving the hotel. For one, guests can take a dip in the swimming pool, which is accompanied by cabanas and lounge chairs. However, our favorite part about this is the fact that you can get free poolside Hawaiian shave ice every afternoon! There’s truly no better way to end your dipping session!

Though small, there’s also a modern fitness center on-site. But if you prefer to have some drinks, you can go to the rooftop restaurant and bar. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy cocktails and listen to live music by the fire pit. When it comes to the rooms, every single one on the property is nothing short of airy and colorful. Better yet, all of them also feature private balconies, except for the poolside rooms. Also, each room comes with a ukulele which you can borrow. When you’re bored, learn how to play it! And if you want to bring it home, you can buy it from the hotel.

Kaimana Beach Hotel

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Another great addition to our list is the luxurious Kaimana Beach Hotel. As the name implies, this is a beachfront hotel! Staying here means you’ll have direct access to San Souci, which is much less crowded than Waikiki Beach. But aside from the beach, it’s also near Waikiki and Diamond Head. Enough with the location! When speaking about this hotel, we should also talk about the on-site restaurant. Hau Tree Restaurant is the perfect place to spoil your tastebuds. Every menu here will leave you wanting more, from small plates to brunch. Oh, it has a fine collection of cocktails as well!

If you want to explore the hotel’s surrounding area, feel free to rent a bike from the hotel. And if you have tons of free time, why don’t you join one of the hotel’s complimentary classes? You can join a yoga class, lei-making class, and even learn how to paddle board! On top of that, we should also mention that most rooms at this hotel come with private balconies! Meanwhile, the suites come with an additional living area.

Queen Kapiolani Hotel

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Best Value for Money. Not too expensive but extremely popular, Queen Kapiolani Hotel is the perfect option to end our list of the best boutique hotels in Oahu, Hawaii. On the edge of Waikiki, this hotel has the perfect balance of modern and vintage. It’s relaxing and not noisy at all, but you can still have all of the amenities you want on the property. Those who want to beat the heat and take a refreshing dip can take advantage of the pool. To be honest, it isn’t the most unique or exciting, but it’s more than enough for most travelers. Plus, the poolside restaurant and bar offer a nice collection of cocktails and some light bites! Want to work out? The hotel boasts a fitness center, too!

Considering its name, it’s only normal for this hotel to have a portrait of the queen, right? You can see Queen Kapiolani wearing a peacock dress in the lobby. Aside from that, local artwork also fills the walls throughout the hotel and the rooms. Speaking of which, the bedrooms at this hotel come with standard amenities, including free Wi-Fi. Many of them come with private balconies, and you can choose whether to book a room with a city view or an ocean view. What about the location? While the heart of Waikiki is a 15-minute walk away, you can find some of Waikiki’s top-rated restaurants around the hotel!

Our Verdict!

Perfectly manicured and offering many different perks, all of the boutique hotels in Oahu, Hawaii, listed above are worth trying. However, we understand that choosing only one hotel can be hard. So, we’ve selected some standouts according to the following categories so you’ll have an easier time choosing which hotel to book!

• Best Value for Money: Queen Kapiolani Hotel
• Most Fun: The Laylow
• Best Hotel With a Pool: The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
• Best Budget: Shoreline Hotel Waikiki

Where to Stay in Oahu

Oahu is one of those places on Earth that will never disappoint. This huge island offers not only stunning beaches but also breathtaking landscapes. In fact, it’s named one of the most spectacular sunset locations in the world! But when it comes to the “best” boutique hotels in Oahu, Hawaii, most of them can be found in Waikiki.

When we think of Oahu, we immediately think of Waikiki as well. As the tourism hub in Hawaii, it’s home to arguably some of the most iconic beaches in the world! Yes, as you can guess, it’s where you’ll find Waikiki Beach. Since it’s in the heart of Oahu, you can explore the beach activities easily. Not to mention, some of Oahu’s top attractions are in Waikiki as well. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning one, we’ll always recommend staying in Waikiki.

What are the best boutique hotels in Oahu?

If you’re looking for the best boutique hotels in Oahu, Hawaii, just take a look at our list above. All of those hotels are loved by travelers because of their unique characters, perks, amenities, and location.

Which boutique hotels in Oahu are romantic?

Some of the most romantic boutique hotels on this list include the Hotel Renew and Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani.

Do any boutique hotels in Oahu have a pool?

Not all boutique hotels in Oahu, Hawaii, come with a swimming pool. Those that feature a pool include Prince Waikiki, Coconut Waikiki Hotel, Shoreline Hotel Waikiki, and our favorite, The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club!