The peaceful yet passionate Polynesian capital of Honolulu gives you a chance to see the real Hawaii away from crowded Waikiki. Think a 19th-century core, lip-smacking delights, and the languorous stretch of Waikiki beach studded with palm trees. One of the best parts about visiting Honolulu is that its airport is merely 10-20 minutes from the city center. So, aside from two or three of them, most hotels near Honolulu Airport lie mostly towards and in the actual town. What’s more, getting to the airport is an absolute breeze too. To that end, here are the 11 best hotels near Honolulu Airport.
Where to Stay near Honolulu Airport
There’s a lot to love about Honolulu, which is one of the Cleanest Cities In The World. So, it’s no surprise that the city, and the island of O’ahu in general, is very popular with tourists, both leisure and business ones. So, where should one stay while visiting this lovely city?
To begin with, all hotels that lie close to Honolulu Airport are located along the Queen Liluokalani highway. It’s the road leading from the city to the airport. Secondly, the next closest cluster of hotels is in the Arts District between the airport and the city, and where the famous Aloha Tower is located. Finally, we come to the area of Ala Moana, which is the closest city neighborhood close to the airport. It’s also the place where Ala Moana Shopping Mall, one of the World’s Most Amazing Shopping Malls, is located.
Since most of the hotels listed lie on or near Waikiki Beach, we’ve included hotels that have airport shuttles.
Airport Honolulu Hotel
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If you’re looking for a hotel for a few hours while you wait for your flight, then the Airport Honolulu Hotel is one of the best hotels near Honolulu Airport. Located less than a mile from the airport, the hotel even offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service. Despite being an airport hotel, there’s a lot to like here. The on-site restaurant, Willoughby’s is something of a dinner favorite with those heading to or from the airport. You’ll also find a lounge area, on-site ATMs, a fitness center, and a convenience store. However, the best of all is the outdoor pool, which the restaurant overlooks. It’s a great place to unwind, complete with daybeds and palm trees fringing it.
Coming to the rooms, they’re cozy and come with cable flat-screen TVs, microwaves, coffee machines, fridges, and even an alarm clock radio to help wake you up. Most of all, you’ll love the ensuite bathroom, which is spacious, has a bathtub, and is stocked with body care products.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Free, available 24/7 every 30 minutes.
- Nearest Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu Airport) at 0.8mi (1.3km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 4 minutes.
Best Western The Plaza Hotel
10
The Best Western Plaza Hotel offers both excellent prices and a great location not far from the airport. In fact, it’s a mere mile away, and that too, the hotel has a free 24-hour shuttle as well. You’ll be impressed by the rooms at this hotel, which have not only plush beds and soundproofed windows but also free Wi-Fi and cable TV with pay-per-view movies. Moreover, basic self-catering facilities like fridges and microwaves make it all the better to crash here for a few hours.
Meanwhile, the hotel offers a whole lot of facilities too. So, you’ll find a superb onsite restaurant that offers all meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Furthermore, you begin your day with a hearty and complimentary breakfast. Besides a 24-hour desk and business services, the highlight is the gorgeous outdoor pool, where some lounging time is just what the doctor ordered.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Free, available 24/7.
- Nearest Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu Airport) at 1mi (1.6km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 4 minutes.
Pacific Marina Inn
9
Have you ever seen an airport hotel with vacation-like views? Well, the Pacific Marina Inn offers just that, which is what makes it one of the best hotels near Honolulu Airport. It lies hardly five minutes from the airport but sits overlooking the stunning Ke’ehi Lagoon Beach and the Beach Park. So, you can spy gorgeous lush views with the sea in the distance right from the comfort of your rooms! In fact, it even has tennis courts and picnic areas, if you want to explore a bit but not wander far off from the hotel.
There’s nothing about this hotel that you won’t like. Aside from a 24-hour free shuttle, it even has a tour desk and free parking. However, the highlight is the gorgeous outdoor pool and sun deck. It’ll truly make you feel that you’re in the middle of a Hawaiian resort, and not an airport hotel The on-site restaurant and lounge, with nightly dancing and entertainment, take care of all meals. Furthermore, the rooms are cozy and comfy as well. They all have cable flatscreen TVs with in-room movies, fridges, microwaves, and ensuite bathrooms.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Free, available 24/7.
- Nearest Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu Airport) at 1.4mi (2.2km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 20 minutes.
Ala Moana Hotel
8
Tucked right in between the Ala Moana Shopping Center and the Hawaii Convention Center is the aptly-named Ala Moana Hotel. With tons of supermarkets around the hotel, you’ll be flush with whatever groceries you want if you’re planning to cook meals! Rooms and suites at the hotel are done up in shades of the ocean and are extremely spacious for a Downtown Honolulu hotel. Brew a morning cup of coffee from the coffee machine and settle into the cushy sofas to enjoy them with superb views. The rooms also have microwaves, free Wi-Fi, and private ensuite bathrooms for a restful stay.
Besides two superb on-site restaurants, the hotel offers not only kids’ menus but also a sumptuous complimentary breakfast. The fitness center is a sleek, well-equipped one, while the swimming pool is the ideal place to relax and unwind. So, it’s no surprise that this hotel is one of the Best Hotels In Honolulu.
- Airport Shuttle Service: No.
- Nearest Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu Airport) at 7.4mi (11.9km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 15 minutes.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach
7
The 37-story Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach is one of the best quintessentially Hawaiian high-rise hotels near Honolulu Airport. What also works in its favor is its relative proximity to the airport as compared to other Waikiki hotels. That’s because it lies at Kahamnamoku beach at Waikiki’s quieter northern end, just 15 minutes from the airport. What’s more, the hotel is excellent if you’re traveling with your family. They have a Camp Penguin, which keeps your kids entertained with excursions and activities for hours together. All this, while you indulge in room service, grab a quiet meal at the restaurant, or even enjoy a swimming pool dip with cocktails. Thus, it also happens to be one of Honolulu’s Best Family Hotels.
If you’re here during a daytime layover, then it’s worth paying the daily resort fee which will get you access to pool toys and activities, free movies, two drinks, and free Wi-Fi access. The rooms are extremely spacious, complete with balconies with splendid city, mountain, or ocean views. Apart from ensuite bathrooms, all rooms come with MP3-compatible radios, coffee machines, fridges, and flat-screen TVs.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Unfortunately, no.
- Nearest Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu Airport) at 7.6mi (12.2km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 17 minutes.
Imperial Hawaii Resort at Waikiki
6
Do you want to indulge in watersports as you wait for your flight? Then we’d suggest the amazing Imperial Hawaii Resort, which lies a stone’s throw from Waikiki Beach. Everything from surfing, snorkeling, and diving to canoeing and windsurfing are available near the hotel. Coming to the hotel, there’s a lot to do on the property too. Besides a 24-hour front desk, you’ll find a wellness area with a fitness center and a sauna, a mini-market, and even a business center. Despite not having free shuttles to the airport, they do make transport available for a certain fee. Finally, you’ll also find a superb on-site restaurant and a languorous outdoor swimming pool.
Even the rooms and suites at this hotel are top-notch. Notwithstanding what accommodation you choose, all come with a kitchen with coffee machines, toasters, and microwaves. Moreover, you’ll also find free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and windows with views of the city or the ocean.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Yes, for an additional charge.
- Nearest Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu Airport) at 8.1mi (13km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 20 minutes.
Queen Kapiolani Hotel
5
Queen Kapiolani Hotel is one of the best hotels near Honolulu Airport that’s also one of Honolulu’s Top Gay-Friendly Hotels! Not only is the hotel wallet-friendly, but it’s also close to some of the Top Things To Do In Honolulu. What’s more, it offers unobstructed views of the striking Diamond Head, which is one of the star attractions of the island.
Oozing a 50’s Miami-and-Vegas vibe, the hotel is Hawaiian heritage at its best. If you have a longer layover, then you couldn’t have chosen a better hotel. The place has a fabulous third-floor pool which offers incredible views of the ocean and Diamond Head. Furthermore, you’ll even find a bike rental on the property, in case you want to go exploring. The day spa offers a gamut of Hawaiian treatments which will complete soothe and relax you prior to your flight. Besides free Wi-Fi, the hotel also offers beach chairs and towels to lounge on the beach right out front.
The rooms here won’t let you down either. They’re spacious with views of the city or ocean, fridges, and huge flat-screen TVs.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Available for a fee.
- Nearest Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu Airport) at 9.8mi (15.7km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 18 minutes.
Halekulani Hotel
4
If luxury is what you seek while you wait for your light, then look no further than the Halekulani Hotel, which has been around for 100 years! Everything about the hotel spells ‘luxury,’ right from the open-air lobby to the upscale Hawaiian decor. Refresh your senses with a Polynesian treatment at SpaHalekulani or work out to excellent ocean views at the fitness center. What’s more, two restaurants on-site take care of all meals, combined with views of the ocean. However, the pool is the best feature of the lot, complete with palm trees, daybeds beneath parasols, and a steady stream of cocktails.
The luxury vibe extends to the rooms, where you’re welcomed with signature chocolates and a fresh fruit bowl. All rooms boast the most luxurious ensuite bathrooms with glass showers, deep soaking tubs, bespoke toiletries, and plush bathrobes. The rooms themselves are no less; you’ll be enamored by the gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean out of the large balconies. Finally, a slew of mos-cons complete the picture of perfection.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Available 24/7 for a fee.
- Nearest Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu Airport) at 8.1mi (13km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 17 minutes.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk
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The Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk is the best all-suite hotel near Honolulu Airport that you can find. Located at the northern end of Waikiki Beach Walk, the hotel is perfect for both relaxing and exploring Honolulu in the few hours prior to your flight. That said, there’s a lot to do at this family-friendly hotel. Dig into yummy meals at the all-American restaurant or enjoy a drink at the Pakini Hawaiian bar. The highlight, undoubtedly, is the pool area where you can lounge after an enjoyable dip in the pool. What’s more, you can even order food and cocktails by the poolside, including off a special menu for your children too! There’s even a sumptuous cooked-to-order breakfast waiting for you when you wake up. Rounding up the facilities here are the business center, laundry facilities, and fitness center.
The rooms and suites at this hotel are simple yet elegant and spacious, complete with kitchenettes for whipping up quick meals. Moreover, you’ll also find coffee machines, microwaves, fridges, flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, and even living areas. If you go for the suites, then they even have patios with views of the ocean or the city.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Available for a fee.
- Nearest Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu Airport) at 8.1mi (13km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 17 minutes.
Sheraton Waikiki
2
If you have children less than 17 years of age, then the only place you should be going to is the Sheraton Waikiki. Located at the northern end of Waikiki Beach, the hotel allows children below 17 years of age to stay for free! There’s also a kids club and a whole lot of activities and sports to keep your children engaged. Meanwhile, you can chill at the adults-only oceanfront infinity pool or enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the four restaurants/bars. When the entire family wants to enjoy, hard to the sprawling oceanfront pool with waterslides, water fountains, and daybeds. Rounding up the facilities here are the childcare services, tour desk, business and fitness center
If you were impressed by the amenities, wait till you get to the rooms. Besides free Wi-Fi and the standard mod-cons, you’ll also find in-room movies, room service, minibars, and bathtubs in bathrooms. What’s more, there are even basic self-catering facilities such as mini-fridges, microwaves, minibars, and beverage stations. Finally, you can even enjoy fabulous views of the pool area or the ocean.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Available 24/7 for a fee.
- Nearest Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu Airport) at 8.3mi (13.3km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 19 minutes.
Lotus Honolulu Hotel
1
We’re saving the best for the last. Although not exactly near Honolulu Airport, the Lotus Honolulu Hotel is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious beachfront accommodations around. What helps is that for an additional charge, the hotel even offers an airport shuttle. So, you don’t have to worry about getting to your flight on time. That said, lay back and enjoy the five-star services here, which include coffee and tea in the morning and wine every evening. Indulge in a massage at the wellness area and prepare yourself for the long haul ahead. Finally, the hotel also provides beach towels and chairs since the Queen Kapiolani beach park s right out front.
Just like other slick Honolulu hotels, all rooms here feature high-tech amenities like iPod docking stations, cable flatscreen TVs, fridges, and upscale coffeemakers. Plush beds, chic bathrooms, and clear mountain and sea views from the patios round up the amazing rooms.
- Airport Shuttle Service: Available 24/7 for a charge.
- Nearest Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu Airport) at 9.9mi (15.9km).
- Estimated Drive Time: 20 minutes.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars near Honolulu Airport:
- The Big Kahuna’s – Before stepping onto a long flight or stepping off one, what could be better than a Hawaiian pizza? The Big Kahuna is one of the topmost food spots in entire Hawaii and is famous for their delectable pizzas. They even serve equally delicious sandwiches, sides, appetizers, and drinks.
- Willoughby’s – Located right at Airport Honolulu Hotel, Willoughby’s is a super convenient spot to grab a nice dinner. Right from burgers and burritos to pork sliders and chicken parmesan, you’ll find everything. Oh, did we mention? They do kickass breakfasts too.
Recommended Activities near Honolulu Airport:
- Private Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour – Do you have just around 6-odd hours to spare to see Honolulu? Then we’d recommend this 4-5-hour private tour of the city’s sights. These including its important sights, the Punchbowl Crater, and Pearl Harbor.
