Admit it, Honolulu must be one of the cities that you’ve been wanting to visit. As the capital and the largest city of the U.S. State of Hawaii, Honolulu is popular for a myriad of reasons. Some like the warm and sunny weather. At times, there will be cool breezes too, which is perfect for those who want to swim or surf. Some love to just chillax at the beachfront hotel. Since it’s a popular travel destination, some of the best hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii offer some impressive facilities, such as video game consoles and gigantic terraces. So, what are you waiting for? Book your flight to Honolulu and have one of the greatest times of your life!
Where To Stay In Honolulu
When someone asks what are the top things to do in Honolulu, the list will never end. To fully enjoy all of the activities, you need to consider where to stay. Among all of the districts in Honolulu, Waikiki is the most popular one. It’s a vibrant neighborhood where plenty of high-rise hotels line the shore. If you stay around Waikiki, you’ll have easy access to the Waikiki Beach, Honolulu Zoo, Diamond Head Crater, and more.
If you want to visit Ala Moana Shopping Center, one of the 15 most amazing shopping malls in the world, you can stay in the city center. The downtown area is full of skyscrapers, supermarkets, and parks like Kapiolani Park and Ala Moana Beach Park. Some of our recommended hotels are located there. A little far from to the west is Western Honolulu. If you want to be near the airport, you can look for hotels near that area. A short drive from there will take you to the famous Pearl Harbour. Wherever you end up staying in, make sure it suits all of your needs and preferences!
Traveling with your partner? Consider staying at one of the Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Honolulu. And for the ultimate family getaway, pick one of the 11 Best Family Hotels in Honolulu, instead.
Hyatt Palace Waikiki Beach
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By staying in Hyatt Palace Waikiki Beach, you can reach Waikiki Beach in a 5-minute walk. Planning to visit two beaches in a day? You can easily move to Kaimana Beach on foot. The family-friendly ocean retreat is only 0.6mi (1km) away from the accommodation. Other top attractions around the neighborhood include The Honolulu Zoo and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue.
As one of the best hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii, this hotel offers multiple on-site dining options. Appetizers, lunch, and dinner entrees are all available throughout the whole day. For relaxation, the resort features a swimming pool and a furnished sun terrace. Other facilities include a gift shop, a fitness center, a concierge service, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, as well as business facilities.
Meanwhile, the room comes with a flat-screen TV, a sofa, an iPod dock, and a large desk. A refrigerator and a coffee machine are also included for your convenience. The bathroom is ample and has all the basic toiletries. We also love that it’s equipped with a large bathtub. Depending on which room you’re staying in, you’ll be able to enjoy either the city or the beach views.
Pacific Monarch
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Located in the Waikiki district, Pacific Monarch is just 0.2mi (0.4km) away from Waikiki Beach. However, the beach can get a little bit too crowded at times. If that’s the case, just go to the hotel’s rooftop pool with panoramic views of the ocean. You can have a tanning session on the rooftop too. Just chill on the pool bench and let the sun do the magic.
Besides the rooftop facilities, this accommodation also comes with a sauna, free Wi-Fi, on-site ATMs, a shared lounge, and a restaurant. Speaking of restaurants, the hotel is in the middle of eateries and grocery stores. All you need is just a quick stroll to buy affordable lunches and some drinks.
Like other best hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii, every guestroom features an air conditioner, a balcony, a cable TV, a private bathroom, and also a PlayStation 3. What a nice little addition for game lovers! The room is surrounded by windows so you’ll see the beautiful Waikiki Ocean all the time. A kitchen is also provided by the accommodation. There, you’ll find coffee-making facilities and a rice cooker.
Airport Honolulu Hotel
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If you’re in Honolulu for a short stay, we recommend staying in Airport Honolulu Hotel. This accommodation is set in Western Honolulu and provides a free 24-hour transfer service to Honolulu International Airport. Not only that, but it’s also only a short drive from Waikiki city center, Pearl Harbor, and USS Missouri Memorial.
During your short stay in this hotel, you have to stop by Willoughby’s Restaurant. It’s the hotel’s on-site eatery that serves excellent food. Guests’ favorites are the pork chop and lasagna. Other facilities you can find in this property are an on-site convenience store, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, on-site AMTs, a living area, as well as 24-hour security and front desk.
The fully-furnished hotel room is dominated by warm colors, and it feels cozy. Aside from the air conditioner, it’s equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an alarm clock radio, a refrigerator, and a coffee machine. A microwave is also available so you can heat some of your leftover food. The private bathroom isn’t lacking in size, and it comes with a tub-shower as well as a complete set of body care.
Hotel Renew
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A few nights won’t be enough when staying in Hotel Renew. Considered one of the best hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii, it’s surrounded by plenty of exciting attractions. If one isn’t enough, there are five beaches scattered around the hotel. You can also play golf in the Ala Wai golf course which is less than 1mi (1.6km) away from the property. Meanwhile, Honolulu Zoo and the scenic Diamond Head Crater Park can be reached under a 5-minute drive.
The hotel room is one of the coziest places to unwind. It has an adequate size and comes with many amenities. From a flat-screen TV to the city view, it has everything covered. Our favorite part is the en suite bathroom. It’s spotless and is equipped with a cozy bathtub. It’s such a relaxing way to rest after a busy day.
Start your day right by ordering a cup of americano in the on-site coffee house. After having your daily dose of protein, you can attend a yoga class or have a facial treatment in the hotel. When you have a hard time deciding which beach to go to, ask for some recommendations from the staff at the 24-hour front service. Beach towels and gears are available for the guests too.
White Sands Hotel
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Competing with other best hotels in Honolulu, White Sands Hotel is also as well-situated as the others. It’s just 2 blocks away from Waikiki Beach and the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. Also, in less than a 20-minute drive, you can reach places like The Hawaii Convention Center, The Honolulu Zoo, and Honolulu International Airport. You can park your vehicle in the private parking area at a surcharge, but you have to make a reservation first.
All rooms in this property are non-smoking ones. They’re airy and has a soothing design. Each of them features a private balcony with pool or city views, a 37” flat-screen LCD TV, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a microwave, and free Wi-Fi. The clean private bathroom doesn’t provide a bathtub, but it has complete toiletries.
In the hotel, there’s an on-site grab-and-go mini market that offers local drinks and snacks. You should check out the coffee house too. Named Hey Day Café, it serves Kona Coffee Purveyors from early morning to early afternoon. If you want to have a fancy dinner outside of the hotel, you can ask the staff at the 24-hour front desk to recommend some.
Ala Moana Hotel
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Next on this list is Ala Moana Hotel. It’s in the downtown area, located between the Hawaii Convention Center and Ala Moana Shopping Center. Several parks like the Kapiolani Park and Ala Moana Beach Park are all under 2.4mi (4km) radius. Stroll around the neighborhood, and you’ll find lots of supermarkets. Be ready to go back to your hotel room with both of your hands full of grocery bags.
When you’re staying in the room, you’ll be constantly reminded by the ocean as it’s decorated by a blue bedsheet, sofa, and carpet. The room is capacious, and it has complete amenities. Besides the mandatory air conditioner, expect a coffee machine, free Wi-Fi, a safety deposit box, and a microwave too. If you choose to spend the night in the suite, you’ll get an additional dining area.
We recommend visiting the fitness center while you’re in this hotel. Compared to the gym in other best hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii, it’s a lot bigger and has modern equipment. When you’re done, you can have your meal in the on-site restaurant. It serves kid-friendly menus as well as special menus to fit your special diet.
Imperial Hawaii Resort at Waikiki
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Only moments away from Waikiki Beach, Imperial Hawaii Resort at Waikiki offers easy access to many top spots. Among them are the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and International Marketplace. If you have an active lifestyle, you might want to try windsurfing, canoeing, diving, or snorkeling near the hotel. That said, you can also have a 2-hour semi-private surfing lesson to better your surfing skill. Experience the thrill of catching a wave and discover the Hawaiian surf culture.
This accommodation offers many types of suites to choose from. Each of them comes with a kitchen, a microwave, a toaster, and a coffee machine for the perfect cooking experience. You can save some money by cooking by yourself too. Other amenities you can find are a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, city view, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom.
Like the best hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii, guests will have access to the 24-hour front desk, on-site ATMs, business center, mini market, fitness center, and wellness area. Meanwhile, private parking and airport transport are available at a surcharge.s
Trump International Hotel Waikiki
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Introducing you to the only 5-star hotel on this list, Trump International Hotel Waikiki. It’s surrounded by a lot of beaches, making it easy for you to move from one beach to another. If you’re into shopping, you can splurge in the International Market Place. The open-air shopping center is just a few minutes away from the hotel, and it’s a must-visit place.
Similar to other best hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii, this accommodation features a full-service spa and an outdoor pool facility with dining service. The spa comes with a selection of treatments using traditional Hawaiian plants and techniques. Meanwhile, the BLT Steak restaurant serves delicious gourmet American cuisine. When you need a drink, visit the Wai’olu lounge. It offers many kinds of special drinks, including a liquid breakfast. Other facilities include airport shuttles, a 24-hour front desk, private parking, and free Wi-Fi.
The room is bright and elegant. It boasts a 55” flat-screen TV, a DVD player, an iPod dock, a coffee machine, and a kitchen. The en suite bathroom comes with an Italian marble bath, complete with bathrobes and slippers. Choosing the suite will give you an additional washing machine and a 43” flat-screen TV in the bedrooms.
Lotus Honolulu Hotel
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Are you looking for luxurious beachfront accommodation? If so, Lotus Honolulu Hotel might be the one for you. The 4-star hotel offers walking paths to Sans Souci Beach and mesmerizing views of Diamond Head. Stroll around the neighborhood, and you’ll find The Honolulu Zoo along with the Waikiki Aquarium in less than 10 minutes.
To make sure you’re treated like a VIP, this hotel serves daily tea and coffee in the morning, while wine is served daily in the evening. During your spare time, we recommend visiting the wellness area. There, the hotel provides a wide range of massages to spoil your body.
Same with the best hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii, all guestrooms in this property comes with a cable TV and an iPod dock. Every room also features other amenities like a big linen bed, a refrigerator, a premium coffee machine, and either a balcony or a patio. The room is nothing but comfortable, as it has great air-circulation and a clear view of the mountain.
Hotel LaCroix Waikiki
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In Hotel LaCroix Waikiki, you’ll have the opportunity to relax your mind and soul by enjoying the unobstructed views of the ocean, mountains, palm trees, and Waikiki city lights in your terrace. By staying in the suite, you’ll get a huge terrace where you can chill and drink with your friends. It’s so big that you can even have a small BBQ party there.
Located in Waikiki, this hotel offers many types of accommodations according to your needs, ranging from the standard rooms to bungalows. Every room is equipped with an air conditioner, a 42” or bigger LED TV, free Wi-Fi, a coffee machine, and a private bathroom. For your comfort, you’ll find free toiletries and a hairdryer in the bathroom.
Among the best hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii, this hotel features one of the most competitive facilities. It offers private parking, an on-site restaurant, a concierge service, on-site ATMs, 24-hour security, a business center, as well as an on-site minimarket. You can also arrange some off-site activities including snorkeling, hiking, horse riding, and diving at the 24-hour front desk. If you’re looking for some nearby attractions, there are King Kalakaua, Fort DeRussy Beach Park, and Luxury Row.
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
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Like most of the best hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii, this resort also lies in Waikiki. It’s located directly on Waikiki Beach and features an oceanfront swimming pool. Besides the well-liked pool, travelers also like to go to The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center for upscale shopping and dining. It’s only 5 minutes away from the accommodation on foot.
Living up to its status as a 4-star hotel, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort prioritizes the guests’ comforts above all things. Looking for a massage? Go to the rooftop spa where body treatments incorporating Hawaiian and European techniques are offered. Looking for scrumptious food? Visit the beachfront Duke’s Canoe Club or Hula Grill Waikiki for breakfast and lunch buffets along with specialty cocktails. If you’re coming with you’re life partner, you can participate in a free Hawaiian vow renewal ceremony on the beach. So romantic!
In the guestroom, you’ll find a cable TV with cable channels as well as a Nintendo. When you’re wide awake at night, play some fun games until you’re sleepy! Amenities like a coffee machine and a refrigerator are also present. The en suite bathroom is just as great as the guestroom. It comes with a hairdryer, a bathtub, and Noni Papaya toiletries.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Honolulu:
- Orchids – An ocean-side restaurant where you can savor your food while enjoying the views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean. It serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar & Grill – One of the most popular eateries among the locals. We recommend ordering the walnut shrimp wraps, Boca-Rota, and the kalua pig sliders with taro buns.
- Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store – The perfect place for a romantic dinner. Enjoy your tortilla soup and crab cakes in the outdoor seating.
Recommended Activities in Honolulu:
- Honolulu: Morning Polynesian Canoe Voyage – Travel on a double-hulled Polynesian canoe along the Waikiki coastline. Enjoy an immersive educational journey consisting of many activities and Hawaiian music.
- Pearl Harbor Full-Day Tour – Discover what Pearl Harbor is all about with fellow travelers. This tour covers all historic sites including USS Arizona, USS Bowfin, Battleship Missouri, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
- Waikiki: Honolulu Night Sky Photo and Light Painting Tour – Witness the beautiful views of the city lights and stars. The guide will take stunning light painting pictures of you in action.
