The Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide (Part 2): Where to Stay

Written By Randy | The Family Travel Guy

The Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide: Where to Stay

There are endless amounts of hotels and resorts to choose from on Oahu, but half the struggle is knowing where to start researching and trying to figure out what is the best place for you to stay when visiting Oahu.

This family travel guide to Oahu is broken up into five different parts that go over the island, the best places to stay, what you need to experience, our favorite places to eat and shop and how to maximize value for your next trip.

You'll find plenty of different options for exploring Oahu's different regions, the island's many activities, its eclectic restaurants and accommodations.

Honolulu & Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the planet, featuring a 2-mile stretch of white sand and calm turquoise blue ocean, fringed by towering high-rises and boutique resorts located on the South Shore of Honolulu, Oahu.  

There are an endless amount of hotels and resorts to choose from in Waikiki - but where should you start and where is the best place to stay in Waikiki Beach?  

Here are my top recommendations when considering hotels in Waikiki, with a link to the best of the rest down below:

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki: The most coveted spot on Waikiki Beach is at The Royal Hawaiian, featuring luxurious guest rooms showcasing unrivaled panoramic views of Diamond Head and the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort: This secluded beachfront resort, just 10 minutes from Waikiki, features spacious accommodations, a world-class spa, world class dining at five restaurants, private lagoon with resident dolphins and Kahala beach.

See other great options here: Oahu Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Waikiki

Ko Olina Resort Area

One of our favorite areas to stay in all of Hawaii is in Ko Olina.  There are some great resorts to choose from, with our personal favorite being Disney Aulani!  If you're planning a trip to Oahu, I would recommend spending a few nights in Waikiki/Honolulu at the beginning of your trip and then spending the rest of your vacation in Ko Olina.

The Ko Olina Resort encompasses 642 acres with sweeping ocean and mountain views and a string of lagoons connected by more than a mile and a half of seaside pathways.  Accommodations here include Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club and the Beach Villas at Ko Olina.

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina: The Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is the first Four Seasons property on Oahu, located in the Ko Olina resort area on the West side of Oahu.  The five-star Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina balances a classic Hawaiian style with modern one-of-a-kind luxury.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa: Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina on the island of Oahu, is the perfect place to stay for a Hawaiian family vacation that will immerse you in local culture through Disney magic.  It truly is the most magical resort in Hawaii and perfect for a family vacation!

Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club: Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club offers 550 one, two, and three-bedroom villas across three towers.  Well-appointed villas have ample living and dining space to accommodate anywhere from four to eight guests, elegant, comfortable furnishings, fully equipped kitchen and dining areas, furnished private balconies and patios, washer and dryer, and more.

There are also a nice selection of family-friendly amenities here including heated outdoor pools with whirlpool spas; a children’s outdoor pool, activity center, play area and daily activity programs for all ages; a spa, restaurants, and an arcade.

See other great options here: Oahu Travel Guide: Where to Stay & Things to Do in Ko Olina

North Shore

You won't find many resorts on the North Shore of Hawaii, but the one that is there is the perfect hideaway.  Turtle Bay Resort spans across nearly 1,300 acres of lush, historic land, with five miles of untouched coastline and twelve miles of breathtaking trails. Located approximately one hour from Honolulu International Airport, and a few minutes away from the Polynesian Cultural Center, Historic Hale‘iwa Town, Waimea Valley, and world-famous surf breaks this stunning oceanfront resort pays tribute to the culture of Hawai‘i while ensuring guests experience a deeper connection to the North Shore spirit.  


We stayed here years ago for a few nights during our honeymoon and the resort has been renovated and reimagined since then and we can't wait to go back and enjoy a stay here.

Next up in The Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide:
Randy | The Family Travel Guy
Previous

The Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide (Part 3): Things to Do and See
Next

The Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide (Part 1): Island Overview