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The best hotels in Oahu, from luxury resorts to iconic hotels

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Are you planning a trip to Oahu and wondering where to stay? Look no further than our comprehensive guide to the best hotels in Oahu.

Also known as “The Gathering Place,” Oahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island and boasts a range of accommodations for every type of traveler.

From luxury resorts with stunning ocean views to boutique Honolulu hotels, we’ve narrowed down the top picks for your stay in Oahu.

Here are the island’s top hotels — and what makes them stand out from the rest.

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Be transported to a bygone era of travel at Halekulani, a classic beachfront hotel in Waikiki. Originally a residential hotel built in 1907, the property was reimagined as a resort in the 1930s and now boasts 453 elegant rooms and suites. Rooms are awash in various shades of white, with breezy rattan and louver accents, and boast a private balcony or patio.

For a sunset dinner, head to House Without A Key, where guests can enjoy traditional Hawaiian music every night at sunset. The property has five other bars and restaurants, plus SpaHalekulani, which has a full fitness and movement schedule of events plus treatments and regular well-being courses.

Rates for Halekulani start from $665 per night.

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The Royal Hawaiian is more than just a hotel — it’s a complete experience, thanks to its prime location on Waikiki Beach’s wide stretch of white sand and its blushing pink facade. Choose from the classic original rooms, with their pink-patterned wallpaper and paddle fans, or opt for the more modern rooms in the Mailani Tower, which feature balconies and upgrade experiences, like snack services.

But what sets The Royal Hawaiian apart is its attention to detail; guests are greeted with flower leis and traditional banana nut bread in their rooms, and the Abhasa Spa offers luxe treatments in a lush garden with local ingredients like extra-virgin coconut oil and Hawaiian honey.

Rates for The Royal Hawaiian start from $386 or 53,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

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While it may not be as new as other Four Seasons properties in Hawaii, Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina has been extensively renovated and updated.

The hotel’s location is also a huge plus, as it’s only a short drive from Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). One of the hotel’s standout features is its dining program, with Asian, Italian and seafood restaurants plus a cafe bar that features live music. There are also plenty of amenities to keep guests busy, including a private beach, a high-end spa and a fitness center, along with yoga classes and water sports. Little ones can stay busy with complimentary kids programming.

The rooms are stylish, with balconies or terraces, minibars, marble bathrooms and flat-screen televisions.

Rates for Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina start from $895 per night. 

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The Disney Aulani Resort & Spa, perched atop the Kohola Lagoon, is a sprawling oasis of leisure just a short drive from Highway 1.

This resort offers a modern twist on island living with its casual Hawaii-themed rooms. Guests can access free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions and a balcony or terrace in their room, some of which provide stunning ocean views. Upgrade to a suite to enjoy additional luxuries, such as wall beds, minifridges and whirlpool tubs. For even more space, opt for a sprawling one- to three-bedroom villa.

The resort caters to a wide range of interests, with outdoor pools, a spa and numerous entertainment options for the youngest travelers, including movie nights and pool parties with Disney characters.

Gourmands will be delighted by the resort’s 10 dining and drinking venues, including Disney character breakfasts and an adults-only pool bar — just one example of how Aulani perfectly fuses family-friendly fun and laid-back island elegance.

Rates for Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa start from $609 per night.

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Want the perfect combination of luxury and serenity? Look no further than the Kahala Hotel & Resort, where distinctly Hawaiian rooms and suites come equipped with all the modern amenities you could ask for, plus dark wood furniture accented by light, floral motifs. (Splurge for a room with a balcony or a high-end suite with separate living areas and designer furnishings.)

But what really sets this hotel apart is the array of free activities available to guests, including surfing and paddleboarding lessons, plus bike rentals. You can also take a fitness class, practice your hula dancing or learn to make a lei. Best of all, there are no resort fees.

Rates for Kahala Hotel & Resort start from $495 per night.

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If you’re looking for a hotel that truly captures the essence of Hawaii, this Waikiki Beach resort should be at the top of your list. For more than a century, this property has been a mainstay in Honolulu. Splurge for a room or suite with a balcony that offers stunning ocean views.

The Moana Surfrider is also packed with amenities, including an outdoor pool, a 24-hour gym and a beachfront spa. Plus, you can choose from half a dozen restaurants, bars and cafes, including an al fresco spot where you can dine beneath banyan trees.

Another advantage of staying at this resort is its proximity to the Honolulu Zoo and Diamond Head State Monument for those afternoons you can drag yourself away from the beach views, that is.

Rates for Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa start from $296 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

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The Modern is the perfect place to stay for travelers looking to explore and experience Honolulu since it’s within walking distance of Waikiki Beach and the Ala Moana shopping center.

After a day of exploring, guests can return to their room or suite, which — as the name suggests — will feature a contemporary design with details such as teak window screens and down bedding. For groups that need extra space, certain rooms come with private terraces, sleeper sofas, separate living areas and double bathrooms.

Choose between two pools (one for adults, one for families) and take advantage of the convenient on-site restaurant, The Grove Restaurant & Bar.

Rates for The Modern Honolulu start from $149 per night.

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Situated on 850 acres overlooking Kuilima Cove, this upscale resort is an excellent option for travelers who want to be close to all the action, including the Polynesian Cultural Center and the Banzai Pipeline surf spot.

Guests can choose among rooms, suites, bungalows and villas, all featuring plenty of natural wood details and surf-inspired artwork. Be sure to snag a room with a lanai or Juliet balcony.

Of course, there’s plenty to do on-site as well. There are seven restaurants and bars offering a variety of dining experiences and cuisines, plus a spa, multiple pools (kids will love the duo of waterslides at the Keiki pool) and an array of other on-site activities.

You’ll even become a part of Hollywood history, as the resort was the setting for such blockbusters as “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Along Came Polly.”

Rates for Turtle Bay start from $756 per night.

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This upscale resort comprises two towers presiding over Waikiki Beach. Rooms here have modern amenities, including flat-screen televisions and convenient work areas, plus balconies affording awe-inspiring mountain or ocean views. Suites, which are equipped with separate living areas, wet bars, minifridges and computers, cater to the diverse needs of business travelers, families and groups.

The resort’s numerous amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a sublime spa and an outdoor pool for travelers who don’t want to venture down to the beach. Best of all, the poolside bar offers plenty of live entertainment for adults while the kids club keeps little ones amused.

When it’s time to eat, there are two main restaurants — Swim and Shor — plus an assortment of specialty cafes and eateries in the atrium shopping area (think: grab-and-go sandwiches, a sushi spot and an espresso bar). Guests with Hyatt status or upgraded club-level reservations can also take advantage of the Regency Club for complimentary continental breakfast, daily hors d’oeuvres and free beverages.

Rates for Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa start from $251 or 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

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The Ritz-Carlton Residences is undoubtedly one of the best hotels on the island, and there are several reasons why.

For one, the hotel boasts a stunning location with the Pacific Ocean sprawling before it. But guests will also love the premium studios and suites featuring Italian linens, floor-to-ceiling windows and, depending on the category, fully equipped kitchens and separate living and dining rooms.

Some of Oahu’s top restaurants are at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, including Sushi Sho, helmed by chef Keiji Nakazawa; multicourse French fare at La Vie; the first Dean & Deluca outpost in the Aloha State and Quiora, a casual Italian restaurant.

Later, relax at the luxury spa, break a sweat at the 24-hour fitness center or take a dip in the eighth-floor infinity pool with private cabanas.

Rates for The Ritz-Carlton Residences start from $615 or 91,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

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Just a stone’s throw from Waikiki Beach, this hotel features spacious rooms with private balconies that provide breathtaking views of the cityscape and ocean beyond. Families and larger groups seeking more space will appreciate the hotel’s one- and two-bedroom suites, complete with plush sofa beds, midcentury furniture and locally curated artwork.

But what truly sets this hotel apart is its impressive range of on-site offerings. Enjoy world-renowned cuisine at the hotel’s hyper-local restaurant, Mahina & Sun’s, browse the designer boutique, or relax by the outdoor pool with cabanas, a cocktail bar, poolside movies and guest lectures.

But guests may be even more fond of the hotel’s fee-free policy — you can even park your first car for free, and rates also include morning coffee and reef-safe sunscreen during your stay.

Rates for Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club start from $182 per night.

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As soon as you step into the lobby, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere complete with plenty of wooden accents, live plants and dancing hula dolls behind the check-in desk.

The hotel boasts various facilities, including a casual lanai-style Hawaiian restaurant, Hideout, and a beautifully landscaped outdoor pool with cabanas and partially submerged lounge chairs. There are also a handful of independently owned, on-site restaurants, including a Texas-style barbecue spot, a fish market and a Korean barbecue-style joint.

Rooms are adorned with colorful, tropical wallpaper and feature spacious balconies, comfortable sitting areas and well-stocked minifridges. There’s even an in-room ukulele in case you want to strum a few notes. Upgraded rooms offer breathtaking ocean views and plush pull-out sofa beds, while club-level rooms provide exclusive access to a luxurious VIP lounge with complimentary breakfast and snacks. The hotel is also pet-friendly, making it an ideal choice for animal lovers.

Rates for The Laylow start from $288 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

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Espacio is a truly luxurious hotel that offers an unparalleled experience for guests seeking intimacy, personalized service and exclusivity.

The hotel’s elegant all-suite accommodations are a testament to the level of luxury provided, with suites donning Italian marble details and Moroccan design accents. Each suite has a private entry on its floor, providing extra privacy. At the same time, the interior features a spacious living area, three separate bedrooms with king beds and three full bathrooms with Toto washlets, making for a truly luxurious and comfortable stay. The modern kitchen is outfitted with Thermador and Miele appliances — perfect for leisurely nights crating gourmet meals to be enjoyed on the private balcony before a dip in the Jacuzzi.

Espacio also has a rooftop infinity pool affording sweeping views of the Pacific, a full-service spa and a fine dining restaurant, Mugen.

The hotel also offers complimentary round-trip luxury airport transportation and daily breakfast. Complimentary admission to Bishop Museum and the Honolulu Museum of Art is included during your stay.

Rates for Espacio The Jewel of Waikiki start from $3,500 per night.

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One of the newest entrants to Oahu’s hotel scene, Wayfinder is in Honolulu’s bustling downtown area and offers guests a choice between poolside studios and traditional hotel rooms, each with a distinctive interior design that might include floral and geometric textiles, playful light fixtures and bold pops of color.

Start your day at the B-Side cafe with a cup of Maui-roasted coffee, then take a dip in the 70-foot saltwater pool or unwind in the hot tub, surrounded by tropical plants and serene surroundings. Guests can also look forward to trying innovative poke bowls at Redfish, or tropical cocktails at the poolside speakeasy, Lost + Found.

Rates for Wayfinder start from $160 per night.

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