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The best places to stay in Waikiki

If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Waikiki, you have plenty of options! The problem is that Waikiki has been around for a while, and a lot of Waikiki hotels are in serious need of renovation. So, how do you find the best hotels in Waikiki? Well, I’m here to help!

Before we get started, let me introduce myself! My name is Amy, and Hawaii travel is what I do all day, every day. As a Hawaii travel agent, I’ve planned countless Oahu vacations (and Waikiki vacations,) and I’d love to help you figure out the best places to stay in Waikiki for you. 

DO I NEED A RENTAL CAR IN Waikiki?

Oahu is the only island where you can get away with not having a rental car. That said, I still recommend one and I personally always get one in Oahu! It’s just so much easier to get out and explore.

If you decide to rent a car on Oahu, you’ll find the best prices anywhere at Discount Hawaii Car Rental. 

Also, don’t miss my Hawaii itineraries if you want insider tips for your vacation but aren’t working with a travel agent.

The best hotels in Waikiki

Now, let’s get back to the best places to stay in Waikiki. Some if these Waikiki hotels are fantastic, and some are overrated, so make sure to carefully read my thoughts on each of them!

1. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa has two towers overlooking Waikiki Beach. The beautiful resort is right across the street from the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue.

Amenities include a fitness center, a luxe spa that feels like you’re not anywhere near a city, an outdoor pool and hot tub, a poolside bar, and live entertainment. I love this hotel for families, but it’s great for honeymooners too.

There are also two restaurants with ocean-view terraces, plus you can choose Club Level which I highly recommend to have some of those meals taken care of!

This is my go-to in Waikiki, so check out my full review here: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Review

2. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Resort

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Resort is one of the most iconic places to stay in Waikiki, but I don’t recommend it. So why list it on here? Because everyone asks about it! The 22-acre beachfront property has five high-rise buildings, many restaurants, and many activities. However, it gets a lot of complaints, and I simply can’t recommend it due to the customer service. 

However, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Resort also hosts fireworks every Friday at 7:45 PM. I mentioned these fireworks in 10 free things to do on Oahu. You don’t have to be a guest to come nearby and watch the fireworks! 

3. Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger

Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger was recently renovated and is a great place to stay in Waikiki due to its central location. With nightly rates starting around $300, prices at the Waikiki Beachcomber are considerably lower than the average in Hawaii (over $400/night.) 

Experience a modern take on Hawaiian culture and a location steeped in music history. Amenities include poolside yoga and rotating art exhibits. I love the new decor throughout the hotel and am obsessed with the robes.

4. Hyatt centric

I’m a Hyatt girl if you can’t tell, and this is another go-to especially for those wanting a boutique hotel. Hyatt Centric Waikiki is a stylish and modern hotel in the heart of Honolulu, just a short walk from the world-famous Waikiki Beach.

With contemporary accommodations, rooftop dining, and an inviting atmosphere, the hotel offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. I love this hotel for my honeymoon couples who plan to only spend a couple of nights in Waikiki before going on to another island!

5. Prince Waikiki

Prince Waikiki is a sophisticated oceanfront hotel nestled along the shores of Honolulu, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. Remember that while this is one of the best places to stay in Waikiki, it’s oceanfront, not beachfront. 

I highly recommend Club Level at this hotel as it’s typically reasonably priced and adds so much value to your trip! Prince Waikiki combines luxury and convenience, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure on Oahu.

Contact me if you’d like to work with a Hawaii Travel Agent!

6. ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki 

‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach offers relaxation in the middle of a lively urban location. ‘Alohilani offers two restaurants conceived by internationally acclaimed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Morimoto Asia is one of the most popular places to eat in Waikiki and offers a blend of Asian and traditional Western ingredients.

Just down the street from Hyatt Regency, this is another one of my favorites for couples!

7. Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach

I promise this is the last Hyatt on the list. It’s not my favorite, but for those on a budget, it’s a solid option!

Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach offers the affordable accommodations you’d expect from a Hyatt Place. 

This is one of the best places to stay in Waikiki if you’re looking for a clean, comfortable place to sleep so that you can get out and explore.

8. Sheraton Waikiki

If you’ve read any of my other “Best Resorts in Hawaii” series posts, you may have seen this one already. The Sheraton Waikiki makes the list of the best places to stay in Waikiki. 

The Sheraton Waikiki offers several restaurants, a cocktail bar, an infinity pool, and a highly-rated spa. 

9. Halekulani Resort

Halekulani’s Waikiki beachfront location and unobstructed views of Diamond Head make it one of the most sought after 5-star resorts on Oahu. Halekulani is one of the top honeymoon destinations in Hawaii. Halekulani means “House Befitting Heaven,” and it’s an accurate representation of this fantastic resort.

One of the oldest resorts in Waikiki, Halekulani has gone through many renovations and continues to be a top choice for those looking for the best luxury resorts on Oahu. 

10. The Ritz-Carlton Residences

Located within the heart of Waikiki, The Ritz-Carlton Residences do not disappoint. The resort features an 8th-floor infinity pool, the highest in the area. Other notable features included fantastic dining options, a state of the art fitness center and yoga studio, and one of the top spas in Waikiki.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences is located in “luxury row,” which is fantastic for access to high-end shopping and fine dining. If you’re looking for a 5-star resort, I have a post about the best luxury resorts on Oahu. 

The best places to stay in Waikiki

Are you planning an Oahu vacation and looking for more information or Hawaii travel tips? Check out some of my other Oahu blog posts:

• 10 best things to do on Oahu
• 10 free things to do on Oahu.
• What is the best luau in Hawaii?
• My best Hawaii travel tips
• 10 best things to do in Waikiki
• The questions you’re afraid to ask about Hawaii

Book your Oahu vacation with a Hawaii Travel Specialist

If you’re looking for an Oahu honeymoon or vacation personalized just for you, call me! I specialize in working with clients to create the perfect vacation for you. That means no packages; everything is personalized. Make sure to contact me and I’ll get back to you to start planning ASAP!

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