Where To Stay In Hawaii: 5 Best Areas & Islands

Hawaii isn’t just one single tropical getaway. It’s six main islands, and each one brings a completely different vibe to the table. Pick the wrong base, and you might end up stranded in a sleepy surf town when you actually wanted world-class nightlife, or stuck in a bustling city when you were dreaming of untouched waterfalls.

Oahu holds the famous crescent curve of Waikiki Beach and the legendary big-wave breaks of the North Shore. Over on Maui, you can drive past lush rainforests along the Road to Hana or watch the sun rise above the clouds at 10,000 feet atop Haleakala.

If you head to the Big Island, you can walk on black sand beaches and literally see new land being formed by active volcanoes. Kauai is the oldest island in the chain, so millions of years of rain have carved out dramatic green cliffs that look straight out of a movie set.

In this guide, we’ll look at the best areas to stay in Hawaii and what makes each one worth considering. We’ll cover busy beach towns, peaceful resort areas, and spots that work well for families, couples, and first-time visitors. Grab your sunscreen. We have some ground to cover.

In this travel guide:

Koloa

Best area for: beaches, resorts

Koloa is located on Hawaii’s Kauai Island. It feels like one of those places where Hawaii’s past is still very much part of the scenery. You’ll noticed that right away in Old Koloa Town, where old plantation buildings now house little shops, restaurants, and local businesses. It is a pretty big change from the resort-heavy feel of nearby Poipu.

Koloa has a fascinating history. The area was home to Hawaii’s first successful sugar mill, which opened in 1835. The plantation industry also brought immigrants from places like Japan, China, the Philippines, Portugal, and Korea. You can still see traces of that history along the Koloa Heritage Trail, which links 14 historic, cultural, and natural sites.

These days, Koloa is a mix of residential neighborhoods, historic buildings, local businesses, and tourist spots. Old Koloa Town is the main place to explore, while Poipu and the coast bring the beaches and bigger resorts. We also made time for Spouting Horn, where waves shoot through a lava tube and send seawater into the air.

For coffee, we’d stop at Java Kai /// Kōloa on Koloa Road. It opens early, which is handy before a beach day or a drive around the island. For lunch, Porky’s Kaua’i is another easy pick. It serves Hawaiian-style food and is right in the heart of town.

Overall, Koloa offers a nice balance. It has plenty for visitors, but it still feels like a real Hawaiian town rather than a resort bubble.

Best place to stay in Koloa

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. Address: 1571 Poipu Road, Poipu, Koloa, HI 96756, United States of America.

Kapaa

Best area for: quiet life, beaches, nature

We spend a lot of time on Kauai’s east side, and Kapaa holds a special place in our hearts.

Back in the day, this laid-back town revolved around sugarcane, pineapple canneries, and bustling railroad tracks. Today, it acts as a vibrant blend of a tight-knit residential hub and a welcoming tourist destination. You still get strong local community vibes alongside visitors looking for a relaxed island base.

The main attractions here highlight the island’s incredible outdoors. We love renting cruiser bikes to ride along the Ke Ala Hele Makalae path. It hugs the coast for miles and offers stunning ocean views. Hiking up the nearby Sleeping Giant trail rewards you with panoramic views over the town and coconut coast. Downtown Kapaa itself is full of historic wooden storefronts, quirky boutiques, and colorful food trucks.

When our appetites kick in after a morning on the ocean path, we head over to Kountry Kitchen. They serve colossal breakfasts that keep you full all day. Their macadamia nut pancakes topped with homemade coconut syrup are flat-out legendary. Grab a cup of local coffee while you wait, because there is almost always a crowd outside. Kapaa gives you that quintessential old-Hawaii charm without feeling completely frozen in time.

Best place to stay in Kapaa

Hotel Lae Nani Kauai by Outrigger. Address: 410 Papaloa Road, Kapaa, HI 96746, United States of America.

Waikiki

Best area for: attractions, tourists, nightlife

Waikiki is one of the most famous areas in Hawaii. Situated on the island of Oahu, Waikiki is the typical area one thinks of when dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway. It is arguably the most popular area of Hawaii to visit thanks to its large number of tourist attractions, hotels, and resorts.

Most of the action happens around Kalakaua Avenue, with high-rise hotels, restaurants, stores, and plenty of people heading to the beach. It is not the quietest part of Oahu, but that is also part of its appeal.

We were surprised by how much history sits underneath all that tourism. Waikiki was once a favorite retreat of Hawaiian royalty. Its name roughly translates to “spouting waters,” referring to the springs and streams that once flowed through the area. The first major hotel, the Moana Surfrider, opened here in 1901 and helped kick-start Waikiki’s transformation into a resort destination.

The beach is still the main attraction. Waikiki Beach is actually a chain of smaller beaches stretching for about two miles. We spent time swimming, watching surfers, and looking toward Diamond Head, which makes a pretty spectacular backdrop. A beginner surf lesson is another good way to get in the water. The waves are generally friendly enough for first-timers.

For a break from the beach, we’d head toward Kapiolani Park or the Honolulu Zoo. And for breakfast, Basalt is a solid pick. It serves breakfast daily into the early afternoon, which is handy after a slow Waikiki morning.

Best place to stay in Waikiki

Halekulani Resort Honolulu. Address: 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, Hawaii.

Cheaper alternative:

Outrigger Beach Resort. Address: 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, Hawaii.

Kapolei

Best area for: families, beaches

Kapolei is also located on the island of Oahu. It is considered the island’s second-most popular area after Waikiki. The area is just west of Honolulu and on the south coast of Oahu. Families find Kapolei to be an ideal spot to base themselves. The resorts and amenities are first-class.

For decades, this west-side area was mostly vast fields of sugarcane. State planners stepped in during the late 1980s to build it out and relieve Honolulu’s urban congestion. Today, it stands as a bustling master-planned hub that perfectly blends suburban living with major tourist drawcards.

Local families fill the residential master-planned subdivisions, but visitors stream in constantly. The massive resort enclave at Ko Olina sits right on the edge of town, featuring calm man-made lagoons, luxury hotels, and golf courses. Outside the resorts, we head to Ka Makana Aliʻi, a massive open-air shopping center that serves as the area’s central community hub. Water park fans hit Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii nearby for a break from the ocean.

When we grab lunch around here, we hit Monkeypod Kitchen in Ko Olina. They serve incredible farm-to-table island dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh fish. You have to order their famous mai tai topped with honey-passion fruit foam. It gives you a great mix of local flavors and a relaxed, open-air resort vibe without feeling overly formal.

Best place to stay in Kapolei

Resort Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club. Address: 92-161 Waipahe Place, Ko’Olina Resort, Kapolei, HI 96707, United States of America.

Wailea

Best area for: resorts, attractions, beaches

Wailea is a tourist resort located on Maui. The area is made up of 1,500 acres of beaches, resorts, and tourist attractions. The luxurious location is an escape from the cosmopolitan and far busier Oahu.

The beaches are the big draw. Wailea Beach, Ulua Beach, and other sandy stretches sit along the coast, with calm water that is great for swimming and snorkeling. There is also a coastal walking trail, which we found especially nice around sunset. Golfers have three championship courses to choose from, while The Shops at Wailea handles the upscale shopping side of things.

Wailea has an interesting past, too. Long before the resorts arrived, Hawaiians farmed the slopes and fished along the coast. During World War II, the beaches were even used by U.S. Marines for amphibious landing training. Ulua Beach was nicknamed “Little Tarawa” during that time.

For coffee, we usually stop at Akamai Coffee in Wailea Village. They serve Maui-grown coffee and a solid breakfast and lunch menu. It feels more casual than the big resort restaurants.

One thing to know: Wailea is not cheap. But if you want a beautiful, easygoing base in Maui, it is hard to beat.

Best place to stay in Wailea

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. Address: 3550 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI 96753, United States of America.

Where travel critics stay in Hawaii

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Hawaii? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Hawaii.

Budget

Waimea Plantation Cottages Kauai.

“History buffs will adore these relocated and refurbished sugar-plantation cottages, which were originally built in the early 1900s. The one- to five-bedroom cottages are tucked among coconut trees along a lovely stretch of coastline.” — Fodor’s.

Address: 9400 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796, Hawaii.

Mid-range

Moana Surfrider Westin Resort Honolulu.

“Built in 1901, the Moana Surfrider is the oldest hotel in Waikiki. Its beaux-arts architecture makes it the only hotel in Honolulu with the feel of a plantation mansion, complete with rocking chairs on the verandas and staff in historical dress.” — CNN.

Address: 2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, Hawaii.

Luxury

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.

“This luxury resort earns its accolades with top-flight service and lavish attention to detail like fresh orchids in every room, embracing lush gardens and an oceanview infinity pool.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive, Kailua, HI 96740, Hawaii.

FAQ: Hawaii hotel recommendations

If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Hawaii-or maybe your travel plans require a splendid hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in Hawaii.

Best time to visit Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands boast a pleasant, tropical climate year-round, so you’re in for a treat no matter when you go. However, the dry season from April to October is generally considered the optimal time to visit, as the weather is consistently warm with minimal rainfall.

During these months, you can enjoy endless sun-soaked days, perfect for basking on the beach, exploring the islands’ lush landscapes, or partaking in thrilling water sports.

Peak tourist seasons in Hawaii typically occur during the winter holidays, spring breaks, and summer vacations. So, if you’re looking for a more peaceful and relaxed vacation, consider visiting during the quieter months of September, October, or May.

These off-peak times not only offer fewer crowds but also often have lower prices on accommodations and airfare, making your dream Hawaiian vacation more affordable.

Best things to do in Hawaii

There are plenty of things to do in Hawaii and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Hawaii:

Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History

The Big Island of Hawaii has a diverse ecosystem unlike anywhere else on the planet, and on this day-long nature tour, experience the beauty of its black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Price: $193. More info.

Oahu Shark Dive

Set out from Oahu’s scenic North Shore to the depths of the big blue Pacific, where you have the chance to observe wild sharks from inside an underwater shark cage. Price: $109. More info.

Pearl Harbor & USS Arizona Memorial Tour with Pick-Up

Skip the long lines to the Pearl Harbor attraction on a small group tour from Waikiki. Learn more about the events that led to the US joining World War II at the USS Arizona Memorial. Price: $55. More info.

More things to do in Hawaii

Deciding where to stay in Hawaii

To summarize, this travel guide has covered the best areas of Hawaii, as well as some hotel tips and things you can do. It’s now up to you to decide which area you prefer.

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Hawaii

• Wailea
• Kapolei
• Waikiki
• Kapaa
• Koloa

As you have seen in this article, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Hawaii is important. Whether you stay in Wailea, Kapolei, Waikiki, Kapaa or Koloa, all those areas are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Hawaii.

Hawaii overview

More Hawaii tips

Take a look at our other guides about the best places to stay in Hawaii:

Hotels in Hawaii

Hostels in Hawaii

Boutique hotels in Hawaii

Luxury hotels in Hawaii

Cheap hotels in Hawaii

Eco-friendly hotels in Hawaii