We list the best hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses in Hawaii as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in Hawaii: Waikiki Central Hotel
Best boutique hotel in Hawaii: The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
Best luxury hotel in Hawaii: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
“Whoa, nice work Montage Kapalua Bay. Swanky yet inviting, this 24-acre resort, which opened in 2014, takes style and comfort to an utterly pleasing level. The property feels more intimate and less hectic than other resorts across Maui.”
“Beautiful views everywhere, polished wood floors, custom furnishings and linens in warm earth and cool white tones, and Hawaiian fine artwork make this resort a peaceful retreat. Ground-level rooms have outdoor garden showers.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Hawaii.
“This resort, the premier destination on Lana‘i, reopened in 2016 after a lavish redesign that saw rooms and public spaces thoroughly revamped, with a minimalist tropical aesthetic. Views of Manele Bay’s azure waters and beach are sublime.”
“This is one of Waikiki’s most luxurious hotels; its name means ‘house befitting heaven’. Of all the hotels in Waikiki, this one feels the most peaceful, abetted by lovely, personable service. It’s a true escape.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Hawaii.
“More than 250 rooms range from merely opulent to ‘what do I do with myself’ extravagant. A 5000-sq-ft infinity pool with multiple hot tubs sits oceanside, with Puʻu Poa Beach just steps away.”
“In a quieter zone between the Ala Wai Canal and busy Waikiki, the midcentury design Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club charges $29 a day to each room for access to treats like hotel-branded bicycles, free morning coffee in the lobby and use of a beach tote and towels.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Honolulu.
“Hidden away in the upscale residential neighborhood of Kahala, this elegant oceanfront hotel has played host to celebrities, princesses, the Dalai Lama, and nearly every president since Lyndon Johnson as one of Hawaii’s very first luxury resorts.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Hawaii.
“The expansive yet laid-back Turtle Bay Resort has tennis courts, pools, horse stables, a spa, and two golf courses, as well as access to a protected swimming beach and several surf breaks right in front of the hotel.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Oahu, Hawaii.
“It still exudes upscale tranquility with an uncluttered, Asian-inspired aesthetic in spacious, modern rooms, while families relish the even larger lodgings in the Beachfront Wing and a new array of Hawaiian cultural activities.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Hawaii.
“Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach is located on the sands of the original Beach Boys Club — this is Hawaiian Olympic and surfing king Duke Kahanamoku’s patch. Rooms have been completely refurbished, including extra soundproofing for honeymooners.”
“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.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Kauai, Hawaii.
“Waikiki’s original luxury hotel, this pink Spanish-Moorish-style landmark is loaded with vintage opulence, which is kept relevant by continuous subtle upgrades.”
“The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas are superbly set up for families, with stylish units that include fully stocked kitchens and washer/dryers, not to mention kid-friendly ocean-view pools.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Kauai, Hawaii.
“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.”
“Situated at the quieter Diamond Head end of Waikiki, The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel is affordable, new and right on the beach. Service is solid all-around without being flashy.”
“Ten miles from Kailua, Paradise Bay Resort overlooks Kaneohe Bay and offers a quiet, residential feel.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Oahu, Hawaii.
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Forbes
Recommended by:
Fodors, Lonely Planet, Frommers, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Frommers, Forbes
Recommended by:
Frommers, CNN, Forbes, Lonely Planet, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Frommers, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors
Recommended by:
CNN
Recommended by:
Fodors, New York Times, Frommers
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, New York Times, Fodors, Frommers
Recommended by:
New York Times, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CNN, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CNN, New York Times
Recommended by:
New York Times
Hawaii is a state is an volcanic archipelago in the Central Pacific as well as a state in the United States of America. The island is known for its beaches with golden, green, red, and black sands, tropical foliage, waterfalls, and cliffs.
Some of the great areas of Hawaii are:
Black Point
Black Point is a beautiful area that is also called Diamond Head and has white sandy beaches, beautiful mansions, and wide roads. The area is the home to an illegal and infamous saltwater pool that fills with ocean water during big swells and high tide.
Pupukea
Pupukea is a small land division that is located close to the North Shore of Oahu. The division is the home to Waimea Bay that hosts the world famous surf competition “The Eddie” every year. The area also offers striking view to Waimea Valley, Waimea Bay, as well as entire of the North Shore.
Hawaii Kai
Hawaii Kai is an up market suburban area situated on the southeastern coast of Oahu. The area has several restaurants, shops, skate parks, schools, sports fields, parks, farmers’ markets and a movie theater. The area has landmarks as China Walls and Koko Head stairs.
Lanikai
Lanikai is an attractive area situated on the eastern side of Oahu. The area is home to Mokulua Islands and Lanikai Beach and attracts tourists and locals. The area has numerous restaurants, shops and stunning beach parks.
Mānoa
Mānoa is an area located in the valley and wetter part of the island U.S. state. The area is the home to University of Hawaii at Mānoa and the University Avenue has several shops, bars, and restaurants.
Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in Hawaii.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Hawaii, then book Waikiki Central Hotel. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Hawaii.
You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in Hawaii, you should check out The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Hawaii, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels on the islands.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Hawaii, then go for Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Hawaii, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
Looking for a good and affordable private room or cozy dorm in Hawaii? Check out The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel by IH. The hostel has been highly rated by backpackers. Also check out our list of the best hostels in Hawaii.
Hawaii is expensive. For a 3-star hotel you have to pay around $200 per night and for a 4-star hotel you would be looking at $330 per night. If you're after a luxury 5-star Hawaii hotel then you can expect to pay around $630 per night.
If you're looking for a room with a view, then try the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort Honolulu, Moana Surfrider Westin Resort Honolulu or New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel Honolulu. All offer amazing views of Hawaii and the ocean according to recent customer reviews.
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.
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.
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 things to do in Hawaii
Hawaii is the most iconic of all American tourist destinations. If you see a picture of an aqua-green crescent beach, coconut trees, and a hot pink sunset above the blue water, it’s probably from Hawaii. The island chain has been so widely marketed as a tropical getaway that many people assume you can only visit there if you’re flying in from somewhere else. Visitors who are prepared for the realities of traveling to and staying in this remote part of the world will find that exploring its natural wonders is unlike any other experience on earth. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Hawaii.
The Hawaiian Islands are a chain of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. The archipelago includes over 145 islands and islets, but just eight of those islands comprise the United States state of Hawaii. These eight islands are Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Niihau and Hawaii. The capital of Hawaii is Honolulu on the island of Oahu. The state’s largest population center is in Honolulu County on Oahu; as well as its only county seat. Hawaii is the 50th state of the United States and was admitted to the union on August 21, 1959. It achieved statehood by a vote of 79 percent through a referendum. Hawaii’s boundary includes an oceanic region that extends from 18°N to 24°N latitude and from 140°W to 180°W longitude around nine island chains: -the Hawaiian archipelago (the Big Island & others) -the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (Maro Reef) -the Leeward Islands (Lanai & Kahoolawe) -the Midway Islands (Midway Atoll) -the Northern Hawaiian Islands (Mokumanamana) – the Wake Island group (Wake Island & others) #What You Need to Know About Visiting Hawaii
The best time of year to visit Hawaii is December-February when the weather is mild and accommodation rates are cheaper. In this time period, you’ll find that the beaches are less crowded and you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery without sweating in a heatwave.
There are eight major Hawaiian islands, but the most popular is Oahu. This is where you’ll find Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and Waikiki. It also has some of the most developed beaches in Hawaii and the best shopping on the island. If you want to escape crowded areas or just have a smaller island experience, then Maui is your best bet with its gorgeous mountains and waterfalls. Kauai is another good option for those looking for natural beauty without as much development. These islands are only accessible by plane, so visitors need to plan accordingly when booking their trip.
Hawaii is divided into four distinct regions. The climate varies dramatically depending on where you are, as does the level of difficulty to get there. Visitors to Hawaii should be aware that it can take anywhere from 2-3 hours to get from one part of the island chain to another. This is because the Hawaiian Islands are cut up by mountains and can only be accessed by one or two highways running north-south and a series of curvy roads running east-west. In order to enjoy your trip, here are some travel tips worth noting:
Hawaii is made up of eight major islands, but only four are easily accessible from the United States. The state is just a few hours by plane from California and the Pacific Northwest, but if you live in New York or even Florida, you’ll need to spend at least 12 hours on a plane to reach it.
There are so many things to do in Hawaii that it’s hard to know where to start. You could spend your whole vacation on one island and still not have seen all of its highlights. Here are some things to consider adding to your itinerary: – Visit Waikiki Beach, Honolulu’s most famous beach – Hike through the lush vegetation at the Honolulu Botanical Gardens – Jump off the cliffs at Kaena Point – Explore the volcanic landscape of Hilo – See the breathtaking views from Maunalei Point in Wailua Falls State Park.
Hawaii is a remote part of the world, but it is worth visiting. If you want to visit this iconic American tourist destination, then you need to be prepared for the realities of traveling to and staying in this remote part of the world. That preparation includes everything from knowing what trip insurance is to understanding that Hawaii has strict alcohol laws. It’s important to know what you’re getting into so that your trip goes smoothly, both on the way there and once you get there.
We recommend that you read our guide about where to stay in Hawaii. It gives you an excellent overview of the most popular areas, highlighting the main attractions and hotel recommendations for each area.
If you like our list of hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses in Hawaii, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Bali or the best hotels in Cyprus.