Oahu Best Places To Stay – Here we’ve listed the 10 best places to stay in Oahu so you can make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. There’s a lot to do and see on Oahu, and you might feel a little overwhelmed by all the vistas before you.
Oahu means “Gathering Place” in Hawaiian, and it couldn’t be a more fitting attribute. Hawaii Island is not only home to the capital Honolulu, but has the largest population of all the Hawaiian Islands.
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Oahu has been inhabited since the 3rd century and was first sighted by Captain James Cook and his crew upon their arrival in 1778.
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With its heavenly beaches and stunning natural scenery, it’s no wonder that Oahu has attracted visitors and aspiring residents alike for over a century.
Often cited as the heart of Honolulu – if not all of Hawaii – Waikiki is a popular resort destination and one of the most sought-after areas to stay on Oahu. Here you will find the widest range of hotels, villas for rent and luxury resorts.
You will find a wide variety of attractions, restaurants, clubs, luxury shopping malls, high-rise buildings, museums, cultural sites, plus the zoo and aquarium.
Waikiki Beach actually covers 8 other beaches and was once used by royalty to receive guests. Locals and international surfers have flocked along the shores since the mid-20th century to ride the giants – colloquial surf talk you’ll no doubt want to familiarize yourself with!
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In addition to surfing, this 2-mile stretch of beach is where you’ll find additional water sports facilities, where visitors can learn to scuba dive, snorkel, kayak and catamaran.
Beyond Kahanamoku Beach is Fort DeRussy Beach Park, an idyllic spot for picnicking and relaxing. Gray’s Beach and Royal Hawaiian Beach are both extremely popular as well and located a little further down.
Kuhio Beach Park, alternatively known as Prince Kuhio Beach and The Ponds, is where you’ll find particularly calm swimming waters, especially ideal for families with young children or inexperienced swimmers.
Kapiʻolani Regional Park is the oldest of its kind in Honolulu and is well loved by people. The park includes many noteworthy attractions, including the 42-acre Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, and the scenic Queen Kapiolani Gardens.
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Waikiki’s Main Street, named after King David Kalakaua, stretches a mile from Beretania Street to Kapiolani Park and is where you’ll find most of the shops, restaurants, bars, hotels and local points of interest such as Nearby Waikiki. The shopping center and the International Market.
You won’t want to miss a trip to Atlantis Submarines, where guests can experience the marine mysteries of Waikiki in one of ten passenger submarines and learn about native aquatic life.
There is also the US Army Museum of Hawaii, located in the 1909 defense building used during the attack on Pearl Harbor, which is dedicated to the history and heritage of the state, from the island’s colonial conflicts in the 18th century to the Second World War.
Waikiki is Oahu’s most popular lodging area and offers a wide range of options when it comes to lodging.
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Accommodation options are varied enough to suit almost any visitor’s taste and budget, including those on a budget.
2. Diamond Head, where to stay in Oahu if you’re looking for a mix of city and nature
Diamond Head refers to the area where Diamond Head Crater, an extinct volcano known to the natives as Le’ahi, is located. The name Diamond Head was coined by 19th-century sailors who mistook the sparkling calcite crystals for—you guessed it—diamonds.
Diamond Head State Monument is the best place to see the crater, and the historic hiking trails offer particularly stunning views of Waikiki’s sights.
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While Diamond Head State Park is the main attraction of the area, visitors can also visit nearby Fort Ruger, the first US military reservation in Hawaii.
The closest hotels to Diamond Head are generally located along the beaches of Waikiki and inland in Honolulu, although there are several beach resorts in close proximity.
Located in Honolulu, this upscale residential area is known for its beaches and entrance to the Diamond Head Summit Trail, which ends at Diamond Head Crater.
Here guests can indulge in elite dining, shopping, local activities, as well as the dreamiest of views and the best swimming thanks to the area’s calm and clear waters.
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Kahala is known for being the starting point for extended day tours of the island, and visitors can experience the full breadth of Oahu’s culture through food, scenery and local history.
The Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture and Design is not to be missed, with countless visitor reviews citing it as the most exciting stop on their Oahu tour.
Kahala Mall contains more than 50 stores, shops and department stores with plenty of delicious eateries showcasing the best of local and fusion cuisine.
Real estate ogling enthusiasts will definitely want to check out the sumptuous homes in the area and maybe even rent one for the duration of their stay.
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Additionally, there are plenty of hotels, resorts, and rental villas, although prices can be extremely high compared to other areas of the island.
The lively Ala Moana neighborhood is where you’ll find all the sightseeing, shopping and entertainment you could want.
Although relatively small, Ala Moana is home to America’s largest outdoor shopping mall, making it a must-see on Oahu.
More than just a mall or market, Ala Moana Mall brings commerce and culture together through a subtle blend of nature and architecture.
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With more than 290 merchants selling everything from luxury brands to specialty items, Ala Moana Shopping Center boasts an international food court guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning foodie.
And if that wasn’t enough, the mall transforms into a live Hula show Monday through Saturday, giving visitors a unique look at the iconic Hawaiian dance.
Once you’ve had your fill of Ala Moana Mall, Ala Moana Beach Park awaits, drawing visitors from around the world to its serene beaches and unhurried, relatively tourist-free pace.
The beach park also has plenty of hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, and various outdoor amenities. And you won’t find a better place to stop and watch the sunset after a busy day.
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Downtown Honolulu is more than a business hub of intimidating skyscrapers and luxurious gardens, but an eclectic meeting place where culture is celebrated alongside every modern convenience imaginable.
There’s Iolani Palace, the 19th-century residence of Hawaiian royalty, as well as the Hawaii State Art Museum and the Art Deco Aloha Tower to start the tour; from there you can explore the Foster Botanical Gardens and get lost among the many shops and attractions along the way.
Downtown Honolulu has no shortage of luxury hotels and private home rentals, as well as bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and even pet-friendly options for four-legged family members.
With its convenient location and endless attractions, the Downtown area is one of the most exciting places to stay on Oahu.
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A planned community located in Honolulu County, Kapolei is referred to as Oahu’s second city. It is one of the fastest growing areas in Hawaii, with a population increase of 60% in just 15 years.
Although not as large as Honolulu, Kapolei holds more than its fair share, with plenty of outdoor dining options, boutique shops, and local sightseeing.
This neighborhood is home to the annual Aloha Festival as well as the City of Kapolei’s Electric Parade of Lights.
Kapolei is a very family friendly area. For youngsters there is the Wet n’ Wild water park, along with plenty of beaches, trails and sports activities.
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Golf enthusiasts will definitely want to practice on one of Kapolei’s golf courses, set against the azure backdrop of sea and sky.
There are a number of Airbnbs, hotels, and private rentals available in Kapolei, and the area is especially suited to travelers looking for a more communal feel to their Oahu stay.
Waiʻanae’s name translates to “waters of the mullet,” although in this case we’re talking about the marine fish and not the mullet.
This census-designated area of Honolulu County is especially popular for its horseback riding, beautiful beaches, and winding coastal trails, such as the Mt Ka’ala Trail, which reaches the highest point of Mount Ka’ala.
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Makaha Beach Park is a 21-acre mecca for surfing pros, with waves reaching up to 25 feet at Makaha Point.
The Waikiki Surf Club established the Makaha International Surfing Championships in 1952, with the annual Buffalo Big Board contest one of the most popular events.
For those less comfortable on a surfboard, Makaha Beach’s powdery white sands and mesmerizing views are a worthwhile attraction on their own.
Guests looking to stay in the Wainae/Makaha area will have a wide selection of beachfront hotels, resorts and boutique rentals at their fingertips.
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This small beach town located on the east coast of Oahu is known for its tropical beauty and laid-back atmosphere.
Kailua Beach Park, located along Kailua Bay, is a popular center for water sports, while Kalama Beach Park offers a gentler setting for beachgoers.
Lanikai Beach, which overlooks the rich birds
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