Where to Stay in Honolulu (5 Best Areas, By a Local!)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Honolulu

Honolulu is Hawaii’s capital city and home to over 300,000 people. It’s situated on the South Shore of the island and broken up into smaller neighborhoods. 

Waikiki is Honolulu’s busiest neighborhood by far, bringing in millions of visitors annually. The majority of the hotels in Honolulu can be found in Waikiki. From there, the neighborhoods spread down the coast and inland into the mountains but none are very far from the beach. 

Keep reading to learn more about what each neighborhood has to offer to determine which is best for you!

Waikiki

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Waikiki Hotels: Sheraton Princess Kaiulani • The Royal Hawaiian • Honu Waikiki by ALOH

You’ll definitely want to stay in Waikiki if it’s your first time visiting Honolulu. Waikiki is located on Oahu’s South Shore, or “town” as the locals call it. It’s the most popular destination on the island among tourists. And for good reason.

Waikiki has more hotels than anywhere else on the island, and it’s situated along a beautiful stretch of coastline with views of Diamond Head to the east. 

The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Waikiki Beach Resort is a great option for families or couples and the location can’t be beat. Or, if you’re interested in staying in a historic hotel, The Royal Hawaiian, also known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific” has the longest history of any Hawaiian hotel. 

In addition to hotels, Waikiki has tons of restaurants to choose from, plenty of shops (from designer to surf shops), surfing located right out front, and lots of tours that launch directly from Waikiki.

If you’re looking for dinner with a view, you’ll be hard pressed to find better options than Monkeypod, Duke’s, and The Deck. If you’re on a budget, Marugame Udon is delicious and affordable. And there are ABC stores on every corner if you’re looking for a quick bite or need to pick up any essentials.

Waikiki is incredibly walkable and although there aren’t a ton of buses running through, you can easily call an Uber if you tire of walking. The area does get busy, so if you’re looking to escape the crowds, Kapiolani Park is located on the east end of Waikiki and is a great place to run, do yoga, or let the kids play. 

Pros of Staying in Waikiki

• Walkable 
• Lots of dining options/shops
• Lots of hotel options for every budget

Cons of Staying in Waikiki

• Crowded 
• Traffic getting in/out
• Houselessness is present

Ala Moana

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Ala Moana Hotels: Ala Moana Honolulu • Prince Waikiki • Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu

Ala Moana has a lot going for it, and it’s a great base for families staying in Honolulu. Located just outside of Waikiki, Ala Moana is on the west end of town and offers easy access to everything Waikiki has to offer.

The most central place to stay in Ala Moana is the Ala Moana Honolulu by Mantra. This hotel offers family rooms and plenty of amenities like on-site restaurants, an outdoor pool, and a spa. Or, if you’d prefer to be closer to Waikiki, consider staying at Prince Waikiki or Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu.

One of the biggest draws to staying in this area is Ala Moana Beach. The beach itself is about a mile long, and the inner waters are calm thanks to a barrier reef. It’s a great spot for swimming, stand-up paddling, or for kids to splash around. Magic Island is adjacent to Ala Moana beach and has a protected lagoon and path for running and walking – I love coming here to watch the sunset.

Out past the reef are a handful of fun surf breaks. Some of the most popular surf spots in the Ala Moana area are Ala Moana Bowls, Courts, Marinelands, and Kewalos. Most of the breaks in the area are best suited to experienced surfers. But if you’re new, Surf HNL Ala Moana offers lessons.

Another popular attraction in Ala Moana is the Ala Moana Center, a massive shopping mall with 350 shops and restaurants. It’s the largest outdoor shopping mall in the world and has everything you could possibly be looking for. If you have littles with you, a visit to It’s Sugar is a must! Another favorite for dining is Tanaka of Tokyo West.

Pros of Staying in Ala Moana

• Kid friendly beach
• Walking distance to the Ala Moana Center
• Easy access to Magic Island

Cons of Staying in Ala Moana

• A bit of a walk to Waikiki
• Lots of traffic
• Not as safe at night as Waikiki

The Gold Coast

👉 Best Area For Surfers | ✨ Best Gold Coast Hotels: Kaimana Beach Hotel • Lotus Honolulu • Diamond Head Beach Hotel & Residences

The Gold Coast is a small stretch of coastline that extends from the edge of Waikiki to the base of Diamond Head (it’s also known as the “Diamond Head area”). It’s just far enough outside of the chaos of Waikiki to give you some breathing room (about a mile away), but still close enough that you can easily access everything that Waikiki has to offer. If you’re a surfer, this is the place for you. 

Kaimana Beach Hotel is hands down the best place to stay on the Gold Coast. The boutique-style hotel has surf vibes throughout, with custom surfboards lining the entryway, surf and beach artwork, and views of the waves from your window. The Hau Tree restaurant attached to the hotel is delicious and a great spot for brunch or dinner as the sun goes down.

If Kaimana Beach Hotel doesn’t tick your boxes, the Diamond Head Beach Hotel & Residences is another solid option. The beachfront rental offers studios and suites that work for short and long-term stays. Another great boutique hotel in the area is the Lotus Honolulu, which has views of the ocean and Diamond Head. 

Kaimana Beach is the perfect place to spend the day, as it’s located right in the heart of the Gold Coast. The beach is spacious, and there’s snorkeling at the reef right offshore. It’s also a popular spot for swimmers as the channel provides calmer waters for laps. Within walking distance are a few surf breaks – Tonggs, Old Man’s, and Publics – and Diamond Head is just up the road.

During your time on the Gold Coast, you should definitely hike to the top of Diamond Head or run/walk the four mile loop around the crater. Diamond Head beach has great surf and is a quiet beach to sunbathe and read at. Or, if you’re new to surfing, check out Kai Sallas’ Pro Surf School Hawaii. 

Pros of Staying in The Gold Coast

• Not too crowded
• Easy access to local surf breaks
• Easy access to Diamond Head

Cons of Staying in The Gold Coast

• Not many restaurants in the immediate area
• About a mile walk to Waikiki
• Minimal hotel options

Kahala

👉 Best Area For Golfers & Fewer Crowds | ✨ Best Kahala Hotel: Kahala Hotel & Resort

Kahala is the perfect place to stay if you’re a golfer or simply prefer to stay away from the crowds. A few miles east of Waikiki, Kahala is an upscale residential area with secluded beaches and a breathtaking stretch of coastline. It’s also home to the Waiʻalae Country Club.

There’s only one hotel in Kahala, the Kahala Hotel & Resort. The luxury hotel is tucked away on a private waterfront that borders the Waiʻalae Country Club. It has four restaurants on-site and a full service spa, so you can indulge and pamper yourself during your stay. 

Kahala is a great place to unwind and soak up some sun away from the hustle and bustle. If you’re looking for a nice beach to relax on, hang in front of the hotel at Kahala Beach. Or, venture a short way up the road to Cromwell’s Beach, which is a popular spot among locals. While you’re at Cromwell’s, you’ll also want to check out the Rainbow Wall, located on the east end of the beach.

Other fun things to do in Kahala are to hike up Diamond Head, where you can enjoy views of Waikiki. The Kahala Mall is a great place to grab a quick bite and peruse the local shops. Or, you can visit the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design for a unique experience. 

Pros of Staying in Kahala

• Uncrowded
• Lots of quiet stretches of beach
• Easy access to the Waiʻalae Country Club

Cons of Staying in Kahala

• Only one hotel option 
• Not many restaurants to choose from
• Expensive

Downtown Honolulu

👉 Best Area For Business Travelers | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu • The Aston at Executive Centre Hotel

There really isn’t any reason to stay in downtown Honolulu unless you are traveling for business. Or, if you’re a history buff or departing/returning from a cruise. 

Downtown is packed with skyscrapers and businessmen and businesswomen. But it is also home to a number of historical landmarks. In downtown Honolulu you’ll find ‘Iolani Palace, the Kawaiahaʻo Church, the Aloha Tower, and the King Kamehameha I statue.

Downtown is roughly a 20-minute drive from Waikiki, so it’s always an option to stay in Waikiki and commute to downtown if you’d prefer. But traffic gets bad in the mornings and evenings so staying downtown will make your life easier if you’re exclusively traveling on business. Plus, downtown is home to some of the best restaurants in all of Honolulu.

Of all the hotels downtown, the AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu is centrally located and is by far the nicest. The Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel is another great option. 

During your stay downtown, be sure and visit Fete, The Pig and the Lady, and Rangoon. You pretty much can’t go wrong with anywhere in Chinatown, which is also in downtown, and it’s a fun place to dine and pick up flower leis. 

Pros of Staying in Downtown

• Great restaurants 
• Easy access to businesses 
• Close to cruise ship port 

Cons of Staying in Downtown

• Very industrial
• Not scenic
• Not great for kids

Tips for Staying in Honolulu

Avoid Visiting During a Holiday

Traveling during a holiday is enticing as most people have time off from school or work. However, Honolulu is always busy and it’s even busier during a holiday. In addition to combating crowds during your trip, prices are also significantly higher. 

If you have some flexibility, avoid traveling during a holiday to save yourself some cash. But you’ll still be able to enjoy all the fun things to do on the island.

Make Reservations Ahead of Time

Getting into restaurants in Honolulu can be surprisingly challenging. The good ones book up weeks early and it’s rare to be able to get into somewhere with a last minute reservation. Do some research ahead of time and reserve a few restaurants before your trip.

The same goes for tours. It’s possible to find some tours at the last minute, but the best and most affordable ones book up. Research before your trip and book the tours that are the highest priority to you. 

Book a Tour

You can certainly have an amazing trip to Honolulu without going on any tours. But tours are a great way to gain local insight and experience something you couldn’t do on your own. My top recommendation is to book a boat tour in Honolulu — whether that be a sunset cruise or a snorkeling trip. Whale watching excursions are also worth checking out. 

Go to the North Shore

The North Shore is roughly an hour drive from Honolulu, but it’s well worth it. The North Shore, also nicknamed “The Seven Mile Miracle” has some of the best surfing in the world during the winter. In the summertime, the North Shore is calm and is great for snorkeling. 

If you aren’t planning to rent a car, it’s possible to take the bus to the North Shore but it will take you a while. Another option is to sign up for a tour that visits the North Shore. 

Consider Renting A Car

If you’re someone who likes to lounge at the pool or beach for your entire stay, then renting a car is unnecessary. But, if you want to experience all the island has to offer, then renting a car in Honolulu is a great idea. 

Although it’s possible to take the bus, the public transportation in Honolulu isn’t amazing. A car will make it much easier to go wherever you want to go.

Learn About Hawaiian Culture

Hawaii is a beautiful place, not just for its landscape, but for its people, cultures, and traditions. First and foremost, remember that you are a visitor to Oahu, and always respect and honor the aina, or land, and its people.

Try to learn a bit about Hawaiian culture while staying in Honolulu. Ask a local to share the Hawaiian name for a place (for example, the Hawaiian name for Diamond Head is Le’ahi). 

Visit the Iolani Palace to learn about Hawaii’s royal heritage and the story of Queen Lili‘uokalani, the last Hawaiian monarch before the overthrow. Another great spot to learn about Hawaii’s history is the Bishop Museum. 

Consider Taking a Surf Lesson

Surfing is a major part of life in Honolulu and Oahu at large. If you’re new to surfing, I highly recommend taking a lesson.

There are tons of surf lessons to choose from in Honolulu, but I recommend Surf HNL Ala Moana if you’re new to help get you up and riding. There are also group surf lessons with Kai Sallas’ Pro Surf School Hawaii, which is great for beginners as well. 

FAQs about Honolulu

What are the best areas to stay in Honolulu for first-timers?

Waikiki is easily the best area to stay for first-time visitors to Honolulu. It has everything you could possibly want, all within walking distance. Additionally, Waikiki has tons of hotels to choose from, whether you’re looking for a luxury resort, a family-friendly getaway, or more budget-friendly accommodations. 

What are safe areas to stay in Honolulu?

All of Honolulu is relatively safe, but as with anywhere in the world, crime does exist and you’ll want to be careful at night walking alone. That being said, Waikiki is incredibly safe at all hours, due to the high volume of people regularly out and about. Outside of Waikiki, the Gold Coast and Kahala are also very safe. 

What is the best place to stay in Honolulu with kids?

If you’re traveling with kids, Waikiki and Ala Moana are your best bets. Both have lots of dining options, so it’s easy to find kid-friendly eateries. Both areas have big, spacious beaches, with calm waters for kids to play in.

What is the best place to stay in Honolulu on a budget?

Unfortunately, Honolulu is not the most budget-friendly travel destination but Waikiki is definitely the most affordable. Waikiki has a handful of cheaper hotels and a couple of hostels to choose from. You can also find some affordable places to eat or can walk to Target to buy food. 

Do I need to rent a car?

That depends. If you’re staying in Waikiki and don’t plan to leave, then you won’t need a car because everything is within walking distance. However, if you want to see all sides of the island and do some local hikes, then a car would be a good idea. Keep in mind that most hotels charge a parking fee, so factor that into your budget. 

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Thanks for reading my guide! Whether you’re an ocean lover, enjoy hitting the trails, or prefer to roam the city streets, Honolulu has something for everyone. I hope this guide helps you make the most of your stay in Honolulu. 

If you have any questions, drop a comment and I’ll get back to you ASAP. Up next, see my Hawaii Packing List.