Where to Stay on Oahu (5 Best Places, By a Local!)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay on Oahu

Generally speaking, Oahu is broken down geographically into the east and west sides and the north and south shores. In the summertime, the south shore receives swell, and in the wintertime, the waves are pumping on the North Shore. You’ll often hear locals referencing Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital, simply as “town.” 

Waikiki

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

If it’s your first visit to Oahu, or you’d like to stay where all the action is, then you’ll love Waikiki. It’s located in the heart of Honolulu on Oahu’s south shore, and is the island’s main hotel and resort area. Waikiki is lined with hotels, restaurants, and shops, making it a very walkable place to stay.

Whether you’re traveling with kids or on a romantic getaway, the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort is a beachfront hotel that’s location is hard to beat. It also has an adult-only pool and an all-ages pool that’s complete with a waterslide. 

If you’re looking for a historic getaway, The Royal Hawaiian is Waikiki’s oldest hotel and it’s rich in history yet is coupled with modern luxuries.

The city meets the shore in Waikiki and there’s a long stretch of beach for lounging. Waikiki has easy access to three surf breaks: Canoes, Queens, and Populars (Pops). 

In addition to surfing, there are plenty of tours that pick up in Waikiki, making it easy to see lots of the island without renting a car. And if you’re a fan of nightlife, Waikiki has plenty of bars and live music.

If you want to learn more about Waikiki and the surrounding areas in Honolulu, check out my complete guide to where to stay in Honolulu.

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
• Lots of homeless

Ko’Olina

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Ko’Olina Hotels: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa • Four Seasons Resort • Marriot’s Ko Olina Beach Club

Ko’Olina is easily the best place to stay if you’re traveling with kids. This resort community located on the west side of Oahu has four protected lagoons that are perfect for kids of all ages to swim, snorkel, and play. The west side of the island also tends to be the driest and the sunniest, so you’re almost guaranteed to have good weather during your stay.

There are a handful of resorts to choose from in Ko’Olina, but the Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is the most popular among families with children. It has a private beach, two swimming pools (including a children’s pool), and plenty more family-friendly amenities. 

If you’re looking for luxury, The Four Seasons Resort at Ko’Olina offers impeccable service and stunning views. 

Be sure and visit one of the four man-made lagoons during your stay –  you can swim, snorkel, stand up paddle, canoe, or just float around. Ko’Olina also has an incredible golf course as well as its own marina if you’re looking to head out for a sail. 

Willing to venture outside of Ko’Olina? I recommend the nearby hike, Maili Pillbox. And Electric Beach has some great snorkeling. 

Pros of Staying in Ko’Olina

• Incredibly safe
• Calm lagoons for swimming 
• Amazing sunset views 

Cons of Staying in Ko’Olina

• Isolated from the rest of the island 
• A car is necessary if you wish to the resort area 
• Doesn’t offer insight to local life

The North Shore

👉 Best Area For Surfers | ✨ Best North Shore Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay • Courtyard By Marriott • Backpackers Vacation Inn

The North Shore is a surfing mecca in the wintertime. Nicknamed the “Seven Mile Miracle,” the North Shore has a seven-mile stretch of incredible waves that are known worldwide. This area also hosts a handful of professional surfing contests each winter, including the Pipe Masters and the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational.

Surf on the North Shore is seasonal. The waves are big in the winter but during the summer, the waves go flat (for the most part). If you visit during the summer, however, you can expect calm conditions and great snorkeling and diving. Shark’s Cove and Three Tables are the best spots for diving during the summer.

In terms of accommodations, the options on the North Shore are minimal. The nicest hotel by far is The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay, offering five star hotel rooms and cottages. Here, you can surf right out front or snorkel in its protected lagoon. 

If you’re traveling on a budget, Backpackers Vacation Inn has affordable accommodations and is centered around all things surf. 

Pros of Staying in The North Shore

• World class surfing in winter
• Good snorkeling and diving in summer
• Has an old Hawaii feel 
• Lots of fun food trucks 

Cons of Staying in The North Shore

• Fewer accommodations 
• Far from town
• Ocean conditions can be dangerous in the winter 
• No waves in the summer 

Kaneohe

👉 Best Area For A Quiet Getaway | ✨ Best Kaneohe Hotel: Paradise Bay Resort 

Kaneohe is located on the east side of the island. It isn’t the typical go-to destination for tourists, but it has a lot to offer. 

A big selling point is Kaneohe Bay, which is a great place to kayak, snorkel, standup paddle, or boat around on a calm day. Kaneohe is mostly made up of residential neighborhoods, so staying here gives you a better feel for local life on Oahu. And, it isn’t as busy as some of the more popular tourist destinations. 

In terms of hotels, the only real option in Kaneohe is Paradise Bay Resort, but it’s a gem. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood right on Kaneohe Bay, this resort is tranquil, affordable, and offers free kayak and SUP rentals so you can explore the bay. 

Outside of Paradise Bay resort, the only other option is to stay in a vacation rental or camp at the Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden or at one of Kualoa’s beachfront campgrounds. Even if you don’t camp, though, both destinations are well worth a visit.

During your time in Kaneohe, be sure to paddle out to the Kaneohe Sandbar – a sandbar in the middle of Kaneohe Bay that’s exposed at low tide. Fun hikes in the area include the Pu’u Ma’eli’eli pillbox (or the Kaneohe pillbox), Likeke Falls, and the Friendship Garden. 

Other places worth visiting are Kualoa Ranch (where Jurassic Park was filmed), the Byodo-In Temple, and the Windward Mall.

Pros of Staying in Kaneohe

• Quiet 
• Minimal traffic 
• Easy access to the Windward Mall 

Cons of Staying in Kaneohe 

• Far from most tourist attractions
• A car is necessary 
• Limited accommodation options 

Kailua

👉 Best Area For a Casual Beach Vacation | ✨ Best Kailua Rentals: Private Beachfront Rental • Romantic Oceanview Guesthouse • Charming Lanikai Kailua Cottage

If you’ve been to Oahu before and are looking for something different than a resort stay, Kailua may be just for you. It’s located on the east side of the island and is known for its long stretches of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

There are no hotels in Kailua, so your only option is to stay in a vacation rental, giving you a taste of local living. While all of Kailua is nice, the Lanikai area is the most picturesque but also the most expensive. Outside of Lanikai, anywhere near Kailua Beach or Castles Beach is a great pick. 

One of the best parts about staying in Kailua is Kailua Beach Park. The stretch of white sand goes on for 2.5 miles, making it a great place to run, walk, or enjoy time at the beach. Because Kailua is on the windward side of the island, you’ll often see kite surfers and wind surfers making the most of the conditions. 

Just south of Kailua Beach is Lanikai Beach, which has great snorkeling when the wind is down and incredible views of the Mokes, a set of twin islands off the coast. Another great vantage point of the Mokes is from the top of Lanikai Pillbox, a short but steep hike above Lanikai. 

Pros of Staying in Kailua

• Allows you to experience local living
• Some of the prettiest beaches on the entire island
• Amazing sunrises 

Cons of Staying in Kailua 

• No hotel options
• A car is necessary 
• Windy

Tips for Staying on Oahu

Think About Your Priorities

Regardless of where you stay on Oahu, you’re sure to have a great trip. Every part of the island has something unique to offer. 

But before booking your stay, take some time to think about how you intend to spend your trip. If you like staying somewhere walkable with lots of nightlife, then Waikiki is for you. Or, if you’re a diehard surfer and are visiting during the wintertime, then the North Shore is the move.

Book Accommodations Well in Advance

Due to Oahu’s popularity as a travel destination, the best hotels and vacation rentals book up well in advance. Plan out your trip early to ensure you’re able to stay at your top pick hotel. Booking in advance will also help you get better rates and the room of your choice. 

Make Reservations Ahead of Time

Much like hotels, popular restaurants and highly-rated tours also book up early. Do some research ahead of your trip and make a few restaurant reservations to ensure you get in at a reasonable time. The same goes for tours. Although it’s possible to jump on a tour last minute, the best ones book up early, so you’ll want to reserve your spot well ahead of your trip.

Consider Renting a Car

Oahu has LOTS to offer, but everything is much more accessible if you rent a car. It’ll be necessary if you’re hoping to see the entire island or want to visit some local gems. But, if your goal is to simply relax at your resort, then you should do just fine without a vehicle. 

Plan For Rain

Rain is common on Oahu, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. In general, December is the wettest month, but you can expect at least a few showers whenever you visit. Typically, rain showers are short lived, but sometimes they last longer. 

To ensure you’ll still be able to go on all of your adventures, bring a rain jacket and a change of clothes so you’ll stay dry if you do get caught in a rainstorm. See my packing list for Hawaii for the full list of what to bring.

Do a Waterfall Hike

Thanks to the frequent rainfall on Oahu, the island is home to countless waterfalls. During your stay on Oahu, prioritize going on a waterfall hike! 

Great options include Lulumahu Falls, Manoa Falls, Likeke Falls, Kapena Falls, and Waimano Falls. 

Go Surfing

Once a sport reserved strictly for Hawaiian royalty, surfing is a big part of life on Oahu. Whether you’re a die hard surfer or you’ve never set foot on a board, Oahu is the perfect place to paddle out. There are dozens of private surfing lessons to choose from.

In general, the North Shore presents more challenging conditions while the South Shore tends to be more mellow. The North Shore Beach Boyz offer lessons for beginner to advanced surfers on the North Shore. Meanwhile, South Shore Surf Co offers lessons on the South Shore. 

FAQs about Oahu

What are the best areas to stay on Oahu for first-timers?

Waikiki is the best area to stay if it’s your first time on Oahu. It has the most hotels, restaurants, and attractions all within walking distance. It’s also a great place to go on various tours and it’s safe to walk around night and day. 

What are the safest areas to stay on Oahu?

In general, Oahu is a safe place to travel whether you are solo or traveling with friends or kids. Of all the places on our list, Waikiki, Kailua, and Ko’Olina are the safest. One of the most common crimes targeted towards tourists are car break-ins, so avoid leaving any valuables in your vehicle. And as with anywhere, use good judgement and try to avoid walking alone late at night. 

What are the best parts of Oahu to stay with kids?

If you are traveling with kids, Ko’Olina is our top pick on Oahu. It’s home to the Aulani Disney Resort & Spa and has four protected lagoons for swimming and snorkeling.

Outside of Ko’Olina, Waikiki is the next best option for kids. There are lots of family-friendly hotels in Waikiki and a long stretch of beach for kids to play. 

What are the best parts of Oahu for surfers?

During the winter, the best place to surf on Oahu is the North Shore. Nicknamed the Seven Mile Miracle, the North Shore is home to world class waves and a number of pro contests each winter. In the summertime, the south shore of Oahu gets hit with swell, so staying in or near Waikiki would be a safe bet. 

What are the best parts of Oahu to stay on a budget?

Unfortunately, Oahu isn’t the most budget friendly travel destination. But, if you’re smart, you can get away with a fairly affordable trip. Both Waikiki and the North Shore have hostels, which are much more affordable than hotels and resorts. Honu Waikiki by ALOH in Waikiki and Backpackers Vacation Inn in the North Shore are good options for budget travelers.

Or, if you plan to rent a vehicle, there are some great campgrounds on the North Shore and in Kaneohe that will cut down your costs significantly. 

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I hope you found this guide helpful in choosing where to stay during your time on Oahu. If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below and I’ll answer any questions you might have!

Next, read my guide to the best things to do on Oahu to keep planning your perfect trip.