7 Best Hotels in Honolulu and Pearl Harbor, Oahu

This affordable property two blocks from Waikiki Beach appeals to the young (and young at heart) with surfer-chic rooms and suites, a cool blue-and-green color scheme, and lounge chairs throughout. Most accommodations have a lanai, mini-refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Note that although the resort fee includes beach towels and chairs, the hotel does not offer daily housekeeping services (and also charges a one-time cleaning fee); replacement bedding and towels are available upon request, however. There isn't any food at the hotel, but many dining options are just outside.

With a homey atmosphere and a vintage vibe, this small, low-rise complex—two blocks from the beach and close to the Waikiki Beach Walk entertainment, dining, and retail complex—transports its guests back to 1960s-era Hawaii. Six two-story, ranch-style buildings overlook flower-filled gardens and surround the pool area, which is also home to Wasabi Bistro, a popular Japanese restaurant. Although rooms are dated (and have bathrooms with showers only), they do have kitchenettes, as well as intriguing, Japanese-style shoji doors that open to the lanai.

On the ewa (western) end of Waikiki, a block from both the Ala Moana Center and Ala Moana Beach Park, this modern, family-owned, boutique hotel has a Hawaiian country theme that pays tribute to Hawaii's polo-playing history. All rooms have refrigerators and coffee makers; some have balconies and partial ocean views. On-site amenities include free Wi-Fi, a small swimming pool, and the Paniolo Bar & Cafe, which serves artisan coffees in the morning and craft cocktails in the evening. The front-desk staff is happy to assist with driving directions to the polo-playing fields at Mokuleia and Waimanalo, with free tickets for guests in season (April–September).

Just a block from Waikiki Beach, this unassuming but stylish boutique hotel focuses on wellness and renewal, making it a calm alternative to the big, bustling resorts that dominate the area. The cozy rooms feature muted tones and mid-century modern furnishings. Perks include free Wi-Fi, morning coffee in the lobby, and yoga or other wellness programs. There's also a grab-and-go food station and a (very) small lobby bar.

Tucked away on a residential side street near Waikiki's Ala Wai Canal, this locally owned, 17-story, condo-style hotel is a throwback to old Waikiki, offering partially refreshed, large units that are ideal for families. The glass-walled lobby—with its koa-wood furnishings, original local artwork, and friendly staff—feels like a Hawaiian home-away-from-home. Rates are decent for the spacious, updated (2022) studios and one- and two-bedroom suites, all with full kitchens, Wi-Fi, and spacious lanai. Note: Bathrooms are dated and are scheduled for renovation in 2025. There's also an on-site coin-operated laundry room. It's a two-block walk to Waikiki Beach, shopping, and restaurants. Parking is free but limited; when the spots are full, you can sometimes find parking on the street. Every Friday morning, the Ilima Ohana Chorus performs in the lobby, and guests are invited to sing along.

An open-air lobby of Italian marble, a koi pond, hanging egg chairs, and a guava smoothie greet you on arrival at this hideaway a five-minute stroll from Kalakaua Avenue through one of the many public-access ways to the beach. The property's two towers offer nearly 100 standard rooms and junior or one-bedroom suites, some with small kitchen areas. All accommodations have a refrigerator, soaking tub, slick audio-entertainment systems, and free Wi-Fi. Request a room close to the top of the hotel's 11 stories if you want to see the ocean from your lanai. A limited continental breakfast on the lobby veranda is included. 

Close to Kailua Beach, this cozy bed-and-breakfast has been around since the 1990s and has two suites that are attached to the main house but have their own private entrances. The Garden Suite has a full kitchenette, while the Ginger Studio has a breakfast bar. Both have Wi-Fi, TV, air-conditioning, and beachy decor. The larger, open-air suite is spacious enough for a family of four. You can also reserve both spaces together. You can borrow bodyboards, beach towels, and beach chairs.