Where to Stay

Five million people per year visit the island of O'ahu and the Pacific metropolis of Honolulu. It is no wonder that the island boasts some of the finest hotels in the world. It is the land of Aloha, and you'll find the famous Aloha Spirit in many of the fine area hotels.

Waikiki

The two oldest hotels on the strand are the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel, dating from the early 1900s, and the "Pink Lady of the Pacific," the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Both of these great hotels are right on the beach and in the top tier of accommodations in Waikiki. The Halekulani is also considered by many people to be one of the top five hotels on the Islands. All three of these elegant options are expensive, but the accommodations, ambiance and service at each of them are of the highest quality. The Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel at the start of the beach is a bit less expensive, but is still wonderful; it's one of the best choices for families. The Village has two high-rise towers, a lovely tropical shopping bazaar, many fine restaurants, three pools and a beachfront location.

Another famous chain, Outrigger, has several locations in Waikiki. Among them are the ideally situated Outrigger Reef on the Beach and flagship Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. These are moderately priced hotels, but the quality of the rooms and service is very good. Aston is also well represented in Waikiki. The ResortQuest at the Waikiki Banyan and Aston Coral Reef Hotel provide excellent accommodations at moderate prices. Another reasonably priced choice for people who need to be right on the water is the Marc Waikiki Royal Suites. Every room is a suite and most overlook the beach.

There are many economy choices in this famous area. An excellent option is Waikiki Parkside. As the name suggests, it overlooks a beautiful park that marks the start of Waikiki. Family plans at this hotel are quite reasonable. The Castle Hotel group operates several Hawai'i hotels, all reasonably priced. One of the best is Queen Kapiolani Hotel.

Almost all of the hotels in Waikiki have Japanese speaking personnel, and the spirit of Aloha is very much alive throughout the hospitality industry.

Ala Moana

As mentioned above, the Ala Moana district of Honolulu is the community that borders Waikiki; it is a very popular shopping and dining area. The Ala Moana Hotel sits right beside the shopping mall and is a moderately priced choice for accommodation. Nearby is the Westin Hawaii Prince Hotel. It is a bit pricier than its neighbors, but exceptionally well appointed. On the border of Ala Moana and Waikiki, Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki offers short- and long-term accommodations in a great setting overlooking the colorful Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. Discovery Bay (across the street from the Ilikai) offers long-term vacation condo rentals. The Pagoda Hotel on Rycroft Street, three blocks from the Ala Moana Shopping Center, is a favorite economy hotel of inter-island travelers and knowledgeable visitors from the mainland. There are also several hostelries in the Ala Moana area, but it is best to avoid them.

Downtown and Airport Areas

Honolulu's central area is one of the nicest, prettiest and cleanest in the country. Here, you'll find the ResortQuest at the Executive Centre Hotel on Bishop Street. This luxurious business stopover features well-appointed suites and all necessities for conducting commerce.

Like most cities, Honolulu has a number of good lodging options near its busy international airport. The Honolulu Airport Hotel on Nimitz Highway offers comfortable rooms and is a favorite stopover for military personnel from nearby Pearl Harbor and Hickam Airforce Base. The hotel offers a free 24-hour airport shuttle service, as does Best Western Plaza Hotel next door.

Outlying Areas

Kahala, lying just to the south of Waikiki and at the foot of Diamond Head Crater, boasts one of the best and most exotic hotels, the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Like all of the Oriental hotels worldwide, this is a showplace. Set on the beach amid beautiful gardens and patios, it is also one of the most expensive places on the island.

The premier place to stay on Oahu's famous north shore, an hour and a half from downtown Honolulu, is the Turtle Bay Resort. It is a great place to get away from it all while relaxing in a low-rise, blissful Hawaiian setting. It is also a wonderful place to take in a sunset.

At secluded Ko Olina Marina is the lovely JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa. Boasting a world-class golf course, the Azul restaurant, and an idyllic natural setting, this place appeals to the true escapist.

If smaller, more intimate lodgings appeal to you, there are many Bed and Breakfasts in Honolulu and on O'ahu. Bed & Breakfast Hawai'i at +1 800 733 1632 (http://www.bandb-hawaii.com) can help you find a suitable place anywhere from Waikiki to the Manoa Valley to the North Shore.