The best hotels in Honolulu – The Points Guy

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world thanks to its beautiful beaches, rich culture and stunning natural scenery.

The city is also a major gateway for both flights from the U.S. mainland and international flights across the Pacific to countries including Australia and Japan. No wonder Oahu is one of the best islands in Hawaii for travelers visiting the state for the first time.

Another reason the city draws so many visitors is that there are accommodations for nearly every budget and taste, ranging from budget beach hangouts to sprawling luxury resorts. However, a few hotels stand above the rest. When it comes to location, amenities and overall value, these are the best hotels in Honolulu (and its surroundings), many of which also rank among the best hotels in Hawaii.

So, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a vacation for the whole family, these hotels will make excellent backdrops for memorable experiences in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

What neighborhood should you stay in in Honolulu?

Like any major city, Honolulu has several major neighborhoods as well as some outlying areas worthy of consideration if you don’t mind a drive to attractions like Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head.

Most tourists tend to gravitate toward the iconic beachside area of Waikiki, which means “spouting freshwater” in Hawaiian — there is an abundance of natural springs in the area. Although the hotels, restaurants and bars along its main thoroughfare of Kalakaua Avenue can get crowded (as can Waikiki Beach itself), if you want to be in the heart of the action, this is likely the place for you.

However, there are also some sleepier corners, not only of Waikiki but also Honolulu and beyond, if you want a quieter place to stay. If you don’t mind an hour’s drive west, for instance, there are various resorts along the coast where travelers craving luxury and families looking for a bit of Disney magic might feel right at home.

Here’s a look at some of the best hotels in Honolulu and why each of them is well worth a visit.

The best hotels in Honolulu

No matter what your preference or budget, there’s an option for you in our list of the best hotels in Honolulu.

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Nestled among the towering buildings of the Sheraton and Outrigger Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian is an iconic hotel known for its vibrant pink facade. The hotel’s ideal location on Waikiki Beach’s wide and long strip of white sand is complemented by its easy accessibility, as it’s only a 9-mile drive from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). The lobby features a lush central garden instead of a sea view, and the hotel’s rich history is evident in its original rooms, featuring pink patterned wallpaper, paddle fans and four-poster beds. The newer Mailani Tower offers more contemporary rooms and suites with balconies and breakfast and snack services.

The hotel delivers a deeply personal and upscale experience, with a flower lei at check-in, traditional banana nut bread delivered to rooms, Hawaiian-inspired treatments like lomi lomi massages at the full-service Abhasa Spa and various dining options. Families will enjoy the hotel’s large pool and the luau-like Ahaaina feast.

Rates at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki start at $371 or 68,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Halekulani offers guests an elegant beachfront stay in the heart of Waikiki. Originally built in 1907 as a residential hotel named Hau Tree, its owners transformed the property into a classic vacation resort in the 1930s. The hotel now comprises 453 rooms and suites, all decorated in the property’s signature “seven shades of white” design and with private balconies or patios, plus modern amenities such as Nespresso coffee makers and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.

The hotel also fields seven bars and restaurants, including House Without A Key, which offers incredible views to accompany the nightly Hawaiian music performed at sunset. The newly reimagined SpaHalekulani utilizes the healing traditions of Polynesia, while Les Clefs d’Or concierges can open up access to some of Oahu’s top arts and cultural venues. With its luxurious amenities and tranquil atmosphere, Halekulani is an oasis of calm that transports guests to Hawaii’s golden era.

Rates at Halekulani start at $670 per night.

With the Pacific stretching as far as the eye can see, guests can revel in the beauty of this island paradise from The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach. The premium studios and suites, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic ocean views and beds dressed in immaculate Italian linens, provide a gorgeous setting for a relaxing stay. The suites feature living and dining rooms as well as fully equipped kitchens, catering to the needs of families or those traveling in groups.

The hotel’s amenities are nothing short of exceptional, with a trio of drinking and dining venues —upscale sushi, French and Italian restaurants — as well as a market-style grab-and-go cafe and an outpost of East Coast gourmet sundry store Dean & Deluca. Guests have access to a luxury spa, a 24-hour fitness center and an eighth-floor infinity pool with private cabanas.

Rates at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach start at $635 or 88,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Located east of Waikiki on a slightly quieter stretch of coast, Kahala Hotel & Resort boasts airy rooms and suites with all the modern amenities you could ask for, including flat-screen TVs, complimentary Internet access and 24-hour room service. But, if you want to take your stay to the next level, upgrade to a room with a balcony offering stunning beach or lagoon views, or splurge on a high-end suite with separate living areas and designer furnishings. But the resort isn’t just about the accommodations.

Guests can enjoy various free activities, from surf and paddleboard lessons to bike and beach towel rentals. And for those looking to relax, there’s a spa and fitness center on-site. Dining options abound, with five restaurants, but the real standout is the private lagoon with resident dolphins. It’s the perfect place to unwind and make unforgettable memories.

Rates at the Kahala Hotel & Resort start at $446 per night.

This historic Waikiki Beach resort hotel has been around since 1901, and it continues to be a popular choice among visitors to Honolulu. The hotel has bright, casual rooms with essential amenities such as flat-screen televisions, free Wi-Fi, minifridges and coffee makers. Some rooms and suites also have balconies with ocean views where you can enjoy that Hawaiian sunshine from the comfort of your accommodations. Or, work on your tan at the small but sun-splashed pool. Hit the gym and then relax with a treatment at the spa after enjoying a hearty buffet breakfast or afternoon tea at the Verandah, or before a breezy alfresco dinner of seasonal Hawaiian fare at Beachhouse at the Moana. The location is also a major selling point, as it’s just an 11-minute walk from the Honolulu Zoo and 3 miles from Diamond Head State Monument. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the city and the rest of the island.

Rates at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa start at $338 or 61,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The traditional Polynesian artwork and understated room decor at this hotel on Waikiki Beach make for a classic Hawaiian experience. Fort DeRussy Beach Park is just a two-minute walk away, while the Hawaii Convention Center is just a mile away, making it popular with business travelers.

The hotel’s rooms come equipped with all the necessary comforts of home, such as Wi-Fi, coffee makers and flat-screen televisions. Your room might even have a whirlpool tub, a balcony with ocean views and a dining area. Guests who opt for club rooms can enjoy the perks of a lounge with complimentary breakfast, snacks and cocktails. There are two restaurants on the premises, and guests can enjoy nightly Hawaiian music and complimentary Hawaiian-style vow renewal ceremonies.

This property also has an exercise room, a spa and an outdoor pool. To-go items from a coffee shop and valet parking are available for a fee.

Rates at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort start at $359 per night.

Just a mere 10-minute stroll from vibrant Waikiki Beach, this retro-chic 10-story hotel perfectly fuses traditional island decor with a touch of modernity. The breezy rooms, with private balconies, feature a sleek design balanced by top-of-the-line amenities such as flat-screen televisions, designer toiletries from California brand Byrd and ocean-inspired patterns. The hotel’s bright and spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, complete with plush sofa beds, are perfect for families seeking more space.

Additionally, the hotel offers an impressive range of on-site amenities and programming that will impress even the most discerning travelers, including an acclaimed restaurant called Mahina & Sun’s, a designer boutique and an outdoor pool fringed by cabanas and a cocktail bar where guests can enjoy poolside movies and even lectures from visiting scholars.

Travelers should expect to pay a resort fee, which covers an array of perks such as daily coffee, a snack basket, towel rentals and board games. With the Honolulu Zoo only a mile away and the Honolulu Museum of Art just 2 miles away, the hotel’s prime location is also perfect for guests who wish to explore the city’s nearby attractions.

Rates at the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club start at $227 per night.

The former Waikiki Trade Center was transformed into a hotel that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve’s mountains. Plus, the hotel is conveniently located just an eight-minute walk from world-famous Waikiki Beach, making it an excellent spot for travelers who want to soak up some sun and enjoy water activities.

The hotel’s rooms feel polished and bright, with beach-inspired accents and helpful conveniences like Keurig coffee makers. Guests can choose rooms with mountain or ocean views; some rooms even come with pullout sofa beds for added guests. For even more space, the suites come with separate living rooms.

After working up an appetite on the beach, guests can indulge in casual fare at the hotel’s warm, inviting restaurant, The Placery. There’s also a lobby bar and a Starbucks cafe for guests who need a quick caffeine fix. The hotel’s outdoor splash pool is a good spot for a dip and enjoying the warm Hawaiian weather. Additionally, the hotel offers a shopping concourse for guests to browse through.

Rates at the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach start at $269 or 12,000-18,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Overlooking Waikiki Beach, this high-rise all-condo hotel offers a balanced blend of luxury and comfort. The hotel’s location is ideal for tourists, as it’s a seven-minute walk from the Honolulu Zoo and a 15-minute walk from the Ala Wai Golf Course.

The one- and two-bedroom condos are elegantly designed with classical furnishings and tropical accents. Each has a private lanai with an ocean view, a fully equipped kitchen with a washer and dryer and a living room with a pullout sofa bed. Additionally, free Wi-Fi, cable television and game consoles are available in each room, and kids 17 and under stay free when sharing with an adult. Guests can enjoy various amenities, such as a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub and a sauna. The hotel also offers a billiard table and a grocery delivery service, making it a convenient location for extended stays.

Rates at the Aston Waikiki Beach Tower start at $604 per night.

The Prince Waikiki is an upscale high-rise resort located in Ala Wai Harbor near Ala Moana Beach Park, close to downtown Honolulu at the northern edge of Waikiki. The hotel recently underwent a $55 million renovation, so its rooms are looking swanky, while suites have separate living areas; some even feature balconies with panoramic ocean views.

Book a club-level room for access to a private lounge with complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon snacks. In terms of dining, guests can choose from two restaurants, a coffee shop and a bar. The hotel also offers various activities, including access to a 27-hole golf course, a tennis club, a pool and a spa.

Rates at the Prince Waikiki start at $285 per night.

The Sheraton Waikiki is known for its unparalleled views of Waikiki Beach. Located just 3 miles from Diamond Head and 9 miles from the airport, the resort offers a convenient and picturesque location for travelers visiting Hawaii.

The rooms are decorated with vibrant pops of color and have all the contemporary comforts, like flat-screen televisions and free Wi-Fi. You’ll want to upgrade for the best Pacific views, along with convenient separate dining areas, or reserve a suite for a pullout sofa bed in the living room.

Guests can enjoy their choice of various cuisines at the property’s dining outlets, including Japanese, pizza and an international restaurant, plus an open-air eatery serving Pacific Rim fare.

The resort also features a cocktail bar, an infinity pool and a spa to feel rejuvenated after a day out hiking in the mountains or sunning on the beach.

Rates at the Sheraton Waikiki start at $363 or 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

From the moment you step into The Laylow, you are greeted with a vibrant and breezy ambience. There’s an informal yet refined Hawaiian restaurant and bar offering an array of local dishes and drinks, a cozy coffee bar, a meticulously landscaped outdoor pool surrounded by stylish cabanas and languid loungers, a fully equipped fitness room and more.

The colorful rooms are exquisitely adorned with tropical accents, including their well-appointed sitting areas, though you might prefer to spend your time on their spacious balconies. Higher-category rooms offer ocean views and plush pullout sofa beds, while the club-level rooms grant entry to an exclusive VIP lounge that provides complimentary breakfast and snacks.

The hotel is pet-friendly too, for those traveling with furry companions. Plus, its unrivaled location provides travelers with effortless access to the nearby Diamond Head hiking area.

Rates at The Laylow start at $251 or 61,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Nestled on the picturesque harborfront, the aptly named Modern Honolulu offers chic and sophisticated accommodations for visitors to Waikiki. It’s less than a 10-minute walk to the Ala Moana shopping center and only a mile from Waikiki Beach.

After spending a day exploring, you can return to a room or suite with Italian linens and marble bathrooms, plus amenities including free Wi-Fi, iPods and iPads with Hawaiian music and apps on request, and private balconies with stunning views of the city, harbor, pool or ocean. Ocean suites are also available and include separate living areas and breakfast for two.

The resort boasts two pools, where live music is played most nights, and a trendy lobby bar and nightclub for evening entertainment. For dining, guests can indulge in the gourmet Japanese restaurant or one of the two other upscale restaurants.

Rates at Hilton Vacation Club, The Modern Honolulu start at $200 or 75,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

This resort showcases elegant and sophisticated rooms with tropical embellishments and all the essential amenities for a comfortable stay. These include flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, balconies with great city and ocean views, minifridges and coffee makers.

For families traveling with young kids, one- and two-bedroom suites offer ample living space. Indulge in the relaxed atmosphere of the resort’s Hawaiian restaurant, maintain your fitness regime at the state-of-the-art fitness center or take a dip in the outdoor pool.

Other amenities, such as the department store and nightly entertainment, add a touch of convenience and excitement to your stay.

Rates at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel start at $241 per night.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort is a tropical oasis that promises a fun, if sometimes busy, experience for travelers. With its iconic Rainbow Tower presiding over the shores of Waikiki Beach, the resort’s enviable location is just a stone’s throw away from the shore’s golden sands and sparkling waters.

The rooms in the updated Rainbow Tower boast custom-designed beds, Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions, but the panoramic views of the Pacific from your private balcony will genuinely take your breath away.

Whether you’re in the mood for authentic Hawaiian cuisine or succulent steak and seafood dishes, the resort’s panoply restaurants and lounges have something to satisfy every palate, including seafood, tapas and teppanyaki.

Relax and unwind at the saltwater lagoon, check out all five pools and the spa, or stay active in the fitness room. Families with kids will also love the resort’s kids program, snorkeling and hula dancing lessons.

Rates at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort start at $306 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The recently transformed Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach has a lot to offer, including world-class dining from “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto and a festive saltwater infinity pool that is a hub for the city’s social scene; it’s not hard to see why this hotel is the talk of the town.

Located just across the street from Waikiki Beach, the Alohilani Resort is a good option for folks wanting to stay in the heart of the action while enjoying upscale yet affordable accommodations. Guests can easily explore the area’s attractions, with the Royal Hawaiian Center shopping just a 10-minute walk away and the Honolulu Zoo a mere nine-minute walk away.

The resort boasts beautifully furnished, if somewhat compact, rooms and suites with balconies overlooking the Honolulu skyline, the Pacific and Diamond Head. The suites are particularly impressive, with additional living rooms and pullout sofa beds that offer ample space for relaxation and comfort. Plus, guests can indulge in two Asian restaurants and two bars.

The hotel’s lobby, including the sculptural backdrop of its reception desk and a 280,000-gallon aquarium, is mesmerizing. For those seeking something active, the resort offers a fitness center, tennis courts and batting cages.

Rates at the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach start at $300 per night.

The Wayfinder is a relatively recent addition to the vibrant Waikiki neighborhood and offers a unique and immersive Hawaii hotel experience with a hint of nostalgia. Thanks to its location several blocks back from the beach along the Ala Wai Canal, the hotel feels like more a part of the neighborhood than many of the nearby behemoths. The hotel offers guests a choice between poolside studios and spacious hotel rooms, each with a distinct design aesthetic featuring local touches that make it feel like home. For those looking for a refreshing start to their day, the B-Side cafe is a relaxing spot to grab a cup of coffee. Guests can also dip in the 70-foot saltwater pool or unwind in the hot tub, surrounded by tropical plants and serene surroundings. The hotel also has a swanky poolside speak-easy called Lost + Found for handcrafted cocktails and poke bowls. Guests can also tuck into fresh fish and seafood highlighted in a variety of poke bowls at Redfish.

Rates at the Wayfinder Waikiki start at $151 per night.

The Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is one of the most luxurious resorts on Oahu, let alone in Honolulu. It’s actually located about a 30-minute drive west of Honolulu’s airport, which means it feels secluded and dreamy while still being within easy reach of the city and major attractions like Iolani Palace.

The hotel’s 316 rooms and 55 suites all feature Four Seasons hallmarks like ultracomfortable beds dressed in crisp white linens (don’t worry, there are plenty of palm-inspired tropical prints to give the rooms some color) and all-marble bathrooms with decadent soaking tubs and walk-in showers.

Guests, meanwhile, have dining options galore, including an upscale eatery helmed by chef Michael Mina, Noe for Italian cuisine and Manalo Lounge for seaside, lantern-lit cocktails.

The hotel can also arrange for a host of exclusive guided experiences, including scenic flights and visits to Pearl Harbor. No visit, however, would be complete without an indulgent treatment at the Naupaka Spa, like the rejuvenating Waiea oxygen rose gold radiance facial (80 minutes, $365).

Rates at the Four Seasons Resort Ohau at Ko Olina start at $1,308 per night.

If “Moana” had you dreaming of a Hawaiian adventure, then look no further than Disney’s island resort, Aulani, which is located about a half-hour west of Honolulu’s airport so guests can take advantage of the tranquil setting while still having access to all the city has to offer.

The resort does a masterful job balancing a sophisticated contemporary Hawaiian vibe with Disney-riffic family-friendly fun thanks to elegant but functional guest rooms and the brand’s signature character visits from favorites like Mickey and Minnie. The resort has a protected beach that’s great for the little ones and activities such as surf lessons, as well as several playful pool areas and even a 3,800-square-foot saltwater lagoon for snorkeling with tropical fish.

Adults, meanwhile, can take advantage of access to the Ko Olina golf course and treatments like the rainfall-inspired Kilikili body exfoliation at the Laniwai Spa. Plus, with a plethora of dining options ranging from shave ice and a sumptuous luau to strong cocktails and fresh-caught seafood, every appetite should stay sated.

Rates at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa start at $623 per night.

Best credit cards for booking hotels in Hawaii

There are over a dozen excellent travel rewards credit cards out there for hotel stays. The right one(s) for you will depend on if you’re loyal to a particular program or chain, whether you want premium perks, and if you value benefits like annual free nights, automatic elite status and lucrative earning rates.

Here are three great credit cards to use for booking stays across a variety of hotel chains and independent properties while still enjoying money-saving features and high-end benefits.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earning rates: This card earns 5 points per dollar on airfare purchased directly with the airlines or through the Amex Travel portal (on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year). Plus, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. Remember, Amex points transfer to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio and to Choice Privileges at a 1:1 ratio, and there are sometimes transfer bonuses.

Benefits: This card is absolutely packed with perks, but among the travel-related ones you’ll want to maximize, including some hotel-specific benefits, are:

• Up to a $200 annual hotel credit, in the form of a statement credit, on prepaid Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with Amex Travel when you pay with your Amex Platinum (Hotel Collection stays require a two-night minimum).*
• Access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection.
• Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.*
• Up to $200 in statement credits annually for incidental fees charged by one airline you select.*
• Up to $200 annually in Uber Cash, valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. (split into monthly $15 credits plus a $20 bonus in December).*
• Up to $189 in statement credits to cover your Clear Plus annual membership.*
• A $100 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or an up-to-$85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck every 4 1/2 years (depending on which application fee is charged to your card first).
• Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, Plaza Premium lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when traveling on same-day Delta flights, limited to six annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025).*

*Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees).

Read our review of the Amex Platinum card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Earning rates: Earn an unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel and an unlimited 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.

Benefits: Cardholders get $300 in credits annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel, plus 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, starting on your first anniversary (worth $100 toward travel). Through the Capital One Premier Collection, cardmembers can enjoy free breakfast, on-property credits and room upgrades (if available) on stays at participating properties booked through Capital One Travel. They also receive up to $100 in statement credits for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

Annual fee: $395 (see rates and fees).

Read our review of the Capital One Venture X.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Earning rates: This card accrues 5 points per dollar on travel booked through the Chase travel portal, on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) and on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through March 2025, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points). It also racks up 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all travel not booked through the Chase travel portal; and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Benefits: Cardholders receive a $50 statement credit on hotel stays purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal upon opening the card and each following cardmember anniversary. They also receive a 10% bonus based on their total spending during the account anniversary year at a rate of 1 point for each $10 spent. This card also has some of the best travel protections in the industry, including trip cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance and primary rental car coverage, among other policies.

Annual fee: $95.

Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Related reading:

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.