Best Hotels and Exotic Resorts to Stay in Oahu during your Hawaii Getaway!

Searching for the best resorts on Oʻahu? Oʻahu, the most visited island in Hawaii, welcomes over 4.7 million travelers annually, and it’s easy to see why.

With more than 90 resorts and hotels ranging from the glam high-rises of Waikīkī to tranquil, eco-luxury hideaways on the island’s North and West Shores, Oʻahu offers accommodations for every kind of traveler.

Whether you’re booking a honeymoon suite, planning a luxe family getaway, or chasing tropical perfection on a budget, this curated list reveals exactly where to stay in Oʻahu for every taste, vibe, and vacation style.

Best Places to Stay on Oahu: An Ultimate Hawaiian Getaway

1. Waikiki

One of the most famous places in Oahu is Waikiki. Waikiki is the most famous beach on the whole island and an indispensable address for all tourists.  It covers about 1.5 square miles of beachfront area in Honolulu and is home to more than 45 resorts and hotels.

Waikiki is densely populated and has a large number of hotels and apartments that you can rent. On the beach, Waikiki has everything you need.

The large number of markets located there allows all guests to get everything they need to enjoy Oahu. There is also a large number of restaurants that will enable every visitor to find some food for themselves that they like.

Waikiki is especially known for its surf history—this is where Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, made waves.

A good note is that you will have an incredible view because all the hotels are located right on the beach. A large number of people go out in Waikiki and every evening is full of people, so it is a good place to socialize and meet other tourists.

Interestingly, about 44% of all visitors to Hawaii are staying in Waikiki at any given time, making it the tourism hub of the entire state.

2. Turtle bay

When you are in Hawaii, you certainly want to feel a dose of luxury with all the nature. In that case, the best place for that is in Turtle Bay. Located on O‘ahu’s North Shore, Turtle Bay covers roughly 850 acres of pristine coastline and lush forest.

One of the beautiful resort that, together with nature, creates a true masterpiece. In order for your experience to be special, the ocean villas at Turtle Bay Resort will certainly contribute to that.

Anyone who wants privacy can get it in this hotel without going out with too many crowds. It contributes the most to the quality of your vacation and helps you to enjoy it with your loved ones.

In the Turtle Bay Resort, you can find all kinds of activities. Here you can practice water sports such as surfing and other water activities. You can also play golf on the beautiful grounds of this resort.

Turtle Bay is famous for its world-class surf breaks; best time to visit is during June to Auguest, as well as being a filming location for movies like “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and TV shows like “Lost.”

3. Kailua

If you want to visit the most beautiful beaches in Oahu then you must visit Kailua. Kailua is located on the windward (east) coast of Oʻahu and spans about 10.6 square miles.

Kailua’s beaches are where people go to experience the true charm of vacation. There is crystal clear water that is a real lure for good photos.

In Kailua, you can rest properly because you will not run into a huge crowd of people. You can try local specialties and enjoy interacting with locals.

In that place, you will be able to learn more about the culture of the local inhabitants of Hawaii. This will help you to spend your time usefully but at the same time enjoying it.

You can also go hiking on the nearby plateau and see the beautiful views of this island from a height.

Kailua Beach and nearby Lanikai Beach are often ranked among the best beaches in the world for their powdery white sand and calm turquoise waters, ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and photography.

4. East side

The entire east side is a must-see if you’re on Oahu. This area includes regions like Waimanalo, Makapu‘u, and Kāneʻohe and is dominated by the Koʻolau mountain range, offering dramatic, lush views.

The mountains located there are surrounded by greenery, so they will offer you an incredible view while you are swimming. There you can also come across old temples and get to know the local culture that way.

The East side offers many beautiful places that nature has to offer and hiking will help you experience that experience in the most special way.

Notable attractions on the east side include the Byodo-In Temple (a replica of a 950-year-old Japanese temple), the Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail, and Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden. This side is quieter than Honolulu and perfect for nature lovers and cultural explorers.

5. Stay in nature

When you are on the island of Oahu, you have a very good opportunity to connect with nature. Try to find places that do not have construction projects and where nature is preserved.

There are a number of bungalows that can be a good solution because they are made of natural materials. Only in this way will you be able to have an unforgettable experience and contribute to your mental health because you are in nature.

Some great nature-immersive places include Kaʻena Point State Park, Kahana Valley, and the beaches of Mokulē‘ia. Many eco-lodges and off-grid bungalows are available on the island’s west and north shores, offering a sustainable stay.

6. Camping houses

High prices in Oahu are a problem because more and more tourists want to visit this place. If your budget does not fit, then a good solution is to pack your tents and camp on Oahu.

It is only important that you equip yourself well and have all the things you need. It is also important to follow local laws and map out the places where you can stay.

That way you will be able to see many constellations and a beautiful night sky that will amaze you. If you are lucky, you will have the opportunity to see a couple of shooting stars.

There are around 17 designated campgrounds on Oʻahu, including Mālaekahana State Recreation Area, Bellows Field Beach Park (open only on weekends), and Kualoa Regional Park.

Permits are required for most campgrounds and can be obtained through the Honolulu Parks & Recreation website.

Conclusion

In order to fully enjoy all the gifts that the island of Oahu has to offer, you need to prepare well before your departure. When you make your decision where exactly you will stay, then you can enjoy everything without worry. This list will help you discover good places and solutions for your arrival.