17 Top-Rated Resorts on Oahu

byCassandra Angelie
Most of Oahu's hotels and resorts are found around Waikiki. This famous stretch of shoreline in Honolulu is home to everything from good-value hotels to five-star resorts, along with plenty of dining, shopping, and activity options, making this area the perfect choice for all types of travelers, whether you are on a honeymoon or a family vacation.

There is more to Oahu than Waikiki, and many more beautiful beaches. You'll also find resort properties in the Kahala area, which is located below Waikiki on the Southeast Coast. And the Leeward side of the island and North Shore also host a mix of accommodation options, including vacation homes, resorts, and bed-and-breakfasts. On the western side of Oahu, you'll find Ko Olina, a secluded beach area that is home to a number of resorts, including the posh Four Seasons.

Travel to Oahu is lovely year-round, with warm temperatures and often sunny skies. It does rain more between November and March, while the dry season is from April to October. The summer months that coincide with the dry season are definitely the most popular times to visit, and rates can soar during this time. You'll also find more crowded beaches and longer waits at restaurants. Visit during the swing seasons in spring and fall for lower rates and fewer crowds.

See some of the best places to stay on the island with this list of the top resorts on Oahu.

1. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina


On quiet Ko Olina beach on Oahu's west coast, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is one of the island's most high-end luxury properties.

Most of the 371 rooms and suites here face the ocean and are spacious affairs with luxe contemporary decor and comfortable beds. Tech-forward amenities include in-room iPads that allow you to order room service while surfing the web, and electronic toilets in the marble baths.

Beyond the rooms are loads of amenities, including four pools, one of which is for kids. There is a massive spa and fitness center on the grounds offering all sorts of massage, facial, and body treatments to soothe your soul.

Choose from five different restaurants when it is time to eat: Mina's Fish House is one option. It is run by James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Mina and is his take on a traditional Hawaiian fish house.

2. Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach


Ranging in size from kitchenette studios to large three-bedrooms, the Ritz-Carlton Residences overlook the white sands of Waikiki Beach, and all rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning ocean views. The decor is design focused and trendy with a mix of rich fabrics, polished wood, and large bathrooms made from Tibetan white marble.

The 8th-floor infinity swimming pool with views across Waikiki is a fantastic amenity that almost makes up for the fact that it will take you about 10 minutes to walk to the beach itself. There are also a few dining choices on-site, including BLT Market.

3. Halekulani Hotel

Halekulani Hotel

Accommodation: Halekulani Hotel

Right on the water in Waikiki Beach, Halekulani is an upmarket choice with contemporary, chic rooms done up in varying hues of white, cream, gray, and beige. They also feature stunning ocean views from floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies — book a corner room for two sides of glass.

Other amenities here include three restaurants. Each comes with open-air ocean views and a distinct menu. Check out La Mer for fine dining, while Orchids offers a more casual experience, and House Without a Key features a super relaxed vibe and nightly live music.

Also don't miss the hotel's heated outdoor pool with a glass-tiled floor, a spa featuring Polynesian treatments, and a workout room.

4. The Kahala Hotel & Resort

The Kahala Hotel & Resort


Located in the swanky Kahala residential neighborhood, right on the beach, just five miles from Waikiki's attractions, dining, and shopping scene, the Kahala Hotel & Resort features spacious rooms, the best of which have beach views from private balconies, along with luxe suites that feature designer furnishings.

Rooms also boast 40-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. There are also free surf and paddleboard lessons offered to guests, and kids will love the on-site lagoon with resident dolphins. Five restaurants, a local shuttle service, spa, and gym complete the amenities.

5. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort


In a legendary pink building right on Waikiki Beach, the Royal Hawaiian is impossible to miss. The luxury resort dates back to 1927 and has an old-world glamour to it, despite the 500-plus rooms and suites boasting modern amenities, like flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations.

Other amenities include two restaurants; a private beach area; and multiple heated swimming pools, including one with cabanas and another filled with saltwater. Breakfast is included and there is also an on-site spa.

6. Aston Waikiki Beach Tower

Aston Waikiki Beach Tower


The luxury Aston Waikiki Beach Tower is located right across the street from the famous beach. If you want a super central location that's within walking distance of numerous restaurants, shops, and activities, this is a solid choice. It gets good reviews for its service and views.

The all-suite resort is in a high-rise building. The condo-style suites come in one- or two-bedroom layouts and have full kitchens and washers and dryers. All suites also feature floor-to-ceiling windows and most feature ocean views from balconies. The higher the floor, the better the views, as well.

The resort does not have a restaurant on the grounds, although many people choose to cook some meals in the suites. The central location also means you are within a few minutes walk from dozens of restaurants.

It does have a swimming pool with a large sundeck and a jet spa to relax tight muscles. There is also a health and fitness center with a spin bike and yoga area and a cardio and strength training room.

This property is popular with families. Although the children's pool is currently closed for repairs, the beach across the street is a great choice for little ones as it is calm.

7. Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club

Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club


Fronting Ko Olina Beach, this Marriott resort is a great choice for families, as it has a number of different types of rooms, including villas with up to three bedrooms that have full kitchens and plenty of space to move around. The standard rooms are also spacious, clean, and comfortable. On-site amenities include a private beach, three swimming pools, and seven hot tubs.

There are also two restaurants: For casual seating in an oceanfront setting try Longboards, which serves up American fare, including hearty appetizers. If you'd rather have Italian fine dining then head to Longhi's Restaurant, which also features striking sea views.

Additional amenities include a spa, sauna, and fitness center with complimentary classes for guests.

8. Turtle Bay Resort

Turtle Bay Resort

Accommodation: Turtle Bay Resort

If Turtle Bay Resort, on Oahu's North Shore, looks familiar, you may have seen it on TV or at the movies — it served as a backdrop for the TV show Lost and the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall. The only resort on the North Shore, this beautiful property is perfect for a romantic vacation for couples.

It is set on 850 acres of lush grounds fronting the coastline. Rooms and suites are spacious, and all feature ocean views, along with luxe amenities and comfortable beds. Beyond the rooms, amenities include multiple restaurants, swimming pools, hot tubs, and golf courses, as well as a spa, fitness center, and tennis courts.

9. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa


Aulani in Ko Olina fronts the lagoon and is a perfect family pick for Disney enthusiasts. It offers a range of activities, including character breakfasts and pool parties and other kid-focused entertainment. Rooms and suites are done up in low-key but comfortable Hawaiian style, and many feature ocean views from private balconies.

There are also villas with up to three bedrooms available that work great for larger or multigenerational family trips. Other on-site amenities at this full-scale resort include multiple restaurants, pools (including one with a lazy river and waterslides), shops, and a spa.

10. Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort


Right on Waikiki Beach, the Outrigger is a modern property with sophisticated rooms and suites featuring tropical decor and, in many cases, ocean views. The suites have the best views, and also boast private whirlpools and pullout sofas if you're traveling with the kids.

Other resort amenities include three restaurants, an outdoor pool, a spa, and a fitness center that's open 24 hours a day. The staff here is friendly, and housekeeping does a good job at keeping everything tidy.

11. Prince Waikiki

Prince Waikiki

Accommodation: Prince Waikiki

Although not directly on the beach, if you want to stay in a luxury hotel on the quiet side of Waikiki, the Prince Waikiki is a good choice, especially if you like to golf. Every room at this posh resort has ocean views from oversized windows along with modern decor, comfortable beds, and tech-forward amenities like smart TVs.

The location is also convenient, and it is an easy walk to the popular Ala Moana Center, as well as Ala Moana Beach, and the hotel also runs a shuttle service here. On-site amenities include its well-known 27-hole golf course, along with a swimming pool, spa, and restaurants.

12. The Modern Honolulu

The Modern Honolulu

Accommodation: The Modern Honolulu

The boutique Modern Honolulu hotel offers a range of swanky rooms and suites that are spacious, clean, and comfortable with Italian linens on the beds and marble bathrooms with designer toiletries. There are even iPods and iPads available to borrow upon request that come with pre-programmed Hawaiian music and exploration apps.

Beyond the rooms, you'll find three upmarket restaurants, including one serving Japanese, as well as two swimming pools. Located on the harborfront, it is just a few minutes' walk to the popular Ala Moana shopping center and also walking distance from Waikiki Beach.

13. Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort


Right on Waikiki Beach, the Outrigger Reef is done up in Polynesian style with local art. The rooms and suites are sophisticated but not overdone, and the best come with dining spaces, whirlpool tubs, and balconies with direct ocean views.

Book the club floor for access to a private lounge, where a free breakfast is served, as well as complimentary snacks. Other amenities include two restaurants, nightly live Hawaiian music, a swimming pool, spa, and workout room. If you're celebrating an anniversary, the Outrigger also offers free Hawaiian vow renewal ceremonies to guests.

14. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa


The Hyatt Regency is right on Waikiki Beach and offers luxury accommodations in sleek and spacious rooms, as well as suites with comfortable beds, balconies, and either mountain or ocean views. The service here is friendly and professional.

Away from the rooms, on-site amenities include two restaurants with terraces boasting ocean views (make reservations to be sure you get a good seat at dinner) as well as a pool, hot tub, spa, and fitness center. For families, there is a kids' club. There is also often live entertainment by the pool.

15. Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach


The historic Moana Surfrider hotel first welcomed guests in 1901. Today the hotel is part of the Westin family and has a great location in the middle of Waikiki Beach. The rooms and suites at this 4-star property mix classic Victorian style and Hawaiian elegance. All have floor-to-ceiling windows, and upgraded rooms have ocean views from furnished balconies.

There are a few different dining options on-site. Other amenities include an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers and umbrellas, and a spa with a full range of treatments, from massages to facials.

16. Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach

Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach


The Hyatt Centric is a popular choice for families. Located just a few minutes' walk from Waikiki Beach, the upgraded rooms here have pull-out sofa beds for the kids. They also feature ocean views and deep soaking tubs. Suites have even more space, modern decor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and lots of natural light.

There are a few restaurant choices on-site and many more within walking distance. Other amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, fitness room, and a shopping concourse. If you are traveling with a dog, the hotel is pet-friendly.

17. Paradise Bay Resort Hawaii

Paradise Bay Resort Hawaii


To escape the crowds in Waikiki, head to secluded Kaneohe Bay, where you'll find the Paradise Bay Resort. It features suites in a number of sizes with kitchenettes and separate sitting areas that are done up in casual Hawaiian style, with either bay or mountain views. Some also have balconies.

Additionally, the resort offers cottages with full kitchens and ocean views from private patios. Other amenities include a complimentary continental breakfast, swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center with yoga classes. Guests can also borrow snorkel equipment and kayaks.

Map of Resorts on Oahu


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