The Best Beach Hotels to Book on Oahu, Hawaii

Paddleboarding is one of the many activities that await at the Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina
Paddleboarding is one of the many activities that await at the Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina | Courtesy of Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina / Expedia
Tasmin Waby

A gateway to the islands of Hawaii, Oahu has been beckoning tourists for over a century with its intoxicating mix of natural wonders, Polynesian culture and contemporary lifestyle. World-class resorts are complemented by fine dining, and shopping opportunities abound for those who enjoy the good life. For outdoorsy types, there’s also hiking, golfing and water sports. Once you’ve graduated from surfing lessons on Oahu’s famous North Shore, head to sheltered lagoons and reefs to try stand-up paddleboarding, outrigger canoeing or even scuba diving. Of course, you’ll need a hotel to come back to – try one of these handpicked hotels on the beach in Oahu, all bookable with Culture Trip.

Prince Waikiki, for poolside cocktails in Honolulu

Hotel

Overhead view of the swimming pool area with white lounge chairs at the Prince Waikiki, with the marina in the background
Courtesy of Prince Waikiki / Booking.com
Overlooking a marina with bobbing moored sailboats, Prince Waikiki makes the most of its headland location with every room enjoying water views. The fifth-floor pool deck is the perfect spot to enjoy a signature Manoa Tradewinds cocktail by the poolside with a side of red-gold sunsets. You don’t have to move from the pool to catch live music by local musicians from Thursday to Sunday. With multiple top-quality dining options including the farm-to-table and line-to-table dishes such as porchetta with saffron risotto or grilled ahi at 100 Sails Restaurant and Bar and handcrafted rolls at Katsumidori Sushi Tokyo, there’s no need to venture back into Waikiki unless you really want to.

Kaimana Beach Hotel, for retro vibes in Kaimana

Hotel, Independent Hotel

The cheery tropical lobby lounge with wall-to-wall artworks at Kaimana Beach Hotel on Oahu
Courtesy of Kaimana Beach Hotel / Expedia

Yoga, lei-making and stand-up paddleboarding are among the complimentary activities on offer at the Kaimana Beach Hotel. This iconic 1960s modernist hotel, at the foot of Diamond Head, reflects cool surfer vibes of yesteryear in its decor. All rooms come with private lanais (balconies), and splurging is particularly worthwhile: the penthouse ocean suites please the eye with tropical print cushions and ocean-deep statement wallpaper; the one-bedroom suite boasts its own wet bar. Food and drink are also at the forefront of this hip boutique stay. The casual all-day bar-restaurant Hau Tree serves up delicious health-focused meals, along with an original cocktail menu: the Kapua Fizz and Waialua honey ginger daiquiris stand out.

Turtle Bay Resort, for outdoor exploration in Kawela Bay

Resort, Independent Hotel

The multi-level, multi-pool area overlooking the ocean at Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu
Courtesy of Turtle Bay Resort / Expedia

You’ll need to book for more than a week if you want to take advantage of all that’s on offer at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s secluded North Shore. There are multiple swimming spots, including adults-only and family-friendly pools. Beaches? Try Kuilima Bay, Kawela Bay, Stables Beach and Keiki Cove, and look out for the tide pools along the way. To explore further, ask the staff to arrange horseback riding and outrigger canoeing excursions, or go hiking, cycling and Segway touring, before taking some time to unwind in the on-site spa with a signature Coconut Lava Shell massage.

Halekulani, for old-world elegance on Waikiki Beach

Resort, Hotel

A luxury room at the Halekulani with an oceanfront balcony
Courtesy of Halekulani / Expedia
A century-old Hawaiian hotel, Halekulani is brimming with elegance, and appeals to art lovers who are free to peruse its fine art collection by renowned Hawaiian artists. Rooms are spacious and breezy, decorated in soft natural tones described as the hotel’s signature Seven Shades of White. Its location, with direct beach access, sees guests invited to the sands for surfing demos as well as morning seaside stretch classes. The centerpiece of the resort is the Orchid Pool with a stunning mosaic of a Cattleya orchid, made up of 1.2 million pieces of glass tiles.

Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina, for sustainable dining

Chain Hotel, Luxury

The luxe outdoor dining area with plus white seating and ocean views at Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina
Courtesy of Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina / Expedia

There’s something for everyone at this stylish resort. Accommodation ranges from privately situated guest rooms to the full suite experience, with luxury perks like private helicopter rides and yacht excursions, and the wellness spa includes a lap pool so you can stay in shape. Families are well catered to with a complimentary kids club and family activities such as hula training and lei-making. Sustainable local ingredients are the hotel’s watchwords when it comes to dining; try the signature Hawaiian seafood tower at Mina’s Fish House with its dedicated line-to-table ethic, or reimagined southern Italian cuisine, such as snapper with braised fennel, at Noe.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, for beachfront access on Waikiki Beach

Resort, Spa Hotel, Hotel

The beachfront pool area at Moana Surfrider on Waikiki Beach with palms and ocean beside
Courtesy of Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort and Spa, Waikiki Beach / Expedia
This historic hotel, which blends Victorian elegance with modern comforts, first opened its doors in 1901. With a prime location on Waikiki Beach, guests can dine at one of its multiple bars and restaurants while enjoying ocean views from the shade of a giant banyan tree. For a nightcap, try an artisan cocktail featuring local liqueurs at Vintage 1901. If you’re looking for something different one night, guests at Moana Surfrider can also bill meals to their room from sister properties, the Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani. Moana also boasts a classic palm-tree fringed outdoor pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, for original features on Waikiki Beach

Resort, Independent Hotel, Luxury

The sleek infinity pool with in-pool lounge chairs and ocean views at Alohilani Waikiki Beach
Courtesy of 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach / Expedia

Unlike any other hotel on the island, ‘Alohilani stands apart from the crowd when it comes to its hospitality offerings. First, there’s the fifth-floor pool deck SWELL, which overlooks Waikiki Beach, with its teak day beds and private cabanas. At night, it transitions into a bar with lanterns, fire pits and live music. Then it’s the lobby O Bar that enthralls most guests. A 280,000-gallon (1m-liter) two-story saltwater Oceanarium mesmerizes with its colorful array of native Hawaiian reef fish species. Oh, and the guest rooms? These are tastefully decked out in classic creams with blond-wood furnishings and come either with ocean or Diamond Head views, with rooms for mobility-impaired travelers as well.

For more options, discover our guide on where to stay in Oahu for a local experience. Looking for a touch of luxury and even more beautiful beach hotels? Check out the best luxury resorts in Oahu or the best hotels in Waikiki beach Hawaii, bookable with Culture Trip.

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