10 Best Hotels & Restaurants in Waikīkī on Oʻahu
This post is not sponsored.
That being said, my recommendations are always my truest and honest opinions, which is why I believe it’s important to point out that no company or hotel is sponsoring this article.
On a different note, you can see what the inside of any hotel room looks like on any booking website, but in this post, I’m going to give you the real local secrets about why each of the following hotels and restaurants are the best places to stay in Waikīkī.
Where are the Best Vacation Rentals on Oʻahu?
On account of some very strict short-term rental laws passed a few years ago, legal vacation rentals have only been allowed to operate within select areas on Oʻahu.
However, regardless that vacation rentals are restricted to certain locations only, they still can be a great option to consider, which is why I recommend beginning your search for places to stay on VRBO. You may find one that you like more than the resorts shown below.
10 Best Hotels & Resorts in Waikīkī
Ask yourself, 'Are you coming to Hawaiʻi to spend your time in Waikīkī, or are you coming to Oʻahu to see the island?'
I hope you answered a little bit of both because the answer to this question is exactly the reason why this list is ordered in the way that it is.
Some hotels are better for kids, some are better for couples, and in my opinion, some have the best location for getting in and out of Waikīkī while being next to best restaurants and things to do when you’re in Waikīkī.
I’ve ordered this list in terms of each resort’s uniqueness, how busy/ quiet they are, and their walkability to other things to do in Waikīkī, which includes the restaurants later in this post.
All said, for a complete list of the best things to do on Oʻahu, check out my separate post to learn more about my top recommendations for things to do on all sides of the island.
Read My Separate Post: Best Things to Do on Oʻahu
1. Kaimana Beach Hotel
The Kaimana Beach Hotel is the odd one out on this list, but it’s number one because of its close proximity to Waikīkī, while being located just outside of all of the busyness that is Waikīkī.
While staying at the Kaimana Beach Hotel may not be the best option for everyone, given that it’s located 0.6 miles (1 km) away from the start of Waikīkī, I feel that it easily deserves the number one spot on this list because what it lacks in convenience, it makes up for in quietness!
Quietest Hotel on this List
Best Place in Waikīkī to see Native Hawaiian Monk Seals on the Beach (DO NOT Approach!)
Located Right on the much more Quiet and Local Kaimana Beach, as Compared to Waikīkī Beach
Across the Street from Kapiʻolani Park - Great for Morning/ Evening Runs
Closest Hotel to the Diamond Head (Lēʻahi) Trail / Diamond Head Beach (Read More Later)
2. The Laylow, Autograph Collection
The Laylow is a bit of a Waikīkī hidden gem because of its discrete central location next to some of the best shopping and restaurants in Waikīkī.
Overall, The Laylow, Autograph Collection, is small enough that it doesn’t attract the same crowds as other resorts on this list but big enough to have everything you’re looking for in a quaint little Waikīkī resort.
Best Waikīkī Resort for Couples without Kids
Very Quiet while Being Centrally Located
Adjacent to the International Marketplace
Conveniently Located Next to the Best of both Kūhiō and Kalākaua Ave.
3. Hale Koa Hotel
While the Hale Koa easily ranks as one of the best hotels on this list, the Hale Koa Hotel can only be booked by those with certain military affiliations, like active duty military and some veterans.
That being said, the Hale Koa Hotel is a great choice if you don’t think of yourself as being a part of the party crowd, as this is may be the most quiet and peaceful resort in Waikīkī.
Best Option for Business Travelers
Very Quiet and Safely Guarded Location
The Most Beautiful Landscaping / Best Garden in Waikīkī
Located adjacent to the Quietest Stretch of Waikīkī Beach
4. Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel
The Queen Kapiʻolani is best hotel on this list for getting in and out of Waikīkī, while being conveniently located between everything that both Kūhiō and Kalākaua Ave. have to offer.
Since the Queen Kapiʻolani is located at the very end of Waikīkī, guests have the best option to avoid all of the Waikīkī traffic by utilizing Kapahulu Ave. to get to and from the H-1 freeway.
Additionally, the Queen Kapiʻolani also has one of the best work environments where you can grab a coffee in-house, plug in, and get some work done, while enjoying great views of both Diamond Head and Kapiʻolani Park.
Best Wi-Fi Lounge
Most Convenient Hotel to Leave and Enter Waikīkī
Great Rooftop Dining on Site (Read More Later)
Across the Street from Kapiʻolani Park - Great for Morning/ Evening Runs
Great Food Trucks Right Outside on Cartwright Rd.
5. The Royal Hawaiian
The historic Royal Hawaiian, located right on Waikīkī Beach, is the least cookie-cutter resort on this list.
Built in 1927, the Royal Hawaiian hotel is the best place to stay in Waikīkī if you’re looking to get away from the much more modern type of resorts, while staying conveniently next to some of the best restaurants in Waikīkī.
Historic/ Non-Traditional Hotel in Waikīkī
Beautiful Green Spaces Surrounding the Property
Close, but Quietly Tucked away from the Busy Kalākaua Ave.
6. Moana Surfrider
First opened in 1901, the Moana Surfrider is the oldest and most historic hotel in Waikīkī.
Overall, the Surfrider is one of the most conveniently located hotels for both the beach and the shopping/ nightlife along Kalākaua Ave. That being said, if you’re someone who prefers to enjoy the nightlife of the place when you travel, then the Moana Surfrider is a great choice for you!
Oldest/ Most Historic Hotel in Waikīkī
Located Across the Street from the International Marketplace
Beautiful Courtyard on Waikīkī Beach (Large Banyan Tree)
Very Easy to Get to Kūhiō Ave.
7. Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach
The Hyatt Regency is the best resort on this list if you want to learn how to surf while you’re in Hawaiʻi.
I say this because the Hyatt is located directly across the street from the best beginner waves in Waikīkī, where you can rent boards and receive surf lessons from the local instructors all in one place!
The Most Centrally Located Hotel in Waikīkī
Best Rooftop Outdoor Pool in Waikīkī
One Block Away from the International Marketplace
Across the Street from the Best Beginner Surf Waves in Waikīkī (Read More Later)
8. Sheraton Waikīkī
Personally, I like the Sheraton Waikīkī because it has the best views of Waikīkī Beach from both their ocean-facing rooms and the infinity pool. The expansive outward-facing views are great for watching the sunset from your room or as you sit down for dinner at Rum Fire, located on-site.
Overall, I think the Sheraton Waikīkī is best for those traveling without young kids. The infinity pool and the dining/ nightlife, located right on-site, are all better suited for adults looking to relax and have a good time than for families with young children.
Best for Adults without Kids
Fun Nightlife Located In-House (Rum Fire)
Beautiful Ocean-Facing/ Sunset Views
A Quiet Step away from the Busy Kalākaua Ave.
9. Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort
The Outrigger on Waikīkī Beach is one of the best resorts on this list for families with young kids.
I say this because if you don’t want to visit the beach, they have a great kid-friendly pool right on-site next to Duke’s Waikīkī, for a great place to grab dinner if you’re not looking to go too far from your room.
Overall, the Outrigger is conveniently located right on Waikīkī Beach while also being adjacent to the best beginner surf spot in Waikīkī, the same as the Hyatt mentioned previously.
Very Kid-friendly Hotel
Outdoor Beachfront Dining on Site (Duke’s Waikīkī)
Great for Views of Diamond Head While Catching Sunset
Walking Distance from the Best Waves/ Surf Lessons in Waikīkī (Read More Later)
10. Hilton Hawaiian Village
The Hilton Hawaiian Village is the last on this list because one word comes to mind: BUSY!
The Village is just that. It’s a village, and it’s not conveniently setup for walkability outside of the resort to many of the other locations that I’ve talked about on this list, like restaurants, surf spots, shopping, or even leaving Waikīkī altogether.
As a young adult, the Hilton Hawaiian Village gives me Disney World vibes, with all of the kids running around.
That being said, the Hilton Hawaiian Village is without a doubt the best resort in Waikīkī if you are traveling with young kids. The safety of the large enclosed property, as well as the calm, safe lagoon for swimming, are unmatched compared to anywhere else in Waikīkī.
While the Hilton Hawaiian Village may not be for myself or couples without kids, it definitely deserves its place on the top 10 list because of how family-friendly the resort is.
Best Kid-Friendly Resort in Waikīkī
Great Resort for Big Families/ Lots to Do on Site
Safest Swimming Lagoon in Waikīkī
The Best Views of Diamond Head in Waikīkī
Largest Beach in Waikīkī
Weekly Friday Night Firework Show
10 Best Restaurants in Waikīkī
The following list is not the best sit-down/ dine-in restaurants in Waikīkī; rather, I wanted to create a list with the best all-around food options in Waikīkī away from the on-site hotel restaurants.
This is because I don’t believe that you need to spend the most money to have the best food in Waikīkī. I created this list to include the best coffee shops, açaí, dine-in, and quicker/ cheaper grab and go food options to show that the best local food can be found anywhere.
1. Buho Cocina y Cantina
Buho Waikīkī is number one on this list because it has a little bit of everything. Compared to some of the finer dining options in Waikīkī, Buho has a more casual, fun outdoor vibe where you’ll be able to sit down and enjoy the rooftop views as you enjoy your meal.
All said, the food at Buho is always locally sourced, and if you’re looking for fun evening out, come check them out on Taco Tuesday!
Yelp: Buho Cocina y Cantina
2. Marugame Udon
Come early, or be prepared to wait! Marugame Udon is the best Udon in Waikīkī, and the line that stretches around the block will say the same!
However, if don’t feel like waiting out the line, check out my number three located right next door.
Yelp: Marugame Udon
3. Surf N Turf Tacos
Hawaiʻi doesn't have Chipotle, but if you're looking for good build-it-yourself Mexican food, come to Surf N Turf Tacos on Kūhiō Ave.
Surf N Turf is a great, cheaper alternative compared to many other options in Waikīkī, and I’ve always loved stopping by for a big burrito after a fun adventure elsewhere on the island.
Yelp: Surf N Turf Tacos
4. DECK. at Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel
DECK. at the Queen Kapiʻolani is the best hotel and restaurant combination in Waikīkī.
From their rooftop dining area, you get beautiful views of both Kapiʻolani Park, with Diamond Head in the background, which is just of the many reasons why I would consider staying at the Queen Kapiʻolani over some of the busier areas in Waikīkī.
5. The Sunrise Shack
Think of great coffee and açaí when you think of The Sunrise Shack.
The Sunrise Shack makes for a great, quick and light, healthy breakfast or a cold afternoon snack after being out on the beach in the sun.
Their Waikīkī location is located right inside of the Outrigger Hotel, or if you make it up to the North Shore, stop by their original location on Sunset Beach!
Yelp: The Sunrise Shack
6. Honolulu Burger Co.
The Honolulu Burger Co. is the best place to get a burger in Waikīkī.
They are located a little out of the way from all of the main Waikīkī traffic, but you can find them on the upper level food court in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center above the Cheesecake Factory.
Yelp: Honolulu Burger Co.
7. Island Vintage Coffee
Island Vintage Coffee is a great breakfast stop for both coffee and açaí.
Personally, I’ve always loved their beautiful atmosphere to sit down and work, which is true for all of their locations across Oʻahu.
That being said, their Waikīkī location is conveniently located right in the middle of Kalākaua Ave., within a short walking distance to a number of major resorts nearby.
Yelp: Island Vintage Coffee
8. Basalt
Basalt is only the second true dine-in option on this list, and it’s the only option that I would consider finer dining.
Overall, Basalt is a bit on the pricier side, but if you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two at one of Waikīkī’s nicer dine-in locations, check out Basalt, located right on Kūhiō Ave.
Yelp: Basalt
9. Eating House 1849
Instead of eating at chain like the Cheesecake Factory, check out Eating House 1849, located on the top floor of the International Marketplace.
They have a variety of options to make anyone in a large group happy, from more local style plates to traditional American food.
Yelp: Eating House 1849
10. Honolulu Coffee
Honolulu Coffee is not last on this list because they are not a good choice, as truly every option on this list deserves to be here.
That being said, I recommend the locally-based and sourced Honolulu Coffee over Starbucks any day, which is located in both the Moana Surfrider and inside of the Sheraton Hotel.
Yelp: Moana Surfrider / Sheraton
Best Secrets in & Near Waikīkī
1. Menya le Nood
In my opinion, Menya le Nood is not only the best place to eat near Waikīkī, but it’s the best place to eat in Honolulu!
I say this because I’ve tried a lot of ramen over the years, and it never compares to how rich and creamy the broth at Menya is!
All said, Menya le Nood is located right outside of the Ala Moana Mall, and if you’ve never gone out of your way for real ramen before, I promise that Menya is worth the trip!
Yelp: Menya le Nood
2. Diamond Head (Lēʻahi) Beach
If you’re willing to travel just a short distance outside of Waikīkī, you can easily escape the crowds at Diamond Head Beach.
The paved path down to the beach can be a bit steep for some, but it’s well worth the trip outside of Waikīkī if you’re looking for a quieter beach.
Google Maps Directions: Diamond Head Beach
3. Private Surf Lessons
If this is your first time learning to surf, I recommend booking one of the local guides below. These guides know these waves better than anyone, and they can teach you the best beginner techniques when learning how to get up on a wave for the first time!
Additionally, the third option is located at a beginner spot on the North Shore. If you’re looking to get out of Waikīkī for the day, I highly recommend this option at a much more local beginner surf break, which will have significantly fewer people in the water compared to Waikīkī.
4. Kapiʻolani Park
Kapiʻolani Park was mentioned a few times throughout this post when it was nearby to one of the resorts above, but I believe it’s truly an overlooked Waikīkī gem.
That’s because if you’re the type of person looking for a relaxing morning/ evening run on your vacation, you can run the entire perimeter around Kapiʻolani Park, while staying in the shade and out of the heat beneath the beautiful overhanging Monkey Pod trees.
Google Maps Directions: Kapiʻolani Park
5. Food Trucks on Cartwright
You don’t need to pay resort prices just to get something to eat in Waikīkī.
That was one of the main purposes of the food list above, so if you’re looking for a cheaper local meal in Waikīkī, head over to this little lesser-known stretch of food trucks right on Cartwright Road, located near the Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel.
Google Maps Directions: Cartwright Rd. Food Trucks
6. The Kāhala Hotel
If you’re looking to escape Waikīkī altogether but still stay on the south side of Oʻahu, consider the Kāhala Hotel.
Kāhala is a much quieter, more residential neighborhood in Honolulu that doesn’t attract nearly the same amount of people as Waikīkī, meaning everything about your stay will be that much less busy!
Quiet/ Removed from Waikīkī
Located Right on the Local Kāhala Beach
Located Near a Variety of Local Dining Options in Kaimukī
Much Easier to Find Parking Compared to Anywhere in Waikīkī
CON: Some may Oppose that the Kāhala Hotel Keeps Dolphins in Captivity, just to Interact with Visitors
7. Oʻahu Helicopter Tour
There’s truly nothing better than touring Oʻahu by helicopter!
That being said, I recommend that you don’t book a helicopter tour out of Turtle Bay. Turtle Bay helicopter tours are only 20 minutes long, but if you’re willing pay a little more, you can fly over Oʻahu for up to an hour out of Honolulu Airport.
5 Best Hikes Near Waikīkī
If you’re visiting Oʻahu without a rental car, you may not know that some of the best ridge hiking on Oʻahu is located near Waikīkī.
The backdrop of Honolulu is covered with amazing hikes, and if you’re looking to hike without driving or taking a ride share too far from Honolulu, check out my list below for the five best hikes near Waikīkī.
Read My Separate Post: Best Hikes Near Waikīkī
Oʻahu
