Hotels in Oahu

Exploring Oahu Island

Oahu Island is one of the busiest Hawaiian Islands, home of the state capital of Honolulu and playing host to many large resorts. With ample shopping opportunities and world-class restaurants, there’s always something to keep you occupied, whether you want a relaxing or action packed vacation. Honolulu is also an important business center, with gleaming skyscrapers full of major corporations.

Things to see

Waikiki Beach Walk in the south of the island is an upmarket development full of boutique stores, laidback restaurants, beachfront bars, and luxury hotels, all set along palm-tree lined streets. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities at Ala Moana Center, an open-topped shopping mall set over two floors with plenty of international brands, department stores, and relaxing beauty salons. The International Market Place is an outdoor area full of colorful market stalls piled with locally made crafts. In the evening there are hula dancers and other traditional displays around the area, with tempting food stalls where you can sample the cuisine. The Royal Hawaiian Center has 4 floors of upmarket boutiques and international brands, as well as a Hawaiian themed food court, and specialist souvenir stores so you can grab some gifts for those back home. If you need a break from shopping, then head to Diamond Head, a volcanic tuff cone that’s surrounded by miles of hiking trails through lush green forest, and vast areas of sandy beaches with clear blue waters.

Hotels in Oahu Island

Oahu Island hotels are often situated close to the beach, with plenty of facilities to ensure you can enjoy the perfect relaxing vacation. You’ll find features such as outdoor pools, restaurants with terraces, barbecue grills, function spaces, complimentary WiFi, and fitness centers. Those with families will also enjoy extras such as kid’s clubs, babysitting, and separate children’s pools. Guestrooms have amenities such as feather pillows, balconies, flat-screen televisions, cable channels, refrigerators, and microwaves. You can also request extras such as rollaway beds, and can enjoy daily housekeeping services.

Where to stay

Waikiki is well known for its stunning beaches with golden sands and clear seas, and at night the coast is lit up by lively night clubs and laidback bars where people can party on the beach until the small hours. Downtown Honolulu is an important government and business area, with high-rise buildings and modern office blocks. It also has a lively waterfront area where you’ll see many giant cruise ships coming in to dock as you sit outside one of the casual restaurants. Kahala is an upmarket residential area with luxury hotels, world-class restaurants, and secluded stretches of unspoiled beach.

How to get to Oahu Island

Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is just a few miles north of the city of Honolulu, and only 10 miles from the popular resort of Waikiki. There are plenty of taxis and private shuttles available from the airport, and these can be booked in advance so you don’t need to wait around. There are also several car rental desks in the terminal, and if you only have light luggage there are public buses available. Many visitors arrive via Honolulu Harbor to the west of the city on cruise ships, and from here there are taxis and private transfers available.