Waikiki, Ko Olina, or the North Shore? Where To Stay On Oahu

Oahu is by far the most popular Hawaiian island for tourists. The island saw 5.6 million visitors by air in 2023, according to the most recent data available from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. That’s more than double the visitors to Maui, Hawaii’s second-most popular island, which saw 2.5 million visitors in 2023.

It’s perhaps unsurprising why tourists love Oahu. For starters, it’s generally the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit. It's also home to Hawaii’s largest airport, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), which offers the most flight options to get there. And with a huge variety of things to do — from the bustling shopping district of Waikiki to outdoor adventures on the North Shore to world-class surfing competitions — many consider it the best Hawaiian island for first-timers.

So you’ve settled on vacationing on Oahu. Where should you stay?

Oahu is broken out into five distinct regions: Honolulu, the Windward Coast, Central Oahu, the Leeward Coast and the North Shore.

Most tourists spend the bulk of their time in Honolulu. But Oahu’s Leeward Coast and the North Shore have lodging options of their own — and they might turn out more suitable for certain types of travelers. Here’s an overview of the three main lodging areas across Oahu, plus a deeper dive into how to decide where to stay:

• Honolulu (primarily Waikiki): Most visitors to the capital of Hawaii stay in Waikiki, famous for its high-rise hotels that line the beach.

• Leeward Coast (primarily Ko Olina): This area on the west side of the island is home to both rural towns with secluded beaches, as well as some of the most opulent hotels anywhere in Hawaii at the luxury resort town called Ko Olina.

• North Shore: North Shore is famous for its surfing as well as a portion of the coast called Turtle Bay, which attracts sea turtles. It’s also known for a luxurious resort of the same name: The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay.

Honolulu is the biggest city in Hawaii and a major tourist destination. Within Honolulu, most travelers stay at one of the hotels along Waikiki Beach.

Once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty, Waikiki now welcomes visitors from around the world with its blend of Hawaiian history, tropical vibes and modern, urban luxury.

Waikiki is famously where Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, grew up surfing and swimming. Today, you can see photos and memorabilia of Duke at Duke’s Waikiki, a restaurant at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.

Pros of staying in Waikiki

Easy access to shops, restaurants and bars: The area is highly walkable (in fact, skip a rental car if you’re spending most of your Honolulu trip in Waikiki). Shops range from high-end retailers at the Royal Hawaiian Center, to more affordable vendors at International Market Place, which is famous for its banyan tree that was planted in the mid-1800s. The Ala Moana Center, a massive outdoor shopping center, is also just minutes from Waikiki. All of the malls offer free entertainment, including hula shows.

Spend evenings listening to live music performed in front of the iconic banyan tree at The Beach Bar at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa.

Proximity to the airport and other key attractions: Waikiki is also the closest of all the resort areas to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, which you can access via rideshare (like Lyft or Uber) or even public transit if you’re going sans rental car.

If you have car access, you can venture out further. Waikiki is typically less than a half-hour drive from key Oʻahu attractions, including Pearl Harbor, ʻIolani Palace, and the arts district of Chinatown.

One of the most famous hikes on the island is also close to Waikiki. If you're ambitious, you can hike to Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach. For a simpler option, drive or take the bus to the Diamond Head parking lot and walk the rest of the way.

Cons of staying in Waikiki

Waikiki’s popularity means you'll often have to contend with large crowds. Stay in Waikiki if you thrive in the excitement of city life, but skip it if you’re dreaming of a quiet, secluded beach.

Iconic Waikiki hotels

Waikiki is appealing especially for people who travel on points because of its number of chain hotels that participate in loyalty programs. Visit our guide to the best Waikiki hotels bookable using hotel points for a full breakdown of the top hotels by loyalty program (e.g. Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott).

Still, there are some highlights, listed in alphabetical order.

Halekulani, On the Beach at Waikiki

Besides its beachfront location, Halekulani, On the Beach at Waikiki is a winner because it’s one of the rare Oahu hotels that doesn’t charge resort fees. The hotel's poolside restaurant called House Without a Key often has live music and hula performances.

Its sibling property, the smaller and more intimate Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani, sits just across the street and often has lower rates (and a quieter atmosphere).

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, which is bookable on Hilton Honors points, sits on the widest stretch of Waikiki beach, covering two acres with pools, waterslides and Waikiki’s only saltwater lagoon. It’s ideal for families or groups who prefer to spend the bulk of their trip at the hotel, using its amenities rather than venturing out elsewhere on the island.

Try to stay on a Friday, as the hotel puts on a fireworks show every Friday evening on the beach in front of the resort.

Room rates can easily top $500 per night on peak nights, making it a good use of Hilton free night certificates, which are earned through holding certain Hilton-branded credit cards.

Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach

Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach is known for its Victorian architecture. Often referred to as the “First Lady of Waikiki,” it opened in 1901 and is Waikiki's first hotel. The beachfront hotel is elegant and luxurious, with high-end amenities including a beachfront spa.

It also has one of Waikiki’s top breakfast buffets, which is served on the hotel’s wraparound porch. Menu items include pancakes topped with fresh mangoes, custom omelettes and a Japanese breakfast station including salmon, miso soup and pickled vegetables.

Since Moana Surfrider is part of the Marriott Bonvoy family, it’s possible to book with Marriott Bonvoy points or free night awards.

Outrigger (multiple properties)

Outrigger is a hotel chain with several properties on Oahu, all within walking distance of each other. Each property has its own big attractions. Outrigger Waikiki Beach houses Duke’s Waikiki, a must-visit restaurant.

Meanwhile, Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel is home to 'Auana, which is Cirque du Soleil's first resident show in Hawai'i. The show, famous for its acrobatics, also incorporates hula and a narrative that tells the story of Hawaii’s history.

If you want the resort experience away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, then Ko Olina might be your ideal Oahu destination. Located on the Leeward Coast, this gated resort community offers quieter beaches and an overall more relaxed atmosphere than what you’ll get in Waikiki. It’s also home to some of the most luxurious hotels in all of Hawaii.

Pros of staying in Ko Olina

Resort amenities: Ko Olina is home to high-end resorts that cater to families and luxury travelers alike. Expect world-class spas, golf courses and fine dining.

Calm beaches: Unlike Waikiki’s crowded shores, Ko Olina’s man-made lagoons offer a peaceful, family-friendly environment with gentle waters, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.

Secluded and serene: The area offers a sense of exclusivity, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a tranquil retreat over city energy.

Cons of staying in Ko Olina

For better or for worse, secluded is the key word here. Ko Olina is about a 40-minute drive from Waikiki, which means a long trek to popular sites like Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, downtown Honolulu and all the other Waikiki attractions.

While the resorts have excellent dining options, Ko Olina lacks the variety and affordability of local restaurants found in Honolulu. Budget-minded travelers might find it frustrating to pay $7 for a Mickey Mouse-shaped spam musubi when the many ABC Stores that line Waikiki sell spam musubi for less than half that price.

Iconic Ko Olina Hotels

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Disney fans might get a kick out of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, which blends Disney’s storytelling with Hawaiian culture. The beachfront resort features a lazy river, multiple pools, character meet-and-greets and a kids’ club.

Although it’s technically part of Disney Vacation Club, which is Disney’s version of a timeshare program, unbooked rooms are available to non-members at cash rates. It’s one of the priciest hotels on Oahu for folks paying cash, but it can be a dream destination — particularly for people who want to experience Disney in destinations beyond the Disney parks.

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

For those seeking ultimate luxury, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina offers oceanfront rooms, a spa and an adults-only infinity pool. The resort caters to honeymooners and high-end travelers looking for an indulgent escape.

Four Seasons does not have a loyalty program, but it is bookable through the AmEx Fine Hotels and Resorts Program, which offers extra perks like space available room upgrades and daily breakfast to guests who hold eligible American Express credit cards and book through the FHR portal. Eligible cards include The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Terms apply.

The North Shore is famous for its surf culture, relaxed vibes and natural beauty. This region is best known for its legendary winter waves, attracting professional surfers from around the world. But beyond surfing, it offers outdoor adventures, charming small towns and a more authentic, less touristy Hawaiian experience.

Pros of staying on the North Shore

World-class surfing: If you visit between November and February, you can catch some of the best waves in the world at spots like Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach.

Less commercialized: The North Shore is far from the high-rises of Waikiki, making it a great place for travelers who want a more local, small-town feel.

Close to outdoor adventures: Whether it’s hiking to waterfalls, snorkeling at Shark’s Cove, or riding Oahu’s longest zipline at Climb Works Keana Farms, the North Shore is well-suited for adventure seekers.

Cons of staying on the North Shore

The North Shore has fewer hotels than other parts of the island. There are two North Shore hotels bookable on Marriott points, but many visitors stay in vacation rentals or boutique inns.

Additionally, the North Shore is about an hour’s drive from Honolulu, making daily trips to Waikiki or Pearl Harbor impractical.

You’ll almost definitely need a rental car for a North Shore vacation. Besides the car itself, budget for extras like parking and gas. According to AAA data from March 2025, Hawaii has among the highest gas prices of any state.

Iconic North Shore Hotels

The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay

The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay is the North Shore’s most well-known and luxurious lodging option. Situated on a scenic peninsula, it offers oceanfront villas, multiple pools, golf courses and horseback riding. While it’s the priciest option on this side of the island, its remote location and stunning natural setting make it well worth it.

The hotel was acquired by The Ritz-Carlton brand in summer 2024, so it is now bookable on Marriott points.

Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore

For a more budget-friendly option, the Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore is located near the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC). This makes it ideal for visitors who might want to spend multiple days exploring the PCC. Visitors can also avoid a long drive after watching its nighttime show, HA: Breath of Life.

While it lacks the luxury of Turtle Bay, it offers comfortable accommodations at a more affordable price point.

Oahu isn’t very large, so it’s possible to stay in multiple areas during your trip. You could spend a few days enjoying the city life in Waikiki, relax at a luxury resort in Ko Olina and finish with an adventurous getaway to the North Shore. But if you can only choose one, this may help you pick:

• Stay in Waikiki if you want convenience, a lively atmosphere and easy access to shopping, dining and nightlife.

• Stay in Ko Olina if you’re looking for a luxurious, resort-style vacation with calm beaches.

• Stay on the North Shore if you prefer a laid-back vibe, world-class surf or outdoor adventures.

With options ranging from vibrant city life to tranquil resorts and adventurous landscapes, there’s something for everyone on Oahu.