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Honolulu offers consistently perfect temps, a thriving nightlife scene, and some of the world’s best beaches. In this land of permanent vacation, you’ll find yourself relaxing the island way. Thanks to Honolulu’s enduring popularity, it’s home to a wide range of hotels. From surf-centric boutique getaways to high-end, modern stays, it’s easy to find exactly what you need. Here’s where to stay if you want to lounge poolside, sleep within walking distance of restaurants and experience the island’s world-famous surf scene. Read on to learn my personal favorite places to stay in Honolulu.
2863 Kalakaua Avenue
Price:C$ 183-638/night
Kaimana Beach Hotel sits right on the sand, so it’s easy to spend an entire day right there on the property. And let me tell you, it sure doesn’t hurt that the beach is one of the quietest in Honolulu. When I visited, I dined at Hau Tree Restaurant’s open-air terrace, sat in a complimentary Peligo beach chair to soak up some vitamin D and worked on my wave-catching skills at Kai Sallas’ on-site surf school.
On my list for next time: snorkel the shallow reef, bike through the neighborhood (Electra cruisers are complimentary for guests) and take a sunset yoga class with Diamond Head as my backdrop. Hands down, my favorite thing about this hotel is the bold boho lobby. With its framed artwork collage and repurposed furniture, it’s one of the most photographed in all of Waikiki.
412 Lewers Street
Price:C$ 174-664/night
The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, one of the top-rated hotels in Honolulu, is a place your whole crew will dig – even your four-legged family members. Dog-walking and doggie daycare is available, plus there are no pet fees. If your dog loves the ocean, consider canine-friendly stand-up paddleboarding or surf lessons with SUPDog Hawaii, who even have a pro photographer on staff to document the fun.
Located two blocks from the beach, this hotel offers the perfect combo of nostalgia and modern design, from the “Wish You Were Here” mosaic on the bottom of the pool to the whimsical paintings that decorate its kitchy-classy interior. For meals, Mahina & Sun’s is a solid choice. Try Kauai shrimp risotto, Taro burgers, and handcrafted cocktails.
It’s within walking distance of the Royal Hawaiian Center shopping mall, so if you forget to bring sunscreen, you can just pop right over. The hotel’s rotating calendar of events includes dance parties, markets, and movie nights.
2490 Kalakaua Avenue
Price:C$ 226-1096/night
There’s a lot to love about Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. Kids will appreciate weekly tank talks at the 280,000-gallon oceanarium, which houses 350 protected marine creatures and daily fish feedings with on-site aquarists.
Once you’ve had your fill of the life aquatic, there are rooftop batting cages and tennis courts. Adults will love dining at Morimoto Asia, going to Drip Hawaii, Waikiki’s first IV lounge and med spa and hitting up the sustainable happy hour menu at SWELL.
Top off the day with sunset yoga and take in the ambiance of the Light Monument, a video art installation projected on the 17-floor beachside tower. When it’s time to hit the beach, you don’t have far to go: it’s an easy walk from the hotel. Once you’re there, use resort credits to rent surfboards, umbrellas and snorkels.
2299 Kuhio Avenue
Price:C$ 238-1039/night
With welcome baskets stocked with slippers, reusable water bottles, snacks, and chocolates on arrival, Laylow Waikiki, one of the best hotels to stay in Honolulu, will have you at aloha. This super stylish hotel in the heart of Waikiki is mid-century modern at its best.
The on-site restaurant Hideout serves modern Hawaiian meals with a side of live entertainment, carefully crafted cocktails, and brunch every Sunday (may I suggest buckwheat pancakes topped with macadamia nut butter? A uniquely Hawaiian taste experience!).
Take ukulele lessons, lei-making classes or snag some R&R poolside, all the while enjoying frozen fruit snacks and shave ice to cool you down. When you’re ready to venture out, grab cruiser bikes and make a beeline for the beach.