Say “Aloha” to the best hotels in Honolulu
Hawaii’s capital has something for everyone, from miles of beach and unique nature adventures to top-tier spa, dining, and shopping experiences.
By Joanna Tweedy | June 27, 2025
Joanna Tweedy
Joanna Tweedy is an award-winning travel writer and editor who lives in London. A former U.K. national newspaper travel editor, she now contributes across many titles, and specializes in writing about family travel, wellness breaks and luxury vacations.
No matter who you’re spending precious time away with — friends, family, yourself, or a significant other — Honolulu is perfect for every vacation dynamic. On Oahu’s southern shore, Waikiki Beach is at the heart of the fun. There are lush nature, hiking, and marine-based adventures on offer, alongside some serious shopping and diverse dining opportunities. Here are the best hotels in Honolulu that are ideal for blending exploration with relaxation.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Whatever time of day you hit the soft sands of Waikiki Beach, there’s something to delight in, whether you’re kick-starting a morning snorkeling trip or taking a sunset stroll. You’ll find plenty of water-based fun at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, which sits across 22 acres (8.9 hectares) at the widest stretch of beach. Guests can hurtle down waterslides or plunge into serene pools, including the 5-acre Duke Kahanamoku saltwater lagoon. Immerse yourself in South Seas culture with tickets to the resort’s Waikiki Starlight Luau, a traditional Hawaiian feast and celebration of the Pacific Islands’ vibrant heritage. Or why not enjoy a healing Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage at Mandara Spa? It’s the largest spa in Waikiki Beach.
Ka La’i Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts
If shopping is high on your vacation wish list, then make for Luxury Row, a ten-minute stroll from Waikiki Beach. You’ll find big-name couture brands at this international retail destination, which is dubbed ‘Hawaii’s Fifth Avenue.’ Residential-style suites at Ka La’i Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts are less than half a mile (1 kilometer) away and, with their own fully equipped kitchens and stellar views of the Pacific, major on both convenience and comfort. The property’s stylish Wai‘olu Ocean Cuisine restaurant also serves up spectacular sea views and specialty seafood — including seared Ahi and Hawaiian Amberjack, plus family-style sushi. For a more private dinner, the concierge can arrange for an in-suite gourmet meal prepared by a chef.
Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Natural beauty is everywhere you turn in Honolulu, and hiking Oahu’s south coast is a magical way to see it. The Diamond Head Crater Summit Trail rewards walkers who make the short but strenuous 1.6-mile (2.6-kilometer) round-trip to the highest point of this volcanic crater with breathtaking views. Seeking something more leisurely? Sightsee on the open-top Waikiki Trolley, which rolls past the best local sights. Stay at Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, and knowledgeable staff can help you create a perfect Honolulu itinerary, including sunset dining, surf lessons, or a massage at Asana Spa. Don’t miss the 10th floor Recreation Deck and its impressive panorama; you can recline in a private cabana, take a dip in the pool, or tackle the 9-hole mini-golf course.
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