This post will discuss your best options for where to stay, location and resorts that I would highly recommend. It all depends on your situation, and I will give you a few different options. You'll often hear the terms leeward and windward while on the island. First, let's get into that for a minute. The windward side of the island experiences trade winds bringing in moist air. When they hit volcanic mountains, the winds create clouds and produce rain. Because there are volcanic mountains between the windward and leeward sides, the leeward side is drier. The winds here come from the island's centre after they have passed through the mountains. I prefer to stay on the leeward side. The other thing I would like to discuss is resort fees. Like Las Vegas, Hawaii charges resort fees which can quickly add up.
Waikiki
I am going to contradict myself here slightly. I told you in the previous blog that I don't really like spending a lot of time in Waikiki. However, it is the area of the island with the most resorts, and I often end up staying here. It has the added benefit of being close to many attractions and contains great shopping options. It also has the best transportation options if you don't want to rent a car.
The Royal Hawaiian: This is a 5-star luxury resort and is a historic building. With direct beach access to Waikiki and contains a shopping centre. Prices here are generally higher than $500 CAD per night. https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/the-royal-hawaiian.en.html?aid=7965953&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki: Located in the shopping district near the beach, Expect to pay around $300 a night in the lower season. https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/hilton-hawaiian-village.en.html?aid=7965953&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Outrigger Reef Beach Resort Waikiki: This is a more affordable beachfront resort in Waikiki. They often have local activities brought in for guests. The resort offers great promotions, sometimes, weekly nights can be as low as $200. https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/waikiki-beachcomber-by-outrigger-honolulu.en.html?aid=7965953&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
North Shore
The North shore is home to surfers and Hawaiian culture. The Polynesian Cultural Center is not too far down the coast. Sunset Beach is located here, and Waimea Valley is nestled into the mountains. It's a great place to be to see some true Hawaii. The downfall is that there are not a lot of resorts here.
Turtle Bay Resort: If you don't stay here, I still highly recommend stopping by for a visit. The beach is fantastic. You've likely seen this resort before; it's where Forgetting Sarah Marshall was filmed. Movie star famous resorts also come with movie star prices. Expect to pay upwards of $900 per night for this resort. Access to the beach is free for the public, and they have washrooms and rentable cabanas. https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/turtle-bay-resort.en.html?aid=7965953&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Kō Olina
The main attraction here is the lagoons. Located on the leeward side of the island. Containing four man-made coves with soft sand beaches. It's a great place to take kids swimming, and I have often enjoyed a snorkel here. There's nearby shopping, dining and golfing. All that comes at a steep price tag. The lagoons are free for the public to access; you can park in visitor parking at any of the resorts and spend a cheap day on the beach.
Aulani; A Disney Resort and Spa: Disney does things in a way that only Disney can do. This resort involved a coalition between Disney and locals from Hawaii. As with all Disney creations, there is something that everyone will enjoy here. Along with a hefty price tag of over $600 per night.
Four Seasons O'ahu: Located on the beach, near golfing, shopping and dining options. The Four Seasons will set you back upwards of $1000 per night. https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/jw-marriott-ihilani-resort-spa.en.html?aid=7965953&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Budget Friendly
Ok, sorry for the sticker shock on the last three resorts. Oahu can be a very expensive vacation. Full disclosure, I have never stayed at any of the resorts I have listed. Not that I wouldn't, but I would rather travel more often than travel more expensively. So here is my list of budget-friendly stays in Oahu and how I can keep returning to the island.
Camping
I have not tried this option in Hawaii yet. I know people who do, and I see many people doing it. There are many options for Camping in Oahu; I am giving you just a few to get you started.
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden: I mentioned this before; there are 20 campsites for the weekend. It also has added amenities such as showers and picnic areas. You can even go fishing. It will set you back under $50 for three nights.
Ahupuaa O Kahana State Park: There are ten sites here, you are located on the windward side, so there is a potential for more rain. However, the area is beautiful. It will cost you less than $25 a night for up to 6 people.
Kualoa Regional Park and Campground: Located just across the road from the Kualoa Ranch. This is a fantastic park; I've stopped here many times for a picnic on the beach. Costing less than $50 for three nights.
Condo Rentals
This is a fantastic option to save some money. I usually rent for less than $200 a night; there are, of course, other options out there. I've used many different platforms. Airbnb, VRBO etc. These often have the added benefit of no resort fee, full kitchens, and laundry rooms. I've stayed in Waikiki, on the leeward coast, and I enjoyed both. However, I found that it was a long drive when I stayed up the coast every time I wanted to go see something.
As always, thank you for your support. If you choose to book one of the listed hotels, I would appreciate it if you use one of the affiliate links provided. This allows me to take time out of my day to write for you.
Wanderlust Canuk
Comments