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With its gorgeous sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and exciting nightlife, Honolulu is truly a paradise. Located on the island of Oahu, travelers looking to experience the city's tropical holiday may have to spend, as the experience doesn't come cheap. Also, being among the most tourist cities in the United States, choosing the best place to spend a holiday can be challenging.
Some of Honolulu’s neighborhoods offer outdoor opportunities, memorable beach experiences, beautiful nightlife, and fantastic dining scenes. It's up to vacationers which of the determining factors best meet their needs. Where should you stay in Honolulu? Here is a guide to the best neighborhoods and hotels.
Waikiki – Best For Shopping, Nightlife, And Beach Experience
Boasting a two-mile expanse of sandy beaches, Waikiki is a top beaching destination in the United States, and definitely one of Honolulu's best neighborhoods for tourists. Waikiki offers incredible shopping, dining, and nightlife opportunities, thanks to the numerous bars, restaurants, and shopping centers around.
The area boasts a wide selection of hotels, condos, and resorts, offering several accommodation options to choose from. These hotels cover different budgets, with family-friendly options available in plenty.
Many vacationers prefer staying in Waikiki because there are many things to see and do. From picnicking in the nearby parks, like Kuhio Beach park, to spending some time at Honolulu Zoo to several incredible watersports, including parasailing, this place is full of adventure opportunities.
Where To Stay In Waikiki
- Halekulani Hotel: Boasting 453 elegant rooms, suites, and food eateries, Halekulani offers an amazing accommodation experience to its guests. Some of its fantastic amenities include a nice spa, nightly live music, and an incredible collection of art.
- White Sands Hotel: Coming with a poolside bar and beautiful rooms with private balconies, White Sands Hotel is the best budget option in Waikiki. It is closer to the beach and offers weekly yoga classes, so travelers meditate and stay relaxed. Its beachfront location allows for breathtaking ocean views.
- Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort: Best for families, this hotel provides several kid-friendly amenities, including a large pool with a water slide, a kid's club, and doctors on call.
Downtown Honolulu – Best For First-Timers
Located at the heart of the city, Downtown is a vibrant neighborhood with so much to offer, including some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions. With Honolulu's city hall and the State Capitol - both located here, Downtown Honolulu is Oahu’s main business and government center.
Plus, travelers will find several cultural and historic sites to explore in this neighborhood. One can tour this neighborhood on walking tours to get to the city’s iconic landmarks, including Iolani Palace, the only Royal Palace in the country.
Where To Stay In Downtown Honolulu
- Pagoda Hotel: Offering incredibly spacious rooms, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and an on-site sun terrace, this is one of the best hotels found in Downtown Honolulu. The rooms have microwaves, coffee machines, mini refrigerators, air conditioners, and TVs.
- Ala Moana Hotel: Featuring two on-site restaurants, Ala Moana Hotel is situated between Ala Moana Shopping Center and Hawaii Convention Center. From the rooms and suites, travelers get to enjoy specular skyline and ocean views. There is a swimming pool, fitness center, and incredible dining areas.
Manoa – Best Suited For Budget Travelers
Just about 10 minutes from the city center is this beautiful residential neighborhood, offering a wide selection of budget accommodation options. There are many free things to do in this area and around town, so backpackers can definitely explore Honolulu without worrying about what's in their pockets.
Lynn Arboretum, home to a wide variety of floral species and some endangered plants, is a stunning garden that travelers can explore when staying in Manoa.
Where To Stay In Manoa
- Hostelling International Honolulu: Offering gender-specific dorm rooms, this hostel is perfect for solo travelers visiting Honolulu on a budget. There is a communal lounge, a free parking space, and a kitchen area. Ala Moana Beach is just 10 minutes away from this hostel.
- Manoa Valley Inn: This beautiful hotel is nestled within a forested landscape, offering incredible views of the surrounding from its garden and the sun terrace. There is an outdoor pool at the hotel.
Kahala – Best For Travelers Seeking Luxurious Accommodation Experience
Kahala is an upscale neighborhood located near Waikiki and is perfect for travelers looking for a luxurious experience. The neighborhood is full of some of the most affluent residents and tourists in Honolulu. This is where one will find multi-million-dollar beachfront mansions and several hundreds of dollars of hotels.
Packed with incredible boutique shops and jewelers, Kahala Mall is the main shopping center in the neighborhood. If not staying in one of its lavish hotels, budget travelers can still visit this neighborhood and enjoy an array of low-cost activities, including strolling or picnicking in Waialae Beach Park.
Where To Stay In Kahala
- Kahala Resort and Hotel: This is among the best resort hotels in the neighborhood, and is best for vacationers looking to experience a quieter side of the town. The place is less crowdy and offers incredible amenities, including four restaurants, a deluxe spa, and a private beach.
Honolulu is a beautiful destination with some of the best neighborhoods, offering much more than accommodation. Travelers can choose, from above, the best neighborhood that meets their interests and needs.