Honolulu

Honolulu, Hawaii is a great vacation spot for people of all ages. Everything is a bit nicer here. The people are friendlier. The weather is perfect year round with sun and lovely breezes. Everyday feels like summer in Honolulu!

The beaches are picture perfect with fine sand and clean water. There are also a lot of different outdoor activities including hiking and snorkeling for nature types as well as shopping and great restaurants.

Honolulu Hotels

What’s the most important thing to picking a hotel in Honolulu? Location, location, location. In addition to scoping out the best hotel areas, we will give you the inside scoop for each hotel. Below, you will find the reviews of the top hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Waikiki

Hyatt Regency Hotel has one of the best locations in Waikiki. It is situated directly across from the beach and has great views of the ocean.

The lobby sets the mood with its open-air architecture, lush plants, and waterfalls.

The two tower hotel has a very modern feel. Rooms are clean and spacious. Other benefits include a large outdoor pool and an ocean view spa lounge.

Room rates start from $224.

Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel (across the street from Hyatt Regency) is directly on Waikiki beach so the views are excellent. This mid-rise hotel landmark has the feel of old Hawaii. Rooms are nicely decorated with hardwood floors, new furniture, and lighting fixtures. Hotel renovations finished in June 2007.

Other highlights include daily afternoon tea, beach bar, and an outdoor beach cafe. Room rates start from $313.

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is another ocean front hotel that includes a twelve acre tropical garden. You better like pink if you stay at this hotel because everything is pink including the room walls, linens, and even drinks!

The famous pink hotel has an old charming and elegant quality to it. The large splash pool is quite nice and personal cabanas are available for a charge. Hotel renovations finishes on January 2009. Be sure to check out the Monday night Luau with Polynesian show. Room rates start from $465.

Outrigger Waikiki Hotel is yet another ocean front hotel in Waikiki Beach. The location is great with beach and shopping access within steps of the hotel. Guests can enjoy canoe rides, surfing lessons, and beach side massages. Rooms are clean and furnished with Hawaiian furniture. The hotel has recently finished renovations. Room rates start from $465.

Hawaii Prince Hotel is situated on Ala Wai Harbor and is within steps of Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana Shopping Center, and Ala Moana Beach Park. The two tower hotel is very modern with excellent views of the water. Rooms are clean, spacious and feature floor to ceiling views. The outdoor pool is quiet and very nice. Room rates start from $224.

Diamond Head

The Lotus at Diamond Head is a 50-room boutique hotel located within peaceful surroundings on the quieter side of Waikiki.

All rooms have amazing Diamond Head views and premium rooms get ocean views as well. There are some fantastic private beach walking paths to explore from the hotel, and Waikiki central is only a short walk away.

Special rates from $149 per night.

Ihilani

JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko Olina is located 25 miles west of Waikiki in a more secluded location, more suited for honeymoon couples. This amazingly beautiful resort has an open air architecture and is situated next to a man-made beach. Rooms are incredibly spacious with soaking tubs and tasteful island-style furniture. Other hotel amenities include a world-class spa, shark pond, golf, and tennis courts. Room rates start from $309.

Kahuku

Turtle Bay Resort is located along five miles of secluded beach area in North Shore, adjacent to Kuilima Cove (snorkeling paradise). This is an amazing honeymoon destination!
The hotel is known for its excellent spa, Spa Luana and huge 70 feet pool. Other activities within the hotel include tennis, surfing lessons, whale watching, and golf. Rooms are modern, spacious and comfortable feel. Room rates start from $229.

Waikiki Beach

Resort
Sheraton Royal Hawaiian Waikiki
Sheraton Moana Surfrider
Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach
Sheraton Waikiki Hotel
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa

4 Star
Marriott Waikiki Beach
Outrigger Reef on the Beach

3 Star
Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel

2.5 Star
Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel
The Park Shore Hotel

Waikiki City Central

3 Star
Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
Ohana East

2 1/2 Star
Aqua Bamboo
Ohana Waikiki West
Ohana Islander
Ohana Waikiki Malia
Royal Garden at Waikiki
Castle Ocean Resort

2 Star
Hokele Suites Waikiki (formerly Marc Suites)
Hawaiian Monarch Hotel
Ohana Maile Sky Court
Aqua Island Colony (formerly Castle Island Colony)
Aston Honolulu Prince
Aqua Kuhio Village
Aqua Continental
Pacific Monarch

Waikiki Marina

Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village

4 Star
Hawaii Prince Hotel
Ala Moana Hotel

3 Star
Alana Doubletree Waikiki

2 Star
Holiday Inn Waikiki
Ilikai Waikiki Hotel

Ihilani

Resort
JW Marriott Resort Ihilani

Executive Center

3 Star
ResortQuest at the Executive Centre (formerly Aston)

2 Star
Pagoda Hotel

Honolulu Airport

1 Star
Honolulu Airport Hotel
Best Western The Plaza Hotel
Pacific Marina Inn

Diamond Head

1 Star
None Reported Yet

Waianae

3 Star
Makaha Resort & Golf Club

Honolulu Beaches Pictures

It only takes one look at a spectacular photo of any Honolulu beach and you want to transport yourself there.

There is something about the crystal clear water and palm trees that brings about a sense of serenity and escape – and that’s exactly how you’ll feel when you’re laying on a sandy beach, listening to the gentle waves hit the shore whilst the sun warms your body.

These hand chosen Honolulu beaches pictures will put you in the mood!

Waikiki Beach
The most famous beach in Hawaii!

Waikiki Beach

Travel Deals

Traveling to Honolulu should be a great vacation experience. The weather is perfect with sunshine and a nice breeze. There are a ton of activities for everyone including shopping, beaches, and other attractions.

However, Honolulu, Hawaii is one of the most expensive places to vacation.

Airfare has increased dramatically with the rise in oil prices and in general hotels are very expensive because of the tremendous demand.

Honolulu Hotel Deals will show you how to cut your hotel bill by at least 25% and get the best airfare prices available.

Peak season (most expensive time to go):
mid-December to March
Off season:
mid-April to mid-June & September to mid-December

Hotels

Hotel accommodations is a big part of your trip expenses, usually around 40%. So its a good idea to scope out the best bargains. Here are two ideas below.

1) The best way to save big on hotels is by using Priceline. You can pick the location area, star level, and price, but you will only find out the name of the hotel if your bid is accepted. People usually save around 25% to 30% using this method. Priceline.com Hotels

2) If Priceline doesn’t have hotel inventory, don’t worry. A similar service that could save you a lot is Hotwire. Like Priceline, it doesn’t name the hotel, but it does show the amenities, location area, and star level. The savings will be a little bit less. Expect to save around 15% to 20%. Hotwire.com

Airfares

Airfares are another major expense on Honolulu vacations. Here’s the best way to find the cheapest airfares to and from Honolulu.

To save big on airfares, you can check every airline that flies to Honolulu or you can save time by using a flight search engine like Kayak. This is the best flight search engine because:

1) quickly searches hundreds of travel sites to find the cheapest flights

2) direct booking so there are no commissions to pay

3) free to use

Rental Cars

Tips on getting the best deals on Honolulu rental cars

1) Reserve your car early: A lot of people go to Hawaii so the later you book, the less selection and more expensive it gets.

2) Insurance: Car rental companies always rip off a lot of visitors by offering insurance. If you already have insurance, pas s on this option. You don’t need it.

3) Take Pictures: Of course take some of yourself, but also of the car too. You don’t want any surprise charges for damages to the car.

4) Gas Options: Car rental companies always give you options on refueling when you return your car. Refuel it yourself. This is always the cheapest option.

5) Rental Location: It is more expensive to rent a car from a airport. If possible get a ride into town and rent locally from the same company.

6) Weekly Rates: If you book your rental for 5 days or more, the savings are a lot greater, up to 30%.

Shopping

Honolulu is full of unique places to shop. There are upscale malls and outdoor shopping areas, plenty of opportunities to shop for the perfect gift to bring home to loved ones.

Ala Moan Center is Honolulu’s top shopping, entertainment, and dining destination including over 260 stores in a refreshing indoor and outdoor environment. It is located just 20 minutes from Honolulu International airport, and a short walk away from most Waikiki hotels, Ala Moana Center is Honolulu’s shopping destination for visitors and residents alike.

1450 Ala Moana Blvd Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 955-9517
Monday – Saturday 9:30 am to 9:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

International Market Place has over 130 carts, shops and artisan stands, this open-air setting in the heart of Waikiki remains a must-see-and-do for that special gift or souvenir
2330 Kalakaua Ave., next to Waikiki Town Center
10:00 am to 10:30 pm
Saturday’s Farmers’ Market sells all Hawaiian grown goods including including fruits, vegetables, flowers, beef, aqua cultured seafood, fresh baked breads, hand made pastas, tropical jams and jellies, unique snack foods, honey, baked goods, specialty seasonings and more.

Parking Lot C (Off of Diamond Head Road)
Kapiolani Community College
4303 Diamond Head Road
Honolulu, HI 96816
Every Saturday, 7:30 am to 11:30 am

Royal Hawaiian Center is an upscale shopping mall conveniently located in the heart of Waikiki. Enjoy a day of Honolulu shopping, dining and entertainment. Get involved in our complimentary cultural enrichment classes including ukulele, lei-making, hula, or Hawaiian quilting
2201 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI, 96815
Open Daily From 10am – 10pm

Honolulu Beaches

Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Notables: Nearby Hotels, Gentle waves, Booze from nearby hotels
Caveat: Always crowded, Sand in the water is rough, Poop and pee from lots of babies around

Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Notables: Perfectly soft sand, gentle waves, good for sailing and windsurfing,
Caveat: Heavily shaded in by surrounding mountain in the afternoon.

Kailua Beach
Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Notables: Family beach, offers picnic area, good for a variety of activities including: sailing, surfing, diving, swimming, snorkeling

Kahana Bay
Kahana Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
Notables: Unusual salt and pepper sand, plenty of shade from trees, great for fishing, kayaking and swimming, offers picnic area

Malaekahana Beach
Malaekahana Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Notables: Seldom crowded, no lifeguards, romantic beach, good swimming and snorkeling

Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
Notables: Great snorkeling, diving, swimming. Crystal clear water.
Caveat: Huge waves during October to April (experieced surfers will love it though).

Honolulu Weather

Nothing beats the weather in Hawaii. For the most part, the temperature is around 70 during the day. However, it is warmer during the summer months.

Tornado season:
June to November

Rain season:
November to March

Peak season
Best Whale Watching, Best North Shore surfing
Mid-December to March

Off season
Mid-April to Mid-June
September to Mid-December

Honolulu Rental Cars

Tips on getting the best deals on Honolulu rental cars:

1) Reserve your car early: A lot of people go to Hawaii so the later you book, the less selection and more expensive it gets.

2) Insurance: Take out at least the minimum insurance offer as expenses can be huge if an incident occurs.

3) Take Pictures: Of course take some of yourself, but also of the car too. You don’t want any surprise charges for damages to the car and pictures can be great evidence, as long as the date is clearly marked.

4) Gas Options: Car rental companies always give you options on refueling when you return your car. Refuel it yourself before returning the car. This is always the cheapest option as the company will charge much higher than the current gas cost.

5) Rental Location: It is more expensive to rent a car from a airport. If possible get a ride into town and rent locally from the same company.

6) Weekly Rates: If you book your rental for 5 days or more, the savings are a lot greater, up to 30%.

Eating Out

Honolulu cuisine is known for its incredibly fresh seafood and regional dishes.

Best Breakfast
Original Pancake House
1221 Kapiolani Blvd Ste 103 Honolulu, HI
(808) 596-8213
Known for “Creative menu and fresh ingredients. Batters are made on the premises”

Egg ‘N Things
343 Saratoga Rd, 2nd floor, Honolulu, HI
(808) 949-0820 or (808) 949-3447
Known for “being a city standard for great breakfast foods and a friendly, colorful staff”
Waioli Tea Room

Waioli Tea Room & Bakery
2950 Manoa Road, Honolulu, HI
(808) 988-5800
Known for “Known for its high tea and scrumptious desserts, the establishment also serves a delicious breakfast. Along with eggs and bacon, patrons may choose from pastries, fruit, omelets, Belgian waffles, frittatas, breakfast burritos, and quiche.”

Best Lunch

Giovannis Shrimp Truck
56-505 Kamehameha highway
Kahuku, HI 96731
808-293-1839
Known for “Delicious shrimp plates served 3 styles (scampi, hot & sour, lemon & butter) for $12

Ono Hawaiian Foods
726 Kapahulu Avenue Honolulu, HI
(808) 737-2275
Lomi Salmon, Pipikaula, Haupia are specialities here.

Big City Diner
94-800 Ukee Street Waipahu, HI
(808) 941-3463
Known for “Local creations including kim chee fried rice and baby back ribs with guava barbeque sauce”

Best Steakhouse

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
500 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 6C,Honolulu, HI
(808) 599-3860
Known for “Sizzling prime USDA beef served on a hot steel plate with sizzling butter”

Hy’s Steak House
Hy’s Steakhouse
2440 Kuhio Ave Ste A, Honolulu, HI
(808) 922-5555
Known for “Dark, clubby atmosphere with lots of leather, good Scotch, and filet mignon”

Chart House
1765 Ala Moana Blvd Spc 2, Honolulu, HI
(808) 941-6660 or (808) 941-6669
Known for “Big variety of fresh seafood dishes and wine menu to match”

Best Sushi

Nobu Waikiki
2233 Helumoa Rd, Honolulu, HI
(808) 237-6999
Known for “Incredibly fresh and creative sushi and pricey”

Hakone Restaurant
100 Holomoana St, Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, Honolulu, HI
(808) 956-1111 or (808) 944-4494
Known for “All you can eat sushi buffet that includes a variety of fresh fish”

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
2552 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Honolulu, HI
(808) 931-6286
Known for “Innovative fusion sushi in a fun atmosphere”

Best Seafood

Orchids
Orchids Restaurant
2199 Kalia Rd, Halekulani Hotel, Honolulu, HI
(808) 923-2311
Known for “Cuisine that is served in an outdoor garden setting a few footsteps from the beach, the island-inspired sauces created for the seafood menu are wonderful, all of the fish is fresh”.

John Dominis
43 Ahui, Honolulu, HI
(808) 523-0955
Known for “Delicious seafood in a dramatic, elegant setting, seafood specialties include lobster, giant prawns, and a half-dozen varieties of fresh local fish are available every day”

Kincaid’s Fish, Chop & Steak House
1050 Ala Moana Blvd, Ward Centre, Honolulu, HI
(808) 591-2005
Known for “Good fish and meat in big portions”

Best Italian

Matteo’s
364 Seaside Avenue Honolulu, HI
(808) 922-5551
Known for “A menu that features classic Italian and Continental dishes such as Osso Bucco Milanese, Cioppino and Seafood Lasagna. The wine list is one of the most extensive in Waikiki. There is an Early Bird Special available from 5:30 to 6:30pm”

Vino Italian Tapas & Wine Bar
Vino Italian Tapas & Wine Bar Honolulu
500 Ala Moana Blvd, Restaurant Row, Honolulu, HI
(808) 524-8466 or (808) 533-3476
Known for “Great Italian food and wine using local fresh ingredients”