Best Accommodation Options in Hawaii

The island archipelago of Hawaii is one of the world’s most picturesque destinations. Home to countless waterfalls, awe-inspiring coastal lookouts and a smattering of jungle for good measure, this island has it all.

The state of Hawaii comprises six main islands – Hawaii, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Each island possesses a unique character, making them a delightful experience for visitors. With a range of accommodations from upscale resorts in Kauai to charming beachside shacks in Turtle Bay, there is something to cater to every type of traveler.

The allure of Hawaii’s stunning natural landscape attracts over 8.3 million tourists annually. Some of the most remarkable sites include the active volcanic landscapes found in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and the famous Thurston Lava Tube.

Additionally, Hawaii is renowned for hosting some of the finest surfing locations in the world. The locals have a profound spiritual connection to the ocean, a feeling that resonates as you observe them mastering the waves. Numerous surf schools are available throughout the islands for those interested in learning this exhilarating skill.

Now, let us explore where to reside in Hawaii, focusing on specific islands and their neighborhoods.

Kailua-Kona – Island of Hawaii

Kailua-Kona stands as one of the largest towns on the Big Island and houses several cherished cultural landmarks. Within the town, one can find Hulihee Palace and Mokuaikaua Church, both of which trace their origins back to the 1800s, with Mokuaikaua representing the oldest Christian church in Hawaii.

The traditional thatched houses at Kailua Bay are among the most visually striking man-made structures within the state, reconstructed from King Kamehameha I’s vacation home.

At Honokōhau Settlement and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, visitors will discover another significant cultural site preserved for posterity. This sacred area showcases remnants of ancient fish ponds and numerous petroglyphs. Currently, the Honokōhau Settlement and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park serve as a breeding ground for critically endangered turtles.

The beaches surrounding Kailua-Kona feature some of Hawaii’s finest shallow snorkeling locations.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Beach Enthusiasts, Backpackers, Couples, Cultural Curators, Families, Nature Enthusiasts: All varieties of travelers.

Neighborhood Highlights: Hulihee Palace, Mokuaikaua Church, Honokōhau Settlement and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Keauhou Bay, Hualālai, Honl’s Beach, Magic Sands Beach Park.

Hotel Suggestions:

• Kona Seaside Hotel – Located just a two-minute stroll from the beach, Kona Seaside Hotel boasts an ideal location. Guests may avail themselves of complimentary WiFi and an outdoor swimming pool. All accommodations include a TV, coffee machine, and private ensuite bathroom.
• Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel – This establishment features an inviting ambiance and ample space, offering guests a choice of double rooms or studio apartments. Onsite amenities include a swimming pool and a stocked bar, with all rooms equipped with air conditioning and cable TV.
• Courtyard by Marriot King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel – A family-friendly facility providing ocean views complemented by a pool area. There are two onsite restaurants offering international cuisines. Each room features a coffee machine and mini-fridge, with family rooms and adjoining rooms available upon request. The hotel grants guests access to a private beach area.

Volcano – Island of Hawaii

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is among the most frequented destinations in the Hawaiian archipelago. This remarkable area exemplifies Mother Nature’s beauty, particularly along Old Volcano Road, where nature enthusiasts will find immense satisfaction.

While this region has seen evacuations due to volcanic activity, it stands as a testament to human resilience against nature’s force. It is advisable to conduct thorough research prior to visiting to acquire the latest information on volcanic conditions.

The Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes are two of the world’s most critical and are under the meticulous observation of volcanologists and geologists.

For those interested in landscape photography, Volcano offers picturesque views, with the entire Big Island reachable within a two-hour drive, allowing easy access to other natural marvels in the vicinity.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Backpackers, Nature Enthusiasts, Couples, Families, Hikers, Local Experience Seekers: All types of travelers.

Neighborhood Highlights: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube, Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, Hōlei Sea Arch, Kaimū Beach Park.

Hotel Suggestions:

• Kilauea Lodge – This charming accommodation is housed within a vintage 1938 structure, offering a warm atmosphere. Options include double, twin, and family-sized apartments, with a tropical breakfast included. The lodge features a hot tub and a lush garden area.
• Volcano Inn – An eco-friendly lodging situated along Old Volcano Road, featuring a remarkable all-you-can-eat American-style breakfast buffet. Guests can relax in one of the three salt-water hot tubs while enjoying the tropical garden. Every room has an ensuite with complimentary bathrobes and toiletries.
• Aloha Junction Bed & Breakfast – A traditional bed and breakfast that offers modern amenities including a kitchen, electric fireplace, and cable television with Netflix. Many rooms include private patios with outdoor seating. Breakfast is served daily at 8 AM, along with complimentary snacks throughout the day.

Koloa – Kauai Island

Koloa, located on Kauai Island, provides visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic Hawaiian culture while enjoying modern conveniences for a dream holiday.

The compact size of Kauai Island, measuring just 25 miles long and 33 miles wide, allows for a drive around the entire island in approximately 2.5 hours. Consequently, choosing your accommodation means you will always be close to the attractions that Kauai has to offer.

The Koloa area hosts numerous resort-style hotel complexes catering to all guest needs. While many hotels offer all-inclusive packages, ample exploration awaits beyond the resort confines.

Notably, Koloa is historically significant as the site of Hawaii’s first successful sugarcane plantation established in 1835, which later merged with Grove Farm in 1948, becoming one of the state’s most prosperous plantations.

Suitable For: Holiday Enthusiasts, Families, Luxury Travelers, Older Travelers, Beach Lovers, Nature Enthusiasts.

Neighborhood Highlights: Old Koloa Town, Poipu Beach, Allerton Garden, Spouting Horn, Kauai ATV, Baby Beach, McBryde Garden, Shipwreck Beach, Koloa Zipline, Moir Gardens.

Hotel Suggestions:

• Sheraton Kauai Resort – This five-star property features a first-rate fitness center, two outdoor pools, and a private beach area. Each room includes air conditioning, cable television, mini fridges, and coffee-making facilities. Multiple dining options are available onsite, allowing guests to enjoy meals on the oceanfront lawn.
• Castle Kiahuna Plantation & The Beach Bungalow – Located a short three-minute walk from the beach, this hotel occupies a sprawling 35-acre property with views of Poipu Beach. Each suite is equipped with kitchen facilities and offers either an ocean or garden view, with amenities including air conditioning, WiFi, and cable television. A large swimming pool and expansive hot tub feature on-site.
• The Point at Poipu by Diamond Resort – This boutique hotel is merely a six-minute walk from the beach, offering one and two bedroom apartments with balconies, kitchen facilities, and private bathrooms. Each bathroom is equipped with a luxurious bathtub and complimentary toiletries, while guests may access the communal gas BBQ on the shared terrace.

Kapaa – Kauai Island

For travelers wishing to be enveloped by Hawaii’s natural beauty, secluded Kapaa serves as a hidden gem on the east coast of Kauai Island.

Preserving the island’s cultural heritage, this charming community of approximately 10,000 residents features narrow streets lined with an eclectic mix of independent craft shops and family-run dining establishments. Kapaa is often heralded as Kauai’s most enchanting town.

To fully embrace the Hawaiian lifestyle, consider participating in a ukulele lesson at the Kamo Ukulele Co, where founder Samuel Bonanno enthusiastically shares his expertise about the island’s national instrument with visiting guests.

Ho’opii Falls stands as the most remarkable natural wonder within the Kapaa neighborhood and is not to be overlooked.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Backpackers, Beach Enthusiasts, Couples, Culture Seekers, Families, Local Experience Seekers, Nature Lovers: Diverse types of travelers.

Neighborhood Highlights: Ho’opii Falls, Kapa’a Beach Park, Keālia Beach, Kamoa Ukulele Co, Kapaa Town Park, Lae Nani Beach, Houna Lani Garden, Sleeping Giant Trail, Fern Grotto, Kamokila Hawaiian Village, Smith Family Garden Luau.

Hotel Suggestions:

• Castle Kauai Kailani – This accommodation offers delightful apartment rentals with access to a small outdoor pool and sunny garden. Each apartment is fully furnished, including a fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom, and spacious bedroom. Special accommodations for families and couples are available, and complimentary WiFi is accessible throughout the property.
• The ISO – Featuring exquisite boutique studios overlooking the Pacific Ocean, each studio is equipped with coffee-making facilities and a drinks fridge. All units have been recently renovated and present a bright, airy ambiance. The on-site Bull Shed Restaurant operates daily for dinner, specializing in locally sourced seafood dishes.
• Aston Islander On The Beach – A mere seven-minute walk from the beach, this hotel offers oceanfront swimming facilities and a luxurious hot tub. All rooms are air-conditioned, and many offer a private balcony or terrace; some feature ocean views, while others overlook the garden. Guests can also enjoy access to the tennis court and golf course, making it an ideal getaway for couples.

Waikiki – Oahu

The Waikiki area is potentially the most frequented tourist destination across the Hawaiian islands. This district, filled with hotels, B&Bs, and holiday apartment rentals, serves as an ideal base for shorter visits to Hawaii.

Waikiki provides convenient access to Pearl Harbor, one of Hawaii’s most significant historical sites. Several museums, monuments, and memorials are located in the area that facilitate a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded on December 7th, 1941. Accessing Pearl Harbor from Waikiki is straightforward, with numerous shuttle services available, alongside ride-sharing options.

In terms of natural attractions, Waikiki positions you advantageously near the dormant volcano Diamond Head, a landmark of Oahu. Hanauma Bay is particularly notable for snorkeling opportunities.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Backpackers, Beach Enthusiasts, History Buffs, Culture Seekers, Families, Nature Lovers, Quick Visit Travelers: All kinds of visitors.

Neighborhood Highlights: Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial, Hanauma Bay, ‘Iolani Palace, Waikiki Aquarium, Polynesian Cultural Centre, Royal Hawaiian Centre, Lucoral Museum.

Hotel Suggestions:

• Imperial Hawaii Resort at Waikiki – Offering spacious suites located in the heart of Waikiki, each suite has a double room and living room with a sofa bed, accommodating up to four guests. Guests enjoy access to an outdoor swimming pool and the hotel’s fitness center, conveniently situated just 600 meters from the US Army Museum of Hawaii.
• Ilima Hotel – This hotel, located a six-minute walk from the beach, features a swimming pool, fitness center, and sun terrace for relaxation. Each studio includes kitchen facilities, air conditioning, and a balcony, with free parking available. The studio apartments are spacious, bright, and modern. Complimentary WiFi is also provided.
• Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel – Positioned directly on the beachfront and adjacent to Honolulu Zoo, the hotel incorporates classic Hawaiian design, featuring bright red walls and potted orchids. Many rooms afford ocean views from their balconies. Amenities include an onsite bar, swimming pool, and a well-equipped fitness center, alongside available parking.

Kapolei – Oahu

Commonly referred to as Oahu’s second city, Kapolei is located to the west of Honolulu, along the southern coast.

Families will find Kapolei an ideal locale, offering options to relax at resorts while also venturing out to explore. Family-friendly attractions abound, from Wet’n’Wild Hawaii Waterpark to the captivating performances at Chief’s Luau.

Wet’n’Wild is among the most beloved attractions in Hawaii, boasting 29 acres of thrilling water rides and slides that are a hit with both locals and visitors.

The Ko Olina Lagoons are among the most cherished coastal features in Kapolei. Although man-made, these lagoons present travelers with some of the finest sandy beach experiences in southern Oahu. The four lagoons—Hanu, Kolola, Napa, and Ulu—are safe swimming locations supervised by lifeguards throughout the day.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, All-Inclusive Travelers, Culture Seekers, Families, Young Adventurers, Quick Visit Travelers.

Neighborhood Highlights: Wet’n’Wild Hawaii, Ko Olina Lagoons, Pearl Harbor, Naval Air Station Barbers Point Museum, Kahe Point Beach Park, Paradise Cove Beach, Chief’s Luau, Makaha Beach Park.

Hotel Suggestions:

• Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club –This highly recommended hotel features rooms with fully equipped kitchens, living and dining areas, and laundry facilities. Guests benefit from access to the swimming pool, poolside bar, and hotel spa, with many accommodations offering ocean views and private balconies, located just a minute’s walk away from the beach.
• Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina – This luxurious beachfront resort includes multiple restaurants and bars, along with an extensive spa complex. Guests may utilize the hotel’s tennis courts and golf course, as well as customize their mattress topper preferences. Additional services entail turndown and daily housekeeping. All accommodations feature deep-soaking bathtubs and walk-in showers.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei – Complimentary breakfasts are included in all room rates, with options of a continental or buffet-style meal. The hotel features its own restaurant and bar, as well as shared lounge and outdoor swimming pool facilities. Additional amenities include a hot tub, fitness center, and complimentary shuttle service. Each room offers modern decor, classic charm, and comfortable bedding.

Wailea – Maui

Wailea, a lesser-known tourist resort town on Maui, is home to approximately 5,900 residents and provides visitors with a chance to experience the tranquility and coastal beauty of Hawaii away from the hustle and bustle of larger resorts.

Due to its secluded nature, only premium hotels have established here, with an initial presence of just five notable establishments. For travelers seeking a more private experience, Wailea is the preferred choice.

Wailea offers an extensive stretch of stunning white sand beaches—five in total. Notably, Wailea Beach stands out for its excellent snorkeling opportunities and calm swimming areas.

Golfing enthusiasts will also appreciate the Wailea Blue, Gold, and Emerald courses, which together form a renowned 54-hole championship layout.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Couples, Beach Enthusiasts, Luxury Seekers, Off-the-Beaten-Track Explorers, Sporty Types, Nature Lovers.

Neighborhood Highlights: Wailea Blue Golf Course, Wailea Gold Golf Course, Wailea Emerald Golf Course, The Shops at Wailea, Wailea Tennis Club, Wailea Point, Ulua Beach Park, Kamaole Beach, Oneuli Beach, Makena Beach.

Hotel Suggestions:

• Residence Inn by Marriot Maui Wailea – This luxury hotel is situated just 800 meters from Wailea Beach and offers family-friendly accommodations with queen studio layouts that can accommodate up to five guests. The complimentary breakfast buffet and evening refreshments at the hotel bar enhance the overall experience. All suites include fully-equipped kitchens, with a grocery shopping service available.
• Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort – A Concept by Hyatt – Located directly on the beachfront, this resort features four infinity pools, two restaurants, and an extensive spa with various treatment options. Each room includes a private balcony, a 40-inch flat-screen TV, minibar, and coffee machine, making it an eco-award-winning destination.
• Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa – With a club suitable for children and a multitude of swimming pools, this establishment is an excellent choice for families. Located only a four-minute walk from Wailea Beach, many rooms feature ocean views. Each accommodation has air-conditioning, WiFi, and ultra-comfortable beds, complemented by spacious luxury bathrooms.

Kaunakakai – Molokai

Kaunakakai, situated on the less frequented island of Molokai, features a quaint and endearing coastal town with a modest population of 3,500 residents. This locale provides travelers the chance to engage with authentic Hawaii.

For those seeking an escape from the usual tourist hotspots, Kaunakakai is an indispensable destination. The ambiance feels as though time has stood still here.

Home to Hawaii’s longest pier, which stretches over the reef, locals frequently fish for their meals, welcoming visitors to join them.

The town features several charming independent shops, including delightful bakeries.

Kaunakakai’s clean, tranquil beaches are ideal for relaxation; Kamiloloa Beach epitomizes paradise. When winds increase, be cautious in the water to ensure safety.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Backpackers, Beach Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers, Off-the-Beaten-Track Explorers, Local Experience Seekers.

Neighborhood Highlights: Kamiloloa Beach, Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, Halawa Valley, Papohaku Beach Park, One Alii Beach Park.

Hotel Suggestions:

• Castle Molokai Shores – These beachfront apartment rentals offer a tropical garden and full-sized swimming pool. Family-friendly, each apartment can accommodate up to four guests, and all units provide stunning ocean views, especially at sunset. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property.
• Hotel Molokai – This inviting and cozy, locally operated hotel in Kaunakakai features many rooms with kitchenettes, including microwaves and mini-fridges, with some offering private terraces. The hotel boasts a private outdoor swimming pool and a well-stocked bar, with onsite parking available.
• Ka Hale Kealoha – The name ‘Ka Hale Kealoha’ translates to ‘House of Love,’ and this locally owned apartment provides a perfect romantic getaway option for couples. This one-bedroom rental includes sea views, a living area, a private balcony, and BBQ facilities, with its location providing a stunning sunset experience.