Hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu Hotels

The sparkling seas of Honolulu can be seen from many of the gleaming high-rise buildings in the city, meaning that although Hawaii’s capital has a serious side, you’ll still feel the island atmosphere wherever you go. There’s certainly more to the area than pristine beaches, although you may never want to leave the white sands, with shopping, culture, and leisure to rival any major American city. Whether you prefer to spot marine life in the calm seas, or be pampered in a contemporary spa, Honolulu is a paradise of escapism.

Things to see

Waikiki Beach Walk is a luxurious, eight acre playground for tourists lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, yet close to nature and shaded by abundant palm trees. Drop the kids off at the beach or hotel pool, and you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, or sit outside one of the contemporary restaurants and listen to the waves. Further shopping can be found at the Ala Moana Center, the largest mall in Hawaii where high end luxury labels can be coveted, and there are plenty of big name department stores. A more traditional experience awaits at the International Market Place, a laidback area where locals sell jewelry and souvenirs, and live music is enjoyed in the open air. If you’re in an adventurous mood, Diamond Head is a popular hike, even for beginners, and if you have a couple of hours to spare you can explore the volcanic crater, as well as seeing some of the most breathtaking views of the city. The nearby Honolulu Zoo also makes for a fun family afternoon, and you can see animals from around the world enjoying the shady palm trees.

Hotels in Honolulu

Honolulu hotels are often large and impressive, and many are full-service resorts and spas, meaning you don’t even need to leave the hotel if you’re feeling lazy. Most of the high-rise hotels feature modern rooms and suites with LCD televisions, climate control, coffee makers, and room service, allowing you to get into the laidback Hawaiian mood. There are also many affordable options which are perfect for a family vacation, yet still feature outdoor pools, sea views, and breakfast served on the beach. It’s easy to keep the kids happy with rollaway beds, in-room refrigerators, and cable TV in many hotels.

Where to stay

The sparkling blue oceans and white sands of Waikiki make it look like a postcard, and that’s why it’s such a popular resort for romantic trips, as well as family vacations for beach lovers. Business travelers often favor the area of Downtown Honolulu, where palm trees are dotted amongst skyscrapers, and corporate workers enjoy an ocean view from their desk. The most luxurious hotels are often found in Kahala, which has quieter, more secluded beaches than Waikiki, and features golf clubs, upmarket malls, and international restaurants.

How to get to Honolulu

Honolulu International Airport is a busy hub, connecting the major cities of the USA with the smaller Hawaiian islands. Just 10 miles away from the popular resorts of Waikiki, it’s easy to pick up a rental car or hail a taxi to get you to your final destination. Some of the larger hotels and resorts will arrange for a complimentary shuttle if you book it in advance, otherwise you can hop on a private shuttle which shouldn’t take longer than 45 minutes. If you don’t have much luggage, there is a local bus service, although this can get crowded at peak times.