The Best Luxury Resorts to Book in Oahu, Hawaii
Whether this is your first time visiting Hawaii, or you’re a returning sun bird seeking warmth, a few days in Oahu is always a good idea. From historic estate properties turned luxury hotels to not-so-secret celeb hideaways and all-inclusive family-friendly resorts – no matter which you choose, paradise is on your doorstep. Here’s our round-up of some of the best luxury resorts Oahu has to offer, bookable with Culture Trip.
1. Halekulani, for the last word in luxury
Resort, Hotel
2. Moana Surfrider, for beachside views
Resort, Spa Hotel, Hotel
3. The Kahala Hotel and Resort, for Old Hawaii grandeur
Resort, Hotel
5. Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, for lazy beach vibes
Resort
As the former location of the Outrigger Canoe Club, it’s no surprise that the hotel’s open beach access, mere footsteps from its freshwater pool, is its outstanding feature. This relaxed Waikiki resort has all you need for a week in the sun, including light-filled rooms with balconies to enjoy the gentle Hawaiian breeze and access to a private lounge for Voyager 47 Club rooms. There are always good vibes going at Duke’s Waikiki restaurant, especially on lazy Sunday afternoons when the smooth vocals of Hawaiian musician, Henry Kapono, entertain. For romantics, the hotel hosts a traditional Hawaiian vow renewal ceremony weekly as a complimentary service for guests.
6. Turtle Bay Resort, for turtle-spotting
Resort, Independent Hotel
Oahu’s famed North Shore is fully deserving of the hype. The pace is more chilled, the water pristine and the waves, awe-inspiring. One resort that has all the highlights is Turtle Bay. The self-contained property has ample distractions (horseback-riding lessons, an on-site spa, a golf course, two saltwater pools) and because it sits on Kuilima Cove, you’re in for a treat when it comes to snorkeling and turtle-spotting. The generously sized rooms have all the expected creature comforts, with most looking out to the ocean.
7. Paradise Bay Resort, for days spent in the sea
Resort
For a quieter, activity-based getaway, the secluded Paradise Bay Resort is a compelling choice. Facing picturesque Kāneʻohe Bay, spacious self-catering cottages look out to the majestic Koolau Mountains and Chinaman’s Hat Island. Yoga and meditation classes are included with the resort fee, as is snorkeling and kayaking equipment. You will have to shell out extra for a chartered boat excursion to the nearby sandbar for an afternoon of snorkeling and a volleyball session, but it’ll be worth it.
8. Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, for cartoon cool
Chain Hotel, Resort
Vacations are meant to be relaxing – not always easy with a couple of kids in tow. But the family-friendly Aulani resort buys you some breathing space, so you can at least finish your coffee while it’s still warm, thanks to its myriad attractions: waterplay areas, the Rainbow Reef for snorkeling, photo ops with Moana and Mickey, and fire-pit storytelling. For a proper escape, park them at Aunty’s Beach House while you take a breather at the adults-only Wailana Pool or tee off at the neighboring Ko Olina golf course. Come sunset, gather for snaps at Ko Olina Lagoon One, on the Aulani Disney Resort’s doorstep. Mickey might even swing by for a selfie.
9. 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, for beachside glamor at scale
Resort, Independent Hotel, Luxury
Sixty steps. That’s all it takes to get from this hotel to Waikiki’s sandy shores. Renovated in 2018, this 839-room hotel is all about the wow factor. There’s the 280,000gal (1,000,000lt) aquarium in the lobby filled with tropical fish, two restaurants from Masaharu Morimoto (of TV fame), an infinity pool that’s popular with local scenesters, and rooms decorated in an understated luxe style (all cream hues and warm wood accents). Shell out for one of the nine suites, and all-day access to the Longboard Club is thrown in, plus deep-soaking tubs and an expansive lanai for extra bragging rights.
10. The Royal Hawaiian, for Insta-worthy interiors
Resort, Hotel
Pierre de Villiers contributed additional reporting to this article.
If you’re looking for more beach luxury, check out our guide to the best luxury hotels in Maui, or read about the top luxury hotels in Hawaii. Alternatively, find out about the best resorts in Honolulu, or the best beach hotels to book on Oahu– now bookable on Culture Trip.
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