The Best Hotels to Book in Honolulu, Hawaii

The Halekulani Hotel dates back to 1883 when a house was built on the site of what is now the main building. Local fishermen would take a break and rest on the beach in front of the property, calling it a house befitting heaven, or Halekulani. The beachfront location provides you with an unobstructed view of the stunning Diamond Head volcano and the Pacific Ocean. What’s more, Halekulani is a peaceful getaway from the energy and excitement of Waikiki, which is just a few minutes away.

One of the most luxurious and well-regarded resorts in all of Hawaii, the Kahala Hotel and Resort is set on a private white-sand beach in the Kahala district. This resort in Honolulu has five different restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, from Hawaiian fusion to Italian. In addition to the beach, the Kahala has a 26,000sqft (2,415sqm) natural lagoon that is home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Trainers offer daily education programs where you can experience these intelligent animals up close.

Looking for an experience that’s a bit different from the typical stay at most hotels? Vive attracts guests looking for an adventure, with special offers that feature activities such as biking, surf lessons and a snorkeling cruise. It’s two short blocks from the sandy shores of Waikiki and one block from the nightlife and attractions of Kalakaua Avenue.

Every design element and piece of art in the Modern Honolulu is custom-made, from the colorful surfboard installation piece behind the reception desk to the blue glass tiles that adorn the Sunset Pool. The sleek inside spaces are dominated by different shades of white, accompanied by splashes of color from orchids, leafy botanicals and oodles of artwork. The signature restaurant, the Grove Restaurant + Bar, serves the best seafood and produce from Hawaii.

Known as the First Lady of Waikiki, the Moana Surfrider opened its doors in 1901 as the first hotel in Waikiki. Today, old photos of the hotel grace its walls, and there is a historical tour of the property offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On Kalakaua Avenue, this place to stay in Honolulu is at the heart of the action in the Waikiki neighborhood, though there are plenty of places to relax. Try the Banyan Courtyard, with its iconic Moana banyan tree that was planted in 1904; it stands more than 75ft (23m) tall with limbs stretching more than 150ft (46m) across.

With its bright pink exterior, the Royal Hawaiian is hard to miss. Also known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific, it ushered in a new era of luxury travel when it was built in 1927. One of the best places to stay in Honolulu, the resort holds a celebration on Monday and Thursday nights to honor Helumoa, the legendary playground of Hawaiian royalty where the hotel now stands. Called an Aha’aina, this celebration pays tribute to the island’s cultural history through food, song, stories and – of course – hula.

At Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, you can partake in many cultural activities, from learning about native medicinal plants to hearing about Hawaiian myths and legends. Try your hand at a ukulele or hula lesson or head to the Kani Ka Pila Grille for a live concert. Adventure awaits you at the beach, where you can practice canoe surfing with certified instructors. And if it’s R&R you’re looking for, the resort spa offers a soothing lava-rock massage.