That’s why deciding where to stay on Oahu matters more than it might seem, as Honolulu’s traffic can eat up hours of your time. Here are my six suggestions for areas in and outside Honolulu, with hotels in several price ranges.

Where to Stay on Oahu: The Best Areas

• Waikiki - best area for a first trip to Honolulu
• Ala Moana & Kaka’ako - best area for shopping, food and slightly lower prices
• Diamond Head & Kahala - best area for peace and quiet close to the city
• Ko Olina - best area for a resort holiday with children
• North Shore - best area for surfing and a village feel
• Kailua & Kaneohe - best area for white beaches and a more local side of Oahu

I go through the areas one at a time, from Honolulu via the west coast and the North Shore to the east side. The prices come from a search for a week in March for two people, and many hotels add a daily resort fee and parking on top, so check the total price before you book. If you’re combining Oahu with other islands, you can see them all in my guide to where to stay in Hawaii.

If you’re staying in Waikiki or Ala Moana, you can easily manage without a car for the first few days. If you’re staying outside Honolulu, you’ll need a hire car, which you can pick up from the rental companies at Honolulu Airport, and you can compare prices on car hire at Booking.com before you travel. Hotel parking in Honolulu typically costs 30 to 70 dollars (around £20 to £50) a night, so only hire the car for the days you actually need it.

1. Waikiki - the best area for your first trip to Honolulu 🌴

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Waikiki is Honolulu’s beach and hotel district. It’s around 5 km to Downtown Honolulu and 2 to 3 km to the foot of Diamond Head.
• 🚌 Transport: You can walk to the beach, restaurants and shops. TheBus runs to the rest of the city and around the island, and you only need a car for longer trips.
• ✈️ Time from Honolulu Airport: Around 25 to 40 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around 180 to 550 dollars (roughly £135 to £410) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe, but with the usual big-city petty crime. Don’t leave bags unattended on the beach, and don’t leave anything visible in a parked car.

Waikiki is the classic choice, and for good reason. You stay in the middle of Honolulu’s biggest hotel area, with a sandy beach that is shallow and calm for most of the year, surf schools right on the sand and Kalakaua Avenue, lined with restaurants and shops, just behind the hotels. After a long flight, it’s nice to be able to walk everywhere and hold off on the hire car.

The district has three parts. The western end by Fort DeRussy and Hilton Hawaiian Village has a wider beach and large resorts. The middle around Royal Hawaiian Center and Kuhio Beach is the busiest, while the eastern end by Kapiolani Park is quieter. TheBus runs from Kuhio Avenue to Ala Moana, Downtown and Hanauma Bay, so you can get a long way without a car.

See hotels in Waikiki here.

The downside is that Waikiki is a dense, built-up area with high-rises, traffic and lots of tourists, and prices rise the closer you get to the water. The hotels a few streets back along Kuhio Avenue and Ala Wai Boulevard are usually quite a bit cheaper, and they’re no more than a five-minute walk from the beach. If you want to see the rest of the island without driving yourself, you can take a full-day small-group tour around Oahu for around 185 dollars (around £140) with hotel pick-up.

I would stay in Waikiki if it’s your first trip to Oahu, if you’re travelling without a car, or if you want restaurants and nightlife right on your doorstep. Many people combine three or four nights here with a couple of nights on the North Shore or in Ko Olina, so they get both the city and the quieter side of Oahu.

Hotels in Waikiki

The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki - the pink palace right on the beach

The Royal Hawaiian opened in 1927 and is known for its pink facade and palm-filled garden in the heart of Waikiki. The hotel sits right on the beach and has a pool, a spa and the Mai Tai Bar by the water. A daily resort fee is added on top, and according to Booking.com, parking costs 65 dollars (around £50) a day.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The facilities and location are fantastic. Beautiful hotel.”

See photos and book The Royal Hawaiian here.

Wayfinder Waikiki - relaxed design hotel with a pool

Wayfinder Waikiki is on Ala Wai Boulevard in the northern part of Waikiki, around a ten-minute walk from the beach. There’s a saltwater pool, a café and a bar, and the décor is bright and modern. The resort fee is 30 dollars (around £22) a day, and one guest mentions that parking at the hotel is expensive.

From a review: “Beautiful décor and location.”

See photos and book Wayfinder Waikiki here.

Shoreline Hotel Waikiki - the cheapest option in the middle of the district

Shoreline Hotel is on Seaside Avenue in the middle of Waikiki, a few minutes’ walk from the beach and Kalakaua Avenue. There’s a small pool and a bar, and the style is colourful and youthful. The rooms are small, and a daily fee of 30 dollars (around £22) is added on top.

One guest highlights: “Friendly staff, the location is fantastic, and the hotel is good value for money.”

See photos and book Shoreline Hotel Waikiki here.

2. Ala Moana & Kaka’ako - best area for shopping, food and slightly lower prices 🛍️

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Ala Moana lies just west of Waikiki, about 2 km from Kalakaua Avenue. Kaka’ako lies further west, and from here it’s 2 km to Downtown Honolulu.
• 🚌 Transport: Ala Moana Center is the hub for TheBus, so you have buses to Waikiki, Downtown and the rest of the island. You can walk or cycle between the two neighbourhoods.
• ✈️ Time from Honolulu Airport: Around 15 to 25 minutes by car or taxi.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$. The three hotels below cost roughly $140 to $400 (around £105 to £300) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe during the day. In the evening the parks are quieter, and homeless people sleep in a few spots, so take a taxi if you’re heading back late.

Ala Moana is where the locals go to swim. Ala Moana Beach Park has a long, calm beach sheltered by a reef, lawns with barbecues and the man-made peninsula of Magic Island, where families have picnics and where the sunset is one of the most beautiful in Honolulu. Just across the road is Ala Moana Center, a huge open-air shopping centre with everything from department stores to cheap places to eat.

Kaka’ako was once a district of warehouses and workshops. Today it’s Honolulu’s new neighbourhood, with high-rises, huge murals, breweries and eateries clustered around Salt at Our Kaka’ako and Ward Village. Staying here puts you close to the city’s best food scene, and you’ll usually pay less than for a similar hotel in Waikiki.

See hotels in Ala Moana and Kaka’ako here.

From here it’s also a short trip to Downtown and Chinatown. Downtown is home to Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the USA, and Chinatown has markets, dim sum and bars. They make great outings, but Downtown has few hotels and goes quiet when the offices close, so I would stay in Ala Moana and head in during the day.

Pearl Harbor is only half an hour’s drive away. If you’d rather not drive yourself, you can take a Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial tour with pick-up for around $51 (about £40). The downside of Ala Moana is that you’re staying in a big city with wide roads and traffic. The beach life and palm trees are there, but it feels less like a holiday resort than Waikiki. On the other hand, this is where you’ll see how people in Honolulu actually live, shop and eat.

Hotels in Ala Moana & Kaka’ako

Prince Waikiki - modern hotel with an infinity pool by the marina

Prince Waikiki sits by the marina between Waikiki and Ala Moana, around ten minutes’ walk from both Ala Moana Beach Park and the shopping centre. Every room faces the sea, and there’s an infinity pool and several restaurants. On the other hand, there’s a resort fee of $42 (around £30) and parking at $45 (around £35) per day on top, and one guest feels breakfast ought to be included at that price.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The staff were friendly and helpful.”

See photos and book Prince Waikiki here.

Ala Moana Honolulu by Mantra - large hotel with direct access to the shopping centre

Ala Moana Honolulu by Mantra is right next door to Ala Moana Center and about 800 metres from the beach. The hotel has a pool, spa, gym and several places to eat, and some rooms have a kitchen. The rooms are small, and there’s a daily fee of $30 (around £22) on top.

From one review: “Fantastic location right next to the Ala Moana shopping centre.”

See photos and book Ala Moana Honolulu by Mantra here.

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki - the cheapest option with no resort fee

Ramada Plaza is on Ala Moana Boulevard between Ala Moana and Waikiki, around ten minutes’ walk from the shopping centre and a quarter of an hour from Ala Moana Beach Park. There’s a pool and a restaurant, and there’s no resort fee, while parking costs $28 (around £21) per day according to Booking.com. The hotel is basic, and one guest missed having cutlery and plates in the room.

One guest highlights: “Convenient location close to the beach, the buses and Ala Moana.”

See photos and book Ramada Plaza Waikiki here.

3. Diamond Head & Kahala - best area for peace and quiet close to the city 🌋

• 📍 Distance to the centre: The area stretches from the eastern end of Waikiki at Kapiolani Park around Diamond Head to the residential neighbourhood of Kahala, around 6 km from the middle of Waikiki.
• 🚌 Transport: From Kapiolani Park you can walk to Waikiki. From Kahala it’s a long walk, so here you’ll need a car, a taxi or the hotel’s shuttle bus.
• ✈️ Time from Honolulu Airport: Around 25 to 40 minutes by car or taxi.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around 255 to 615 dollars (roughly £190 to £460) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Very safe and quiet. Kahala is one of Honolulu’s most expensive residential neighbourhoods.

Diamond Head is the old volcanic crater you see on every postcard from Waikiki, and around it lies Honolulu’s quietest corner. At the eastern end of Waikiki you’ll find Kapiolani Park with its lawns and banyan trees, Honolulu Zoo and the small Sans Souci beach, where locals swim in the morning. Here you’re still within walking distance of the restaurants, but without the high-rises right in front of your nose.

From the park it’s a short hop to the crater itself. The hike to the summit is around 1.3 km each way, with stairs and a tunnel, and according to the state parks authority, visitors who don’t live in Hawaii must book entry in advance. It costs 5 dollars (around £4) per person and 10 dollars (around £7.50) for parking, so arrive early before it gets hot.

See hotels at Diamond Head and in Kahala here.

On the other side of the crater lies Kahala, with large villas and a single classic luxury hotel on the beach. From here it’s about a quarter of an hour’s drive to Hanauma Bay, Oahu’s best-known snorkelling bay. Hanauma Bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, entry is 25 dollars (around £19) for tourists, and you should book a time slot, as visitor numbers are limited.

I’d stay here if you want Honolulu within reach but would rather wake up to birdsong than traffic. The downside is that Kahala is a rather lifeless residential area with no restaurants within walking distance, and the hotels by Kapiolani Park have few rooms, so they sell out quickly in high season. So book well ahead, especially around Christmas, New Year and Easter.

Hotels at Diamond Head & Kahala

The Kahala Hotel and Resort - classic luxury resort with a dolphin lagoon in Kahala

The Kahala sits right on the beach in Kahala, with a lagoon that’s home to dolphins, several restaurants, a spa and a kids’ club. It’s a classic 1960s resort with a quiet beach out front. There’s no resort fee, but parking costs 40 dollars (around £30) a day, and one guest wasn’t happy with the service.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “I love the atmosphere of the place. A bit retro, but so elegant.”

See photos and book The Kahala here.

Kaimana Beach Hotel - small hotel right on Sans Souci Beach

Kaimana Beach Hotel sits right on Sans Souci Beach at the foot of Diamond Head, with Kapiolani Park across the road. There’s a restaurant and bar under a large hau tree by the beach, but no pool. On top of the rate comes a resort fee of 40 dollars (around £30) and parking of 55 dollars (around £40) a day, and one guest writes that the resort fee came as a surprise at check-out.

From a review: “Fantastic hotel, great staff, excellent service and beautiful views.”

See photos and book Kaimana Beach Hotel here.

Queen Kapiolani Hotel - high-rise hotel with views of Diamond Head

Queen Kapiolani is on Kapahulu Avenue opposite Kapiolani Park and Honolulu Zoo, a couple of minutes’ walk from Kuhio Beach. There’s a pool with a view, a restaurant and a bar, and from the upper floors you look straight out at Diamond Head. A daily fee of 40 dollars (around £30) is added on top, and rooms on the lower floors have less of a view.

One guest highlights: “Great location. The room high up on the 16th floor with views of Diamond Head, Honolulu Zoo and a partial ocean view was fantastic.”

See photos and book Queen Kapiolani Hotel here.

4. Ko Olina - best area for a resort holiday with children 🏖️

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Ko Olina is on Oahu’s west coast, about 40 km from Waikiki. The town of Kapolei, with shopping centres and supermarkets, is 5 to 10 km inland.
• 🚗 Transport: Hire car. Within the resort area you can walk along the path by the lagoons, but for everything else you’ll need to drive.
• ✈️ Time from Honolulu Airport: About 30 to 45 minutes by car. Getting to Waikiki takes 45 minutes without traffic and up to an hour and a half at rush hour.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around $240 to $1,120 (roughly £180 to £840) a night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Very safe. The lagoons are protected by rock breakwaters, but there can be currents at the openings out to the sea.

Ko Olina is a self-contained resort area built around four man-made lagoons with white sand and calm, shallow water. That makes it the easiest choice on Oahu for families with young children, as the waves from the open ocean don’t reach into the lagoons. A path runs along the water, so you can walk from one lagoon to the next, and the sunset over the sea is one of the island’s most beautiful.

This is home to the Four Seasons, Disney’s large family resort Aulani and several timeshare resorts with apartments. The west coast is also the driest part of Oahu, so you get more sun than on the North Shore and in Kailua. Pearl Harbor is about half an hour’s drive away on the road towards Honolulu, and according to the National Park Service entry is free, while parking costs $7 (around £5).

See hotels in Ko Olina here.

The downside is the distance. Ko Olina is a long way from Waikiki’s restaurants and from the North Shore, and the road into Honolulu is one of the busiest on the island in the morning and afternoon. The resort area itself only has the hotels’ own restaurants and a small shopping centre, so dinner gets expensive unless you have a kitchen and do your shopping in Kapolei.

I’d stay in Ko Olina if you’re a family who wants a week of pools, lagoons and sunshine and only plan to drive out on a couple of days. If you want to see a lot of the island, it’s a poor base, and Waikiki or Kailua would be better. Aulani isn’t sold through Booking.com, but you can see the other resorts in the area below.

Hotels in Ko Olina

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina - Oahu’s most luxurious resort on the first lagoon

The Four Seasons sits on the northernmost lagoon and has several pools, an adults-only pool, a spa, tennis courts and restaurants. Many of the rooms have ocean views. It’s the most expensive hotel in this guide, and one guest writes that the food let the experience down.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “We had a wonderful stay at Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina and felt very welcome from the moment we arrived.”

See photos and book Four Seasons Ko Olina here.

Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club - apartments with full kitchens by the lagoons

Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club is a large timeshare resort with apartments that all have a fully equipped kitchen. There are several pools with a water slide, a spa and a gym, and the lagoon is right below. Parking costs $48 (around £35) a day, the resort has few reviews on Booking.com, and you may be offered a timeshare sales presentation.

From a review: “We liked that the pools were open late.”

See photos and book Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club here.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Oahu Kapolei - the budget alternative with free breakfast in Kapolei

Embassy Suites is in Kapolei, about a ten-minute drive from the lagoons at Ko Olina. All rooms are suites with a living room, breakfast is included, and there’s a pool and a restaurant. You’re staying in an ordinary suburb with no beach, and parking costs $40 (around £30) a day.

One guest highlights: “The location was excellent.”

See photos and book Embassy Suites Oahu Kapolei here.

5. North Shore - best area for surfing and a laid-back village feel 🏄

• 📍 Distance to the centre: The North Shore is the stretch of coast from Haleiwa to Turtle Bay on the north side of Oahu, about 55 km from Waikiki. It’s just over 20 km from one end to the other.
• 🚗 Getting around: Hire car. Buses run along the coast, but not often, and the beaches, food trucks and shops are spread out.
• ✈️ Time from Honolulu Airport: About 45 to 60 minutes to Haleiwa and an hour to Turtle Bay.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three places to stay below cost around $270 to $1,190 (roughly £200 to £890) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe on land. In winter the waves are extremely dangerous, so only swim where the lifeguards say it’s safe.

The North Shore is Oahu’s surfing coast and the complete opposite of Honolulu. There are no high-rises here, just a two-lane coastal road, palm trees and beaches such as Waimea Bay, Ehukai with the famous Pipeline surf break, and Sunset Beach. Haleiwa is the coast’s little main town, with surf shops, shave ice, coffee bars and shrimp food trucks, and many people drive up for the day but end up staying an extra night.

From November to March the big winter swells roll in, and surfers from all over the world come to compete while you sit on the beach and watch. In summer the sea is usually calm enough for snorkelling at Shark’s Cove and Three Tables. Right by Waimea Bay is Waimea Valley, a botanical garden in a valley where you can walk to a waterfall and swim beneath it. Entry starts at $26 (around £20) for adults.

See places to stay on the North Shore here.

The downside is the limited choice. Apart from the resort at Turtle Bay, the North Shore is mostly holiday homes and small apartments, and restaurants are few and far between in the evening. Oahu has strict rules on short-term rentals of private homes outside the resort areas, so it’s best to book somewhere with lots of reviews and an established host. You’ll find the Ritz-Carlton at Turtle Bay and a few other places on this coast in my complete guide to Hawaii.

I’d stay here for two to four nights at the end of a trip to Oahu, once you’ve seen Honolulu. Come up in winter to watch the surf and in summer to swim, and bear in mind that traffic through Haleiwa can grind to a halt at weekends.

Places to stay on the North Shore

Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay - seaside apartments in the Turtle Bay resort area

Ocean Villas is in the Turtle Bay resort area, with a golf course, a beach and the resort’s restaurants close by. The units have kitchenettes, and there’s a pool and tennis courts. For some, the name promises more than it delivers: one guest writes that they had booked a villa but got a small studio in a large apartment complex, so read the room description carefully.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location was fantastic. Excellent for our small family.”

See photos and book Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay here.

Beach Studio by Shark’s Cove - small studio close to snorkelling and surf beaches

Beach Studio is on Ke Iki Road between Shark’s Cove and Ehukai Beach, so you can walk to the beach in a few minutes. The studio has a kitchenette, air conditioning and free parking, but no reception or shared facilities. One guest missed having a hairdryer.

From a review: “Lovely studio close to the beach and with good parking.”

See photos and book Beach Studio by Shark’s Cove here.

North Shore Studio - quiet studio in Mokuleia, west of Haleiwa

North Shore Studio is in Mokuleia, about a ten-minute drive west of Haleiwa, where the coast is even quieter. The studio has a kitchenette and free parking, and the beach is within walking distance. It only has a few reviews so far, and one guest wasn’t keen on the shower being outdoors.

One guest highlights: “Peaceful, lovely to walk to the beach. Pure paradise.”

See photos and book North Shore Studio here.

6. Kailua & Kaneohe - best area for white beaches and a local side of Oahu 🌺

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Kailua sits on Oahu’s east coast, known as the Windward Coast, around 20 km from Waikiki on the other side of the Koolau Mountains. Kaneohe is 10 km further north.
• 🚗 Transport: Hire car. Within Kailua itself you can cycle between the town and the beach, but you’ll need to drive to get around the rest of the island.
• ✈️ Time from Honolulu Airport: Around 25 to 35 minutes by car over the mountains.
• 💰 Price level: $$$. The two places below were around 340 to 465 dollars (around £255 to £350) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe and quiet. The trade winds make the sea choppier than in Waikiki, so keep an eye on the flags.

Kailua is an ordinary small American town with detached houses, cafés and supermarkets, but its beach is among the most beautiful in Hawaii. Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach have fine white sand and turquoise water, with the two small Na Mokulua islands out in the bay. It’s a popular spot for kayaking and kitesurfing, and in the mornings lots of people walk up the trail to the old bunkers above Lanikai to watch the sunrise.

From here, the rest of the east coast is close by. Kaneohe Bay has reefs and sandbars, and further north you’ll find Kualoa Ranch, a large ranch in a green valley where films such as Jurassic Park were shot. The ranch runs tours by bus, on horseback and in off-road vehicles, and the popular tours sell out, so book well in advance.

See places to stay in Kailua here.

The downside is that there are hardly any hotels. Kailua is made up of residential neighbourhoods, and accommodation is mostly private houses and flats, which are tightly regulated, so the choice on Booking.com is small and you’ll need to book early. The east coast also gets more rain than Honolulu and the west coast.

I’d stay in Kailua if you’ve been to Waikiki before, or if you’d rather have a local beach town than a hotel beach. Parking at Lanikai is very limited, so take a bike or walk from Kailua Beach Park. If you want even more peace and quiet, Paradise Bay on Kaneohe Bay is an alternative with the mountains right behind you. None of the places here are right on the beach, so expect to drive or cycle down there every day.

Places to stay in Kailua & Kaneohe

Modern Luxury Beach House Kailua - modern holiday home with a kitchen in Kailua

Modern Luxury Beach House is in a residential area of Kailua and has two types of unit sleeping up to six people. There’s a kitchen, air conditioning and free parking, so it suits families or two couples well. One guest writes that the walls are paper-thin, so you can hear the neighbours.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A very nice and cosy place.”

See photos and book Modern Luxury Beach House Kailua here.

Paradise Bay Resort - small waterfront resort on Kaneohe Bay

Paradise Bay Resort sits right on Kaneohe Bay with views of the mountains, a pool, a hot tub and water sports equipment, and every unit has a kitchen or kitchenette. There’s no swimming beach at the resort, so you’ll have to drive to Kailua Beach. A resort fee is added on top, and one guest writes that the rooms and service don’t live up to the beautiful location.

From a review: “Paradise Bay is definitely a paradise!”

See photos and book Paradise Bay Resort here.

Where not to stay on Oahu?

I wouldn’t stay near the airport or in the Kalihi and Iwilei neighbourhoods west of Downtown unless you have a very early flight. You’ll save a little on the room, but you’ll be among motorways and warehouses with no beach. Downtown Honolulu isn’t a good place to stay on holiday either, as it’s dead in the evenings and further from the beach than Ala Moana.

The Waianae Coast north of Ko Olina has beautiful beaches but few places to stay and a long way to everything, so it’s better for a day trip than as a base. Also be wary of cheap holiday homes in the middle of the island around Wahiawa and Mililani if you’re dreaming of walking to the beach.

If it’s your first trip to Oahu, I’d stay in Waikiki, and if you have time, spend two or three nights on the North Shore at the end. If you’re travelling with young children, Ko Olina is the easiest choice, while Ala Moana and Kaka’ako suit you if you want city life and good food for a bit less money. Kailua is for you if you’d rather have a local beach town than a hotel beach, and Kahala is for you if you want luxury and peace with the city close by.

Many people combine Oahu with one of the other islands. If you want long resort beaches and the Haleakala volcano, you can read my guide to where to stay on Maui, and if you want rainforest and the Na Pali Coast, see the guide to where to stay on Kauai. Medical treatment in the USA is very expensive, so check your travel insurance before you go.

If you’re flying via the US West Coast, a night in California can make the long journey easier, and my guide to where to stay in Los Angeles will help you there. If Hawaii is part of a longer trip, you’ll find the rest of the country in my guide to where to stay in the USA.

The post Where to Stay on Oahu? The 6 Best Areas in & Outside Honolulu & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

That’s why it’s a good idea to pick your area before you pick your hotel. Here are my six suggestions for where to stay on Maui, with maps, driving times from the airport and hotels in several price ranges.

Where to Stay on Maui: The Best Areas

• Ka’anapali - best area for a classic resort holiday with children
• Kapalua & Napili - best area for peace and quiet and snorkelling
• Kihei - best area for sunshine and value for money
• Wailea & Makena - best area for luxury and honeymoons
• Pa’ia & Upcountry - best area for surfing, Haleakala and a more local Maui
• Hana - best area for rainforest and tranquillity at the end of the road

Below, I go through the areas one at a time, from the west coast via the south coast to the north coast and Hana. The prices come from a search for a week in March for two people, and many resorts add a resort fee and parking on top, so check the total price before you book. If you’re combining Maui with Oahu, Big Island or Kauai, you can find the other islands in my guide to where to stay in Hawaii.

You’ll need a car in all six areas. You pick it up at Kahului Airport, where the rental companies are all based together, and you can compare prices on car hire at Booking.com before you travel. Book early in high season, as the cars can sell out.

1. Ka’anapali - the best area for a classic resort holiday with kids 🏖️

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Ka’anapali is on Maui’s west coast, about 40 km from Kahului, the island’s largest town. Lahaina is a couple of kilometres to the south.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car for trips around the island. Within the resort area, you can walk along the beach path between the hotels, restaurants and the Whalers Village shopping centre.
• ✈️ Time from Kahului Airport: About 45 to 60 minutes by car via the Honoapiilani Highway, longer when traffic is heavy.
• 💰 Price level: $$$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around $285 to $750 (roughly £215 to £560) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe and peaceful. The current around Black Rock can be strong when the waves are big, so swim where others are swimming and respect the red flags.

Ka’anapali was built as a purpose-planned resort area in the 1960s, and you can still tell. The hotels sit in a row along the beach, linked by a beach path, and you can walk from the pool to the beach, the restaurants and the shops at Whalers Village without getting in the car. That makes it the easiest choice if you’re travelling with children or simply want everything within walking distance.

At the northern end of the main beach, the lava headland Black Rock juts out into the sea. There’s good snorkelling along the rocks with fish and sea turtles, and at sunset a diver leaps from the top as part of an old tradition. Further north are Kahekili Beach and North Ka’anapali, home to the newer apartment hotels. The restaurants are further away here, but the beach is quieter.

See hotels in Ka’anapali here.

In winter, you can watch humpback whales breaching in the channel towards Lanai straight from your sun lounger, and in the evening the sun sets behind the island. The downsides are the price and the crowds. Resort fees and parking can together add up to around $70 (about £50) a day on top of the room rate, and the main beach in front of the big hotels is packed from mid-morning.

Just to the south lies Lahaina, the old royal capital and whaling port, which was destroyed by a wildfire in August 2023 in which more than 100 people lost their lives. The town is being rebuilt, and several streets and businesses have reopened, but some areas may still be cordoned off. Check Maui County’s Maui Recovers page before you drive in, and stay away from fenced-off sites. I wouldn’t stay in Lahaina, but in Ka’anapali, and I’d happily spend my money in the Lahaina businesses that have reopened.

Hotels in Ka’anapali

OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort and Spa - large apartments with kitchens in North Ka’anapali

Honua Kai sits right on the beach in North Ka’anapali, about 3 km north of the central part of the beach. Every suite has a fully equipped kitchen, and there are several pools, an infinity pool, a waterslide and barbecues, making it an obvious choice for families who want space. The resort is big, some guests find it feels impersonal, and it’s the most expensive of the three here.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The beach is magical and easy to get to.”

See photos and book Honua Kai here.

OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort - a classic beach hotel in the middle of Ka’anapali Beach

Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort is in the middle of the main beach close to Whalers Village, and the hotel runs daily activities about Hawaiian culture. There’s a pool, restaurant, bar and family rooms, and you can walk straight down onto the sand. On the other hand, there’s a resort fee of $45 (around £35) a day plus parking on top, and some guests feel the price is high for the rooms.

From one review: “The clean, modern rooms (premium ocean-view room) with fantastic views.”

See photos and book Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort here.

Aston Kaanapali Shores - the cheapest option right on the beach

Aston Kaanapali Shores is on the beach in the northern part of Ka’anapali, a little north of Honua Kai. There’s a pool, spa, gym and tennis courts, and many of the rooms have a kitchenette or full kitchen. The resort fee is lower than at the big hotels, but you pay for parking here too, and one guest writes that the carpets need replacing.

One guest sums it up briefly: “What a lovely resort.”

See photos and book Aston Kaanapali Shores here.

2. Kapalua & Napili - best area for peace and quiet and snorkelling 🐢

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Kapalua and Napili sit on the far north-western tip of Maui, about 10 km north of Ka’anapali and about 55 km from Kahului.
• 🚗 Transport: You’ll need a hire car. From the hotels on Napili Bay you can walk to the beach and a few places to eat, but you’ll have to drive for everything else.
• ✈️ Time from Kahului Airport: About 60 to 75 minutes by car along the same main road as to Ka’anapali.
• 💰 Price level: $$$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost around $385 to $1,050 (roughly £290 to £785) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Very safe and quiet in the evenings. In winter, big waves hit the north-west coast, so snorkel in the sheltered bays and only when the sea is calm.

Kapalua and Napili are the quiet corner of Maui, and a great answer to where to stay on Maui if you want to unwind. Napili is a small crescent-shaped bay with low-rise apartment hotels right down to the sand, calm water for most of the year and sea turtles grazing on the reef just a few metres from the shore. Kapalua, just to the north, is more upmarket, with golf courses, the Ritz-Carlton and Kapalua Bay, where you can follow the coastal path along the lava cliffs to D.T. Fleming Beach.

Ten minutes’ drive further north is Honolua Bay, which has been a protected marine area since 1978. You’re not allowed to fish or take anything out of the water, and the snorkelling is among the best on the island in summer. According to Hawaii’s marine environment authority, you should stay away from the bay in winter when the waves are big.

See hotels in Kapalua and Napili here.

I’d stay here if you want a relaxing holiday with a morning swim in the bay, snorkelling and sunsets from the terrace, and if you don’t need nightlife. Many of the places on Napili Bay have kitchens, so you can do your own shopping and eat in, which brings the cost down, as the restaurants on the west coast are expensive. Napili also suits couples who have been to Maui before and now want a quieter holiday.

The downside is the distance. It’s a long way from here to Haleakala, Hana and the beaches on the south coast, and when the Honoapiilani Highway is closed because of an accident, the traffic grinds to a halt. Kapalua also gets more rain and wind than Ka’anapali, especially in winter. The stretch between Ka’anapali and Napili, with Honokowai and Kahana, has cheaper apartments if you want to stay on the west coast for less.

Hotels in Kapalua & Napili

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua - five-star resort above D.T. Fleming Beach

The Ritz-Carlton sits on the slope above D.T. Fleming Beach with direct beach access, a spa, a kids’ club and golf courses right next door. Some suites have kitchens, and the coastal path to Kapalua Bay starts just outside. There’s a daily resort fee and paid valet parking on top, and some guests feel the bars and restaurants close too early.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Gorgeous views from the hotel and a lovely walk to the beaches.”

See photos and book The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua here.

Nāpili Surf Beach Resort by Castle - apartments with kitchens right on Napili Bay

Nāpili Surf sits right on Napili Bay, and every unit has a fully equipped kitchen. There’s a heated pool, barbecues, a garden and free parking, and guests give it one of the highest scores in this whole guide. There’s no restaurant on site, so you’ll need to cook for yourself or drive out to eat.

From one review: “Excellent location, helpful staff, spacious room and a wonderful view from our room.”

See photos and book Nāpili Surf Beach Resort here.

The Mauian Hotel - simple, cosy hotel on the same bay

The Mauian is also on Napili Bay and is a small three-star hotel with a pool, barbecues and free parking. The studios have fully equipped kitchens, so it’s a good choice if you want to stay on this beautiful bay for less. The rooms are basic, and one guest complains about the shower.

One guest highlights: “We loved the location on one of Maui’s most beautiful bays.”

See photos and book The Mauian Hotel here.

3. Kihei - best area for sunshine and value for money 🐋

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Kihei stretches for around 10 km along Maui’s south-west coast and lies 15 to 20 km from Kahului.
• 🚗 Transport: Hire car. South Kihei Road runs the full length of the coast, and in the southern part you can walk between beach parks, places to eat and shops.
• ✈️ Time from Kahului Airport: Around 20 to 30 minutes by car.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$. The three hotels below cost around 305 to 635 dollars (around £230 to £475) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe, but never leave anything visible in the car at the beach parks. The wind often picks up in the afternoon, especially in the northern part of town.

Kihei is Maui’s most ordinary town, and that’s exactly its strength. Many of the island’s residents live here, and along South Kihei Road you’ll find condo hotels, small shopping centres, food trucks and bars side by side with the beach parks. It’s not the prettiest place on the island, but you get more for your money than in Wailea and on the west coast, and it’s where you’ll find Maui’s most reliable sunshine. If you’re weighing up where to stay on Maui on a budget, Kihei is well worth a look.

The best beaches are the three Kamaole Beach Parks in the southern part of town, as the map shows. They have lifeguards, toilets and showers, and you can snorkel by the rocks between them. The northern part of Kihei has a long, flat beach where it’s windier, and where you’ll often have the sand almost to yourself in the morning.

See hotels in Kihei here.

From November to April, humpback whales arrive in the waters around Maui, and according to the US humpback whale marine sanctuary programme you can spot them both from land and from a boat. The south coast is one of the best places to see them. Boats to the crater island of Molokini leave from Kihei and the nearby harbour at Maalaea, and you can, for example, take a snorkelling trip to Molokini and Turtle Town from Kihei for around 195 dollars (around £145).

The location is practical too. It’s a short drive to the airport, to the road up Haleakala and to the beaches of Wailea and Makena. The downside is that the town is long and spread out with plenty of traffic, and many apartments are on the other side of the road from the water. So check the map before you book, and choose the southern part around Kamaole if you want to walk to the beach and eat out in the evening.

Hotels in Kihei

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Maui Bay Villas - apartments with a pool and kids’ club in the northern part

Maui Bay Villas is in the northern part of Kihei, a three-minute walk from Kalepolepo Beach Park. The apartments have kitchens, and there’s a pool, a children’s pool, a kids’ club, a gym and free parking, so it suits families on a longer stay. A daily resort fee is added on top, and one guest was disappointed that the restaurant wasn’t open.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Lovely staff and great facilities.”

See photos and book Maui Bay Villas here.

Maui Coast Hotel - hotel with an infinity pool opposite Kamaole Beach

Maui Coast Hotel is on South Kihei Road directly opposite Kamaole Beach Park, and it has the highest rating of the three here. There’s an infinity pool with a pool bar, a restaurant and a gym, but the rooms only have a microwave and fridge, not a proper kitchen. The resort fee and parking cost extra, and one guest didn’t find the staff particularly friendly.

From a review: “Exceptional value for money, and you stay in a really great spot.”

See photos and book Maui Coast Hotel here.

Nona Lani Cottages - small cottages in a lush garden by the beach

Nona Lani Cottages are small cottages with kitchenettes set in a garden in the northern part of Kihei, just a few steps from the beach at Mai Poina ‘Oe Ia’u Beach Park. There’s free parking, a barbecue and beach chairs, but no pool. It’s a simple place, but guests give it a very high rating, and it was the cheapest of the three when I searched.

One guest writes: “We absolutely loved the place, with beautiful lush greenery everywhere.”

See photos and book Nona Lani Cottages here.

4. Wailea & Makena - best area for luxury and honeymoons 🥂

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Wailea lies just south of Kihei, about 27 km from Kahului. Makena and Big Beach are 5 to 6 km further south.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car for day trips. Within Wailea, you can walk the coastal path between the beaches, the resorts and The Shops at Wailea.
• ✈️ Time from Kahului Airport: About 30 to 35 minutes by car.
• 💰 Price level: $$$ to $$$$. The three hotels below cost roughly $550 to $1,910 (around £410 to £1,430) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Very safe. At Big Beach in Makena, the waves can break hard right at the shoreline, so keep children in the shallows and don’t go in when the sea is rough.

Wailea is Maui’s luxury address. The area is built around five crescent-shaped beaches, Ulua, Mokapu, Wailea, Polo and Palauea, with golf courses on the slopes behind and a paved coastal path linking the resorts. You can take a morning stroll along the water from beach to beach and finish with a coffee at The Shops at Wailea. The weather is just as dry and sunny as in Kihei, but everything is smarter, quieter and pricier.

Further south lies Makena with Big Beach, a long, wide stretch of sand that’s considered one of the island’s best. Offshore between Wailea and Makena is Turtle Town, where you’ll almost always see sea turtles, and even further on, the road ends in the lava fields at La Perouse Bay. There are no shops or restaurants at Big Beach, so bring water, sun cream and a packed lunch with you.

See hotels in Wailea and Makena here.

I’d choose Wailea for a honeymoon, a milestone birthday or a holiday where the hotel and pool are a big part of the experience. The resorts on the waterfront have direct beach access, while the newer hotels up on the slope are cheaper but need a car or the hotel shuttle to get down to the sea.

The downside is that everything comes at resort prices. The resort fee can be over $50 (around £40) a day, parking costs about $40 (around £30) a day at several of the hotels, and a simple lunch by the pool soon adds up. Drive to Kihei to do your shopping and eat more cheaply, it only takes ten minutes. And don’t expect any nightlife, as Wailea goes to bed early.

Hotels in Wailea & Makena

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea - one of Hawaii’s best-known luxury resorts

The Four Seasons sits on Wailea Beach with pools, an adults-only infinity pool, a spa, a kids’ club and several restaurants. It’s the most expensive hotel in this guide, and on top of that comes a resort fee of $55 (around £45) a day plus paid parking. Breakfast isn’t included, which several guests mention.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Wonderful hotel in a fantastic area.”

See photos and book Four Seasons Resort Maui here.

Hotel Wailea Maui - small adults-only luxury hotel

Hotel Wailea is a five-star, adults-only boutique hotel on the slope above Wailea with views over the ocean. There’s a pool, spa, yoga and a shuttle down to the beach, which is about 2 km away. Parking costs around $40 (around £30) a day, and some guests feel the hotel restaurant is too expensive for the food you get.

From one review: “The service was absolutely incredible.”

See photos and book Hotel Wailea Maui here.

AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea - modern hotel with an infinity pool up in Wailea

The AC Hotel is up in Wailea, about 1 km from Wailea Beach, and is the cheapest of the three here. There’s an outdoor infinity pool, a gym and family rooms, but no beach shuttle. Parking costs around $40 (around £30) a day, and that’s exactly the expense guests complain about most.

One guest sums it up briefly: “Beautiful infinity pool.”

See photos and book AC Hotel Maui Wailea here.

5. Pa’ia & Upcountry - best area for surfing, Haleakala and a local side of Maui 🏄

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Pa’ia is on the north coast, around 11 km east of Kahului. Makawao and Kula are a 20 to 40-minute drive up the slopes of Haleakala.
• 🚗 Getting around: A hire car is essential. The places are spread out, and there’s no beachfront promenade to stroll along.
• ✈️ Time from Kahului Airport: Around 15 minutes to Pa’ia and 30 to 40 minutes to Kula.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three places to stay below cost around $275 to $870 (around £205 to £650) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe. The sea on the north coast is often rough and only for experienced surfers, and you should keep at least three metres away from the turtles on the beach at Ho’okipa.

Pa’ia is an old sugar town that became the base for surfers and windsurfers on Maui. The main street is lined with colourful wooden buildings housing cafés, surf shops and fish restaurants, and in the afternoon you can watch windsurfers and kitesurfers flying above Ho’okipa Beach Park just east of town. This is where sea turtles haul themselves up onto the sand to rest late in the day, and Baldwin Beach west of town is the long beach where you can go for a walk.

Pa’ia is also the start of the Road to Hana. If you stay here, you’ve already done the first hour of the drive while others are still in the car from Ka’anapali or Wailea. Up the mountain lies Upcountry, with the cowboy town of Makawao, farms and lavender fields in Kula, and air that’s noticeably cooler than on the coast, so pack a jumper for the evenings.

See places to stay in Pa’ia and Upcountry here.

The big draw is Haleakala. From Kula you can reach the summit in about an hour, and if you want to see the sunrise, you need to book in advance. According to the national park, the reservation costs $1 (around £1) and entry is $30 (around £22) per car, valid for three days. The ticket also covers the Kipahulu section of the park near Hana, so keep your receipt.

I’d stay here if you’d rather experience a local Maui than a resort, or if you want to go up the volcano more than once. The downside is that there are hardly any hotels. You’re choosing between a few small inns, bed and breakfasts and holiday homes, and the north coast beaches are rarely good for swimming. So it’s worth combining a few nights here with Kihei or Wailea.

Places to stay in Pa’ia & Upcountry

Paia Inn - boutique hotel in the heart of Pa’ia with a path to the beach

Paia Inn is on the Hana Highway in the middle of Pa’ia, and a path leads from the hotel down to the beach at Paia Bay. You have cafés and restaurants right on your doorstep and free parking, but there’s no breakfast. The price is high for a three-star hotel, and one guest writes that the place isn’t maintained well enough.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful location in a beautiful town, and we got a surprise upgrade!”

See photos and book Paia Inn here.

Ha’le Kiana - peaceful adults-only bed and breakfast in Kula

Ha’le Kiana is in Kula on the western slope of Haleakala, a small adults-only place with a terrace, views and free parking. It’s a good base if you want to head up for sunrise on the volcano, and guests give it a very high score. There’s no kitchen, and it’s quite a drive to both the beach and the restaurants.

From a review: “Beautiful place. Perfect location for visiting the national parks.”

See photos and book Ha’le Kiana here.

Puu Koa Palms - studios with kitchens in leafy Haiku

Puu Koa Palms is in Haiku, between Pa’ia and the rainforest, and has studios with fully equipped kitchens and free parking. It’s the cheapest of the three and good for a longer stay where you cook for yourself. One guest writes that some of the furniture needs replacing.

One guest writes: “Fantastic studio, even for a longer stay on Maui.”

See photos and book Puu Koa Palms here.

6. Hana - best area for rainforest and peace at the end of the road 🌿

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Hana is on Maui’s east coast, around 84 km from Kahului along the Hana Highway.
• 🚗 Transport: Hire car or guided tour. There are only a few places to eat and shop, so fill up with petrol and buy groceries in Pa’ia.
• ✈️ Time from Kahului Airport: At least three hours by car along the Road to Hana, and much longer with stops along the way.
• 💰 Price level: $$$ to $$$$. The two places to stay below were around $590 to $775 (around £440 to £580) per night when I searched for a week in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe and very quiet. The road is narrow with single-lane bridges, so pull over for locals behind you, and don’t drive the road for the first time in the dark.

The Road to Hana is Maui’s most famous drive. According to Hawaii’s official tourism website, it winds 52 miles, around 84 km, along the north coast with more than 600 bends and 50 bridges, through rainforest and past waterfalls. Most people drive out and back in a single day and spend most of that time in the car.

That’s why I would spend one or two nights in Hana. You can drive out at your own pace, see the popular spots early in the morning before the day-trippers arrive, and drive back without having to make it before dark. Just north of town is Wai’anapanapa State Park with the black sand beach Pailoa and lava caves, and as a visitor you need to book entry and parking in advance.

See places to stay in Hana here.

Hana itself is a small town with a bay, a church, a few food trucks and a shop, and the atmosphere is a world away from the resorts on the west coast. Around a quarter of an hour’s drive south is the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park, with the pools at ‘Ohe’o and the Pipiwai Trail through a bamboo forest, and on the way you’ll pass Hamoa Beach, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. In the evening it’s completely quiet and most places close early, so buy food for dinner before you drive out.

The downside is that Hana has very few places to stay, and it rains a lot on the east coast. So I only have two suggestions here, and you need to book early. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can take a small-group guided tour along the Road to Hana for around $280 (around £210) including pick-up.

Places to stay in Hana

Hana-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence - the island’s most secluded resort by Hana Bay

Hana-Maui Resort is around 400 metres from Hana Bay Beach Park and has a pool, spa, restaurant and bar, and some of the suites have a kitchen. There’s no seafront promenade or shopping street, just gardens, sea views and peace. Some guests say a few rooms need maintenance, and the price is high because there are hardly any alternatives.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The whole resort feels so peaceful.”

See photos and book Hana-Maui Resort here.

Hana Kai Maui #201 Honokalani - apartment with sea views over the bay

Hana Kai is a small apartment complex by Hana Bay, and #201 is a one-bedroom apartment with a fully equipped kitchen and views of the sea. There’s free parking and a barbecue, but no pool and no restaurant, and one guest says the apartment is a little worn. Hana Kai has several apartments on Booking.com, so check the others too if this one is taken.

From one review: “The view was amazing.”

See photos and book Hana Kai Maui #201 here.

Where not to stay on Maui?

Kahului and Wailuku are the island’s practical hub, with the airport, shopping centres and offices, but there’s no swimming beach and no holiday feel. I would only stay here on the first or last night if you have a very early morning flight. Lahaina isn’t a place to stay either while the town is being rebuilt, as there are almost no places to stay, and many of the houses are people’s homes that are being rebuilt.

Maalaea, between the west and south, is a small harbour town with the boat trips to Molokini, but it’s almost always windy and the beach isn’t good for swimming. Also be wary of cheap holiday homes in the middle of the island or high up in Upcountry if you dream of walking to the beach, and don’t stay a whole week in Hana, or you’ll spend all your days in the car.

If it’s your first trip to Maui, I would stay in Ka’anapali if you’re a family who wants everything within walking distance, and in Kihei if you want the most sunshine and the best value for money. If you want peace and snorkelling straight from the beach, choose Napili, and if it’s a honeymoon, Wailea is hard to beat. Pa’ia and Upcountry are for you if you’d rather have cafés, surfers and the volcano than a resort.

With a week on the island, I would split the stay in two: four or five nights on the west or south coast and one or two nights in Hana or Upcountry, so you don’t have to drive back and forth. Medical treatment in the USA is very expensive, so check your travel insurance before you go.

If you’re flying to Hawaii via the West Coast, a night in California can make the long journey easier, and you can use my guide to where to stay in Los Angeles. If Maui is the end of a longer trip, you’ll find the rest of the country in my guide to where to stay in the USA.

The post Where to Stay on Maui? The 6 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

That’s why the question of where to stay on Kauai matters more than it might seem. There’s no road around Na Pali, so the north coast and the west coast are a couple of hours’ drive apart. Here are my five picks for areas and hotels in several price ranges.

Where to Stay on Kauai: The Best Areas

• Poipu - best area for sunshine and a beach holiday
• Princeville & Hanalei - best area for nature and the Na Pali Coast
• Kapa’a & Wailua - best area for a central and cheaper base
• Lihue & Kalapaki Bay - best area for short stays and easy logistics
• Waimea - best area for Waimea Canyon and the west coast

Below, I go through the areas one at a time, from the south coast via the north and east coasts to the west side. The prices come from a search for a weekend in March for two people, and $1 is roughly £0.75. Many resorts in Hawaii add taxes and a daily resort fee on top of the price, so check the total before you book.

1. Poipu - best area for sunshine and a beach holiday ☀️

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Poipu is on the south coast, about 25 km south-west of Lihue, the island’s main town. The hotels are spread along Poipu Road and Pe’e Road, and from Poipu Beach Park it’s around a five-minute drive to Old Koloa Town.
• 🚗 Transport: You’ll need a hire car. Within Poipu you can walk between several of the beaches and restaurants, but the island’s buses run too infrequently for a holiday.
• ✈️ Time from Lihue Airport: About 25 to 30 minutes by car.
• 💰 Price level: $$$ to $$$$. The three places below came to roughly $430 to $1,410 (around £320 to £1,055) per night when I searched for a weekend in March.
• 👮 Safety: A safe resort area. Swim at beaches with lifeguards, such as Poipu Beach Park, and never leave valuables on show in the hire car at the beaches.

Poipu is Kauai’s classic holiday area, and if you want sunshine, a pool and a beach within walking distance, this is where I’d stay. The south coast is sheltered from the moist trade winds, so you usually get more sun and less rain than on the north coast, especially in winter. The centrepiece is Poipu Beach Park, where a shallow pool behind the reef is ideal for children, and where sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals often haul out to rest on the sand.

The monk seal is an endangered species, and according to NOAA there are only around 1,600 left. Keep at least 15 metres away and respect the cordons around the seals. A little west of the beach, the sea shoots up through the lava rock at Spouting Horn, and nearby is Allerton Garden, which you can only enter on a guided tour booked in advance from the visitor centre in Lawai.

See hotels in Poipu here.

I’d choose Poipu for a honeymoon, a family holiday with plenty of pool time, or a week when you mostly want to relax. Old Koloa Town, just inland, has places to eat and small shops in wooden buildings from the sugar era, and it’s under half an hour to the airport, so you don’t waste your holiday in the car on the first and last day.

The downside is the price. Poipu and Princeville are the most expensive areas on the island, and food at the resorts costs the same as in a big American city. Several of the condo complexes are older and, according to guests, in need of a refresh, and it’s around two hours by car to Ke’e Beach on the north coast, where the Na Pali Coast begins. If you want to both sunbathe and hike on the north coast, split your stay in two.

Hotels in Poipu

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa - large luxury resort with a saltwater pool and waterslide

The Grand Hyatt sits on the seafront at the eastern end of Poipu, about 1.5 km from Poipu Beach Park. The resort has several saltwater pools, a waterslide, a kids’ club, a spa and several restaurants, and guests give it top marks. It’s the most expensive hotel in this guide, and one guest complains that room service took two hours to bring dinner.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The pools are the most wonderful I’ve ever swum in. Magical, relaxing and fun.”

See photos and book the Grand Hyatt Kauai here.

Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER - apartments in a large garden right by the beach

Kiahuna Plantation is a beachfront apartment complex on Poipu Road, less than a kilometre from Poipu Beach Park. The apartments are set in a large, green garden with barbecues, a tennis court and free parking, and there are restaurants right by the complex. Several guests write that the apartments are worn and in need of renovation, so choose a newly refurbished one if that matters to you.

From a review: “Fantastic location, lovely rooms, friendly staff, and two of the island’s well-known restaurants are at the hotel.”

See photos and book Kiahuna Plantation here.

Poipu Plantation Vacation Rentals - simple apartments with air conditioning and free parking

Poipu Plantation is on Pe’e Road, just under a kilometre east of Poipu Beach Park, and has apartments with air conditioning, a garden, barbecues and free parking. It was the cheapest of my three suggestions in Poipu when I searched, and you can walk to the beach. There’s no pool, and one guest writes that the apartment was clean but worn.

One guest highlights: “The location suited our needs perfectly. Plenty of parking and lots of space for two people.”

See photos and book Poipu Plantation here.

2. Princeville & Hanalei - best area for nature and the Na Pali Coast 🌿

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Princeville is on the north shore, about 50 km north of Lihue. Hanalei is a few minutes’ drive west of Princeville, and from there it’s about 13 km to Ke’e Beach at the end of the road.
• 🚗 Transport: Hire car. The road towards Hanalei and Ha’ena crosses several narrow one-lane bridges that only fit one car at a time, so take it slowly.
• ✈️ Time from Lihue Airport: About 50 minutes to an hour by car, longer when there’s traffic through Kapa’a.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$$. The three places below cost about $290 to $1,320 (around £215 to £990) per night when I searched for a weekend in March.
• 👮 Safety: In winter, the waves on the north shore can be deadly. Stay away from the Queen’s Bath rock pool and other lava ledges when the sea is rough, and only swim at calm beaches.

The north shore is the Kauai you’ve seen on postcards: green mountains with waterfalls, taro fields in Hanalei Valley and Hanalei Bay with its old pier from 1892. Princeville is a planned resort area on the cliffs east of the bay, with golf courses, condo complexes and the island’s most luxurious hotel, while Hanalei is a small surf town with places to eat, galleries and food trucks. Hanalei has almost nothing but holiday homes, so most people stay in Princeville and drive the five minutes down to town.

From here you’re closest to the Na Pali Coast. Ke’e Beach and the start of the Kalalau Trail are in Ha’ena State Park, where visitors who don’t live in Hawaii must book entry for $5 (around £4) per person and parking for $10 (around £7.50). Reservations open 30 days ahead and sell out quickly, so book as soon as you know your date. If the parking has gone, you can take a shuttle bus from Hanalei with entry included.

See hotels in Princeville and Hanalei here.

I’d stay here if you’re coming to hike, snorkel in summer and watch the sunset over Hanalei Bay. Anini Beach, between Princeville and Kilauea, is protected by a long reef and is one of the calmest swimming spots on the coast. The lighthouse at Kilauea Point is in a nature reserve with seabirds and, in winter, whales, and you need to book a ticket in advance.

The downsides are the weather and the distance. The north shore is the wettest part of the island, and from November to March you can get several days in a row of rain and big waves. It’s also a long way to Waimea Canyon, so if you’re only booking one hotel for the whole trip, Princeville is a poor choice for the west coast.

Hotels in Princeville & Hanalei

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay - five-star resort on the cliff above Hanalei Bay

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a five-star resort on the bluff at the western end of Princeville, with views over the bay and the mountains behind Hanalei. There’s a spa with a sauna and steam room, a heated pool with a pool bar and a kids’ club, and the beach is right below the hotel. Prices are high, and one guest felt the pool area was very crowded.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A truly unreal location and setting. The view is incredible.”

See photos and book 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay here.

The Cliffs at Princeville - spacious apartments on the clifftop with sea views

The Cliffs is on Edward Road in the northern part of Princeville, where the apartments look out over the ocean. There’s a heated pool with a children’s pool, tennis courts, mini golf and a playground, and the apartments have kitchens, so you can save on eating out. One guest found the morning receptionist a bit cool, while the evening staff gave good tips on places to eat.

From one review: “Beautiful location with ocean views. The apartments were very well equipped.”

See photos and book The Cliffs at Princeville here.

Makai Club Resort - apartment hotel by the golf course at a reasonable price

Makai Club Resort sits by the Makai golf course in the middle of Princeville, with a pool, hot tub, barbecue and free parking. It was the cheapest of my three north shore suggestions when I searched, and its Booking.com score is high. You’re not on the water, and one guest missed having cutlery in the apartment, so ask what the kitchen includes if you plan to cook.

One guest highlights: “The hotel grounds are beautiful and well kept.”

See photos and book Makai Club Resort here.

3. Kapa’a & Wailua - best area for a central, cheaper base 🥥

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Kapa’a is on the east coast, about 15 km north of Lihue. Wailua and Waipouli continue on from the town to the south, and the hotels are spread out along Kuhio Highway.
• 🚗 Getting around: A hire car for trips around the island. Along the coast, you can walk or cycle the Ke Ala Hele Makalae path.
• ✈️ Time from Lihue Airport: About 15 to 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$. The three hotels below cost about $240 to $570 (around £180 to £425) per night when I searched for a weekend in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe, but the sea on the east coast can be rough with strong currents. Only swim at sheltered beaches and keep an eye on the signs.

Kapa’a is Kauai’s largest town and the most practical base if you want to see both the north and the south from the same hotel. In my guide to where to stay in Hawaii, I’ve included three hotels at Coconut Marketplace, so here I’ve picked three others in Kapa’a itself and in Waipouli just to the south. The town has a small main street with wooden buildings, cafés, shave ice and food trucks, and it feels more local than the resort areas.

The Ke Ala Hele Makalae path runs along the sea, and you can walk or cycle it from Kapa’a north past Kealia Beach. You can hire bikes in town, and in the mornings the path is full of locals out running. Behind the town rises Nounou, known as the Sleeping Giant, with a short, steep hiking trail and views over the whole east coast.

See hotels in Kapa’a and Wailua here.

I’d choose Kapa’a if you have a week or more and plan to use the car, as it’s the same distance to Princeville and Poipu. The Wailua River south of town is popular for kayaking, and a guided kayak and hiking tour to Secret Falls costs from about $119 (around £90) per person.

The downsides are the traffic and the beaches. Kuhio Highway through Kapa’a is the island’s bottleneck, and at rush hour it can take a long time to get through. Many of the beaches are better for looking at than swimming from, and you won’t get the resort feel of Poipu. On the other hand, the hotels here are usually cheaper than in Poipu and Princeville, and you have supermarkets and places to eat at normal prices.

Hotels in Kapa’a & Wailua

Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa Kauai by OUTRIGGER - apartment resort with a saltwater pool and waterslide

Waipouli Beach Resort sits on the beach in Waipouli between Kapa’a and Wailua and is the most comfortable choice on this stretch of coast. The apartments have kitchens, and there’s a large saltwater pool with a waterslide, a spa, a gym and free parking. Cleaning only happens at check-out, so you’ll need to keep the apartment tidy yourself during your stay.

One guest writes briefly on Booking.com: “Fantastic. Highly recommended.”

See photos and book Waipouli Beach Resort here.

Hotel Coral Reef - older beachfront hotel in the middle of Kapa’a

Hotel Coral Reef is on the waterfront in the southern part of Kapa’a, so you can walk to the town’s restaurants and the coastal path. There’s a pool, a lift, free parking and soundproofed rooms. The building is older, which is also why the price is lower than at most other beachfront hotels.

From a review: “All the staff are friendly, helpful and efficient. They made us feel very welcome.”

See photos and book Hotel Coral Reef here.

THE ISO HOTEL, Trademark Collection by Wyndham - cheapest beachfront hotel on the east coast

The ISO is on the beach in Waipouli, right next to Waipouli Beach Resort, and has a pool, restaurant, bar and free parking. It was the cheapest of my three suggestions here when I searched, and it has over 1,200 reviews. Its score is a little lower than the other two, and one guest writes that the beach in front of the hotel is better for looking at than swimming from.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “We chose the hotel to celebrate our anniversary, and it turned out to be the perfect getaway.”

See photos and book THE ISO HOTEL here.

4. Lihue & Kalapaki Bay - best area for short stays and easy logistics ✈️

• 📍 Distance to the centre: You’re staying in Lihue, Kauai’s main town. Kalapaki Beach is by the harbour in Nawiliwili, around 3 km from the airport, and the town’s shops and museum are just a few minutes’ drive inland.
• 🚗 Transport: Hire car. The airport and the big rental companies are right next to town, so you can pick up the car on your way to the hotel.
• ✈️ Time from Lihue Airport: Around 5 to 10 minutes by car.
• 💰 Price level: $ to $$$. The three hotels below cost around $190 to $720 (roughly £140 to £540) per night when I searched for a weekend in March.
• 👮 Safety: Safe. It’s an ordinary town, so don’t leave valuables in the car, and choose a hotel at Kalapaki Bay rather than by the main roads if you want a holiday atmosphere.

Lihue isn’t the area you dream of when you think of Kauai, but it’s the most practical. Lihue Airport is just outside town, and it’s where almost every flight to the island lands. That makes Lihue a good choice for your first and last night if you land late or have an early flight, or if you only have two or three days on the island.

The best place to stay is Kalapaki Bay by the harbour in Nawiliwili. The bay is sheltered, so the water is usually calm enough for swimming and having a go at surfing, and the beach is surrounded by restaurants and shops. In town, Kauai Museum tells the story of the island’s history and the Hawaiian royal family, and admission costs $15 (around £11) for adults. The museum is closed on Sundays.

See hotels in Lihue and at Kalapaki Bay here.

Wailua Falls is only a quarter of an hour’s drive north of town, and the island’s sightseeing flights take off from the airport. A scenic flight over the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon costs from around $155 (around £115) per person, and it’s the easiest way to see the parts of Na Pali you can’t drive to.

The downside is that Lihue is a working town with shopping centres, traffic and a harbour where cruise ships dock. Outside Kalapaki Bay you’ll be staying by the main roads, and there isn’t much going on in the evenings. On the other hand, you’ll find the island’s cheapest hotels here and the shortest trip to the airport, so I’d stay here for one or two nights.

Hotels in Lihue & Kalapaki Bay

The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue - large resort right on Kalapaki Beach

Royal Sonesta sits right on Kalapaki Beach and has a large pool, a spa, several restaurants and a golf course right next door. The hotel runs a free airport shuttle, which is handy if you’re not picking up your hire car until the next day. One guest writes that the rooms aren’t cleaned every day, so ask at check-in how housekeeping works.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The place is fantastic.”

See photos and book Royal Sonesta Kauai here.

Banyan Harbor Resort - large apartments with kitchens close to Kalapaki Beach

Banyan Harbor is on Wilcox Road above the harbour in Nawiliwili, around 500 metres from Kalapaki Beach. The apartments are large and have kitchens, and there’s a heated saltwater pool, a tennis court and barbecues. Several guests write that the complex is old and in need of renovation, and wi-fi may cost extra.

About the apartment, one guest writes: “Our apartment was huge! It has everything we needed.”

See photos and book Banyan Harbor Resort here.

Kauai Palms Hotel - simple, cheap motel in the middle of Lihue

Kauai Palms is a small motel-style hotel on Kalena Street in the middle of Lihue, around 2 km from Kalapaki Beach and a few minutes from the airport. There’s free parking and family rooms, but no pool. It’s the cheapest hotel in this guide and works well for a single night before or after your flight, but the rooms are small.

One guest highlights on Booking.com: “I love the hotel’s retro vibe. So clean.”

See photos and book Kauai Palms Hotel here.

5. Waimea - best area for Waimea Canyon and the west coast ⛰️

• 📍 Distance to the centre: Waimea is on the west coast, about 37 km west of Lihue. From here, Waimea Canyon Drive climbs up to the canyon, and to the west you’ll find Kekaha and the long beach at Polihale.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car is essential. The town is small, and everything you’re coming for is up in the mountains or along the coast.
• ✈️ Time from Lihue Airport: About 45 to 60 minutes by car.
• 💰 Price level: $$ to $$$. The two places below cost around $340 to $650 (roughly £255 to £485) per night when I searched for a weekend in March.
• 👮 Safety: Quiet and safe. The road up to the canyon is steep and winding, so drive in daylight and fill up with fuel in town before you head up.

Waimea is a small, dusty town on the dry west side, and this is where you should stay if Waimea Canyon is the main reason for your trip. The canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, it’s about 22 km long and more than 1,000 metres deep. From Waimea you drive up Waimea Canyon Drive and reach the viewpoints before the day-trippers from Poipu and Kapa’a arrive.

Visitors who don’t live in Hawaii pay $5 (around £4) per person and $10 (around £7.50) for parking, and the ticket is also valid in Koke’e State Park further up. On clear days you can see all the way to the neighbouring island of Niihau from the canyon. Roads and viewpoints can be closed at times, so check the park’s website before you drive up. The town itself is historic, as it was at Waimea that Captain James Cook came ashore in 1778 as the first European in Hawaii.

See hotels in Waimea here.

The west coast is also the place for boat trips along the Na Pali Coast, as the boats leave from here or from Port Allen a little further east. A raft trip into the sea caves on the Na Pali Coast costs from about $225 (around £170) per person. On Fridays there’s an art night in the neighbouring town of Hanapepe, and Salt Pond Beach Park is a calm place for a swim.

The downside is the limited choice. Booking.com has only two proper hotels in Waimea, and few restaurants stay open in the evening. The north shore is around two hours away, so Waimea works best for two or three nights combined with another area. On the plus side, the evenings are quiet and prices are usually lower than in Poipu.

Hotels in Waimea

Waimea Plantation Cottages, a Coast Resort - old plantation cottages in a palm grove by the beach

Waimea Plantation Cottages is made up of old plantation houses with verandas, scattered through a coconut palm grove right by the beach at the western end of town. There’s a pool, restaurant, bar, barbecue and free parking. It’s a place with character rather than luxury, and one guest writes that some of the appliances are old and ought to be replaced.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The staff were very helpful … they did everything to make sure we had the best possible stay.”

See photos and book Waimea Plantation Cottages here.

The West Inn Kauai - simple, clean hotel in the middle of Waimea

The West Inn is on the main road in the middle of Waimea, about 500 metres from Plantation Cottages, and has air conditioning, a barbecue and free parking. It’s a simple hotel without a pool, but guests give it a high score for cleanliness. The cockerels on the west coast crow early, so bring earplugs.

From a review: “The place was clean and had everything you need.”

See photos and book The West Inn Kauai here.

Where not to stay on Kauai?

I wouldn’t book a hotel on price alone without looking at the map. There’s no road around the Na Pali Coast, so it’s about two hours by car from Princeville to Waimea without traffic, and a cheap hotel at the wrong end of the island can quickly cost you a whole day of your holiday. Also avoid staying on the north shore from November to March if sunshine and swimming are your priority, as that’s the wettest season with the biggest waves.

In Lihue I’d avoid the motels along the main roads if you’re staying more than one night, and out in the far west, Kekaha and Polihale are too remote for a first trip. Holiday homes in Hanalei and Ha’ena can be a dream, but check that the owner has a permit for short-term rentals before you pay.

If you have a week, I’d split your stay in two: three nights in Princeville for Na Pali and Hanalei, and four nights in Poipu for sun and beaches, with a day trip to Waimea Canyon from the south coast. If you only want one hotel, choose Kapa’a, and if you’re travelling with children, the apartments in Poipu give you the most space for your money. Waimea is for those who want to hike and see the west coast, and Lihue is for your first and last night.

The car is the most important thing to book after the hotel, because without it you won’t get anywhere. Find a hire car in Lihue here, and book well ahead, as cars can sell out in high season. If you’re combining Kauai with one of the other islands, see my guide to where to stay in the USA, and if you’re coming via the West Coast, I also have a guide to where to stay in Los Angeles. Remember travel insurance that covers illness in the USA too, as medical bills are expensive over there.

The post Where to Stay on Kauai? The 5 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

That’s why your choice of island and area matters more here than on most trips. You’ll have to fly between the islands, and on a single island it can take an hour to drive from one coast to another. Here are my six recommendations for where to stay in Hawaii, with hotels in several price ranges.

The Best Areas in Hawaii

• Waikiki - best area for a first trip to Hawaii
• North Shore - best area for surfing and a quieter Oahu
• Ka’anapali - best area for a classic beach holiday on Maui
• Wailea & Kihei - best area for sunshine and beach days on Maui’s south coast
• Kailua-Kona - best area for volcanoes and snorkelling on the Big Island
• Kapa’a & Coconut Coast - best area for a central base on Kauai

Below, I’ll take you through the areas island by island, from Oahu via Maui and the Big Island to Kauai. For each area, I suggest three hotels, from the most luxurious to the simplest.

1. Waikiki - best area for a first trip to Hawaii 🌴

• 📍 Distance from the centre: Waikiki is Honolulu’s beach and hotel district on the south coast of Oahu. None of the hotels here is more than just over a kilometre from the middle of the district, and it’s 2 to 3 km to Diamond Head.
• 🚌 Transport: Walk around the district, and use TheBus, the city buses, for the rest of Honolulu. You’ll only need a car for trips around the island.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 25 to 40 minutes by car from Honolulu Airport (HNL), depending on the traffic. TheBus also runs directly to Waikiki.
• 💰 Price range: $$ to $$$$. Oahu’s biggest hotel area, with everything from simple three-star hotels to classic luxury hotels on the beach.
• 👮 Safety: Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach or visible in a hire car, and follow the lifeguards’ signs when you swim.

Waikiki is my first choice for a first trip to Hawaii. You’ll be staying in the middle of Honolulu’s biggest hotel area, with the beach and the restaurants and shops on Kalakaua Avenue within walking distance. According to Hawaii’s official tourism site on Waikiki, the hotel rooms here are no more than two or three blocks from the sea.

That makes Waikiki the easiest place to land after a long flight. You don’t need to hire a car for the first few days, because TheBus runs from the airport to Waikiki, and you’re allowed to bring a medium-sized suitcase and a smaller bag. If you have more luggage, a taxi or a pre-booked transfer is easier.

See hotels in Waikiki here.

Diamond Head is the classic morning outing from Waikiki. Visitors who don’t live in Hawaii need to reserve entry and parking in advance with the state parks division, so book it before you travel. From the hotels at the eastern end of Waikiki, it’s only a couple of kilometres to the crater.

The downside is that Waikiki is a city. You get tall hotels, traffic and lots of people on the beach, and it isn’t the quiet Hawaii of the postcards. The hotels right on the beach cost the most, while the ones a couple of streets further back are usually cheaper. That’s why I’d combine a few nights here with a quieter area on Oahu or another island.

Many people fly to Honolulu via the US West Coast, and a stopover on the way can make the long journey easier. If you’re spending a night in California, my guide to where to stay in Los Angeles will help you choose an area for a night or two.

Places to Stay in Waikiki

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa - classic luxury hotel right on the beach

Moana Surfrider is my suggestion if you want to stay right by the sand in the middle of Waikiki Beach. The hotel has its own beach, an outdoor pool, a spa, a restaurant and a bar, and it’s only around 400 metres to the middle of Waikiki.

The hotel is best suited to a honeymoon or a special trip where the location matters more than the price. It’s one of the most expensive hotels in this guide, so choose your room category carefully if a sea view is the reason you’re booking.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic location. Fantastic staff. Fantastic atmosphere.”

See photos and book Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa here.

Park Shore Waikiki - mid-range hotel at the quiet end by Diamond Head

Park Shore is at the eastern end of Waikiki, just over a kilometre from the middle of the district and around 2 km from Diamond Head. The hotel has a pool with a view, a restaurant, a bar, a café and a gym, and the beach is just across the road.

I’d choose it if you want a little more peace than in the middle of Waikiki and still want to walk to the beach and restaurants. If you have a hire car, check the parking rules in advance, as the hotel uses valet parking.

On Booking.com, one guest writes: “Perfect location, good beds, and the pool and facilities are included.”

See photos and book Park Shore Waikiki here.

Coconut Waikiki Hotel - simpler hotel with a pool a couple of streets from the beach

Coconut Waikiki is my budget pick in Waikiki. It’s a three-star hotel on Lewers Street with an outdoor pool, a gym and barbecue facilities, and it’s around 400 metres to the middle of the district.

You won’t be staying by the water, but you can walk to the beach in a few minutes. It makes sense if you spend your days out and about and would rather spend your money on experiences than on a sea view. There are also family rooms, so it can suit a small family.

One guest particularly praises the location on Booking.com: “Great location, easy to walk to the main street.”

See photos and book Coconut Waikiki Hotel here.

2. North Shore - best area for surfing and a quieter Oahu 🏄

• 📍 Distance from the centre: The North Shore is a stretch of coast on the north side of Oahu. From Sunset Beach on the map, it’s just over 11 km to the surf town of Haleiwa, and the hotels are spread out between Waimea Bay and Laie.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car gives you the most freedom, because the beaches, the hotels and Haleiwa are spread out along the coast.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around an hour by car from Honolulu Airport (HNL), and longer when there’s heavy traffic.
• 💰 Price range: $ to $$$$. There are only a few hotels, so you’ll be choosing between a big luxury resort, a mid-range hotel in Laie and some very simple places.
• 👮 Safety: In winter, the waves can be dangerously big. Always follow the warning signs, and only go in the water when the sea is calm.

The North Shore is Oahu’s surf coast and a completely different Oahu from Waikiki. There are no high-rises here, just long beaches, food trucks and the small surf town of Haleiwa with shave ice and local places to eat. According to Hawaii’s tourism authority, it’s around an hour’s drive from Waikiki, so the coast works best as a stay in its own right.

The season matters a lot. In winter, the big waves arrive and draw professional surfers and spectators to beaches such as Waimea Bay and Ehukai, and the sea can be life-threatening. The tourism authority mentions waves of up to around nine metres at the most powerful times. In summer, the water is usually calmer, and the coast is better suited to snorkelling and ordinary swimming. I’d come here in winter to watch the surfing and in summer to swim.

See hotels on the North Shore here.

The downside is the small choice of hotels. In practice, you’re choosing between the big resort at Turtle Bay, the hotel in Laie and a few very simple places by Waimea Bay. The rest of what’s on offer is mainly holiday homes and apartments, where you’ll need to check the location extra carefully.

I’d stay here at the end of a trip to Oahu, once you’ve seen Honolulu, and use a hire car to drive along the coast. The evenings are quiet compared with Waikiki, so the North Shore suits you best if you like to get up early and head for the beach. Laie to the east is close to the Polynesian Cultural Center, while Waimea Bay and Haleiwa are on the western part of the coast. Haleiwa is the natural centre of the coast, with places to eat, shops and food trucks, so if you’re staying further east, you’ll usually drive there to eat.

Places to Stay on the North Shore

The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay - luxury resort with a beach and several pools

The Ritz-Carlton at Turtle Bay is on the north-eastern part of the coast, around 5.5 km from Sunset Beach. There’s a spa, an infinity pool, a children’s pool, a water slide, tennis courts and a beach, and there’s a golf course within a few kilometres.

The resort suits you if you want your whole holiday in one place and only drive out on shorter trips. It’s the most expensive of the three here, and it’s just over 16 km to Haleiwa, so expect to use a car.

One former guest sums up their stay like this on Booking.com: “Very luxurious. Good location. The staff were fantastic. The beds were very comfortable.”

See photos and book The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay here.

Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore - mid-range hotel with a pool in Laie

The Courtyard is in Laie at the eastern end of the North Shore, only around 150 metres from the Polynesian Cultural Center. The hotel has a heated pool, a hot tub, a restaurant, a gym and family rooms.

It’s a good choice for families and for anyone who’d rather have an ordinary hotel with a pool than a resort or a holiday home. It’s just under 13 km to Sunset Beach and even further to Haleiwa, so you’ll need a car to get to the surf beaches.

One guest points out on Booking.com: “The room was a really good size, and the pool area is fantastic.”

See photos and book Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore here.

Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village - simple hostel and cabins by Waimea Bay

Backpackers Vacation Inn is a hostel with dormitories, private rooms with a shared bathroom and cabins for up to four people. It’s around 550 metres from Waimea Bay, and there’s a shared kitchen, a garden and free parking.

I’d only choose it if budget and location matter most. The place has only one star on Booking.com, and one guest calls it run-down. On the plus side, you’ll be staying in the middle of the surf coast and can walk to one of the best-known beaches.

One guest comments on Booking.com: “Good location, very clean and very helpful staff.”

See photos and book Backpackers Vacation Inn and Plantation Village here.

3. Ka’anapali - best area for a classic beach holiday on Maui 🌅

• 📍 Distance from the centre: Ka’anapali is a resort area on Maui’s west coast. The town of Lahaina is just over 4 km to the south, and none of the hotels here is more than just under 4 km from the middle of the beach.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car is the easiest option on Maui. Within the resort area itself, you can walk along the beach between hotels, restaurants and shops.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 45 to 60 minutes by car from Kahului Airport (OGG).
• 💰 Price range: $$$ to $$$$. West Maui is expensive, and even the cheapest hotels here cost more than budget hotels in most other places.
• 👮 Safety: Waves and currents change with the weather. Check the conditions before you go in the water, and never snorkel alone.

Ka’anapali is my suggestion for a classic beach holiday on Maui. Hawaii’s tourism authority describes the beach as just under five kilometres of white sand and clear water, and the hotels line up along a beachfront walkway. You can walk between hotels, restaurants and shops without getting in the car.

In the evening, lots of people gather by the water to watch the sun set over the channel towards the islands of Lanai and Molokai. It’s the kind of place where your days quickly settle into a routine of beach, pool and dinner close to the hotel. Kapalua further north is a quieter and more exclusive alternative.

I’d choose between two types of stay here: a resort with restaurants, a spa and service on site, or an apartment with a kitchen where you’re in charge of your own meals. The apartments make the most sense for families and for longer stays, because eating out on the west coast quickly gets expensive.

See hotels in Ka’anapali here.

The historic town of Lahaina just to the south was hit hard by the fire in 2023. According to the tourism authority, the town is being rebuilt, and several businesses have reopened. The hotels in Ka’anapali are open and can be booked, so this is where I’d stay on the west coast.

The downside is the price and the distance. West Maui is one of the most expensive places in this guide, and it’s a long drive from the airport in Kahului. If you want to drive up the Haleakala volcano or head east, Wailea and Kihei are better placed. The hotels in the northern part of Ka’anapali are usually a little cheaper than those on the central beach, but then you’ll also be some way from the restaurants.

Places to Stay in Ka’anapali

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa - luxury resort at the northern end of the beach

Sheraton Maui is at the northern end of Ka’anapali Beach, around 1 km from the middle of the beach. The hotel has a pool, a spa, a restaurant, a gym and a tennis court, and you can walk straight down onto the sand.

This is a good place to stay if you want to snorkel close to the hotel and have a full resort around you. Several guests mention turtles and fish just off the beach. It’s the most expensive of the three here, especially in high season.

One guest describes the resort like this on Booking.com: “Excellent location close to the beach and the facilities. The food was excellent, and the staff were welcoming and helpful.”

See photos and book Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa here.

Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach - apartments with a kitchen in the middle of the beach

The Whaler is in the middle of Ka’anapali Beach, around 700 metres from the centre point of the map. The apartments have a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony, and there’s a heated pool, a gym, a sauna, a tennis court and a barbecue.

It’s my suggestion for families or couples who want to stay on the beach and make their own breakfast and some of their dinners. The price is close to the resorts’, but you get more space, and restaurants and shops are within walking distance.

One guest writes about the location on Booking.com: “Fantastic beach. Convenient location close to shops and restaurants.”

See photos and book Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach here.

Aston at Papakea Resort - the cheapest option in the northern part of Ka’anapali

Papakea is in the northern part of Ka’anapali, just under 3 km from the Sheraton and just under 4 km from the middle of the beach. The suites have a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony, and there’s a heated pool, a hot tub, a tennis court, a barbecue and free parking.

I’d choose it if you have a car anyway and want to keep costs down on the west coast. It isn’t cheap, but it’s usually the cheapest of the three, and with your own kitchen you can save on eating out.

One guest mentions on Booking.com: “Fantastic view and good service!”

See photos and book Aston at Papakea Resort here.

4. Wailea & Kihei - best area for sunshine and beach days on Maui’s south coast ☀️

• 📍 Distance from the centre: Wailea and Kihei run into each other on Maui’s south-west coast. From Keawakapu Beach on the map, it’s just under 2 km to the resort in Wailea, and the two hotels in Kihei are less than 600 metres from the beach.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car is the easiest option. Kihei is long and spread out, so check the distance to the beach and places to eat before you book.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 25 to 35 minutes by car from Kahului Airport (OGG).
• 💰 Price range: $$ to $$$$. Wailea is luxury, while Kihei has more simple hotels and apartments.
• 👮 Safety: The sun is strong on the dry south coast. Wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and check the waves before you go in the water.

Wailea and Kihei are joined together on Maui’s south coast, but they offer two different holidays. Wailea is a resort area with golf courses and five crescent-shaped beaches, while Kihei is a long, spread-out town with apartments, smaller hotels and beach parks. Hawaii’s tourism authority calls Kihei the sunniest and driest end of the island.

That makes the area my suggestion if the weather matters most to you. I’d choose Wailea for a honeymoon or a holiday where the hotel is a big part of the experience, and Kihei if you want more for your money and plan to spend your days on trips around the island. In both places, you’ll have several sandy beaches a short distance away.

Keawakapu Beach, which the map shows, is right where Kihei turns into Wailea. From the south coast, you can see the small crater island of Molokini and the islands of Kahoolawe and Lanai, and the Maui Ocean Center aquarium by Maalaea Bay is also a short drive away.

See hotels in Wailea and Kihei here.

The location is also practical for the island’s big excursions. From the south coast, it’s closer to the airport and to the road up towards Haleakala than from Ka’anapali. If you want to see the sunrise from the top of the volcano, you’ll need to reserve in advance with the national park, and the spots can sell out.

The downside of Kihei is that the town is long and spread out, and there’s a big difference between staying by the beach and staying some way inland. Wailea, on the other hand, is quiet and expensive, and the places to eat at the resorts usually charge resort prices. I’d choose a hotel at the southern end of Kihei, close to Wailea, if you want a bit of both.

Places to Stay in Wailea & Kihei

Wailea Beach Resort Marriott - luxury resort by the water in Wailea

Wailea Beach Resort is on the coast in the northern part of Wailea, less than a kilometre from Wailea Beach. There’s an outdoor pool, a water slide, a kids’ club, a spa, restaurants and a gym.

The resort is best for a family holiday with lots of time at the hotel or for a couple who want resort life. It’s one of the most expensive hotels in this guide, and one guest felt that the service didn’t quite live up to the price.

One reviewer writes on Booking.com: “The location and the outdoor atmosphere at Wailea Beach Resort are really beautiful.”

See photos and book Wailea Beach Resort Marriott here.

Aston Maui Hill - large apartments with a kitchen in the southern part of Kihei

Aston Maui Hill is on South Kihei Road at the southern end of Kihei, around 600 metres from Keawakapu Beach. The suites have a full kitchen and a balcony, and there’s a heated pool, a hot tub, a tennis court, a barbecue and free parking.

The apartments are a good fit for a family or two couples travelling together who want plenty of space. It’s a short walk to the beach, so it works best if you have a hire car anyway.

One delighted guest writes on Booking.com: “We loved our room. It was beyond our expectations and very big.”

See photos and book Aston Maui Hill here.

Days Inn by Wyndham Maui Oceanfront - simple hotel right by Keawakapu Beach

Days Inn is right by Keawakapu Beach at the southern end of Kihei. It’s a two-star hotel with air conditioning, a gym, a barbecue and free parking.

It’s my budget pick on Maui, but remember that budget on Maui is still expensive compared with many other destinations. The hotel is simple, but on the plus side, the beach is right outside the door.

On Booking.com, one guest highlights: “Beautiful location close to the beach and a nice, compact room with a comfortable bed and shower.”

See photos and book Days Inn by Wyndham Maui Oceanfront here.

5. Kailua-Kona - best area for volcanoes and snorkelling on the Big Island 🌋

• 📍 Distance from the centre: You’ll be staying in Kailua-Kona on the west coast of the Big Island. Two of the hotels are less than 600 metres from Kailua Pier, and the third is around 3 km south along Ali’i Drive.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car is essential for trips on the Big Island, but in the town itself you can walk along the sea on Ali’i Drive.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 15 to 20 minutes by car from Kona Airport (KOA).
• 💰 Price range: $$ to $$$. Mostly mid-range hotels and apartments in the town itself.
• 👮 Safety: Much of the coast is lava rock. Swim at beaches and in calm bays, and keep your distance from the waves by the rocks.

Kailua-Kona is where I’d stay on the Big Island if you want to see the island and still stay in a town with restaurants within walking distance. The historic part of town runs along the sea on Ali’i Drive, where you’ll also find Hulihe’e Palace. According to Hawaii’s tourism authority, King Kamehameha spent his last years in Kailua-Kona, and the palace gives you an insight into the Hawaiian monarchy.

The Kona coast is known for snorkelling, dolphins and trips out to see manta rays, especially from Keauhou south of the town. The coffee farms in the village of Holualoa on the slopes above the town are also close by if you want to taste the famous Kona coffee. In the evening, lots of people gather on Ali’i Drive, where the town’s restaurants, shops and bars are close together.

See hotels in Kailua-Kona here.

The Big Island is big, and that’s worth thinking about before you choose Kona as your only base. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with the volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa, is on the other side of the island, so the trip over there becomes a long day out by car. If you want to spend several days at the volcanoes, I’d split your stay and spend a couple of nights on the east side.

The town itself isn’t a beach town like Waikiki, and much of the coast is made up of lava. In return, you get a more local town, a short trip to the airport and hotel prices that are usually below those of the most expensive resort areas on the islands. I’d stay close to the pier if you want to walk out to eat in the evening. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park just south of the airport is a good stop on the way into town.

Places to Stay in Kailua-Kona

Aston Kona By The Sea - apartments by the sea along Ali’i Drive

Aston Kona By The Sea is by the water on Ali’i Drive, around 3 km south of Kailua Pier. The suites have a full kitchen and a balcony, and there’s a pool with a view, a hot tub and a barbecue.

It’s the most expensive of the three here and my suggestion if you want space and a sea view from your apartment. You’ll have to drive or walk quite a way into the centre, and Wi-Fi may cost extra.

One guest writes about the apartment on Booking.com: “The apartment we stayed in was incredible and had a fantastic view!”

See photos and book Aston Kona By The Sea here.

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel - hotel by the pier in the middle of town

King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is right by Kailua Pier, so you’ll have Ali’i Drive, restaurants and boat trips close by. There’s a pool, a bar, a restaurant, a spa and a gym.

Choose it if a location in the middle of town matters most. Its score on Booking.com is a little lower than those of the other two hotels here, so it’s the location you’re paying for more than the rooms themselves.

One guest describes the atmosphere like this on Booking.com: “We loved the location, the whole holiday atmosphere and the pool area with a bar for drinks and snacks while we read.”

See photos and book Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel here.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua-Kona - simple hotel with breakfast close to the sea

Holiday Inn Express is around 550 metres from Kailua Pier. It’s a three-star hotel with an outdoor pool, a hot tub and a gym, and several guests highlight the included breakfast.

It’s a practical choice for an active holiday where you’re out all day and just need a clean room and an easy start to the day. The hotel isn’t on the water, but the sea and the town’s places to eat are close by.

One guest notes on Booking.com: “The location was good: in the middle of town, right across from the sea and with shops and restaurants close by.”

See photos and book Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua-Kona here.

6. Kapa’a & Coconut Coast - best area for a central base on Kauai 🌺

• 📍 Distance from the centre: You’ll be staying on Kauai’s east coast. From Coconut Marketplace on the map, it’s just over 4.5 km to Kapa’a town, and all three hotels are less than a kilometre from the marketplace.
• 🚗 Transport: A hire car is essential for trips around the island.
• ✈️ Time from the airport: Allow around 15 to 20 minutes by car from Lihue Airport (LIH).
• 💰 Price range: $$ to $$$. Usually more affordable than the Poipu resort area on the south coast.
• 👮 Safety: The sea on the east coast can be rough. Choose sheltered places to swim, such as the rock pools at Lydgate Beach Park, especially with children.

Kapa’a and the Coconut Coast are the most practical base if you want to see all of Kauai from one hotel. The east coast is the most populated part of the island, and from the hotels here it’s a short trip to the airport and roughly the same distance to the north coast and the south coast. According to Hawaii’s tourism authority, Kapa’a town has small shops, places to eat and local arts and crafts.

The Wailua River close to the hotels is one of Hawaii’s few navigable rivers and is popular for kayak trips. At Lydgate Beach Park, there are two pools enclosed by lava rock, which are ideal for families and for your first snorkelling trip. The boat trip to Fern Grotto and the Opaekaa Falls waterfall are also on the east coast, so you can fill a whole day without driving far. Coconut Marketplace by the hotels has shops and places to eat for the lazy evenings.

See hotels in Kapa’a and on the Coconut Coast here.

The big draw on Kauai is the Na Pali Coast. The Kalalau Trail starts in Ha’ena State Park on the north coast, and visitors who don’t live in Hawaii have to buy entry or parking in advance from the state parks division. Parks and trails can be closed at times, so check the page before you drive up there.

Poipu on the south coast is the other obvious area on Kauai, with several big resorts, but the hotels there are usually at the expensive end. I’d choose Kapa’a if you want to use the car a lot and see both the north and the south, and Poipu if you’d rather stay by the pool. The east coast isn’t the most exclusive place on the island, but it’s practical.

Places to Stay in Kapa’a & Coconut Coast

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort - the most comfortable choice on the east coast

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach is on the coast, around 800 metres from Coconut Marketplace. The hotel has an infinity pool, a children’s pool, a hot tub, a restaurant, a bar and a gym, and some rooms have a sea view.

It’s my pick for a couple or a family who want a modern resort as a base for trips around the island. Its score on Booking.com is lower than those of the other two hotels here, so don’t expect the same level as at the most expensive resorts in this guide.

Here’s what one guest writes on Booking.com: “The rooms are spacious and modern and feel fresh, not at all worn or dated.”

See photos and book Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort here.

Kauai Coast Resort at the Beach Boy - apartment resort by Coconut Marketplace

Kauai Coast Resort is around 200 metres from Coconut Marketplace. There’s a pool, a hot tub, a restaurant, a bar and free parking, and some of the units have a kitchenette and their own lanai, which is the Hawaiian word for a covered terrace.

I’d choose it if you want more space than in an ordinary hotel room and want to walk to shops and places to eat. One guest writes that parts of the property could do with a refresh, so don’t expect a brand-new place.

One guest sums it up briefly on Booking.com: “Comfortable and a really good location.”

See photos and book Kauai Coast Resort at the Beach Boy here.

Kauai Shores Hotel - simple, relaxed hotel by the beach

Kauai Shores is by the beach right next to Coconut Marketplace. It’s a three-star hotel with a pool, a restaurant, a bar and free parking.

It’s the simplest of the three and my suggestion if you want a relaxed hotel and plan to spend your days on trips. Prices vary, though, and on some dates it isn’t cheaper than Kauai Coast Resort, so compare both.

One guest writes about their room on Booking.com: “Our room was very clean. We really appreciated that parking and the water station were included in the price.”

See photos and book Kauai Shores Hotel here.

Where should you avoid staying in Hawaii?

I wouldn’t book a hotel based on the name of the island alone. In Hawaii, there can be an hour or more by car between two addresses on the same island, and a cheap hotel far from the beaches and restaurants quickly becomes expensive in time and fuel. On Maui, I also wouldn’t look for a hotel in Lahaina itself while the town is being rebuilt.

In Honolulu, I’d avoid staying by the airport or in the city’s business districts if you’re on holiday. You might save a little, but you lose the easy access to the beach, which is the whole point of Waikiki. On the North Shore and the Big Island, I wouldn’t choose an address far from the small towns without a hire car.

If it’s your first trip, I’d start in Waikiki and spend a couple of nights on the North Shore if you have time. If you want the classic beach holiday, Ka’anapali or Wailea and Kihei on Maui are the next step, and Maui is the island I’d choose if you only have room for one more besides Oahu.

Kailua-Kona suits you if you want volcanoes, snorkelling and a more local town, while Kapa’a is the practical base on Kauai if you want to see the Na Pali Coast without changing hotels. With two islands in two weeks, you’ll get a good feel for Hawaii without spending too many days in airports.

If you’re flying via the US mainland, a few nights in California can break up the long journey. For that, you can use my guide to the best areas in San Francisco. And if you’re based in Europe and want lush cliffs and hiking closer to home, read my guide to where to stay on Madeira, the island often called Europe’s answer to Hawaii.

The post Where to Stay in Hawaii? The 6 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.