Hawaii is a group of islands in the middle of the Pacific, and each island has its own rhythm. Oahu has Waikiki’s hotel beach and the big surf on the North Shore. Maui tempts you with long beaches and sunsets, the Big Island with volcanoes and snorkelling off Kona, and Kauai is the green island with steep cliffs along its coast.
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.
Contents
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.
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.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
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