Hawaii is the 50th and most recent state to join the United States, situated in the central Pacific Ocean. An archipelago of 137 islands and atolls, Hawaii is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rich Polynesian culture. The eight main islands — Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (Big Island), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe — each offer a distinct personality and experience.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
Hostelling International Honolulu
The most reputable budget accommodation in Honolulu, located in the Manoa neighborhood near the University of Hawaii. Clean dormitory and private rooms, communal kitchen, and friendly staff. A great base for budget travelers exploring Oahu.
Check rates on Booking.comAqua Palms Waikiki
A budget-friendly hotel just a short walk from Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana Center, offering 68 clean, simple rooms with kitchenette units available. A solid value option for travelers who want to be close to Waikiki without the luxury price tag.
Check rates on Booking.comLaniakea Hostel
A popular hostel in the heart of Waikiki offering clean dormitories and private rooms. The social atmosphere and central location make it ideal for solo travelers and backpackers looking to explore Oahu on a tight budget.
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A no-frills budget hotel located just two blocks from Waikiki Beach. Simple, clean rooms with air conditioning at a fraction of the cost of beachfront properties. Good for travelers prioritizing location over amenities.
Check rates on Booking.comPolynesian Hostel Beach Club
A popular budget hostel known for its social vibe and proximity to Waikiki Beach. Offers weekly barbecues, surf lesson discounts, and organized beach activities. Ideal for young backpackers and surfers.
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A surf-themed hostel in Waikiki catering to surfers and beach lovers. Offers affordable dorm beds, surf board storage, and a lively common area. Staff can help book surf lessons, tours, and inter-island flights.
Check rates on Booking.comNorth Shore Hostel Haleiwa
The best base for experiencing Oahu's legendary North Shore surf scene without Waikiki crowds. This casual hostel is close to world-famous surf breaks like Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Banzai Pipeline, and the charming town of Haleiwa.
Check rates on Booking.comMaui Seaside Hotel
A practical, clean budget hotel located in central Kahului near the airport. Good for budget travelers who want a central Maui base without resort prices, with easy access to all parts of the island by car.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range ($50-150/night)
Royal Hawaiian Hotel
The iconic 'Pink Palace of the Pacific' has graced Waikiki since 1927. This historic landmark hotel features 528 rooms in the original pink stucco building and a modern tower, with direct Waikiki Beach access and legendary Mai Tai Bar.
Check rates on Booking.comOutrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
A beloved Waikiki institution occupying one of the best spots on Waikiki Beach, the Outrigger offers 524 rooms and suites with ocean or city views. Duke's Waikiki restaurant is a legendary beachfront dining institution.
Check rates on Booking.comWestin Maui Resort & Spa Ka'anapali
A 758-room resort fronting Ka'anapali Beach with a spectacular aquatic playground featuring five pools, two waterslides, and a swim-through grotto. The resort offers excellent beach access and a wide range of dining options.
Check rates on Booking.comSheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Set on Kauai's picturesque east coast alongside a palm-fringed beach, this beautifully renovated resort features 311 rooms with ocean or garden views. The location offers easy access to the Coconut Coast's shops and restaurants.
Check rates on Booking.comHilton Waikoloa Village
A self-contained resort destination spread across 62 beachfront acres, the Hilton Waikoloa features an on-site dolphin lagoon, canals traversed by boats and trams, multiple pools, and extensive artwork throughout. A destination within a destination.
Check rates on Booking.comEmbassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk
All-suite hotel located steps from Waikiki Beach featuring 421 spacious suites with separate living and sleeping areas. The complimentary made-to-order breakfast and evening reception make this exceptional value for families and longer stays in Waikiki.
Check rates on Booking.comHyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
A grand Ka'anapali resort featuring 806 rooms, a 150-foot waterslide, multiple pools, and one of Maui's best luau shows (Drums of the Pacific). The Spa Moana and rooftop observatory make this a well-rounded resort experience.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury ($150+/night)
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Set on 15 acres of oceanfront in Wailea, the Four Seasons Maui is consistently rated the finest resort in Hawaii. Three pools, three restaurants, a world-class spa, and 383 elegantly appointed rooms and suites define this legendary property.
Check rates on Booking.comGrand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Situated on Poipu Beach, this stunning resort features a 50-acre property with a saltwater lagoon, fantasy pool complex, and Anara Spa. The resort blends authentic Hawaiian culture with world-class luxury.
Check rates on Booking.comRitz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific on the northwest coast of Maui, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua offers 463 luxurious rooms and suites with panoramic ocean views. A premier whale watching location December through April.
Check rates on Booking.comFour Seasons Resort Hualalai
Nestled between ancient lava fields and the Pacific Ocean on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, Four Seasons Hualalai offers bungalow-style accommodations and the King's Pond, a natural lava rock pool filled with tropical fish and rays.
Check rates on Booking.comHalekulani Hotel
A Waikiki Beach institution since 1917, the Halekulani — meaning 'House Befitting Heaven' in Hawaiian — offers 453 rooms and suites with ocean or garden views. La Mer restaurant is one of Hawaii's finest dining experiences.
Check rates on Booking.comAndaz Maui at Wailea Resort
A sophisticated beachfront resort in Wailea featuring a dramatic multi-tiered pool system with an 80-foot waterslide, 297 guest rooms, and world-class dining from celebrity chef Michael Schlow. The artistic, modern design incorporates Hawaiian cultural elements throughout.
Check rates on Booking.comMontage Kapalua Bay
An ultra-luxury all-suite resort perched above Kapalua Bay, offering 24 stunning villa-style residences and 50 resort suites. The intimate property has a private beach, one of Maui's best restaurants, and exclusive access to Kapalua's amenities.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
City Center
The heart of Hawaii with easy access to main attractions, restaurants, and transportation.
Best for: First-time visitors, short stays
Old Town
Traditional architecture and local character. Walking distance to historical sites and authentic dining.
Best for: Culture enthusiasts, photographers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Set on 15 acres of oceanfront in Wailea, the Four Seasons Maui is consistently rated the finest resort in Hawaii. Three pools, three restaurants, a world-class spa, and 383 elegantly appointed rooms and suites define this legendary property.
Check rates on Booking.comGrand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Situated on Poipu Beach, this stunning resort features a 50-acre property with a saltwater lagoon, fantasy pool complex, and Anara Spa. The resort blends authentic Hawaiian culture with world-class luxury.
Check rates on Booking.comRitz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific on the northwest coast of Maui, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua offers 463 luxurious rooms and suites with panoramic ocean views. A premier whale watching location December through April.
Check rates on Booking.comFour Seasons Resort Hualalai
Nestled between ancient lava fields and the Pacific Ocean on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, Four Seasons Hualalai offers bungalow-style accommodations and the King's Pond, a natural lava rock pool filled with tropical fish and rays.
Check rates on Booking.comHalekulani Hotel
A Waikiki Beach institution since 1917, the Halekulani — meaning 'House Befitting Heaven' in Hawaiian — offers 453 rooms and suites with ocean or garden views. La Mer restaurant is one of Hawaii's finest dining experiences.
Check rates on Booking.comAndaz Maui at Wailea Resort
A sophisticated beachfront resort in Wailea featuring a dramatic multi-tiered pool system with an 80-foot waterslide, 297 guest rooms, and world-class dining from celebrity chef Michael Schlow. The artistic, modern design incorporates Hawaiian cultural elements throughout.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Hawaii hotel prices follow rigid demand peaks: Christmas/New Year (highest), February, spring break (March-April), and summer (June-August). Book 3-6 months ahead for these periods.
Maui rental cars sell out before hotels — book a rental car before locking in accommodation dates.
Resort fees ($35-65/day) are added to quoted rates at most Hawaii hotels — factor these into your budget. Ask what is included.
Condos and vacation rentals often represent better value for families: full kitchens cut food costs significantly. VRBO and Airbnb have extensive Hawaii inventory.
Many resorts offer cheaper rates for guests willing to stay away from the ocean. Ask for 'mountain view' or 'garden view' rooms — they can be $100-200/night less.
Airport shuttles are cheap ($15-20 shared). Avoid hotel car parking ($25-40/day) by using rideshare for trips around Waikiki.
Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt properties in Hawaii often have excellent loyalty program rates — their 5th-night-free promotions are valuable in Hawaii.
Points hotels: Waikiki has good availability of chain hotels redeemable with Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt points.
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.