If you are tired of the busy life of the city and want to take a respite from your mundane routine, then there is no place better than Oahu. It is the most popular island in Hawaii. It is located in the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu. In this article, we are going to tell you about the best places to stay when you are on vacation in Oahu.

Tip: If you’re looking for things to do in Oahu, be sure to check out this article.

But before we get to the hotels, we first need to discuss the regions that constitute Oahu. It can be divided into 5 major regions. We will guide you with the best accommodations for each major area. Deciding where you will be staying can often be the most important and the most difficult decision that you have to make on a vacation. We hope that this article helps you make the right choice. Keep on reading to learn more.

The five main regions that makeup Oahu are:
1- The central region
2- Leeward Coast (west)
3- North Shore
4- Windward Coast (East)
5- The South
Now let’s talk about the best places to stay in Oahu.

Waikiki

We are going to start things off in the most popular part of Oahu. Most visitors who come to Oahu or anywhere else in Hawaii tend to stay in Waikiki. It is located in the southern part of Oahu and is also the oldest resort region in Hawaii. It has been the choice of travelers for more than 120 years now. Here are some of the reasons that make Waikiki a great place to stay when you are in Oahu:
• Cheap Transport – Waikiki is considered a part of Honolulu. Because of this, you will find transportation very affordable and easily accessible in this region. You should keep in mind that because of its popularity, this area is often crowded but still relaxing and scenic.
>• Better Prices – As you can imagine that there are perks to staying in a popular area. Because of high demand competition between different hotels is very high which leads to better prices. You will find the most affordable hotels in the whole of Oahu in this area. You will also find shuttle services from the airport to Waikiki which makes it the ideal spot for someone vacationing on a budget.
• Fly and Flop – Many people tend to just get to Waikiki and spend their entire holiday in this area. There is so much to see and do that you can spend your entire holiday in Waikiki without getting bored.
• Great Attractions – Waikiki has everything that you can ask for as a traveler. It has great food options specializing in diverse cuisines. It has a lot of cultural sites and museums. If you are a shopaholic then you will be pleased to find an abundance of shopping malls. And if you are an animal lover then they also have an aquarium and a zoo. The nightlife is also very vibrant here.
That being said there is one con to staying in this area. It is a tourist hotspot and when it gets overly crowded it can affect the relaxation aspect of your holiday. You can venture a little further and choose to stay at a less crowded place if you want. Now, let’s take a look at some great hotels in Waikiki:

Ritz Carlton Residences

If you are looking to spend your holiday in style, then you will be hard-pressed to find a more luxurious and glamorous place in Oahu than the Ritz Carlton Residences. Your room will give you a serene and relaxing view of the ocean that is sure to add to your holiday experience. With a place like the Ritz Carlton, you can expect to find all the deluxe amenities. They have a great swimming pool, a world-renowned spa, and an amazing bar and restaurant. You are sure to have a blast if you decide to stay at the Ritz Carlton.

Coconut Waikiki Hotel

This is a more budget-friendly option. It does not mean that you will not enjoy this place. It has great rooms with all modern amenities. There is a fitness center in the hotel. They also have a great pool, and they serve breakfast as well. If you are on a budget and want a comfortable place to stay in Waikiki, then you should consider this option.

Diamond Head

Now we are moving to the eastern side of Oahu. Diamond Head is an area close to Waikiki but differs greatly from it in certain aspects. For starters, it is not as crowded as Waikiki and has a lot more greenery. If you are looking for a holiday that brings you closer to nature, then this might be the right place for you. All the hustle and bustle of Waikiki will always be within walking distance so there is nothing for you to worry about. Here is a list of great things about Diamond Head:
• It is very budget-friendly. It offers you even more value for money than Waikiki. This makes it ideal for families and lone travelers who are on a budget.
• The Diamond Head Hike is a great experience that you can indulge in when staying in Diamond Head.
• You are close to the beaches.
• It has some of the best viewing spots in all of Oahu.
Again, the con is pretty much the same as Waikiki. It can get a little crowded in peak season and can feel more like a city vacation instead of an island stay. Now, let’s take a look at hotel options:

The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel

There is no shortage of great hotels in Diamond Head. The special thing about this one is that it has a private beach. It is a very rare thing to find in this area. It is also close to Waikiki which means you can walk over to the heart of the action whenever you want. Or you can enjoy your tropical island holiday on their private beach.

Windward Coast

Further along the eastern side, you will find the windward coast. It is a lot different than Waikiki and Diamond head. It is a more authentic Oahu experience since you will see a lot more locals and you will get to experience their culture more deeply here. Here are some hotel options in this area:

Paradise Bay Resort

If you are looking for a tropical paradise, then this resort will certainly live up to your expectations. It has the KoolauMountain range in the background, and you will find yourself relaxed whether you are relaxing in the hot tub or taking a swim in their outdoor pool.

The North Shore

Now we are leaving behind the hustle and bustle of tourist hot spots and heading towards the northern side of Oahu. It is a far more tranquil experience than other parts of Oahu. You will find a lot of amazing beaches and picture-perfect surf towns here. If you want an experience that brings you closer to nature and gives you detox from the city life then this is the place that you want to stay at. If surfing, amazing food from food trucks, and gorgeous beaches are your cup of tea then you will have a blast here. Now, let’s see the hotel options:

Turtle Bay Resort

It is the only resort that you will find on the north shore. And it also just happens to be one of the most relaxing and luxurious places that you will find in Oahu. The peace and quiet here aresecond to none.

Backpackers Vacation Inn

This is the budget option. It is one of the cheapest places that you will find in this area. The environment is very friendly here making it ideal for backpackers and couples who are on a strict budget. The location is also ideal as it is close to the beach.

The Leeward Coast

On the west side of Oahu, there is the Leeward Coast. It is a tourist spot but much less busy than Waikiki. The Ko Olina area is where you would want to stay. It is the ideal blend of modern amenities and nature. You will be able to enjoy marinas and shopping centers while being a short walk away from the freedom of nature. It is a great place to unwind and have a great time. Let’s take a look at accommodation options here:

Disney Aulani Resort

This is a high-end resort. But if you have a generous budget then you will not find a better place to stay with your kids. It has water slides, a lazy river, and tons of activities for children to enjoy. The rooms are very spacious and comfortable as you can expect from a luxury resort.

Four Seasons Resort

If you are going to Oahu on a vacation with your partner, then this is a place where you would want to stay. It offers you excellent customer service with peaceful and beautiful rooms. You are sure to make a lot of lifelong memories here with your partner.

So, there you have it. These are the best places to stay in Oahu. Let us know what you think of them in the comments section below!