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Honolulu is a large and bustling city that’s just under 70 square miles. It stretches along Oahu’s southern coast, and there are many sights to see and explore within just one city. With over 30 neighborhoods, it can feel overwhelming to decide where to stay during your vacation.
We’ve made it easy for you by listing some of the best places to stay in Honolulu. Our list also highlights several attractions to inspire you to start planning your trip. With so many epic things to do in Hawaii, you will never want to leave. Keep reading to find out the best areas to stay in Honolulu so that you can have a stress-free and memorable vacation.
Waikiki
If it’s your first time in Oahu, Waikiki is a great place to start. Many tourists will agree that it’s one of the best areas to stay in Honolulu because it has it all–beaches, outdoor activities, shopping areas, and more. There’s something for every kind of tourist.
Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach stretches for two miles along the southern coastline of Honolulu. It’s so vast that it’s split into eight distinct sections with their unique features:
- Duke Kahanamoku Beach
- Fort DeRussy Beach Park
- Gray’s Beach
- Royal Hawaiian Beach
- Prince Kuhio Beach
- Queen Kapiolani Beach
- San Souci Beach
- Outrigger Canoe Club Beach
You can book cruises or tours at the beaches. There are also plenty of water sports available, such as surfing, snorkeling, boogie boarding, and canoe paddling. If you’re just looking to relax at the end of a busy day, you can find a nice spot on this expansive beach and enjoy viewing a beautiful sunset.
Kapiolani Park
This public park is on the east end of Waikiki and has a lot of activities available. It’s a family-friendly location where you have picnics or play tennis or soccer. It’s also home to the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Shell, so you can make plans to attend any outdoor concerts or shows.
International Marketplace and Waikiki Beach Walk
If you want to do some shopping, make sure to stop by the International Marketplace and Waikiki Beach Walk. The International Marketplace has over 80 stores and services along with many notable restaurants.
The Waikiki Beach Walk has a slightly smaller offering, but it has many boutique shops. There are also regularly scheduled activities and live performances. It’s a great place to take a stroll and explore.
Downtown
Downtown Honolulu is one of the best places to stay near Honolulu Airport. History buffs will particularly enjoy staying here because of its many museums, government buildings, and historic areas.
Aloha Tower
The Aloha Tower was once the tallest structure in Honolulu and originally functioned as a beacon that welcomed visitors who arrived by sea. It eventually transformed into a bustling marketplace with meeting spaces and restaurants. You can also access the Observation Deck in the tower and enjoy ocean views.
Iolani Palace
The Iolani Palace is a registered National Historic Landmark and the only royal palace in the United States. You can schedule a tour at the Iolani Palace and relive the history of the Kamehameha and Kalakaua Dynasties and their rule of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Foster Botanical Gardens
The Foster Botanical Gardens is like the Central Park of Honolulu. It’s a quiet and peaceful oasis from the busy city activity. Stroll through 14 acres of gardens with indigenous plants, flowers, and trees. You can also observe different species of birds and butterflies.
There are also scheduled classes and events for children, so this is a great place to visit for families with young children.
Chinatown
Honolulu’s Chinatown is on the western side of Downtown. It’s one of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States and takes up 15 blocks. You can walk through the open-air Oahu Market or Maunakea Marketplace for fresh produce and souvenirs.
One of the main reasons to visit Chinatowns is the food. Honolulu’s Chinatown represents a mix of different Asian cultures. You can find meals influenced by other Asian cultures, including Filipino, Japanese, and Vietnamese dishes.
Chinatown is also rich in history. The Hawaiian Chinese Multicultural Museum & Archives is a great place to visit and view significant artifacts and photos portraying Chinatown’s history. Chinatown is also home to the Kuan Yin Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in the Hawaiian Islands.
Manoa Valley
Many tourists will skim over Manoa Valley. However, this is one of the best areas to stay in Oahu because it’s quiet and secluded. Many families choose to stay here because it’s far from the busyness but still close to tourist attractions.
There are several local bakeries, cafes, and restaurants to visit and enjoy a nice meal. After you’ve fueled up, you can also check out several things to do within Manoa Valley.
Manoa Falls
You can hike the .8-mile trail that leads to Manoa Falls. This trail passes through rainforests and bamboo groves that were used as scenes in Jurassic Park and LOST. It can be a challenging hike, especially after rain. However, the stunning 150-foot view of Manoa Falls at the end is worth the effort.
Lyon Arboretum
Explore over 190 acres with 6,000 plants at the Lyon Arboretum. You can hike through several trails and find many tropical and native Hawaiian plants here. There are also educational classes and activities available to both children and adults.
The Lyon Arboretum is a great option for individuals who are unable to go on intense hikes. It’s a very accessible way to experience and learn more about Hawaii’s wildlife.
University of Hawaii Manoa Campus
The Manoa Campus is a great place to pause and rest in the middle or tail-end of your vacation. It’s a beautiful campus, and many visitors stop to admire the university buildings with Asian-influenced architecture. It also has a peaceful zen garden and an art gallery with different exhibits displayed throughout the year.
Ala Moana
Ala Moana is the perfect place to stay for people who want to enjoy all the general activities offered in Waikiki without the busy tourist atmosphere. It’s just west of Waikiki and has more hidden gems that are worth visiting.
Ala Moana Beach Park
This beach is a mile long and tends to have calmer waters. You can schedule equipment rentals for water sports and scuba diving lessons. There’s a lot of oceanic wildlife, including turtles, sharks, and rays.
The beach also has a hidden little secret–the Magic Island Lagoon. It’s a quiet and secluded area that’s known for its views. You can see the Honolulu skyline and Diamond Head. It’s also a great vantage point for seeing romantic sunsets and weekly fireworks shows. So, make sure to secure a spot here in the evenings.
Ala Moana Center
All shopping enthusiasts must walk through this beautiful open-air mall. It has an international food court and more than 290 stores. It also has Hula shows scheduled throughout the week for guests to experience traditional Hawaiian dances.
Hawaii Children Discovery Center
Ala Moana is a very family-friendly location. Hawaii Children Discovery Center is a great educational experience for children to learn about Hawaii’s wildlife. They can visit different exhibits to learn about rainforests, oceans, and local Hawaiian life.
Waialae-Kahala
If you’re looking to splurge and treat yourself to a fancy and upscale vacation, Waialae-Kahala is a great place to stay. Waialae-Kahala is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Honolulu and has a thriving cultural scene and nightlife. It also has a couple of notable attractions.
Diamond Head
Diamond head is right next to Waialae-Kahala. It is an iconic and popular crater that spreads to about 350 acres. You can hike the Diamond Head Summit Trail to get to the crater’s edge and see beautiful coastal views.
Shangri La Center for Islamic Arts and Cultures
Shangri La pays homage to the Islamic arts and hosts stunning rotating exhibits. It also has an art collection that took nearly 60 years to curate. It’s a unique experience that brings the Middle East to the Pacific Islands and connects different cultures.
Tours begin and end at the Honolulu Museum of Art. Reservations have to be made in advance because guests aren’t permitted to access Shangri La individually.
KCC Farmers’ Market
You can find the KCC Farmers’ Market in the Kapiolani Community College parking lot. It’s an award-winning farmers’ market that includes some of the best food vendors and small businesses in the area. It’s a great way to start your Tuesday and Saturday mornings by tasting delicious foods and supporting local businesses.
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Honolulu?
The simple answer is, it depends. If you’re looking for outdoor adventures and tourist-friendly areas, you’ll want to stay in Waikiki. If you’re a culture vulture, Downtown and Waialae-Kahala are perfect for you. Meanwhile, families will tend to prefer Ala Moana and Manoa Valley.
All to say, Honolulu has a lot to offer. It can be a memorable vacation destination for different kinds of tourists. Now that you know the highlights of each notable neighborhood, it’s time to book a vacation rental. Book with us today and find the perfect home away from home for your next dream vacation.
