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5-star hotels in Honolulu
A shortlist of the 5-star hotels in Honolulu, gathered in one place for travellers who want top-class comfort on Oahu. Each entry is judged on its class, guest rating and review count, so couples, families and business visitors can compare what the island's best addresses offer.
Staying in Honolulu
Honolulu spreads along the southern shore of Oahu, with the Ko'olau Mountains rising inland. Visitors come above all for the beaches, Waikiki first among them, then stay for Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor's memorials, the Bishop Museum and the Honolulu Museum of Art, with shopping running from Waikiki boutiques to the Ala Moana Center.
Almost every hotel on this list sits in Waikiki: Kalia Road, Kalakaua Avenue, Kalaimoku Street, Saratoga Road and Seaside Avenue are all within a stroll of the beach and the restaurants and shops around it. The Kahala Hotel & Resort lies east in quieter Kahala, and the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa is on Kapiolani Boulevard, between Waikiki and downtown. The cluster suits couples and families who want the beach on foot, while the outlying addresses give business travellers and drivers more calm and easier access by car.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Halekulani
2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereHalekulani sits on Kalia Road, 0.4 km from the centre, and pairs an outdoor pool with a fitness centre and a garden for guests who want both activity and calm. Its 4.7 rating from 4047 reviews makes it the most reviewed of these Waikiki stays, and the beach is nearby. Families are provided for with family rooms and babysitting service, and non smoking rooms, massage and a beauty salon round out the offering. It suits travellers who want a large, established resort within walking distance of the centre.
See HalekulaniThe Kahala Hotel & Resort
5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Kids pool
- Parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereAt 5.8 km from the centre, The Kahala Hotel & Resort trades central convenience for space: the grounds include a golf course, a gymnasium and a fitness centre, and the beach is nearby. Canoeing and fishing are on the facilities list, so active days are easy to plan, while massage and a beauty salon cover quieter hours. Family rooms and babysitting service make it workable for guests with children, and 3756 reviews give a 4.6 rating. Best for those who prefer a resort away from the Waikiki bustle.
See The Kahala Hotel & ResortThe Ritz Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach
383 Kalaimoku Street, Honolulu, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereThe Ritz Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach on Kalaimoku Street is 0.2 km from the centre, the closest of these hotels alongside the other Kalaimoku address. Kitchen and kitchenette facilities plus a dishwasher let guests self-cater, and a jacuzzi, games room and outdoor access through the garden and lounge add variety. Beach nearby, fitness centre and free wifi cover the essentials, and 1511 reviews produce a 4.6 rating. Suited to longer stays and families who want apartment-style space in the middle of Waikiki.
See The Ritz Carlton Residences Waikiki BeachThe Royal Hawaiian a Luxury Collection Resort Waikiki
2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Kids pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereThe Royal Hawaiian on Kalakaua Avenue has its own private beach, alongside an outdoor pool and a kids pool, which makes it a straightforward choice for families. A jacuzzi, massage and beauty salon handle relaxation, while the fitness centre and garden add options on site. It is 0.4 km from the centre, and 4476 reviews give it a 4.4 rating. Guests who want a large resort with a beach frontage and family rooms in central Waikiki will find the combination here.
See The Royal Hawaiian a Luxury Collection Resort WaikikiKa Laʻi Waikiki Beach LXR Hotels & Resorts
223 Saratoga Road, Honolulu, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereKa Laʻi Waikiki Beach on Saratoga Road is 0.4 km from the centre and accepts pets, a rare facility among these hotels. An outdoor pool and jacuzzi sit alongside a fitness centre, and rooms include a microwave and dishwasher for light self-catering. Massage, a restaurant and room service mean meals and downtime need no planning, and express check in speeds arrival. With 1152 reviews and a 4.4 rating, it suits guests travelling with a pet or wanting kitchen conveniences close to the beach.
See Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach LXR Hotels & ResortsEspacio The Jewel Of Waikiki
2452 Kalakaua Avenue Waikiki Honolulu Hi 96815 2452 Kalakaua Avenue Waikiki Honolulu Hi 96815, Honolulu, United States
- Air conditioning
- Wifi
Why stay hereThis Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki entry on Kalakaua Avenue is 0.8 km from the centre and lists a deliberately short set of facilities: air conditioning, lifts, a safe, TV, telephone and wifi. With 71 reviews and a 4.6 rating, it is one of the least reviewed options here, so guests should expect a simple, quiet setup rather than resort services. It fits travellers who need little beyond a secure room and connectivity, and who prefer a smaller property over the large Waikiki resorts.
See Espacio The Jewel Of WaikikiEspacio The Jewel Of Waikiki
2452 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereThe second Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki listing, on Kalakaua Ave, is 0.8 km from the centre and offers far more on site than its sibling: an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, massage and a restaurant, plus a kitchen with oven, microwave and refrigerator. A fireplace and lounge add indoor comfort, and free car parking is available. Family rooms, express check in and beach nearby make it practical for groups. With 70 reviews and a 4.6 rating, it suits guests who want kitchen and laundry facilities in a small property.
See Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereCanoeing, a fitness centre and massage fill out the day, and family rooms with babysitting service help guests with children. Beach nearby and a market on site keep things convenient. It is the most reviewed hotel in this list at 6843 reviews, with a 4.1 rating, and suits travellers who want a busy, activity-heavy resort.
See 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki BeachRenaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
1390 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereRenaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa on Kapiolani Boulevard is 2.1 km from the centre, the furthest of the Waikiki-focused hotels here, and pairs an outdoor pool and pool bar with a fitness centre and gymnasium. Massage and a jacuzzi cover recovery, while fishing is listed for guests planning days out. Family rooms, a picnic area and beach nearby make it usable for mixed groups. With 226 reviews and a 4.0 rating, it suits guests who want spa and gym facilities slightly away from the beachfront streets.
See Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & SpaThe Ritz Carlton Residences by Real Select Vacation
383 Kalaimoku St Honolulu Hawaii 96815, Honolulu, United States
Best for: Pool and spa · Business trips
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereThe Ritz Carlton Residences by Real Select Vacation on Kalaimoku St is 0.2 km from the centre and lists a notably broad activity set: diving, surfing, sailing, a sauna, steam room and spa, plus an outdoor pool and a picnic area. Bicycle hire and a terrace add ways to spend the day, and beach nearby keeps the coast close. With only 8 reviews and a 4.9 rating, the rating reflects very few stays. It suits guests wanting water sports and wellness facilities in a central Waikiki location.
See The Ritz Carlton Residences by Real Select VacationJet Luxury at The Trump Waikiki
223 Saratoga Road, Honolulu, United States
Best for: Pool and spa
- Swimming pool
- Wifi
Why stay hereJet Luxury at The Trump Waikiki on Saratoga Road is 0.4 km from the centre and keeps its facilities minimal: a swimming pool, bars, a restaurant, a safe, lifts, TV, telephone and wifi. With 10 reviews and a 4.0 rating, it is a small, lightly reviewed option rather than a full-service resort. Guests who want a pool and an on-site restaurant within a short distance of the centre, and who do not need gym, spa or family services, are the right fit for this property.
See Jet Luxury at The Trump WaikikiPrime Location Waikiki Full Kitchen& Laundry
364 Seaside Avenue Unit 1607, Honolulu, United States
Best for: Pool and spa
- Swimming pool
- Beach nearby
- Air conditioning
Why stay herePrime Location Waikiki Full Kitchen & Laundry on Seaside Avenue is 0.2 km from the centre, the closest address in this list, and as the name indicates, provides kitchen and laundry facilities for guests who prefer to handle meals and washing themselves. Air conditioning, internet access and wifi are listed, with a swimming pool and the beach nearby. There is no guest rating or review count in the data, so the choice rests on location and self-catering rather than on verified guest feedback.
See Prime Location Waikiki Full Kitchen& LaundryAla Moana Hotel Condo 15th floor
Ala Moana Honolulu By Mantra 15Th Floor, Honolulu, United States
- Air conditioning
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereAla Moana Hotel Condo 15th floor is 1.5 km from the centre and offers a compact, self-contained setup: air conditioning, a microwave, coffee, a desk and free wifi, with a bathroom including a shower and towels. Non smoking rooms are available. No guest rating or review count is recorded here, so it is a fit for travellers who want a simple room with kitchen basics near Ala Moana rather than resort facilities such as a pool, gym or restaurant.
See Ala Moana Hotel Condo 15th floor
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halekulani | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 4,047 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 0.4 km |
| The Kahala Hotel & Resort | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 3,756 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5.8 km |
| The Ritz Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 1,511 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.2 km |
| The Royal Hawaiian a Luxury Collection Resort Waikiki | ★★★★★ | 4.4 | 4,476 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 0.4 km |
| Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach LXR Hotels & Resorts | ★★★★★ | 4.4 | 1,152 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.4 km |
| Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 71 | – | – | – | – | 0.8 km |
| Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 70 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 0.8 km |
| 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach | ★★★★★ | 4.1 | 6,843 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.9 km |
| Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa | ★★★★★ | 4.0 | 226 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 2.1 km |
| The Ritz Carlton Residences by Real Select Vacation | ★★★★★ | 4.9 | 8 | – | – | Yes | – | 0.2 km |
| Jet Luxury at The Trump Waikiki | ★★★★★ | 4.0 | 10 | – | – | Yes | – | 0.4 km |
| Prime Location Waikiki Full Kitchen& Laundry | ★★★★★ | – | – | – | – | Yes | – | 0.2 km |
| Ala Moana Hotel Condo 15th floor | ★★★★★ | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1.5 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For beach and buzz
These five Waikiki addresses put the sand within easy reach. Halekulani on Kalia Road scores 4.7 from 4047 reviews, The Royal Hawaiian a Luxury Collection Resort Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue 4.4 from 4476, and 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach 4.1 from 6843.
Halekulani · The Royal Hawaiian a Luxury Collection Resort Waikiki · 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach · Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki · Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki
For space and self-catering
These hotels list kitchens or kitchenettes in their facilities, useful for longer stays and families. The Ritz Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach on Kalaimoku Street adds a dishwasher and games room, Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach LXR Hotels & Resorts on Saratoga Road a microwave and dishwasher, and Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki an oven and refrigerator.
The Ritz Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach · Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach LXR Hotels & Resorts · Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki
For a quieter setting
Away from the densest part of Waikiki, The Kahala Hotel & Resort on Kahala Ave sits 5.8 km from the centre with a golf course, gymnasium and fishing among its facilities, while Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa on Kapiolani Boulevard, 2.1 km out, pairs a spa-style setup with a gymnasium and pool bar.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort · Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
For the highest ratings
Guest scores of 4.6 and above mark this group. The Ritz Carlton Residences by Real Select Vacation holds 4.9 from only 8 reviews, Halekulani 4.7 from 4047, The Kahala Hotel & Resort and The Ritz Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach 4.6, and both Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki entries 4.6 from around 70 reviews each.
The Ritz Carlton Residences by Real Select Vacation · Halekulani · The Kahala Hotel & Resort · The Ritz Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach · Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki · Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki
Where to stay in Honolulu
Waikiki
Waikiki is Honolulu's primary resort area, with most of the city's hotels, a beach and many restaurants and shops within walking distance. The hotels listed here line Kalia Road, Kalakaua Avenue, Kalaimoku Street, Saratoga Road and Seaside Avenue, so the beach and the dining around it are close at hand.
Our picks here: Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki
Kahala
Kahala is an upscale residential neighbourhood east of Waikiki, with a few hotels and a quieter atmosphere. The Kahala Hotel & Resort on Kahala Ave is the listed address here, 5.8 km from the centre, which makes it the choice for travellers who prefer calm over the bustle of the resort strip.
Our picks here: The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Honolulu is served by Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), located about 20 minutes west of Waikiki. Nonstop flights connect to many cities in the U.S. mainland, Asia and Oceania. From the airport, taxis, ride-shares and public buses are available. TheBus system covers Oahu, and a car is useful for exploring outside Honolulu. Within Waikiki, walking is easy, and trolleys and buses link to attractions.
Questions, answered
What is the best area to stay in Honolulu for first-time visitors?
Waikiki is the most popular area for first-time visitors because of its beach, hotels and proximity to attractions. It offers a wide range of accommodations and dining options, and most of the 5-star hotels on this list are in Waikiki, from Kalia Road to Kalakaua Avenue.
Do I need a car when staying at these hotels?
A car is not necessary if you stay in Waikiki, as many attractions are within walking distance or accessible by bus. However, renting a car can be useful for exploring other parts of Oahu, such as the North Shore.
Which hotel is closest to the centre of Honolulu?
The Ritz Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach on Kalaimoku Street and The Ritz Carlton Residences by Real Select Vacation on Kalaimoku St are 0.2 km from the centre, with Halekulani on Kalia Road, The Royal Hawaiian and Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach close behind at 0.4 km.
Which of these hotels has the most reviews?
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach on Kalakaua Avenue has 6843 reviews with a 4.1 rating, followed by The Royal Hawaiian a Luxury Collection Resort Waikiki with 4476 at 4.4 and Halekulani with 4047 at 4.7.
Which hotels are good for families?
Halekulani, The Kahala Hotel & Resort, The Ritz Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach, The Royal Hawaiian, Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach, Espacio The Jewel Of Waikiki on Kalakaua Ave, 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach and Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa all list family rooms among their facilities.
Are there hotels away from the Waikiki crowds?
The Kahala Hotel & Resort on Kahala Ave is in quieter Kahala, 5.8 km from the centre, and Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa on Kapiolani Boulevard lies 2.1 km out, between Waikiki and downtown.
What are the top attractions in Honolulu?
Key attractions include Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head State Monument, Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum. Waikiki Beach itself is a major draw for swimming and surfing.
When is the sunniest time to visit Honolulu?
The dry season from April to October is sunnier, while the wet season from November to March may have more rain, though showers are usually brief. Temperatures stay warm year-round.