Oahu, most notably Waikiki, draws in large numbers of travelers all year long, making it one of the best places in Hawaii to score hotel deals. Much of the island has followed suit, offering shoestring travelers a handful of impressive properties to choose from, including beachfront resorts to out-of-the-way bungalows. All of these affordable Oahu hotels and resorts pack so much value, while helping you stick well within your vacation budget.
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
If you’re coming to Oahu and want to stay right on the beach with a pool and all the amenities to match, your best value is the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. The property has a spa, as well as free included activities, such as lei making, hula lessons and ukelele lessons.
You’ll find several restaurants, including a pool bar and a Starbucks Café. Rooms during high season fetch prices around $289, but drop to $239 a night in slower months, such as August.
The Modern Honolulu
Hip and fun, The Modern Honolulu hotel caters to single and social travelers who appreciate nightly live music at several onsite venues. The Study, a swank watering hole found behind a rotating bookshelf wall, is rated one of Waikiki’s best bars, and Addiction is a nightclub on property.
But The Modern isn’t all party, all the time. The outdoor space packs two pools, one for adults only, and one for families. Regardless of your age, you’ll appreciate that this hotel is right on the water — although, technically, it’s located along a marina, not golden sand.
As for the 353 rooms, each features a color palette of whites and neutrals, with blues courtesy of the ocean views from the hotel tower and its balconies. Oh, and room service is available 24 hours a day, helping you keep a late-night party going with drinks and pizza, or start an early morning off with a green smoothie. Room rates around $199.
Hotel La Croix
Completely renovated in 2017, Hotel La Croix features 188 rooms with glass walls, modern décor with pops of color and fun, quirky touches that make the rooms feel personal. It’s a 15-minute walk to the beach, which you can skip thanks to the hotel’s free shuttle.
For dining options, Lacroix Bistro serves breakfast, and the hotel is adding an oyster bar, and a craft coffee and juice bar pouring Hawaiian coffee and espresso drinks. Rates start at around $160 per night, making this one of Oahu’s most affordable hotels.
Ke Iki Beach Bungalows
Every one of the 11 Ke Iki Beach Bungalows offers slightly different décor, and range in size from studios to two bedrooms — and all are located right on the beach of Oahu’s north shore, renting for about $200 a night.
We like that every unit comes with a free kitchen, helping you save further by preparing your own meals. Plus, with onsite hammocks, grills and picnic tables, you’ll have plenty of room to relax and dine al fresco.
Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club
We love the vibe of the Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club, a 112-room boutique property merging funky beach décor with mid-century modern style to create a one-of-a-kind trendy space just five blocks from Waikiki Beach, one of the best things to do on Oahu.
Onsite eatery Mahina and Sun’s dishes up a modern take on island cuisine. The menu highlights local, seasonal fare including Kualoa oysters, Kauai shrimp, and Uncle’s ice cream sandwiches, made with Kona coffee ice cream with salted caramel. The property also features a coffee bar and a boutique with his and hers surf and beachwear.
Plus, the hotel hosts hip events, from silent disco parties to art workshops. Bonus: Guests enjoy free use of bicycles. Rates start at $159 per night, making this one of the most affordable Oahu hotels.
Paradise Bay Resort
Located in Kaneohe on Oahu’s east coast (a 35-minute drive from Waikiki Beach), is Paradise Bay Resort, offering 40 guest rooms across five budget categories, all decorated in plantation style with rich woods and tropical decor.
Choose this escape if you’re seeking a quieter getaway closer to the elements, or if you’re looking for a family-friendly Oahu resort. The resort is on the water, and offers complimentary kayaks and snorkel gear, as well as yoga and meditation classes. A full breakfast spread is included for a nightly rate around $200.
Lotus Honolulu Hotel at Diamond Head
For travelers who want beach access without the late-night noise, consider Lotus Honolulu Hotel, a 10-minute walk south of Waikiki and just a 1-minute walk from the beach. This property is also one of the best Oahu hotels for couples, thanks to its spacious rooms and wonderful views.
Each of the 51 rooms comes with an in-room Illy brand espresso maker, and all guests have access to free use of beach chairs and bicycles. One fun perk of the hotel is a complimentary wine happy hour in the late afternoon. As one of the most affordable Oahu hotels, rates start at $162 per night.
Turtle Bay Resort
Located on a choice stretch of the northernmost tip of the island, Turtle Bay Resort brings together the best of scenic Oahu, from cliff jumping into clear, turquoise waters to soft, caramel-colored beaches. Plus, Turtle Bay delivers the best of resort amenities, starting with two pools and two golf courses. You can also find some of the best snorkeling in Oahu in front of the resort at Kuilima Cove.
The resort compound includes seven restaurants and bars, including Roy’s Beach House created by the famous Roy Yamaguchi. There’s also Surfer, an unpretentious bar with live music several nights each week. Rooms evoke the serenity of the sea, with a color palette rich with blues and the neutral hues of the beach. Side note: We love the fact that this resort was the setting of the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Rates start as low as $280 in shoulder season.
Hotel Renew
Hotel Renew does not offer your typical beachy, islandy resort experience, but rather, a sleek, urban-feeling escape located just a few blocks from downtown Waikiki proper, and just a 2-minute walk to Kuhio Beach.
What Hotel Renew does offer are 72 clean, modern rooms, as well as a free breakfast that includes smoothies, pastries and eggs, all for around $150-195 per night, depending on season. The hotel offers free Wi-fi, as well as beach chairs, bamboo mats and boogie boards to borrow for the day.
Owen’s Retreat
If you’re traveling to Oahu to get in sync with nature, there’s no better place to bed down than Owen’s Retreat in Mokuleia on the North Shore. This little compound offers a studio, as well as one-bedroom, two-bedroom and four-bedroom units, with the studio renting for $240 a night.
Inside, each unit is pristinely clean but super basic. But you’re renting here not for the décor, but for the privilege of staying steps from the golden Oahu beach. You’ll wake up and have coffee on the outdoor balcony while enjoying ocean views where you may catch sight of humpback whales or monk seals.
Hawaiian Princess Resort
Head to the Hawaiian Princess Resort on the western side of Oahu for a high-rise hotel experience with ample amenities, all located right on the quiet Papaoneone Beach, part of the Waianae Coast.
Enjoy hotel perks such as tennis courts, a pool and a hot tub. The rooms have plenty of personality, with tropical, bright colors and an updated, fun feel. Rooms start at around $200 a night.
