Where to Stay in Hawaii – 4 BEST Islands (with Top Hotels)

Aloha, friend, and welcome to Hawaii, the Paradise of the Pacific! In this guide, I’ll be your trip-planning gal for where to stay in Hawaii! I researched all the major islands where it makes sense to stay for tourists and came up with a list of the top 4 you will definitely want to see!

Island hopping can be challenging in Hawaii if you’re planning a short stay. I only feature the largest and most activity-packed spots so you can have a fantastic time without stressing about transport!

Stay in Maui as a first-time visitor for captivating old towns, the best snorkeling, and luxury hotels! But check out Oahu and other places, as they may suit your interests and budget better!

The most important tip before we start: book your hotels and tours at least 2 months in advance because they sell out really quickly!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

These are the best hotels up for grabs in Maui:

Check out this map of the 4 best Hawaii islands I will be talking about in this blog post:

1. Maui – where to stay in Hawaii for the first time

Maui, one of the most popular islands in Hawaii, is home to stunning beaches with amazing aquatic life! If you’re picturing yourself on powdery white sand beaches surrounded by palm trees, you’ll definitely want to stay in Maui!

All parts of this island are beautiful. One of the best beaches in Hawaii, the 3-mile Kaanapali Beach (map), with its crystal clear water ideal for snorkeling, is located on the West coast of Maui. 

Just South of Kaanapali is the most charming old town, Lahaina. Here, you can explore different cultures that shaped this island, unique cuisine, and the main shopping hotspot in the area, Whalers Village (map).

There are tons of other places to visit here, like the Haleakala National Park with its dormant volcano (map, pack warm clothes if hiking to the top!) or the Iao Valley State Park (map) with the iconic Iao Needle natural monument.

PRO TIP: Don’t miss out on whale watching if you’re visiting from December to March! Maui is a prime spot for whale encounters in Hawaii! Most tours (like this one) depart from Maalaea Harbor (map). Don’t forget binoculars!

In Maui, you’ll find glamorous beachfront hotels and resorts ideal for couples and honeymooners. This is possibly the most expensive island in Hawaii, so plan your budget accordingly. By the way, Maui’s extravagant Hotel Wailea is the only adult-only hotel if this is what you’re after!

NOTE: Count in the extra fees ($45 for resort fees and just as much for parking per night) when planning your budget, especially in central areas where parking is scarce. If your resort charges an extra fee for activities, try to use as many of them as possible to get the best bang for your buck!

Ideally, rent a car in Maui for greater freedom, but note that the demand is high, and rentals can be on the pricey side. If you’d rather save money, book a hotel in a central location (like Lahaina) so you can easily join tours around the island. Local Maui Bus operates 13 lines across the island as well.Below, I cherry-picked the 4 best places to stay in Maui, but you can always find more ideas in our separate articles covering unique places to stay in Maui, the best honeymoon hotels in Maui, and the best all-inclusive resorts on the island.

Other accommodation options in Maui 

Things to do in Maui 

• Join a whale-watching tour on an eco-raft
• Hike to Haleakala Volcano and catch a stunning sunrise on a tour
• Go snorkeling or just chill at Kaanapali Beach
• Explore the charming town of Lahaina and its surroundings
• Book a helicopter tour and see the island’s beauties from the above
• Go for a ride along Road to Hana, the most scenic drive on the island
• Join a day trip to Lanai Pineapple Island and its Cat Sanctuary (map)
• Go snorkeling at Maluaka Beach (map), known as Hawaii’s turtle town

2. Oahu – best area to stay in Hawaii for active sightseeing

Oahu Island, known as The Gathering Place, is nothing short of an epic surf scene straight from a movie with all the amazing landscapes and nightlife you can imagine. Oahu has the perfect combination of city life and natural attractions to keep you busy for days!

The island is home to Hawaii’s capital city, Honolulu, and the famous Waikiki Beach (map), which is already very promising!

Start the sightseeing by discovering the historical monument Pearl Harbor (map), then check out the countless museums and art galleries. 

Kalakula Avenue (map) and its surroundings in Honolulu are the hotspots for shopping, and Rainbow Drive-in restaurant (map – this is one of the best ones) is the best place to try local Hawaiian food. For more inspo for foodies, check out our list of the 25 best restaurants in Oahu!

After you get familiar with the town and cuisine, it’s time to discover the island’s natural beauty. Hike to Diamond Head crater (map) to enjoy amazing views of Honolulu, spend time having a refreshing, tropical cocktail at Waikiki Beach, and then continue discovering the island’s other stunning beaches. 

FAMILY TIP: If you’re traveling with kids, take them to the Ko Olina Disney Resort on the West side of Oahu. They’ll be forever grateful!

Surfers should head straight to the North Shore in Waimea Bay (map) and Sunset Beach (map), as this is where all the pro surfers (and the biggest waves) are! On the other hand, Hanauma Bay (map) is the coolest spot for snorkeling!

TIP: As you drive to the North Shore, make sure to grab some delicious seafood snacks from the food trucks! Such a nice local and cultural experience.

Just please beware when going to beaches with kids to only pick white-flag beaches. Hawaii is in the middle of the Pacific, and the currents here can be strong.

Finally, when it gets dark, hit the town to check out the vibrant nightlife in Honolulu. 

Phew! What more could you expect from a perfect Hawaii vacation spot?

Oahu offers numerous accommodation options for all budgets. In fact, you’ll find the highest concentration of hotels and resorts around Waikiki. I picked the 4 best places to stay, but if you want more options, check out my dedicated post for where to stay in Oahu.

As for getting around, again, car rental is your best bet, but you can also use public transport (check TheBus and WaikikiTrolley for routes and timetables). Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are also available (but the last 2 aren’t allowed in airports).

Now, let’s check out the best Oahu Hawaii hotels.

Other accommodation options in Oahu

Things to do in Oahu

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3. Hawaii Island (Big Island) – where to stay for volcanoes

Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island and The Orchid Isle, is a perfect place to base yourself if you want to explore Hawaii’s volcanic nature. Plus, you’ll find a bit of everything, from luxury resorts to family-friendly beaches and romantic restaurants and tons of stuff to do for an active holiday.

Hiking in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must, with its amazing lava craters, lakes, rainforests, and beautiful orchid farms. The area is home to 2 active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa (with super advanced NASA telescopes, map), and is the only World Heritage Site in Hawaii!

FUN FACT: The Big Island has 8 out of 13 climatic zones in the world and it’s larger than all other Hawaii islands combined. Wear layered and warm clothes if you decide to climb its heights! Also, most Hawaii islands have one dry and one rainy side, so when checking for the weather, always type in specific places rather than the whole island.

The Kona Coast has the best beaches (check out Hapuna Beach for dolphin sightings), while Kealakekua Bay (map) is ideal for manta ray snorkeling and exploring the island’s coffee culture, notably at Greenwell Farms (map).

The Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay (map) commemorates this explorer who was killed in this area in 1779 after discovering Hawaii! 

Do note that Hawaii Island is super big, making it tricky to move around if you want to see it all. Kona and its surroundings on the West side and Hilo, with its waterfalls, on the East Coast are great places to base yourself. I even recommend splitting your holiday in two and spending 3 or 4 days on each side.

TIP: If you’re looking for luxury, stay in the West side. For tons of budget options, check out the East side around Hilo.

It takes 1 and a half hours to drive from one side to the other, and car rental is still the best option to get around. There’s also Hele-On Bus that’ll take you almost anywhere, while Uber and Lyft are also widely available and also serve airports. Taxis mostly run around Kona. Ideally, if you can’t rent a car, take as many guided tours as possible!

Below are the top-rated hotels in Big Island, but if some of the options are fully booked for your dates, we have more in store for you! Check out the best boutique hotels and family all-inclusive resorts on the Big Island!

Other accommodation options in Hawaii Island

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EAST SIDE: SCP Hilo Hotel is a great mid-range alternative on the East side of the island.

Things to do on Hawaii Island

• Go hiking in the amazing Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Go snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay and enjoy crystal-clear water 
• Join a night snorkeling tour to see manta rays
• Explore beautiful Akaka Falls (map)
• Take golf courses at Kona Country Club (map)
• See sea turtles on the black sands of Punalu’u Beach (map)
• Explore the natural beauty of Waipi’o Valley (map)
• Learn about Hawaiin culture at Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

4. Kauai – best place to stay in Hawaii for nature and adventure

Kauai is the ideal Hawaii Island if you’re all about tropical landscapes and adventure. Get ready to discover seaside cliffs, hike in canyons, chase waterfalls and enjoy beautiful beaches!

Thanks to its incredible nature, Kauai offers a great selection of outdoor activities. One day, you can kayak in secluded canyons, on the next you can go on a boat tour to explore amazing coasts, and every minute in between, simply relax on the beach and snorkel to see colorful fish. 

The 14-mile Waimea Canyon in Kauai is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and it’s a must for hiking enthusiasts!

In Kauai, you will also find a must-visit in Hawaii – Na Pali Coast Wilderness Park (map) where you can enjoy a boat trip for the best views of this spectacular region. For the best sunsets and snorkeling, head to Tunnels Beach, Hanalei Bay, in the northernmost part of the island (map). This area is ideal for paddleboarding as well!

NOTE: Stay away from murky waters on beaches across Hawaii to avoid close and dangerous encounters with sharks. 

In Kauai, you will find a more local and less touristy vibe, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a bit more of an authentic experience away from the crowds. It’s the ideal setting for babies, honeymooners, and really anyone who’s more into exploring and less into nightlife (since nightlife is practically nonexistent here).

Car rental is the best way to get around Kauai, but if you’d rather not drive, Kauai Bus covers the island’s major spots. It takes around 2 hours to drive from one end of the island to another, and there’s really just one main road across the island. You can also rent a bike (here’s a reliable provide) to explore the surroundings.

Other accommodation options in Kauai

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NOTE: If the Grand Hyatt is fully booked for your dates, we have a whole article on the top-rated 4 and 5-star hotels in Kauai so you can quickly find a good alternative!

Things to do in Kauai 

BONUS: Island hopping in Hawaii – quick guide

The big question when planning your Hawaii trip is whether or not to go island hopping. 

In the simplest terms, it depends.

Island hopping can be exhausting and can take up to 5 hours to get from one place to another (getting to the airport, returning the car rental, flying, taking another car rental). If you’re planning a short stay of up to 10 days, I recommend you visit 1 or 2 islands at most.

Because let’s face it, whether you’re flying from the West Coast or from the inland US, you’ll be jet-lagged anyway. It usually takes up to 2 full days to recover, and you definitely don’t want to jump from one plane to another during your precious time in Hawaii.

Those of you who are lucky enough to plan a one-month vacation in Hawaii may as well manage to squeeze in a trip to all 4 major islands!

Now here’s how island hopping in Hawaii works.

Flights

All 4 major Hawaii Islands (as well as the smaller ones) have their own airport, making flying the fastest and cheapest inter-island travel method. 

Hawaiian Airlines is the largest operator that serves all 4 islands (Maui, Oahu, Big Island, and Kauai) and their major cities.

Mokulele Airlines flies with small planes that operate from major islands and smaller ones like Lanai or Molokai. It also flies from both Kona and Hilo (Big Island), just like Hawaiian Airlines.

Southwest Airlines is the new addition that covers all 4 major islands, offering low-cost flights. 

Flight times between islands (with a starting point at Honolulu) are no more than 60 minutes.

TIP: Check Skyscanner for the best deals for all Hawaii inter-island-related travel for your dates!

Ferries

The only inter-island ferry service is the Expeditions Lanai Passenger Ferry between Lahaina Harbor in Maui and Manele Bay in Lanai. You can check out the timetables on Lanai Ferry’s website. They have daily departures, and the ride takes around 45 minutes.

Tours

There are many sightseeing cruises and guided tours between the islands. Tours are a good option if you’d rather not think about organizing transport and instead just relax. Most packages include everything from transport to accommodation, making your trip planning a breeze.

For the adventurous spirits, there are helicopter tours of hard-to-reach destinations such as Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island and Na Pali coast on Kauai. 

And if you’re short on time but you’re into sailing, snorkeling, and sightseeing, day tours from Maui to Lanai are another great option.

With all these options on the table, moving around Hawaii shouldn’t be too much of a hustle!

FAQs about where to stay in Hawaii

🗺️ Where should I stay in Hawaii for the first time?

Maui is a great island to explore for first-timers, with its captivating white sand beaches, snorkeling spots, old towns, and the best luxury resorts.

🤔 How many days in Hawaii is enough?

I recommend at least 10 days if you want to see at least 2 islands. If you only have a week, you can still see a lot, but just focus on an island of your choice.

🏝️ What island is the best to stay on in Hawaii?

Maui is best for first-timers, Big Island is for volcano bums, Oahu is for active city + nature exploration, and Kauai is ideal for secluded adventures in nature.

⏱️ What is the best time of year to visit Hawaii?

The best time to visit Hawaii is from March to September as the weather is nice and there are just a few rainy days.

💸 What is the cheapest time of year to visit Hawaii?

Hawaii’s low season is from September to December. In this period you can get better deals on hotels.

❓ Is it better to stay in Hilo or Kona?

Hilo is closer to the big volcanoes, while Kona has better beaches and it’s where most luxury resorts are.

🛬 What are the best hotels in Hawaii near Honolulu Airport?

Unfortunately, the closest hotels to the airport have really poor ratings (like Airport Honolulu Hotel). I recommend choosing a hotel close to town, like the Renaissance Hotel, unless being in the immediate vicinity of the airport is important to you.

🌺 Is it better to stay in Maui or Honolulu?

Honolulu is better if you want to experience a bustling city vibe, while Maui is better for a typical island escape vacation.

💲 What is the best part of Hawaii to visit on a budget?

Oahu and Big Island (notably its East side) are considered the cheapest islands to stay in Hawaii.

👩‍❤️‍👨 What are the best places to stay in Hawaii for adults?

All resorts in Hawaii are perfect for couples with their romantic setting and attractive amenities, but Hotel Wailea is the only adult-only resort in Hawaii!

Final words on the best areas to stay in Hawaii

That’s it; you’ve made it to the end of our virtual island hopping around Hawaii! 

I truly hope my travel guide on where to stay in Hawaii helped you find your perfect hotel on an island that checks all the boxes!

If you’re still indecisive, these are my favorite hotels in Hawaii where I wouldn’t think twice before booking:

Hawaii is one of the most popular travel destinations in the US, and I know that you don’t want to miss your ideal place or tour. Make all the reservations at least 2 months in advance! Let me tell you, last-minute whale-watching boat tours hardly ever work for anyone!

If you have any questions about your upcoming stay in Hawaii, feel free to drop them in the comments below! I’ll be happy to help!

Safe travels,

Darija

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