[Oahu Luxury Resort] 10 Best Resorts in Oahu Hawaii 2023
A few days in Oahu are always a smart idea, whether you’re traveling to Hawaii for the first time or are a seasoned sun seeker looking for warmth. No matter which resort you choose, paradise is right outside your door, from historic estate properties turned luxury hotels to not-so-secret celeb hideaways and all-inclusive family-friendly resorts.
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Halekulani, for the last word in luxury
Courtesy of Halekulani / ExpediaThe tranquil beachfront grounds of Halekulani, one of Hawaii’s best and oldest luxury resorts, have been welcoming visitors for more than a century. The four Premier Suites here have unobstructed views of Diamond Head, a distinctive design, and overlook Waikiki Beach. In addition, Halekulani takes pride in its attentive, customized service, which includes a private butler, in-room guest check-in, private kitchen amenities, and free SUV transfers to and from the airport.
Moana Surfrider offers views of the beach
Courtesy of Moana Surfrider / ExpediaSpend your time at the First Lady of Waikiki however you want. In addition to being right on Waikiki Beach, the hotel is also home to a number of picturesque locations, including your balcony with a view of the sand, the majestic 75-foot (23-meter) banyan tree that was planted in 1904, the Moana Lani Spa with its beachfront Lomi Lomi massages, and the grand staircase made of koa wood in the Moana Wing. The oceanfront suite with two private balconies, which puts you in a prime position to see both the sunrise and sunset, is a room choice you won’t regret making.
The Kahala Hotel and Resort, for Old Hawaii grandeur
Courtesy of the Kahala Hotel and Resort / ExpediaThis prestigious resort has hosted every notable person. This Honolulu landmark, which once served as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s cover, still exudes a grand Old Hawaii charm without coming off as stuffy. The bathrooms have double sinks and a deep soaking tub, and the rooms are roomy and understated, with some having views of the ocean. The resort’s main attraction, however, is the immaculate white-sand beach. Even though it is only a half-mile (0.8km) long, it is one of the few “private” beaches in Hawaii, where all beaches are open to the public. Hoku’s is a favorite among the five dining options due to its nature-to-table Hawaiian cuisine and renowned Sunday brunch.
Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina, for thoughtful amenities
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina / ExpediaFor good reason, the Four Seasons experience is not inexpensive. The elegant beach-chic rooms at Four Seasons Ko Olina are luxurious as you would expect and have panoramic ocean views. A flurry of extras are available at the resort, including an adults-only infinity pool with cabanas outfitted with Kindles and Bose headphones, an activities desk that arranges everything from exhilarating helicopter tours to turtle spotting with former Navy Seals, and innovative culinary concepts like Michael Mina’s Fish House, a James Beard Award-winning chef’s creation. The only thing we can really find fault with is how difficult it is to leave.
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, for lazy beach vibes
Courtesy of Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort / ExpediaIt should come as no surprise that the hotel’s direct access to the beach, located just steps from its freshwater pool, is its best attribute since it was once the site of the Outrigger Canoe Club. With light-filled rooms with balconies to take in the gentle Hawaiian breeze and access to a private lounge for Voyager 47 Club rooms, this laid-back Waikiki resort has everything you need for a week in the sun. At Duke’s Waikiki restaurant, there is always a good vibe in the air, especially on lazy Sundays when Hawaiian singer Henry Kapono performs. Every week, the hotel offers its guests a complimentary traditional Hawaiian vow renewal ceremony.
Courtesy of Turtle Bay Resort / ExpediaThe hype surrounding Oahu’s renowned North Shore is well-deserved. The waves are breathtaking, the water is pristine, and the pace is slower. Turtle Bay is one resort with all the highlights. Horseback riding lessons, an on-site spa, a golf course, and two saltwater pools are just a few of the diversions offered by the self-contained property, which is also ideally situated for snorkeling and turtle watching due to its location on Kuilima Cove. The spacious rooms are equipped with all the standard luxuries, and the majority have views of the ocean.
Paradise Bay Resort, for days spent in the sea
Courtesy of Paradise Bay Resort / ExpediaThe secluded Paradise Bay Resort makes a great choice for a getaway that is more sedate and focused on activities. Large self-catering cottages with views of Chinaman’s Hat Island and the picturesque Kneohe Bay look out to the majestic Koolau Mountains. The resort fee includes kayaking and snorkeling gear, as well as yoga and meditation classes. It will be worthwhile to spend extra money on a chartered boat excursion to the nearby sandbar for an afternoon of snorkeling and volleyball.
Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, for cartoon cool
Courtesy of Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa / ExpediaVacations are supposed to be relaxing, which isn’t always simple when you’ve got a few kids with you. Due to its many attractions, such as its water play areas, the Rainbow Reef for snorkeling, photo opportunities with Moana and Mickey, and fire pit storytelling, the family-friendly Aulani resort buys you some breathing room, allowing you to at least finish your coffee while it’s still warm. If you really want to get away, leave the kids at Aunty’s Beach House while you relax at the adults-only Wailana Pool or play a round of golf on the nearby Ko Olina course. Gather for photos at Ko Olina Lagoon One at sunset, which is right outside the Aulani Disney Resort. Even Mickey could stop by for a selfie.
‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, for beachside glamor at scale
Courtesy of ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach / ExpediaSixty movements. That is all it takes to get to Waikiki’s sandy beaches from this hotel. This 839-room hotel underwent renovations in 2018 and is all about the wow factor. There are also two restaurants run by TV chef Masaharu Morimoto, a popular infinity pool with local scene-setters, and a 280,000gal (1,000,000lt) aquarium filled with tropical fish in the lobby (all cream hues and warm wood accents). Spend money on one of the nine suites to get access to the Longboard Club all day long, as well as deep soaking tubs and a sizable lanai for added bragging rights.
The Royal Hawaiian, for Insta-worthy interiors
Courtesy of the Royal Hawaiian / ExpediaThe 1927 bubblegum-colored exterior of this historic hotel existed before millennial pink. The hotel, known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific, is a landmark in Honolulu thanks to its picture-perfect stucco and Moorish exterior. The Historic Wing’s rooms are divided between areas with hints of the resort’s distinctive pink color and old-world opulence. The more recent Mailani Tower, in contrast, has understated, minimalistic rooms. You will find special artifacts illuminating the history of the Hawaiian monarchy as well as regular cultural events paying homage to the resort’s illustrious past (lei-making, crafting of kukui-nut bracelets, and hula lessons). The Aha Aina Luau, a weekly event where Hawaii’s history is reenacted through a flurry of food, song, stories, and hula, is the best place to take it all in, though.
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