Where to Stay in Hawaii: Best Stays Across Oahu, Maui & More

Let’s be real: staying in any short-term space in Hawaii feels like a paradise on its own. After all, most lodging prices here soar to sky-high levels. Even the so-called ‘affordable’ choices sometimes seem just out of reach. But despite being the most expensive visiting state in the United States, the trip is undoubtedly worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you’re not quite sure about the good places to stay in Hawaii, this editorial-curated guide is all you need! Not only have we gathered the best accommodations in Hawaii, ranging from luxury resorts and cozy vacation homes to nature-inspired stays, but we’ve also covered all of your trip essentials with: ‘what’, ‘where’, and ‘when’. This includes Hawaii travel tips, trips for all budgets, the best time to visit, and plenty of attractions and activities to make the most of your Hawaiian vacation!

Best Places to Stay in Hawaii: Outlines

• The What: Exploring Hawaii (Must-Do Activities and Packing Essentials)
  
  
• The Where: Top Hawaiian Islands for Your Ideal Stay
  
  
• The When: Best Times to Visit Hawaii
  
  
• Hawaii: Top Stays, Attractions, and Activities
  
  
• How to Travel in Hawaii on a Budget
  
  
• Hawaii Travel Tips
  
  

The What: Exploring Hawaii (Must-Do Activities and Packing Essentials)

Exploring Hawaii: From basking on world-renowned pristine beaches to hiking stunning trails, and snorkeling with turtles, to having an unforgettable whale-watching experience, there’s no doubt why The Aloha State draws more than 8 million visitors per year. These are just a few of the must-do activities in Hawaii, and you can find more by scrolling forward based on your tastes and budget.

What to Pack for Hawaii: As for the essential packing list for Hawaii, you can consider packing reef-safe sunscreens, UV-protective sunglasses, swimsuits, comfortable clothing (including light layers), and hiking shoes. Don’t forget your reusable or filtered water bottle for travel to keep you hydrated throughout your best Hawaii vacation.

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The Where: Top Hawaiian Islands for Your Ideal Stay

Selecting the perfect Hawaiian island can be tough—as they all have their specialties, unique offerings, and charm! Oahu shines with its breathtaking world-famous beaches like Waikiki, Lanikai, and Hanauma Bay. 

Maui island brings natural beauty, historical landmarks, the traditional culture in its luaus, and delicious tropical drinks like mai tais.

Molokai, Lanai, and Kauai are equally popular spots, especially when you need a less touristy escape away from the crowds. Each island has its own ‘wow’ factor and vibe, so pick the one that suits your love for exploration!

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The When: Best Times to Visit Hawaii

So what time is best to visit Hawaii? This depends on your planned budget, the weather you love, and the experiences you want to have through Hawaii islands.

Budget Travel: If you’re on a tight budget, you can plan your trip for the off-season, like late winter, late spring, and fall season. Try to avoid the holiday times like Christmas and New Year. You can book your trip in April, May, September, and October months for a low-cost vacation in Hawaii. 

Ideal Weather: March through October is the best time for weather lovers in Hawaii when the temps are generally warmer with clearer skies and minimal rainfall. Weather can change at any time because it is hard to predict. Hurricane season typically lasts from June to November, and you should plan your trip accordingly.

Unique Experiences: If you don’t want to miss out on experiences like whale-watching, visit the islands in January, February, and March. This is the time when humpback whales migrate towards Hawaii’s warm water from cold Polar regions like Alaska. We would further suggest that you do your own research to find the best and worst times to visit Hawaii.

Consideration	Best Time to Visit	Details
Budget Travel	Late Winter, Late Spring, Fall (April, May, September, October)	Off-season, avoiding holiday times like Christmas and New Year for lower costs.
Ideal Weather	March to October	Generally warmer temperatures, clearer skies, and minimal rainfall. Weather can change unpredictably.
Hurricane Season	Typically June to November	Consider planning your trip with the possibility of hurricanes in mind during this time period. Research well.
Unique Experiences	January, February, March	During this time, humpback whales migrate from colder to warmer regions, making it ideal for whale watching.
Research	Conduct thorough research	Advise readers to conduct personal research to identify the best and worst times to visit Hawaii based on preferences.

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Hawaii Highlights: Top Stays, Attractions, and Activities

• Oahu, Hawaii
  
  
• Maui, Hawaii
  
  
• Big Island, Hawaii
  
  
• Lanai, Hawaii
  
  
• Kauai, Hawaii
  
  
• Molokai, Hawaii

Oahu, Hawaii

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Adventure in Oahu

• Water Jet Pack and Jet Ski: Enjoy a jet pack and jet ski adventure at Maunalua Bay Beach, Honolulu, Oahu. 
• Gyroplane flight over the North Shore: With an open-air cockpit, you’ll feel like a bird flying above the North Shore. Even though it is expensive, it’s still worth more than the price. For a unique once-a-blue-moon experience, enjoy the Gyroplane adventure from a bird’s point of view.
• Helicopter tour: Opt for a 60-minute Helicopter tour with doors on or off at Oahu. 
• Kayak and Canoe paddling: Head to Kaneohe Bay for the best Kayaking and Canoe paddling experience.
• SUP: Enjoy Stand-up Paddleboarding at Waikiki Beach, Honolulu.
• Hiking trails: Explore different hiking trails by the beach, lighthouse, cliffs, valley, waterfalls, and lush forest. 
• Horseback Riding on the Beach: There are plenty of horseback riding tours available on the island of Oahu. Shorter rides are less expensive if you want to enjoy them on a tight budget.
• Catamaran sailing, Sunset cruises, and Glass-bottom boat tours: All three of these are accessible at Waikiki Beach.
• Submarine scooter adventure, Honolulu
• Jurassic Park: Officially known as the Kualoa Ranch, at Kaneohe.

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Tourist Destinations in Oahu, Hawaii

• Hawaiian Railway
• Byodo-In Temple
• Koko Crater Arch
• Circle Island 
• Polynesian Cultural Center
• Mokulua Islands
• Manoa Waterfalls
• USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
• Pearl Harbor 

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Maui, Hawaii

RELATED: 12 Best Places to Stay in Maui for Couples in 2024

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Adventure in Maui

• Iao Valley and Waihe’e Ridge: for hiking.
• Kitesurfing and kiteboarding: at Kite Beach, Maui. Head to Kite Beach at Kanaha Beach Park.
• Horse riding: ride along a scenic oceanfront trail or mountain trail for the views of waterfalls.
• Paraglide: from the mountain- Mt. Haleakalā.
• Sea-scooter-snorkeling: at Wailea Beach, Maui. 
• Forest hikes, Waterfall hikes.
• Maui Ocean Center: Aquarium in Maalaea, Maui. 
• Sailing tour and Sunset cruise: from Kaanapali Beach. 
• High-speed jet boat
• Maui Atlantis Submarine: Lahaina, Maui. 
• Paddleboarding and Canoeing: Turtle Town, Maui. 
• Kayaking: in a transparent boat at Olowalu, Maui. 
• Zipline adventure
• Kaeleku Caverns: An old Lava tube for cave adventure.
• Honolua Bay: for surfing, diving, and snorkeling.
• Maui & Molokai helicopter tour
• Private plane tour 

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Popular Attractions in Maui

• Maluaka Beach (Here you can spot green sea turtles).
• MauiWine (winery, best for couples on honeymoon)
• Nakalele Blowhole (for wave eruptions at Poelua Bay, Wailuku).
• Kaneohe Bay
• Haleakala Crater
• Road to Hana
• Banyan Tree in Lahaina
• Molokini Crater
• Ka’eleku Caverns (old lava tube) 
• Haleakala National Park
• Iao Valley
• Luaus (traditional Hawaiian feast) 
• Turtle Town, Maluaka Beach

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Big Island, Hawaii

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Things to Do on the Big Island

• Night snorkeling with manta rays (Kona, Big Island) or snorkeling at Captain Cook 
• Zipline near Akaka Falls 
• Mauna Kea Stargazing tour 
• Off-road rainforest exploration on an ATV
• Big Island helicopter and airplane tours
• Chain of Craters road trip
• Explore the Big Island by hiking or bicycling
• Swim, dive, and snorkel at Lanikai, Mahana, Hapuna, and Punaluu beaches
• Hike the Kīlauea Iki Crater trail, Waipio Valley (you can spot waterfalls), Pololu Valley (black sand beach nearby)
• Whale watching (only during the migration period- Jan to March)
• Kaumana Caves for Cave Adventure (lava tube cave formed by Mauna Loa) 
• Snorkeling and scuba diving at the Kealakekua Bay

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Things to See on the Big Island (Popular Tourist Destinations)

• Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
• Hulihee Palace
• Kahaluu Beach Park 
• Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay)
• Papakolea Green Sand Beach
• Magic Sands Beach Park (white sand beach) 
• Rainbow Falls (waterfalls amidst the rainforest)
• Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden
• Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
• Holei sea arch
• Punaluu Beach (most famous black sand beach on the Big Island, near the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park)

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Lanai, Hawaii

Things to Do and See in Lanai

• Lopa Beach 
• Hulopoe Beach
• Polihua Beach
• Shipwreck Beach
• Sweetheart Rock
• Sea cliffs 
• Manele Bay Road 
• Pu’u Pehe 
• Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods)
• Dole Park (spot tall Pine trees here)
• Kaunolu Village
• Snorkel and dolphin tour
• Hike at the Makapuu trail, Munro trail, Koloiki Ridge trail
• Private helicopter excursion 
• Lanai cat sanctuary 

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Kauai, Hawaii

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Things to Do and See in Kauai

• Hanalei Beach 
• Napali Coast Sail
• Poipu Beach
• Tunnels Beach 
• Queen’s Beach 
• Napali Coast State Wilderness Park (for hiking and camping)
• Waterfall 
• Waimea Canyon State Park 
• Ziplining
• Air tour 
• Snorkel with sea turtles 
• Koke’s State Park 
• Wailua River and Wailua fall
• Dinner Cruise 
• Kayaking 
• Kalalau trail, Kilauea lighthouse trail 

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Molokai, Hawaii

• Best Places to Stay in Molokai, Hawaii
  
  
• Things to Do and See in Molokai

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Things to Do and See in Molokai

• Hālawa Valley
• Kahiwa Falls, Olo’upena Falls, Pu’uka’oku Falls, Pāpalaua Falls, Moaula Falls
• Kumimi Beach Kapukahehu Beach
• Pālāʻau State Park
• Kalaupapa National Historical Park
• Papohaku Beach Park
• Kaunolu Village

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How to Travel in Hawaii on a Budget

Whether your budget is low, just right, or high, Hawaii is a place where you can enjoy according to any budget type. No matter your budget, Hawaii will still give you a lifetime of memories to cherish forever. Below are a few common budget types for a trip to Hawaii, and how much you can enjoy within it. 

• Low budget ($2000 – $3000 per person): It is possible to enjoy Hawaii on a low budget with proper planning. We recommend planning your trip ahead, booking flights earlier, opting for guesthouses, budget-friendly hotels, rentals, or hostels, considering local transport, and budget-friendly activities like hiking, beach swimming, surfing, waterfall, and valley walks, and opting for local food trucks. It is recommended to have your meal away from the tourist attractions, to save more. Even after these, you will still have some money left to enjoy other fun activities. Traveling in a group and eating like a local will give you benefits if you’re on a low budget.
  
  
• Medium budget ($3000 – $5000 per person): This is the most common budget for Hawaii, opted by tourists. Within this budget, you can enjoy pretty well in Hawaii and even in a bit in a more luxurious way as well. You can engage in adventurous and beach activities, buy a tour package or adventure package, and for food you can try out many good restaurants that offer local cuisines. This is the right budget choice to enjoy Hawaii to the fullest.
  
  
• High Budget ($5000 and more per person): Anyone with this budget or more is looking for either a long stay or a very luxurious stay in Hawaii! From luxury stays, retreats, and restaurants to luxurious adventure activities, you can experience literally everything. Don’t forget to enjoy gyroplane flight, skydiving, scuba diving, submarine adventure, parasailing, ziplining, and other activities on the islands. We recommend staying at a private cabin retreat amidst the greenery of the island or renting a luxurious beachfront holiday home. 

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Hawaii Travel Tips

Aloha! We know how much it takes to plan for a trip, and in that process, we often forget about some travel tips. But we have got your back, below are some Hawaii travel tips for a much better travel experience.

• Plan ahead: Think about what you want well before your trip to make sure you’re all set.
• Keep extra cash handy: Bring a bit extra cash just in case you need it in an emergency.
• Try local Hawaiian food: Don’t miss out on tasting local dishes like Poke, Luau stew, and Hawaiian Plate. They’re awesome! Also, give Malasadas, Loco Moco, shaved ice, Manapua, Spam Musubi, Laulau, local fruits, and shrimp a try if you can!
• Watch out for strong waves: Be careful when you’re near the beach as waves can be pretty powerful.
• Pack the essentials: Remember to bring reef-safe sunscreen, comfy clothes, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and any medicines that you might need.
• Follow the rules: Make sure you don’t bring anything that’s not allowed or banned.
• Stay updated: Do some research about your destination in Hawaii. Check if there are any changes in operation or if there are any natural incidents like wildfires affecting your plans.
• Capture memories: And of course, take some awesome pictures for Instagram!