Best Places to Stay in Waikīkī, Hawaiʻi: Area Guide

Discover your ideal Waikīkī hotel — explore accommodation options for every budget across Waikīkī’s four districts, complete with insights into each area.

Where should I stay in Waikīkī? With over 80 hotels and resorts alone, a smart way to narrow it down is by understanding Waikīkī’s four distinct areas — each with its own perks.

We created a Free Waikīkī Map to break down each section and help you find your perfect match. You’ll learn what to expect in each area, the highlights, insider tips and top hotel picks.

In this post, we share our recommendations for the best places to stay in Waikīkī.

Introduction to Waikīkī

Waikīkī is the largest resort area in Hawaiʻi — a seaside neighborhood in Honolulu, located next to the Diamond Head crater and just a 15-minute drive from Downtown and Chinatown.

Waikīkī was once the site of a historic battle, later a royal retreat for Hawaiian monarchs and ultimately the place where Hawaiʻi’s tourism story began — home to the islands’ very first hotels.

Today, Waikīkī Beach is world-famous — a beloved vacation destination home to 90% of Oʻahu’s accommodations, from hotels and resorts to vacation rentals, hostels and pod-style stays.

You’ll find a lively mix of cafés, bars, restaurants, food courts and food trucks; shopping hotspots, historic sites and statues; plus landscaped footpaths, tropical parks and gardens.

Entertainment is non-stop, with activity desks and tour operators at the ready; live music, evening shows and street performers; cultural experiences; and year-round festivals and events.

Waikīkī Beach, the crown jewel of the area, offers an array of water activities right from the shore — from surfing, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding to a variety of cruises.

Waikīkī has transformed significantly over the past few decades, with revitalization projects at landmarks like the International Market Place breathing new life into historic spaces.

As a well-established urban center, new builds are rare but there’s a steady flow of renovations that keep Waikīkī’s hotels and resorts feeling fresh, modern and ready to impress.

Waikīkī Highlights

• Located on the South Shore of the Hawaiian Island of Oʻahu, Waikīkī is a beachside neighborhood in the capital city of Honolulu.

• Framed by the iconic, hikeable Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) crater and home to eight distinct beaches along the coastline.

• Widely recognized as the birthplace of surfing, thanks to legendary Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku.

• Features Kapiʻolani Park, Honolulu’s version of Central Park, with a zoo, aquarium, sports fields, walking paths and picnic areas.

• Home to a wide variety of accommodations, with a focus on beachfront stays with ocean and Diamond Head view rooms.

• Waikīkī is home to three major shopping centers — International Market Place, Royal Hawaiian Center and Waikīkī Beach Walk.

• The street-front shopping is next level with designer flagships, global retailers, local boutiques and open-air market stalls.

• Boasts more than 350 restaurants and bars, from fine dining to chain restaurants, local eateries and hole-in-the-walls spots.

• Includes several hidden food court gems and food truck hubs for quick, tasty and budget-friendly eats and drinks.

• From free hula shows and live music to talented street performers, Waikīkī’s evenings buzz with entertainment.

• Several weekly Waikīkī farmers markets feature local produce, fresh flowers, tasty snacks and handmade crafts.

• Waikīkī closes Kalākaua Avenue throughout the year for parades, block parties, street festivals and cultural events.

• Waikīkī is an ideal base for exploring the island — most tours and activities include easy hotel pick-up and drop-off for visitors.

• Enjoy year-round sunshine with air temps of 81-91°F (27-33°C) and ocean temps around 75-81°F (24-27°C).

• Plan for at least 5-10 nights to truly explore, unwind and soak up everything Waikīkī, Honolulu and Oʻahu have to offer.

How to Get Around Waikīkī

Waikīkī is one of Honolulu’s most walkable neighborhoods, making it easy to reach beaches, shops, restaurants and more on foot.

It’s a compact layout, stretching just 1.5mi (2.4km) long from end to end and half a mile (0.8km) wide from ocean to canal.

When it’s time to give your legs a break, hop on a Biki bike, rent a Go X scooter, or catch TheBus, a trolley, taxi or rideshare.

Waikīkī Area I: Gateway to Waikīkī

A launchpad for shopping, conferences and a beloved locals’ beach and harbor.

Why Stay in Area I?

Located west of Waikīkī proper, the “Gateway to Waikīkī” spans from Ward Village and Kakaʻako to Ala Moana, encompassing a major open-air shopping mall, an urban beach park, a scenic lagoon and a bustling marina.

Home to Ala Moana Center, Ala Moana Beach Park, Magic Island Lagoon, Ala Wai Boat Harbor and the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, this popular locals hangout is packed with opportunities for retail therapy, outdoor recreation and events.

Perfect for conference-goers, shopping enthusiasts and boating aficionados, this area also attracts those seeking a more laidback, “less touristy” beach experience — all while staying conveniently close to Waikīkī.

Area I Highlights

• It offers the closest hotels and resorts to Honolulu Airport, making it a convenient choice for quicker airport access.

• An easy walk to the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, hosting conferences, trade shows and expos — check the Events Calendar.

• Encompasses Ala Moana Center, the largest open-air shopping center in the world with over 340 stores and 80 dining options.

• Ala Moana Center is home to major department stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s.

• Dine at Makai Market, Hawaiʻi’s largest food court at Ala Moana Center, serving delicious fare from around the world.

• Close to Ala Moana Beach Park and its hidden gem, Magic Island Lagoon, this spot is a favorite local beach and jogger’s dream.

• Soak in the marina vibe at Ala Wai Boat Harbor with harbor views, boat tours and waterfront pubs like Chart House.

• Enjoy access to Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, a five-acre saltwater oasis with swimming, paddleboarding, aquacycling and more.

• Easily catch Waikīkī’s free fireworks show, launched from Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon every Friday at 7:45pm or 8pm.

• Home to Hilton Hawaiian Village, a destination with over 80 shops and 16 restaurants, open for all to explore.

• Close to Kakaʻako, a cool neighborhood known for street art, cafés, restaurants, bars, breweries and boutique retailers.

• Just a short drive to retail hotspots like SALT at Our Kakaʻako, Ward Village Shops, Walmart, Don Quijote and more.

• Anglers will appreciate the proximity to Keawalo Basin, a prime spot for fishing charters with daily food trucks nearby.

• Don’t miss the Honolulu Farmers Market (Every Wed 4-7pm) and the Kakaʻako Farmers Market (Every Sat 8am-12pm).

• Home to Waikīkī Starlight Lūʻau: Firework and Rooftop at Hilton Hawaiian Village and Ka Moana Lūʻau at Aloha Tower.

Area I Insider Tips

🍔 Eats: Merriman’s Honolulu, Istanbul Hawaii, Chart House, San Paolo Pizza and Wine, Sunny’s Local Grind, Kapiʻolani Seafood Restaurant.

🍷 Drinks: Mai Tais at Ala Moana Center, Pint & Jigger, Suzie Wong’s Hideaway, Waikiki Brewing Co., Harbor Pub & Pizza, Paniolo Lanai Bar.

🍦 Treats: Dave’s Ice Cream At The ʻIlikai, Tropical Tribe, Gelato & Chill, Lappert’s Hawaii, Dairy Queen, Holey Grail Donuts.

🥡 Grab-and-go: Komedokoro M’s, Paradise Poke, Tlacuaches808, ʻOhana Hale Waikīkī Food Trucks, John’s World Famous Hawaiʻi Hotdogs.

🛒 Groceries: Food Pantry Eaton Square, Island Country Markets, 7-Eleven Waikiki, Foodland Farms Ala Moana, Whole Foods Market Queen.

Waikīkī Area II: Entertainment Hotspot

A hive of activity with dining, live music and access to a beautiful oceanfront park.

Why Stay in Area II?

At Waikīkī’s entrance by King Kalākaua Statue, Kalākaua and Kūhiō Avenues split and run parallel, intersected by vertical roads — “Entertainment Hotspot” runs from Nāmāhana Street to Royal Hawaiian Avenue.

Anchored by Waikīkī Beach Walk, this lively district buzzes with some of Waikīkī’s best eateries and boutique shops, while nearby Fort DeRussy Beach Park and Duke Kahanamoku Beach provide a coastal retreat.

Ideal for foodies, boutique and luxury shoppers and those who prefer to stay close to, but not in, the center of the action — while remaining within walking distance. Beach access here leads to quieter, more relaxed shores.

Area II Highlights

• Anchored by Waikiki Beach Walk, an open-air mall with over 20 shops and restaurants spread across both sides of Lewers Street.

• Boasts one-of-a-kind local boutiques like Mahina, Reyn Spooner, Crazy Shirts, SoHa Living and SoHa Keiki.

• Enjoy Kū Haʻaheo live Hawaiian music concert (Tue 4:30-6pm) and Hula Lessons (Sun 9-10am) at Waikiki Beach Walk.

• Home to Luxury Row, a hotspot for designer boutiques such as Chanel, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu and Saint Laurent.

• You’ll also find the three-story Tiffany & Co., one of its largest worldwide, and Louis Vuitton, known for Hawaiʻi-exclusive pieces.

• Dine on Beach Walk, a foodie street in Waikīkī, at Arancino (Italian), Wasabi Bistro (Japanese) or Ginza Bairin (tonkatsu).

• Enjoy Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine eateries — Monkeypod Kitchen by Peter Merriman and Roy’s Waikīkī by Roy Yamaguchi.

• Experience Waikīkī’s top venue for live Hawaiian music at Kani Ka Pila Grille at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort.

• Swing by the Waikīkī Beach Walk Open Market (Mon 4-8pm), then visit one of Waikīkī’s largest ABC Stores (#38) nearby.

• The closest access to Fort DeRussy Beach Park, a popular spot with oceanfront lawns, pickleball courts and BBQ grills.

• Check out the U.S. Army Museum of Hawai‘i at Fort DeRussy, where you can explore Hawai‘i’s military history.

• A short stroll to Waikīkī’s widest strip of sand at Duke Kahanamoku Beach and its lagoon, a saltwater pool open to the public.

• Find Waikīkī’s main pharmacy, Long’s Drugs, offering grocery essentials alongside prescriptions and everyday needs.

• Lewers Street is dominated by Waikīkī’s late-night pubs, including Kelley O’Neil’s, Bacchus Waikiki and The Pupu House.

• Home to Waikīkī’s only 24-hour Denny’s American Diner on Lewers Street — the go-to for late-night and early-morning bites.

Area II Insider Tips

🍔 Eats: House Without A Key, Tommy Bahama, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Quiora, Monkeypod Kitchen, Arancino on Beach Walk, Ginza Bairin, Wasabi Bistro, Mahina & Sun’s, Siam Square.

🍷 Drinks: Earl’s Bar, Hard Rock Cafe, Giovanni Pastrami, Yard House, Arnold’s Beach Bar, Rivals Sports Lounge, Bacchus Waikiki, Karaoke GS Studio, Pakini Bar, Waikiki Brew Co..

🍦 Treats: Henry’s Place, Halekulani Bakery, Lahaina Shave Ice, Vavin Dessert Bar, LadyM at Waikiki Tea, SUMSUM Mediterranean Delights.

🥡 Grab-and-go: Steak Shack, Nalu Health Bar, Dean & Deluca, Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee, Musubi Cafe IYASUME, Bean About Town, ARVO.

🛒 Groceries: Island Country Market, Long’s Drugs Waikīkī, ABC Store #38 on Lewers Street.

Waikīkī Area III: Heart of Waikīkī

Waikīkī’s epicenter of iconic hotels, shopping and entertainment galore.

Why Stay in Area III?

Located along the mid-section of Kalākaua Avenue, the “Heart of Waikīkī” is where the energy peaks — entire blocks pulse with shops, restaurants and entertainment in every direction. Welcome to the hustle and bustle.

This is where Waikīkī began, steeped in history and nostalgia. Stroll the grounds of legendary hotels like The Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider — no room key needed to dine, sip or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Perfect for entertainment seekers and visitors craving excitement. Shop, eat and enjoy free cultural activities in the shopping centers. Discover hidden bars in laneways, lobbies and rooftops. Catch live music or take in a show.

Area III Highlights

• The center of Waikīkī — The Royal Hawaiian on one side and the Moana Surfrider and Duke Kahanamoku Statue on the other.

• The Moana Surfrider, the first hotel built in Waikīkī, remains a standout landmark and a lasting symbol of the area’s rich history.

• Discover The Royal Hawaiian, Waikīkī’s iconic pink hotel — stroll its historic grounds and sip a cocktail at the famous Mai Tai Bar.

• Has Waikīkī’s largest hotels — Sheraton Waikiki (1,600 rooms), Hyatt Regency (1,200), Sheraton Princess Kaʻiulani (1,100).

• This is Waikīkī’s hotel hub, with almost 30 in this area — even non-guests can dine, shop and explore inside many of them.

• Houses the Royal Hawaiian Center, with 90+ shops, food courts, restaurants and free cultural activities.

• The International Market Place has 100+ stores and a Grand Lānai with one of Waikīkī’s best dining collections.

• Waikīkī Market, the newest and most comprehensive grocery store in the neighborhood, is located in this section.

• Great for discount shopping at Duke’s Marketplace (Duke’s Lane), Nordstrom Rack (Kūhiō Avenue) and Ross (Seaside Avenue).

• Dense with activity, this section of Kūhiō Avenue and surrounding streets are lined with restaurants, bars and shops.

• Fronted by Waikīkī’s most popular beaches, this section is perfect for a day of sun, sand and surf with a postcard-worthy view.

• Catch top shows at Blue Note Hawaiʻi, Rock-a-Hula (with Elvis & MJ tributes) and ʻAuana by Cirque du Soleil.

• Nightlife thrives here, with easy access to rooftop bars, tiki bars, cocktail spots and venues offering live DJ sets.

• Waikīkī Farmers Market, Waikīkī’s top and central market at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort (Mon & Wed 4-8pm).

• Home to ʻAhaʻaina, A Royal Hawaiian Lūʻau, Nā Lei Aloha, A Waikīkī Lūʻau and the Queens Waikīkī Lūʻau.

Area III Insider Tips

🍔 Eats: Dukes Waikiki, Cheesecake Factory, STRIPSTEAK Waikiki, Island Vintage Wine Bar, Appetito, Waikīkī Shokudo, ZIGU, Basalt, Tanaka of Tokyo, Pāʻia Fish Market, Liliha Bakery, Redfish Poke Bar, Kirin Restaurant, Fire Grill.

🍷 Drinks: Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian, Secret Spot, Skybox Taphouse, Maui Brewery Co., Green Lady Cocktail Room, SKY Waikiki, The Beach Bar at Moana Surfrider, Wang Chung’s, Hideout at The Laylow, Búho Cocina y Cantina.

🍦 Treats: Donut King, Nana’s Green Tea, Banán, Island Vintage Shave Ice, MOSA!, KITH Treats, Jumbi Waikiki, Il Gelato Hawaiʻi, Magnolia Ice Cream, Ice Cream Rolls, Kokoro Café, Kulu Kulu.

🥡 Grab-and-go: Kona Coffee Purveyors, Pai’s Deli, Sunrise Shack, Slice of Waikiki, Pāʻina Lānai Food Court, STIX Asia, Musubi Café Iyasume, Kūhiō Ave Food Trucks, Big Island Burger.

🛒 Groceries: Waikīkī Market, Mitsuwa Marketplace, Dukes Lane Market & Eatery.

Waikīkī Area IV: Quiet End of Town

Laidback and local, with ocean pools, green space, a zoo and an aquarium.

Why Stay in Area IV?

Located at Waikīkī’s eastern edge, the “Quiet End of Town” offers direct beach access along Kalākaua Avenue, spanning Kūhiō Beach Park, Queen’s Surf Beach, Kapiʻolani Park and Kaimana Beach — with no hotels on the ocean side.

It’s Waikīkī at a slower pace — relaxed, spacious and full of charm — from the float-worthy ocean pools at Kūhiō Beach Park to Kapiʻolani Park (Honolulu’s version of Central Park) and nearby attractions, Honolulu Zoo and Waikīkī Aquarium.

Ideal for nature lovers, families with kids and active travelers. You’ll find more locals hanging out here — think scenic walks, shady park get togethers, al fresco meals at neighborhood eateries and hikes up nearby Diamond Head.

Area IV Highlights

• Kūhiō Beach Park’s rock walls create calm ocean pools — ideal for families with kids or anyone seeking a gentle swim.

• Locals love Kapiʻolani Park for its easy parking, picnic spots, green space, tennis courts, jogging paths and so much more.

• Honolulu Zoo and Waikīkī Aquarium offer family-friendly outings with wildlife, marine life and educational exhibits.

• Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand adds fun to the mix with daily dance parties, tropical drinks and epic sunset views.

• Support local at Art on the Zoo Fence (Sat & Sun 9-3pm) and Aloha Market (Sun 8am-2pm) and book The Magical Mystery Show.

• ʻAlohilani Resort, the area’s only 5-star hotel, has a poolside light show and two-story Oceanarium in its lobby restaurant.

• Waikīkī’s hostel row (Lemon Road) offers cheap stays, popular with backpackers and solo travelers seeking an affordable base.

• Cartwright Road is a hidden gem for affordable eats, with food trucks like Mami’s Empanadas and American Wagyu Eatery.

• This area offers a relaxed vibe, especially where Kalākaua Avenue curves around Diamond Head into Waikīkī’s “Gold Coast.”

• The Gold Coast lines Waikīkī’s east coast, with mid-century condos, historic homes and a residential atmosphere.

• Stay at boutique Diamond Head hotels like Kaimana Beach Hotel and Lotus Honolulu and enjoy dining at Hau Tree or Michel’s.

• Sightsee the Kapahulu Groin (Waikīkī Pier) and Waikīkī Natatorium War Memorial honoring WWI veterans (slated to restore).

• Kapahulu Avenue, Waikīkī’s nearby “foodie street,” is packed with iconic eats like Leonard’s Bakery and Rainbow Drive-In.

• Monsarrat Avenue is a short stroll away — a trendy neighborhood strip with local cafés, shave ice shops and local boutiques.

• A short drive to Diamond Head Summit Trail, a famous hiking trail offering sweeping views over Waikīkī (reservations required).

• Home to the Pāʻina Waikīkī Lūʻau, held on the pool and amenity deck at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort.

Area IV Insider Tips

🍔 Eats: d.k. Steak House, Sansei Waikiki, La Bettola, Morimoto Asia, Momosan, Hy’s Steak House, Arancino Di Mare, Hau Tree, Michel’s, Barefoot Beach Cafe, Denny’s, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Eggs ‘n Things, Yoshitsune.

🍷 Drinks: SWELL Restaurant + Bar, Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand, Surf Bar Waikiki, LBLE Lounge, Lulu’s Waikiki, DECK. Waikiki, Arden, Tiki’s Grill & Bar.

🍦 Treats: Double Fat Ice Cream, Häagen-Dazs, Island Vintage Shave Ice, Aloha Whip.

🥡 Grab-and-go: Piccola Onda, Teddy’s Bigger Burger, Cartwright Rd Food Trucks, HI.Shack, Sunset Provisions, Sunrise Shack, Kai Coffee, Knots Coffee, Domino’s Pizza.

🛒 Groceries: Waikiki Old Country Market, Safeway Kapahulu Ave.

In summary, whether you’re after budget-friendly stays or oceanfront luxury, or something in between, Waikīkī’s four districts offer a perfect home base.