Planning a trip to Hawaii? Here are the best places to stay in Honolulu!
Located on the southeast coast of theisland of Oahu, Honolulu is the capital of the state of Hawaii. In Hawaiian, Honolulu means « sheltered bay ». This little name is explained by the city’s magnificent neighbor: the vast volcanic crater Diamond Head, one of the city’s best-known natural monuments!
With a population of around 330,000, Honolulu is the perfect base from which to explore Hawaii’s eight main islands and 137 smaller ones. Honolulu is known not only for its volcano, but also for its famous tourist district on Waikiki beach and the Pearl Harbor base, a must-see site located just a few kilometers from the city.
To enjoy an excellent stay, it’s important to choose the right accommodation in Honolulu. So where to stay in Honolulu? To help you prepare for your trip, we’ve listed the best areas to stay in Honolulu!
Waikiki
Photo credit: Flickr – Dani Oliver
The tourist district par excellence, Waikiki is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Honolulu!
Here, locals and tourists mingle in a pleasant atmosphere. Waikiki’s artificial beach is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun during the day. Surf enthusiasts can play Tom Curren for a surfing lesson at the popular Surfer Girl Academy, while families can enjoy a 2-hour treasure hunt through the town!
As night falls, the many lights come on, and the bars and restaurants take over from the beach, welcoming visitors in search of night-time entertainment. If you like vibrant, lively neighborhoods, then Waikiki is for you. You’re sure not to get bored, and it’s easy to meet fellow travelers or friendly locals!
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Kaimuki & Kapahulu street
Photo credit: Facebook – Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar & Grill
If you like peace and quiet and enjoy good local restaurants, then don’t hesitate: you need to choose Honolulu accommodation east of Kapahulu Street, in the Kaimuki district.
Here you’ll find the largest concentration of charming Hawaiian restaurants. The chefs use fresh local produce to delight your taste buds. This residential area is not far from Waikiki – so if you’re looking for a quiet evening away from the hustle and bustle, there’s no need to worry!
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Chinatown
Photo credit: Flickr – Dani Oliver
Honolulu also has its Chinatown! And Chinatown is definitely one of the best places to stay in Honolulu. Located in the Downtown area of the Hawaiian capital, Asian restaurants and boutiques mingle with trendy bars and cafés! If you’re a fan of hipster culture, you’ll love this neighborhood. After all, it’s the meeting place for local artists, who come to play, perform or party in this magnificent Chinatown !
For your Honolulu accommodation, you couldn’t ask for a better combination of nightlife, fine dining and cultural excitement than this beautiful neighborhood.
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Mānoa
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Manoa Falls Trail
For your accommodation in Honolulu, why not stay in the University District? If you like lively bars and famous restaurants, we recommend you stay in Mānoa. This is where the University of Hawaii is located. So you can easily meet students and enjoy the district’s festive atmosphere.
If you want to enjoy nature and discover incredible panoramas of the ocean, you can also climb the volcanic crater: the Tantalus viewpoint is a must-see in Honolulu! A half-day hike through the lush forest will take you to the superb Mānoa waterfall, nestled in the same valley where Steven Spielberg filmed « Jurassic Park ». All in all, Mānoa is a true treasure trove of nature that promises an experience in its own right.
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Now you know where to stay in Honolulu to make the most of your stay in Hawaii. Choosing the right accommodation in Honolulu is the first essential step to enjoying your trip! So where do you plan to stay during your Hawaiian adventure?