Where is the best place to stay in Hawaii?

The best place to stay depends on your interests. Waikiki on Oahu offers the most hotel options and nightlife. West Maui and South Maui have excellent resorts and beaches. The North Shore of Kauai is ideal for nature lovers. The Kona Coast on the Big Island suits adventure seekers.

What types of accommodations are available in Hawaii?

Hawaii offers hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, condos, bed and breakfasts, hostels, and campgrounds. Each island has options ranging from budget to ultra-luxury, with vacation rentals being popular for families and longer stays.

Should I stay on one island or visit multiple islands?

For trips of 7 days or less, we recommend staying on one or two islands to avoid spending too much time traveling. For longer trips, island hopping via short inter-island flights lets you experience the unique character of multiple islands.

Where to Stay in Hawaii

Oahu Accommodations

Maui Accommodations

Kauai Accommodations

Hawaii Accommodations

Best Places to Stay in Hawaii

An Island by Island Guide — Updated for 2026

Hawaii's accommodation scene is in motion heading into 2026. The Big Island's Mauna Kea Resort wrapped a $200 million renovation in April, Oahu's first Hyatt Place/Hyatt House dual-brand hotel opens this summer in Ho'opili, and Kauai's Hale Hokūala is set to welcome guests by November.

We've broken down where to stay on each island, covering the best areas, hotel types, and specific property recommendations based on your interests and budget. Each island guide includes region-by-region overviews plus direct links to our hotel, resort, luxury, and vacation rental pages.

Whether you want a luxury resort on Maui's Wailea coast, a budget-friendly Waikiki hotel, a family condo on the Big Island, or a quiet B&B on Kauai's North Shore, we've got you covered.

Dive into our island guides for the Best Places to Stay on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. Or browse our full accommodations hub for hotel comparisons, booking tips, and specialty guides.

Need help or want to let AI do the heavy lifting? Just click the Concierge Bell.

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Oahu Accommodations

Where to Stay on Oahu »
Best Oahu Hotels, Resorts & Rentals by Region

Thinking about where to stay on Oahu? This guide will help you explore the best areas for accommodations on the island, highlighting the variety of options available.Every year, nearly 5 million visitors choose Oahu over other Hawaiian islands, and for good reason. The island’s most popular destination is the world-famous Waikiki area, home to over 90% of all accommodations on Oahu and almost half of…

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Oahu has the widest range of accommodations in Hawaii. Waikiki alone has hundreds of hotels, but the island's best stays extend from downtown Honolulu to the North Shore. With the new Hyatt Place/Hyatt House opening in Ho'opili this summer, options outside Waikiki are growing.

Maui Accommodations

Where to Stay on Maui »
Best Maui Hotels, Resorts & Rentals by Region

Dreaming of a trip to Maui, the stunning Valley Isle? Wondering where to stay? Our guide is here to help you discover the best areas and accommodations across Maui, tailored to suit every traveler. Whether you’re after luxury beachfront resorts, budget-friendly options, or something in between, Maui has it all. Highlights include:Beachfront hotels and resortsUpscale luxury…

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Maui's accommodation scene spans luxury Wailea resorts to laid-back condos and upcountry retreats. The Valley Isle remains one of Hawaii's most popular destinations, and new luxury suite additions at several resorts give visitors even more high-end options in 2026.

Kauai Accommodations

Where to Stay on Kauai »
Best Kauai Hotels, Resorts & Rentals by Region

Trying to decide where to stay on Kauai? Whether you’re looking for the best area to stay or the perfect accommodations to match your budget and travel style, our guide has you covered. Kauai offers a range of lodging options, from budget-friendly stays to luxury resorts, each with its own unique vibe and scenic charm. In this article, we’ll break down the island’s different regions,…Let’s get a lay…

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Kauai keeps things intimate. The Garden Isle has fewer mega-resorts than Maui or Oahu, which means smaller properties, more character, and easier beach access. The upcoming Hale Hokūala (Curio Collection by Hilton) opens in Līhuʻe this November, adding a fresh option to the south shore.

Big Island Accommodations

Where to Stay on the Big Island »
Best Hotels, Resorts & Rentals by Region

Knowing where to stay on the Big Island is essential. The island is large (twice the size of all the other islands combined) and diverse. Many visitors find it challenging to decide upon an island accommodation. Our guide will list some essential considerations to help you choose wisely.Consider a location that affords you enough time to visit all…Average Rates for Hotels & Vacation RentalsWe suggest…

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The Big Island is twice the size of all other Hawaiian islands combined, so location matters here. The Kohala Coast on the west side concentrates most of the luxury resorts, anchored by the newly renovated Mauna Kea Resort. Hilo and Volcano Village on the east side offer a completely different vibe with rainforest B&Bs and boutique stays.

Top Luxury Hotels in Hawaii

View Our Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Hawaii Statewide →

Hawaii's luxury hotel market has raised its game in 2026. Several properties completed major renovations, and new boutique options are joining the lineup across the islands. If you're spending the money to fly to Hawaii, your hotel should match the destination.

We've selected the top luxury properties on each island based on location, service, amenities, and guest experience. From the Four Seasons on Maui to the newly refreshed Mauna Kea on the Big Island, these are the stays worth the splurge. See our full luxury hotel roundup for the statewide top 5, or explore by island below.

Hawaii All-Inclusive Vacations

Learn more about Hawaii Vacation Packages →

All-inclusive packages bundle flights, hotels, and often activities into a single price. They're a solid option if you want to lock in costs upfront and skip the logistics. Several operators also offer island-hopping itineraries that let you experience multiple islands in a single trip.

From Kauai's Nā Pali Coast to the Big Island's lava fields, these packages cover the highlights without the planning headaches. Check out the island-specific options below or visit our vacation packages page for the full breakdown.

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Hawaii Hotel vs. Vacation Rentals

2024 Nightly Rate - Statewide Averages (Latest Available Data)

Hawaii Hotel vs Vacation Rental Rates in 2024

Hawaii's Top Condo Rentals

HawaiiGaga.com has been the premier online directory for Hawaii's vacation rentals and condo guide since 2008, featuring legally licensed properties from verified owners and managers.