Where to Stay in Oahu, Hawaii | Stay in the Best Resort Areas of Ko Olina, Waikiki, & North Shore

Waikiki isn’t the only place to stay in Oahu. Erica shares the best Oahu resort areas to stay because where to stay in Oahu is the first decision of your Hawaii Vacation.

The three main resort areas in Oahu are Ko Olina, North Shore’s Turtle Bay, and Waikiki. Some love Ko Olina’s lagoons while others don’t like the drive. Some don’t like the crowds of Waikiki while others love the action. You gotta find the place that is right for you and your travel partners. Here is everything you need to know about where to stay in Oahu.

Looking for a perfectly planned itinerary from two locals? Check out our Oahu itineraries at:

Explore our Where to Stay Directory for reviews on hotels and vacation rentals on Oahu and the other major Hawaiian Islands:

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Chapters for Where to Stay in Oahu, Hawaii
00:00 Intro
00:27 The best hotels in Waikiki
01:35 Where to Stay: Waikiki
04:31 Where to Stay: North Shore Turtle Bay
06:30 Where to Stay: Ko Olina

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POPULAR VIDEOS

[jonathandavid]

Going to Hawaii for the first time at the end of June and I can't stop watching these videos!

[deannaholt]

Thanks so much for giving a visual breakdown of the entire island! Thanks to you, I now know without a doubt that busy Waikiki is the place for me! 🙂

[awangatang]

I am going to Oahu at the start of April! Thank you so much for these helpful videos. They help me so much!

[Audpod]

Could you do a video about Hui rental car service? Would love to see the process in action and a review of the car!

[kathygram]

Was just there when you were. We stayed at the Princess Sheraton, great spot and price point in Waikiki. Northshore was wet and muddy from heavy rain, however the sun was out and turtle bay was amazing. Snorkeling was great! The Polynesian culture center is a must when on the north shore!

[ScottDLR]

Lots of great info. I would add that even if you don't stay at Alauni or Turtle Bay, stop and visit these places. They are spectacular!

[ranger]

Going on a 3 month work trip. Most likely staying in Ko Olina but looking forward to traveling while I am there. Nice information 👍🏼

[ducheau]

Ko Olina is definitely sunnier. I left waikiki in the rain, went to ko olina and it was sunny, then went to north shore and it was raining.

[frednich]

It's weird after having done months of research for our trip, to watch your videos after we got back (this morning) and say "wow, we were just there yesterday!" Great video guys

[billhobartclairvoyantmedium]

GREAT VIDEO! We’ll be shopping on Waikiki for sure. Just do a day trip and head back to Maui

[nikkibenavides]

Will be back to Oahu in May! Staying at the Sheraton waikiki

[Cragozy]

You have the best tips, and give the most accurate descriptions of the islands. I’m gonna have to get one of your itineraries for the next trip. Aloha!

[rvillarica]

We are going to Oahu for fall break, staying in Waikiki for a couple of days and then Ko Olina at the Aulani Disney for the rest of the week.

Love your channel. Keep making amazing content!

[edwaggoner]

Lived in Oahu off and on for three years (work related) Pearl Harbor first then Waikiki at Ali Wai Blvd and Olhana st. it was nice but was very glad to return to the mainland. Very expensive.

[NomadShifu]

Waikiki/Honolulu. Waikiki is where most visitors to Oahu stay, and for good reasons.
North Shore. Oahu's fabled North Shore is known for the huge waves that draw surfers from all over the world, a more laid-back vibe, and local shops and farms

[jamesmarkey]

My friend with low means made that end around move and he came back for a couple weeks loved it he said people were so desperate they would steal fruit from the graveyards from the Buddhist shrines

[darleneharmon]

Lovely video! We do split stays on Oahu. Usually 2-4 weeks at Aulani (with Disney Vacation Club points), then a week or two on Waikiki at the Outrigger Wakiki. Rent a car at the airport when we arrive.

[willanddeesworld]

I love all of the videos you guys post. What equipment and software do you use to take and edit your film? You guys take a lot of dynamic footage from land, water, and air. Amazing job!

[manjakwiej]

Been going to Waikiki since the 80s I would say the Austin Waikiki hotel on Kalakaua near the zoo near the park near the aquarium easy exit out of town

[natalieglickman]

I love watching your videos- such a great resource- and I am tempted to purchase your Oahu itinerary if we go to Oahu. We are a family with a wide range of ages of kids. Would you say we can figure out how to have a great time whichever hotel destination we choose? Or is one place better than another? Waikiki sound fun and exciting and so many things accessible but maybe only for the older kids? Do you have a video which discusses this topic?