Where to Stay in Oahu / Honolulu - Which Part of the Island Will Suit Me?

There are many lodging options in Oahu and choosing where to stay can prove to be a frustrating task.
One must first decide which part of the island to stay on.

Waikiki

Most visitors will end up staying in Waikiki. Waikiki is the tourist district (not a city) within Honolulu (the city and county) on the island of Oahu (one of Hawaii's many islands). Located on the south side of Oahu, Waikiki has been compared to staying on the Strip in Vegas.  If you don't mind crowds, this is the place to be. Waikiki offers world class dining as well as great hole in the wall restaurants. More nightclubs and bars than one would expect in Hawaii. There's the beautiful people, street performers at night, live music and shows, world class shopping, and of course the beautiful (but often crowded) Waikiki Beach. Waikiki is both family and adult friendly. The vast majority of visitors to the island will stay in Waikiki.

Even for those who don't like the big crowds, Waikiki is conveniently located to many sites on Oahu and has the most lodging options available. One could often drive out of Waikiki to enjoy what many refer to as the "true Hawaii", where things are little less unspoiled.

North Shore

The North Shore is in many ways the extreme opposite of Waikiki. Largely undeveloped, here you can enjoy the slower pace of island life and enjoy a much quieter and peaceful stay. "Keep the country country" is a phrase often heard in reference to North Shore.

As you can guess, the North Shore is located on the north shore of Oahu. Acquiring lodging can be a bit more difficult to find on the North Shore. You can look into staying at the famous Turtle Beach Resort, though it can be pretty pricey to stay at or perhaps the newish Courtyard Oahu Marriott in Laie, a slightly more affordable option. Other options are renting a house or condo at www.VRBO.com or even Airbnb.

On this side of the island, you can find a nice uncrowded beach. You are close to Waimea Beach famous for the surf and the "Jump Rock" (jump at your own risk) and Sunset Beach, also home of famous surf and a beautiful sunset.  North Shore is also home to the small, quaint town of Haleiwa, as well as the famous Shrimp Trucks of Kahuku. Other popular sights include Waimea Falls, the Dole Plantation, Laniakea "Turtle" beach (beware parking is no illegal there), and the great snorkel/dive spot known as Sharks Cove.

Two words of caution: 1. Waves/surf can be very dangerous during winter months and 2. Traffic can be horrendous during surf contests.

If you prefer peace, quiet, and can afford to do so...Oahu's North Shore may be the place for you.

West Side / Ko Olina

Most tourists will never frequent the West side of Oahu. The west of the island offers far less touristy things to do and is populated by mostly locals. It happens to be the driest part of the island. Most visitors who stay on the West, will end up staying in Ko Olina.

Ko Olina is home to the Disney Aulani Hotel as well as the Marriott Ihilani. These are two famous resorts on the island. These are popular family destinations for the fact that they are true resorts and have many amenities in once place. The disdain of staying on the West is that you are far from Town, being central Honolulu. There will be few if any options for any sort of nightlife. One will probably do most if not all your dining on the resort grounds. If you go anywhere to see sights, it's likely you'll have a bit of a drive ahead of you.

That being said the resorts are beautiful. If you want to conveniently stay in one place and just relax, the resorts in Ko Olina may be for you. FYI, these resorts are not for those on tight budgets.

Kailua

Kailua is a small, suburban town on the eastern side of the island. Home of the beautiful Lanikai Beach (often named the most beautiful beach in the US. Similar to the West Side and North Shore, Kailua town will probably better suit those who prefer more quiet and calm. Kailua is a little closer to Town and "civilization". You can find several charming restaurants, stores, and even a shopping mall nearby. A good median between the extremes of staying in Waikiki and the sometimes too quiet or uneventful, Ko Olina.

Your lodging options are limited in Kailua. There is one self proclaimed "resort" in Kailua, unfortunately it really isn't much of a resort at all. Other than that, there a few bed and breakfasts and the options of VRBO or AirBNB. It may prove to be harder to find cheaper accommodations in Kailua, just like it would be in the North Shore.

Typically the older, affluent types enjoy Kailua more than Waikiki. Kailua has a more suburuban feel. It has that kind of "Maui" feel, those of you who've been to both islands will understand. This is the same area that President Obama stays at when he visits.

Final Tip

For those who can't decide which side of the island to stay on, I would suggest you stay in Waikiki as the as the vast majority of visitors will do the same. You can always drive out of Waikiki and enjoy the other areas.