Hotels

Question

Hi, we are planning a week in oahu and want to move around - it looks like most things are within an hours drive and we do plan to hire a car. For accommodation would you base yourself in the more touristy parts around the south (Waikiki) or would it be better to move around and get hotels in each part of the island (north/south/east/west) - any advice would be super helpful as in the very early stages of planning

Answer

Planning a week-long stay on Oahu with a car opens up a lot of flexibility. The island is small enough that most destinations are within an hour’s drive from each other, but your choice of base can significantly affect your experience depending on your priorities for convenience, sightseeing, and relaxation.

Option 1: Base in one central location (e.g., Waikiki / Honolulu)

Staying in Waikiki puts you in the heart of tourist activity with plenty of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. It’s convenient for first-time visitors who want the beach, city amenities, and guided tours nearby.
From Waikiki, you can take day trips to the North Shore, Windward Coast, and Pearl Harbor with relative ease. Having a single base reduces packing/unpacking stress and lets you relax in the evenings without constantly moving hotels.
Hotels in Waikiki range from budget to luxury, so there’s flexibility depending on your preferences.

Option 2: Move between multiple hotels (North Shore / East / West / South)

This approach allows you to be closer to specific attractions each day, reducing drive times. For example, you could spend 2-3 nights on the North Shore to enjoy beaches and surf towns, then move to the South Shore for Waikiki and Diamond Head.
It gives a more immersive experience in different parts of the island and can feel less touristy in areas like the North Shore or Windward Coast.
However, this means more time packing/unpacking and potentially higher costs, as short stays can sometimes be pricier than a week-long booking in one location.

Considerations for both options:

If your goal is relaxation with easy access to amenities, a single base in Waikiki or near Honolulu is the simplest choice.
If you want a mix of scenic drives, beaches, and quieter towns, splitting your stay between two locations — e.g., 3 nights in Waikiki and 3-4 nights on the North Shore — can give you the best balance.
Parking is easier and often cheaper outside Waikiki. If you plan to rent a car, consider hotels with free or discounted parking, especially in Waikiki where it can be pricey.
Booking multiple hotels can sometimes be simplified by using vacation rentals, which often offer kitchen facilities if you want to cook some meals and reduce dining costs.

Recommendation:

For a first-time Oahu trip with a week to explore and a rental car, a hybrid approach is often best: base yourself in Waikiki for 3-4 nights to enjoy the main tourist attractions, beaches, and restaurants, then spend 2-3 nights on the North Shore or Windward Coast to enjoy a quieter, more scenic side of the island.

This approach balances convenience with a taste of Oahu’s varied landscapes and communities, letting you experience both the tourist hubs and the island’s more tranquil areas without constantly changing hotels.

Hotels

More Oahu Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions