Travel

Below you’ll find details about transportation, and hotel recommendations on Oahu.

Waikiki

Stay here if you want to be a part of the action. 

PROS: Centrally located, easy to get to, where all the action is. Tons of great bars and restaurants in walking/short Uber distance. This is also the closest location to the wedding venue. You could get away with not renting a car. 

CONS: Tourists everywhere. Can get crowded and busy. Long lines. Think South Beach, Miami. You need reservations to eat anywhere. Book them now! Did I mention the tourists?

Some Hotels We Love:

• The Laylow ($$, modern, IG-ready hotel, with a salt water pool and great deck bar, not on the beach)

• The Surfjack ($$, modern throwback, mid-century, good pool, not on the beach.)

• Kaimana Beach ($$, newly renovated, iconic Oahu hotel, on the far end of Waikiki away from the madness, on a “local’s favorite” beach.

• Queen Kapiolani ($$, newly renovated, great view of Diamond Head and the ocean, good pool bar, not on the beach)

• Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber ($$, newly renovated, modern spacious rooms, not on the beach.)

• Hilton Waikiki Beach ($$, centrally located hotel with big rooms boasting great views of ocean or mountain, not on beach.)

• Alohilani Resorts Waikiki ($$$, big resort with big pool, spacious rooms, can feel overwhelming, Nick had junior prom here, across from beach, day after pool party will be here)

• Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations ($$$, new hotel, suites only, family friendly, all units have built in kitchen)

• Moana Surfrider, Westin ($$$, historic, the first hotel in Hawaii, iconic property, beachfront hotel)

• Royal Hawaiian ($$$, a classic Hawaiian hotel, beachfront, millennial pink before millennial pink was a thing.)

• Halepuna ($$$$, new hotel, quiet, serene, full amenities, no resort fee, good pool, not on beach, Japanese sensibilities, highly recommend.)

• Halekulani ($$$$$, newly renovated, often regarded as the nicest hotel on the island, world class restaurant, private beach access, every unit is ocean view, no resort fee.)

Ko Olina

A traditional resort oasis on the west side (🤙🏽) of Oahu.

PROS: Beautiful lagoon beaches, incredible sunsets, secluded, quiet, and more family friendly. Feels like it’s own little village with bars, restaurants, shops and grocery stores all within walking distance. Towns outside of Ko Olina (Kapolei, Nanakuli, Ewa are tourist free.)

CONS: About 25 miles west of Waikiki and wedding venue. The area can get a bit “sleepy” as most things close around 9pm. You will definitely need to rent a car. 

The only three hotels:

• Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club ($$$$, full kitchen with suites, big rooms, expansive pool with lazy river)

• Aulani, A Disney Resort ($$$$, basically Disneyland on a beach with massive pool and bar, family fun, if you stay here call us and we’ll be hanging in the lazy river)

• Four Seasons Ko Olina ($$$$$, if you stay here definitely call us and we’ll hang out with you all day before the wedding.)

North Shore

Stay here if you want to zen out and watch some waves.

PROS: The world’s best beaches, one of the most gorgeous places on earth. All the big surfing competitions happen here. (Late October could have some early season swells or it could be flat as a lake.) Can be quiet, secluded, relaxing sometimes. Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Blue Crush were filmed out here! Iconic! 

CONS: Very far from Honolulu. Can get touristy in the main areas. Only one hotel but AirBnBs are more available here.

The only hotel:

• Turtle Bay ($$$$, newly renovated, in the middle of the North Shore, two golf courses on property)

• Airbnbs / VRBO ($$-$$$$): There are options out there! Look in Haleiwa, Pupukea, Sunset Beach, Ehukai.

East Side (Kailua, Kaneohe, Lanikai)

If you want to convince yourself that you could live in Hawaii, stay in the nicest neighborhoods on the island.

PROS: An absolutely breathtaking view, you’re surrounded by the Koolau Mountain range. Anywhere off the tourist track is very community. White sand beaches. Obama has a house here.

CONS: Farther from Honolulu, no hotels.

Airbnbs / VRBO ($$-$$$$): There are options out there! Look in Haleiwa, Pupukea, Sunset Beach, Ehukai.