Probably the most expensive aspect of your Hawaii vacation will be your accommodation. The key to finding the best hotels in Oahu without breaking the bank is good planning, and this article highlighting 13 of the best cheap hotels in Oahu is a great place to start the planning process!
The average price of Oahu hotels is $200-$400 per night, while luxury resorts can charge you up to $1,500 a night!
A daunting prospect when you’re travelling on a budget, but budget hotels can be just as comfortable, just as conveniently located, and just as stylish as some of the mega-expensive resorts. Read on to discover the 13 best cheap hotels in Oahu to start planning your dream vacation!
Where Is Oahu?
Oahu is made up of 5 distinct areas. These are Central Oahu (Pearl City), Honolulu (the state capital, Honolulu, and Waikiki), Leeward Coast (Ewa, Kapolei, Ko’olina, Makakilo, and Royal Kunia), North Shore (Haleawa, Laie, Malaikahana, Mokuleia, Pupukea, Sunset, Waialua, and Waimea), and Windward Coast (Kailua and Kaneohe).
Most tourists prefer to stay in downtown Waikiki since there is plenty of accommodation to choose from, and is considerably cheaper to the North Shore. Plus, most accommodation in Waikiki is close to the nightlife of the area.
If you would like to get an experience that resembles what Hawaii is like on the Big Island, Kauai, or Maui, then we recommend the North Shore, where there are still some decent budget accommodations.
If you plan to stay in Oahu for a long time, then we would suggest staying on the Windward Coast, and in Kailua specifically. There is lots to do in this part of Oahu, but it still has a laidback, small town vibe.
One of the cheapest places to stay in Oahu, the Polynesian Hostel Beach Club is situated one block from Honolulu Zoo and Kuhio Beach. It’s a hostel with clean and comfortable beds, and is a great option for solo travelers looking to make new friends and travel on a budget. It’s conveniently located for beach activities, entertainment, nightlife, restaurants, and shops.
The Polynesian Residences are situated near Northern Waikiki, just one block from Waikiki beach, and just 20 minutes from the Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo. While the rooms are basic, they are clean and comfortable, and the staff are genial and always on hand to help.
The Coconut Waikiki Hotel is the ideal hotel for a trip with the girls! Situated just across from the Ala Wai Canal, you can enjoy a free continental American breakfast every day along with some Kona coffee.
It’s a hotel that is centrally located, in walking distance to the beach, bars, restaurants, and shops, with many options for street parking and an inexpensive paid parking garage close by. Plus, certain rooms contain kitchenettes that are ideal if you like to do some cooking in your room, and all rooms have private terraces with beautiful, Hawaiian views.
The Equus is a famous Honolulu boutique hotel that is just a 5-minute walk from the Ala Moana Shopping Center. If you want a budget-friendly Oahu hotel that is clean, conveniently located, and quiet, then the Equus hotel is for you!
If you’re not renting a car to explore Oahu, then the Waikiki trolley line is directly across the street, and there is a public bus stop within the hotel. The Equus is not just budget-friendly, but cozy and feels like a home away from home.
The Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki is a gorgeous, comfortable hotel found right in the heart of Honolulu, and features a lovely pool, on-site spa, and wellness center – not bad for a budget hotel! Although it is in the center of the action, it’s still nestled away from the hustle and bustle while still being within easy reach of the beach.
The Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites are located on the main street yet away from the crowds, providing clean rooms and wonderful views. The Fish Hook Cafe is the on-site restaurant, serving breakfast items, poke bowls, salads, and sandwiches. While the pool is gorgeous, if you want to explore Oahu you are within walking distance to fun activities, restaurants, and shops.
While the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is the priciest hotel on our list, it’s still considered a budget hotel and one you should definitely consider. Situated on a 22-acres stretch of Waikiki beach, the resort features stunning ponds, tropical gardens, and waterfalls, as well as 5 swimming pools including a large pool on the beachfront.
So if you just want to kick back and relax, the resort has everything you could possibly need! Including outdoor yoga classes if you really want to take care of your health and wellbeing. If you want to be a little more adventurous, the hotel also offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling and surf lessons.
The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club in Waikiki is a unique hotel, offering suites and bungalows inspired by vintage decor, including unique artwork and handmade furniture. Plus, there is a beautiful outdoor pool with private cabanas for extra seclusion, and live music every night.
They have an on-site restaurant – Mahina & Sun – that serves organic dishes with ingredients grown by local farmers. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner here, or enjoy fresh coffee and cocktails in the hotel lobby.
We would highly recommend this budget hotel for honeymooning couples who don’t want to break the bank. The location and the vibes are just so romantic!
The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is in a beautiful location, just one block away from the beach! It also has a massive outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a gym where you can lift weights.
Being in proximity to the beach makes the choice of where to spend your day so much easier. Plus, the hotel is next door to the International Marketplace, placing you in the heart of the Waikiki strip.
The VIVE Hotel Waikiki is a budget boutique hotel that is just a 7-minute walk away from Waikiki Beach, and offers city, mountain, or ocean views. Plus, you’re only 2 miles away from Diamond Head, so if you’re a fan of hiking, it’s super easy to plan a sunrise hike. This hotel couldn’t be in a better location!
It’s within walking distance to plenty of restaurants, the beach, and the local mall, which means you don’t have to worry about parking to get anywhere. The VIVE is a budget-friendly hotel that’s one of the better inexpensive hotels close to Waikiki Beach, with the style and cleanliness standards of a much more expensive hotel.
Situated 2 blocks away from the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and Waikiki Beach, the White Sands Hotel features an outdoor pool nestled in private gardens, making it an idyllic hotel to escape to. Plus, each room at the hotel has a private balcony with views overlooking the city and the pool, and the hotel has a lively and stylish vibe.
The aesthetic blends tradition and modernity, and the White Sands is a great choice for those who want to be close to the action, but who also want to escape to a secluded pool.
The Aqua Oasis is an excellent choice for a budget-friendly stay in Oahu, Waikiki. It is a 5-minute walk to Waikiki Beach, as well as being just across the street from high-end stores on Luxury Row.
All rooms feature a balcony and are sufficiently roomy, with some suites featuring a kitchenette with a microwave, full-size fridge, and rice cooker. But if you want to save a little cash, there is also a continental breakfast available. If you want to take a break from the beach, you can relax in the hotel pool or sauna.
Just two blocks from Waikiki Beach, the Ilima Hotel is also situated close to Honolulu Zoo, the International Marketplace, and the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center – not to mention vibrant nightlife, and nature reserves like Kapi’olani Park and Diamond Head.
Every room has air conditioning, kitchens with fridges and microwaves, a safe, and cable television. Free local calls, a Kauai coffee service, and a complimentary newspaper are also available. The hotel has a laidback vibe, with paintings by Ralph Kagehiro and polished koa wood in the lobby.
The hotel also has many recreational facilities such as a gym, outdoor pool, two rooftop sun decks, and a sauna. Although the hotel does not have a restaurant on-site, it is within walking distance to many fantastic restaurants, and the staff will happily give you recommendations!
We hope our list of the 13 best cheap hotels in Hawaii, Oahu has reassured you that it is possible to have your dream vacation in Hawaii without breaking the bank! All of these hotels are stylish, conveniently located, and offer amazing amenities.
Hi, my name is Richard Ennis and I have been to Hawaii eleven times so far. I have always been fascinated with the world of Hawaii, ever since I was a young boy learning about it in school.
So, please enjoy my website and marvel at the state of Hawaii - if I convince you to plan your own trip out there, hope to see you soon!
