AAA’s Top Inspector Pick Hotels in Honolulu
Updated: October 17, 2023
AAA Travel Editor, Sherry Mims
With a captivating blend of culture, natural beauty and cosmopolitan atmosphere, it's no surprise that many travelers choose Honolulu, Hawai'i, as their base. About two-thirds of Hawai'i's residents live in O‘ahu, the state's third-largest island, and there's a variety of Chinese, Japanese, European, Polynesian and Native Hawaiian influences, which visitors can experience at the many cultural sites and attractions in Honolulu.
When it comes to planning where to go in Hawai'i, the allure of the capital is undeniable. Itineraries often include Iolani Palace, where Hawaii's monarchs resided, and Pearl Harbor, the scene of a surprise attack by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. There also are natural landscapes, including pristine beaches and Diamond Head (also known as Lēʻahi), which are perfect for recreational enthusiasts.
Honolulu and Waikīkī Beach as a whole are major draws for vacationers, and there's a delightful assortment of accommodations, catering to a diverse range of preferences and interests. Each place exudes its own special charm and boasts plenty of sights to see, whether you want to throw your beach towels in the sand, experience a world-class spa or keep busy in the city center. Trusting AAA to guide your selection means you can focus on curating your Hawaiian adventure, confident that your chosen accommodations will meet your needs and expectations. Follow along for a comprehensive guide to AAA Diamond properties, how the AAA inspection process works and can guide you to the best Honolulu hotels, and eight AAA Inspector Pick recommendations to consider booking.
Note: Honolulu, in O‘ahu is open for tourism, but check ahead for current conditions if traveling to West Maui. At press time, visits to Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pāʻia and Hāna are welcome, but phone ahead if going to Lahaina and Lahaina Harbor due to the Aug. 8 wildfire. To donate, AAA recommends supporting the following organizations:
- Hawaii Community Foundation - https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/ Recommended Designation: Hawaii Wildfires
- Aloha United Way - https://www.auw.org/ Recommended Designation: Hawaii Wildfires
- Maui Food Bank - https://mauifoodbank.org/ Recommended Designation: Hawaii Wildfires
- Center for Disaster Philanthropy - https://disasterphilanthropy.org/disasters/2023-north-american-wildfires/ Recommended Designation: Hawaii Wildfires
- Direct Relief - https://www.directrelief.org/2023/08/hurricane-winds-stir-up-wildfires-in-hawaii-forcing-evacuations/ Recommended Designation: Hawaii Wildfires
- American National Red Cross - https://www.redcross.org/local/hawaii.html Recommended Designation: Hawaii Wildfires
Decoding Honolulu: A Guide to Selecting the Ideal Accommodations
Whether you seek cultural immersion, adventure, great service or all of the above, choosing to stay in the capital makes perfect sense, but that means you’ll have to sift through a variety of Honolulu hotel options. This is where AAA Inspectors can offer invaluable assistance and insight. With their comprehensive knowledge and professional perspective, they can help narrow down the choices based on your preferences and budget.
According to AAA’s inspector in the area, first-time visitors to Honolulu would do well to stay in the Waikīkī area, for many reasons. “First, accessibility: excellent shops, restaurants, the beach and activities are all within walking distance from just about anywhere in Waikīkī,” says AAA Inspector 569. “This means that guests can easily navigate the streets, indulge in the cuisine and enjoy the stunning beaches without the need for transportation.”
Secondly, staying in Waikīkī can save you money on transportation. While it’s easy to navigate destinations on the Waikiki Beach Walk, there are ride-hailing services, such as Uber or Lyft, which the inspector notes, “are very easily accessible.” There's also trolley service, offering a convenient hop-on, hop-off tour of Honolulu locales. Note that rental cars can be an added travel expense, and parking on-site can add up quickly. However, if you're interested in exploring other parts of the island, day rental vehicles through AAA’s preferred partners — Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar — are available from various car rental locations in Hawai'i.
For those seeking a quieter experience away from the bustling city and crowds, Waikīkī may not be ideal. “They may wish to stay elsewhere on the island such as in Laie near the Polynesian Cultural Center or perhaps at the renovated Turtle Bay Resort at the North Shore, which offers its own lagoon,” added the inspector. These areas provide a peaceful retreat and are perfect for nature lovers or sustainable travel enthusiasts, who want to visit cultural attractions away from the city.
If you prefer the energy of Waikīkī, definitely read on for where to stay. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels, there are options for every type of traveler. With AAA.com/TripCanvas, you can not only filter places to stay in Hawai'i but also select dates and inspiration. In fact, when it comes to accommodations, many Honolulu hotels also are designated as AAA Diamond-designated, with a few distinguished others elevated as AAA Inspector Picks — adding peace of mind if you want to ensure — say, a scenic view.
Leveraging AAA Inspector Expertise: Navigating the Hotel Landscape in Honolulu
Luckily for travelers, each AAA Diamond-designated property undergoes an annual inspection to ensure high standards of housekeeping and maintenance. With inspectors visiting hundreds of properties within their respective territories each year, they gain a deep understanding of their cities, towns and areas. According to Inspector 569, this unique perspective allows them to compare accommodations and make personalized recommendations based on their favorites, places with great views or those that offer the best value.
As a result, AAA members can trust that these recommended hotels and resorts not only meet cleanliness and condition standards but also provide insider insights from a visitor's point of view. So whether you're looking to soak up the sun at a romantic resort hotel on Waikiki Beach or embark on a fun family vacation, choosing the right hotel in Honolulu is the first step toward an unforgettable Hawaiian getaway, so let’s get to know some popular hotels!
Top AAA Diamond Hotels in Honolulu and Waikīkī, According to AAA
Inspector’s Best of Family-Friendly
1. Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations
All of the one-, two-, and three-bedroom rooms at this property are on the large grounds of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, which come with on-site perks. There are plenty of seats, lockers and showers in a comfortable arrivals area. Each unit has its own lanai, and some have a great view of the ocean. Kids will love that they can watch movies for free or play computer games in their rooms. Frugal travelers will love that AAA members can save up to 10% and earn Hilton Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Why Best of Family-Friendly?
“My family has plenty of room to spread out in the condo-style units and enjoy a wide variety of shopping and activities.”
Inspector’s Best of Location
2. Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
This modern hotel comes with many different types of rooms but is especially notable for having nice baths and lots of perks. After you cool off in the splash pool, take a break in a cabana or beach chair. At night, a fire pit makes the entertainment deck a nice place to relax. In each guest room, there are reusable water bottles, and filtered water is also provided. The hotel also pet-friendly and offers free Wi-Fi and electric vehicle charging stations. Here's another travel benefit: Members can save up to 10% and earn World of Hyatt points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Why Best of Location?
“The central location of this upscale property makes it one of my favorites to stay at while in Waikīkī. I can walk everywhere I want from here!”
3. OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel
This recently remodeled hotel is steps away from world-famous Waikiki Beach as well as shops and restaurants — in particular the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and the International Marketplace. Each room offers porches, and a local artist has designed eye-catching murals of local plants on each floor.
Why Best of Location?
“This is an excellent location in the heart of Waikīkī. I can walk to just about anywhere including the beach, amazing restaurants and world-class shops!”
Within the 31-floor beachfront hotel, there are a selection of shops, an infinity pool for adults, and another pool area with water attractions for kids. In the lobby, you can see sand art. If you’re worried about parking, there’s also on-site parking for a fee as well as information about accessible parking and transportation. Also nice, AAA members can save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Why Best of Location?
“From its excellent central location, I enjoy world-class shopping and dining options, a beautiful beach and great surf all within walking distance.”
Inspector’s Best of Personal Favorite
5. The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations
This stylish hotel has a large, impressive lobby area with water features and beautiful places to sit. There are 411 condos, some of which have 2 or 3 beds. All of the units provide a kitchen, a sitting room, and between one and three bedrooms. If you’re all about the amenities, there are privileges available at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, including the fitness center.
Why Personal Favorite?
“These spacious condo-style units have all the conveniences I need to make me feel at home — my favorite is the instant hot water spigot!”
6. Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
This hotel is right on the beach and in the middle of Waikīkī. Expect Hawaiian decorations and artifacts in the lobby, like a fully restored outrigger canoe that is displayed near registration. Beach activities are accessible in the front. If on a romantic getaway, consider getting a massage as a couple; there are beautiful ocean views available from the couples' room at the resort spa.
Why Best of Personal Favorite?
“The staff always makes me feel like ʻOhana or 'family' in Hawaiian. That, coupled with the beachfront location, makes this one of my go-to spots!”
Inspector’s Best of Scenic View
There are 85 condos available here, and each two-bedroom space is expansive. Features include two bathrooms, a washer and dryer, a balcony that looks out over the beach and a fully-stocked kitchen. (Expect a few drinks in the refrigerator.) Guests who arrive before check-in time can use lockers and a welcome room. There also is a yoga room, a fitness center, lounge chairs on the pool deck and a grilling area.
Why Best of Scenic View?
“The views of the Pacific and Waikīkī Beach below take my breath away every time I am lucky enough to stay at this property!”
8. Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
This is where to find upscale accommodations conveniently located in Waikīkī. Plus, there are lots of restaurants and shops to visit, and the beach is only one block away. To check-in, take the outside escalator up one floor. The luxurious one-bedroom rooms are modern and feature deep tubs for soaking. The top-floor pool has great views of the city, the ocean and Diamond Head. The free cabanas also are a nice touch.
Why Best of Scenic View?
“Aside from the attractive condos, I enjoy the view from the upscale rooftop pool and bar area, which overlooks the ocean, the city and the mountains.”
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AAA Travel Editor, Sherry Mims
Sherry is an experienced #AAAEditor and former journalist who enjoys writing informative travel articles and reviews. Her commitment to making meaningful connections with people and places fuels her work for AAA. Favorite activities range from skiing to backpacking abroad and taking ghost tours.