Oahu is the most-visited Hawaiian island, and most of its resorts are concentrated in Honolulu on that most famous of beaches, Waikiki.
Waikiki Beach
Near the beach a busy area has grown up, packed with high-rises and shopping ops; but Waikiki Beach itself is still lovely and has a beautified walkway, and a long undeveloped stretch leading toward Diamond Head.
Families take note: Waikiki offers a great chance for kids to learn to surf; even kids as young as eight can try.
Only a few resorts or hotels are on the beach itself; others are just across the road; others still are a short walk away.
Click to explore Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort, the landmark Moana Surfrider, and more Waikiki Beach Resorts/ Hotels.
North Coast
The North Coast of Oahu -- about an hour's drive-- is a very different Hawaii, known for beautiful beaches, and for surf; surfing competitions are held here in winter. There are few resorts and little development.
Turtle Bay Resort is a unique Oahu resort: alone on the beautiful north coast with 880 acres, file miles of beach, five different bays, pool with waterfall and slide, on-site snorkeling, horseriding, surf lessons.
Southwest Oahu: Waianae Coast
At the foot of the Waianae Mountains, the luxury JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa has with views of the Waianae Coast, and protected lagoon. Kids club; teen program at the spa; on-site "Reef and Ray Adventure" in the ocean water ponds at the resort. 45 minutes from Waikiki.
Sheraton Maui Resort: prime spot with 23 acres at the north end of Kaanapali Beach; Ohana (family) suites; snorkeling and scuba nearby at Black Rock; meandering swimming lagoon; Westin Kids Club Discovery room and kids' program; daily activities such as "family pool races", "Family Scavenger hunt", lei-making, hula lesson....
Ko Olina - West Coast
Ko Olina is a resort area and marina about 20 minutes west of Waikiki. The JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olinais in this area, and -- big news-- a Disney Resort is being built, with scheduled completion in 2011.
For More Oahu Resorts & Hotels:
-See Oahu Accommodations Guide at About.com's Hawaii Travel site.
