Best 10 Places to Stay on a Budget in Oahu

Traveling doesn’t always have to be expensive. People often hesitate to travel, thinking it will drain their bank accounts. Famous tourist destinations like Oahu are usually expensive to travel. However, you can reduce expenses by adopting budget-friendly measures like visiting free attractions, avoiding tourist traps, and staying in cheaper hotels. You must book accommodations according to your budget. That’s why we present the best places to stay on a budget in Oahu. These hotels offer many amenities at affordable rates.

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Polynesian Hostel Beach Club

If you want cheaper accommodation, hostels are your best option. Polynesian Hostel Beach Club is among the budget-friendly accommodations on the southern coast of Honolulu Island. It is conveniently near the Honolulu Zoo, Kapiolani Park, and Kuhio Beach. The hostel also offers fantastic tours and activities, including scuba diving, circle island tours, and scenic snorkel & boat cruises.

This property features 6-bed and 10-bed dormitories. These rooms are ideal for larger groups or those on a tight budget. If you want more private accommodation, choose semi-private rooms with twin beds and one Queen bed. All rooms have air conditioning and comfortable bedding. The hostel offers Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and BBQ equipment.

Waikiki Resort Hotel

The beautiful Waikiki Beach is the best place to stay in Oahu. While five-star and luxe properties swarm this area, you will find cheaper hotels here, like the Waikiki Resort Hotel. It is in the heart of Waikiki in the middle of the action. In addition to its proximity to Waikiki Beach, this hotel is near the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, and the International Market Place.

This resort hotel features 275 rooms, including 11 spacious suites. All rooms feature Hawaiian-inspired furnishings, earthy tones, and deluxe amenities like Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerators, tea/coffee-making facilities, AC, and 49-inch LCD TVs. Some rooms also have private balconies offering breathtaking city or ocean views. Likewise, the on-site Ilima Cafe serves local Hawaiian dishes and tasty American classics. It serves a la carte breakfast daily from 6 AM to 10:30 AM.

Waikiki Heritage Hotel

There is no shortage of hotels in the vibrant Waikiki district; this time, it’s Waikiki Heritage Hotel. It offers an affordable stay in a bustling and priceless location like Waikiki. The picturesque Waikiki Beach is only a few meters away, where you can go on a walk, sunbathe, surf, or set sail on a cruise. You will also find plenty of shopping and dining offers.

This hotel offers luxurious amenities, including spacious accommodations, complimentary Wi-Fi, a coin-operated laundry room, and an outdoor swimming pool. Guests can choose from one-bedroom suites, pool-view rooms, studio kitchenettes, deluxe rooms, and standard rooms. Each unit has air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, a safety deposit box, and comfortable bed linen.

The Equus

Experience a luxury stay on Waikiki’s upper west side. The Equus is an award-winning, family-owned and operated boutique hotel. It offers authentic Hawaiian hospitality at an unbeatable price. This property is 700 meters from Kahanamoku Beach and near the infamous Magic Island. Guests can hire bikes at the hotel and explore nearby attractions.

This property features five-star amenities, including an outdoor pool, complimentary beach items (towels, chairs, and umbrellas), weekly evening entertainment, and high-speed Wi-Fi. It offers spacious rooms with a flat-screen LCD, plush pillow-top beds, a Keurig coffeemaker with complimentary organic tea and coffee, and a mid-sized refrigerator. Guests can also stop by the on-site Paniolo Bar & Cafe for food and beverages.

Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki Hotel

Do you like surfing? Then, you will enjoy staying at this surf-inspired Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki Hotel. Upon arrival, you will feel a warm welcome at the surf-style lobby. The hotel has also included elements from the local surfing culture and ocean in its interior. After checking in, head to Waikiki Beach to surf. The staff will hold your surfboard at the front desk.

After enough water play, relax at the on-site Sunrise Massage & Spa. Treat yourself to pampering and various spa treatments. Finally, retire to your non-smoking guestrooms. Each room has a flat-screen TV, DVD movie rentals, a coffee maker, a mini-refrigerator, and a microwave. The 3-star hotel also offers outdoor barbecue facilities.

Ohia Waikiki Studio Suites

Next, we have apartment-style Ohia Waikiki Studio Suites. Its location in the heart of Waikiki gives guests central access to shopping, dining, and nightlife options. You can relax and rewind at Waikiki Beach, which is 400 meters away from the hotel premises. This beach is renowned for its pristine sand, turquoise water, and picturesque setting.

This property offers spacious rooms and suites that accommodate 1 to 6 guests per room. You can choose from single rooms, studio suites, and apartment-style rooms. The latter are ideal for families and larger groups and have fully-equipped kitchens. If you don’t like cooking, head to the on-site restaurant, Lava Tube. It serves Hawaiian favorites like poke bowls, loco mocos, and teriyaki chicken bowls.

Royal Grove Waikiki

Experience a classic Waikiki escape at Royal Grove Waikiki. It is within a 5-minute walk from Waikiki Beach, where guests can relax and refresh. It is also a few miles from Kahanamoku Beach, Queen’s Beach, Kuhio Beach, Gray’s Beach, and Fort DeRussy Beach. For shoppers and foodies, Ala Moana Shopping Center and KCC Farmer’s Market are only a short distance away.

This hotel features budget-friendly guestrooms and suites. Guests can choose from one or two bedroom suites, Standard Rooms, and Deluxe Studios. Suites have private kitchens featuring a stove, microwave, oven, refrigerator, and tea/coffee maker. Other hotel amenities include a swimming pool, a coin-operated laundry, complimentary Wi-Fi, and facilities for guests with disabilities. Also, did we mention that Royal Grove Waikiki is pet-friendly?

Oahu Camper Adventures

Are you tired of the usual hotel rooms? Why don’t you experience staying in a camper van? Oahu Camper Adventures offers a unique stay in a comfortable vehicle. It is in Kailua, near beautiful beaches like Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach. Likewise, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is 20 km from the van. The property also offers a paid airport shuttle service to the nearest Honolulu International Airport.

The camper van has everything you need. This non-smoking mobile home has air conditioning, a shared bathroom, an electric kettle, a tea/coffee maker, and towels. Expect a homey ambiance with plenty of privacy. Furthermore, owners Eileen and Carl will be at your beck and call throughout your stay. Former guests also highly praised the owners’ professionalism and helpful nature.

VIVE Hotel Waikiki

We have another budget-friendly property in Waikiki Beach. The VIVE Hotel Waikiki is a 7-minute walk from the infamous beach. As such, it is ideal for anyone looking forward to exploring the beach or snorkeling and surfing. The island’s rich heritage and natural splendor have inspired the hotel’s rooms. Each room or suite has stylish, laid-back chic vibes and offers stunning ocean and mountain views.

This hotel features local artwork or murals and curated amenities. It offers a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast every morning featuring aromatic Kona coffee, fresh tropical fruits, baked goods, and hot tea. Those on extended vacation can stay the fifth night for free. The VIVE Hotel Waikiki offers 20% off 7-9 nights, 22% off 10-13 nights, and 25% off 14+ nights. So, if you are on a lengthy trip to Oahu, you know where to make your booking.

Ilikai Marina Condos

Although Ilikai Marina Condos might be a slightly expensive property on our list, it is not without reasons. This beachfront property offers stunning ocean views. Kahanomoku Beach, Waikiki Beach, and the lagoon are a few steps away. They beckon visitors to relax, indulge in watersports, and mingle with locals. You will also find shopping centers, grocery shops, restaurants, and bus stops near the property.

This condominium building features spacious condos with modern amenities. Each unit has cable TV, bed linen, a private bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen (with an oven, a toaster, a microwave, and a kettle). Ensuite bathrooms have a spa bath, bathrobes, towels, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer. Although there is no breakfast option, guests can find fine dining establishments like The Harbor Pub, The Chart House, and Red Lobster in the lobby.

So here are the best places to stay on a budget in Oahu. As you can see, you can find a property below $50 on this beautiful island. Since most of our listed hotels are around Waikiki Beach, their prices could be higher than others. You will find even cheaper accommodations in affordable neighborhoods like Waianae, Kahuku, Ililani, and Manoa. You can also save money by visiting during the Hawaiian shoulder months, like May, September, and October.