The Recommended™ Guide to Honolulu
Family, couples or solo,
Honolulu offers a lot.
We cover it.
The Best of Honolulu, carefully curated by The Recommended™ Guide.
We’ve done the research. Discover Honolulu’s best hotels, attractions, restaurants and hidden gems
—all in one carefully curated guide, presented to you. For you.
Recommended™ Hotels in Orlando
Whether you’re looking for luxury, beachfront relaxation or excellent value, these hotels stand out for their location, guest experience and overall quality.
Prince Waikiki
Prince Waikiki combines contemporary luxury with a peaceful waterfront location overlooking Ala Wai Harbor. Unlike many hotels in central Waikīkī, it offers a quieter atmosphere while remaining within walking distance of beaches, shopping and restaurants. Guests love the spacious rooms, spectacular infinity pool and panoramic ocean views, making it an excellent choice for both couples and families seeking a premium Hawaiian experience.
✓ Best for: Couples, Luxury Travelers & Families
✓ Location: Ala Moana Marina
✓ Unique Feature: Stunning oceanfront infinity pool
✓ Accommodation Type: Luxury Resort
✓ Recommended™ Verdict: One of Honolulu’s best all-round luxury hotels, combining exceptional comfort, breathtaking views and outstanding value.
Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani
Elegant, modern and beautifully designed, Halepuna Waikiki delivers boutique luxury just moments from Waikīkī Beach. The hotel focuses on personalized service, stylish rooms and a relaxing atmosphere that appeals to travelers looking for something more refined than the larger beachfront resorts. Its rooftop infinity pool and excellent location make it a favorite among returning visitors.
✓ Best for: Couples & Relaxation
✓ Location: Central Waikīkī
✓ Unique Feature: Boutique luxury with exceptional service
✓ Accommodation Type: Boutique Hotel
✓ Recommended™ Verdict: Perfect for travelers seeking premium quality, comfort and tranquility without paying ultra-luxury prices.
Aston Waikiki Beach Tower
Located directly across from Waikīkī Beach, Aston Waikiki Beach Tower offers spacious apartment-style suites with full kitchens, generous living areas and spectacular ocean views. Families especially appreciate the extra space and convenience, while the beachfront location makes exploring Honolulu incredibly easy.
✓ Best for: Families & Extended Stays
✓ Location: Waikīkī Beach
✓ Unique Feature: Spacious beachfront suites with kitchens
✓ Accommodation Type: Apartment Hotel
✓ Recommended™ Verdict: One of Honolulu’s best family-friendly accommodations thanks to its unbeatable location and spacious home-away-from-home comfort.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences,
Waikiki Beach
Offering world-class hospitality, beautifully appointed residences and exceptional dining, The Ritz-Carlton Residences represents the pinnacle of luxury in Honolulu. Guests enjoy spacious suites, multiple infinity pools, fine dining and impeccable service while remaining within easy walking distance of Waikīkī Beach.
✓ Best for: Luxury Travelers & Honeymoons
✓ Location: Waikīkī
✓ Unique Feature: Residential-style luxury suites
✓ Accommodation Type: Five-Star Luxury Hotel
✓ Recommended™ Verdict: If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want one of Honolulu’s finest luxury experiences, this is hard to beat.
Recommended™ Attractions and experiences in Honolulu
Honolulu is far more than beautiful beaches. From breathtaking helicopter flights and world-famous snorkeling spots to Hollywood movie locations and spectacular island scenery, these experiences belong on every visitor’s itinerary.
Oʻahu Royal Crown Helicopter Tour
Seeing Oʻahu from above is an unforgettable experience. During this 60-minute helicopter tour you’ll soar above Diamond Head, Waikīkī Beach, lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs and hidden waterfalls while enjoying incredible panoramic views that simply can’t be appreciated from the ground. It’s one of the most memorable ways to experience Hawaii’s natural beauty.
✓ Best for: First-Time Visitors & Couples
✓ Duration: 60 Minutes
✓ Unique Feature: Aerial views of Oʻahu’s most iconic landmarks
✓ Experience Type: Helicopter Adventure
✓ Recommended™ Verdict: The ultimate bucket-list experience for visitors wanting to see Honolulu from an entirely new perspective.
Kualoa Ranch Jurassic Adventure Tour
Explore one of Hawaii’s most famous natural landscapes on an exciting guided adventure through Kualoa Ranch. Known worldwide as the filming location for Jurassic Park, Jurassic World and many other Hollywood productions, this spectacular valley combines dramatic mountain scenery, Hawaiian history and unforgettable photo opportunities.
✓ Best for: Families, Movie Fans & Nature Lovers
✓ Location: Kualoa Ranch
✓ Unique Feature: Jurassic Park filming locations
✓ Experience Type: Guided Adventure Tour
✓ Recommended™ Verdict: One of Oʻahu’s most iconic experiences, combining breathtaking scenery with a fascinating behind-the-scenes movie adventure.
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling
Hanauma Bay is one of the world’s most famous snorkeling destinations, offering crystal-clear waters filled with colorful tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs. Suitable for both beginners and experienced snorkelers, this protected marine sanctuary provides an unforgettable opportunity to experience Hawaii’s incredible underwater world.
✓ Best for: Families & Nature Lovers
✓ Location: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
✓ Unique Feature: Protected marine sanctuary
✓ Experience Type: Snorkeling Adventure
✓ Recommended™ Verdict: An absolute must for anyone wanting to experience Hawaii’s spectacular marine life in one of its most beautiful natural settings.
Grand Circle Island Experience
If it’s your first time visiting Oʻahu, the Grand Circle Island Experience is one of the best ways to discover everything the island has to offer. From dramatic coastlines and hidden beaches to scenic lookouts, waterfalls, local food stops and cultural landmarks, this full-day journey showcases the incredible diversity that makes Hawaii so unique.
✓ Best for: First-Time Visitors
✓ Duration: Full Day
✓ Unique Feature: Explore the island’s highlights in one unforgettable tour
✓ Experience Type: Sightseeing & Nature Tour
✓ Recommended™ Verdict: The easiest and most rewarding way to experience Oʻahu beyond Waikīkī without planning every detail yourself.
Best Restaurants & Dining Experiences in Honolulu
No trip to Honolulu feels complete without experiencing Hawaiian music, culture and oceanfront sunsets.
Recommended™ Dining Experiences in Honolulu
Mauka Warriors Luau
A unique cultural experience celebrating Polynesian history through storytelling, traditional performances and an authentic Hawaiian feast.
Pacific Star Sunset Cruise
Enjoy dinner while sailing along Waikīkī’s coastline as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, accompanied by live entertainment and spectacular views.
Ka Moana Lūʻau
A beautiful oceanfront luau combining Hawaiian cuisine, music, hula dancing and fire performances in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Recommended™ Restaurants in Honolulu
Helena’s Hawaiian Food
A Honolulu institution serving authentic Hawaiian dishes that have earned generations of loyal locals and visitors alike.
Tiki’s Grill & Bar
Enjoy fresh seafood, tropical cocktails and ocean views just steps from Waikīkī Beach.
Travel Essentials
Discovery Cars
Compare leading car rental companies to find competitive prices, flexible booking options, and the right vehicle for your Hawaiian adventure.
Private Airport Transfers
Book a reliable private transfer between Honolulu Airport and your hotel for a smooth, stress-free journey.
Saily eSIM
Get instant mobile data in Honolulu without changing your SIM card, avoiding expensive roaming charges while you travel.
AirHelp
Check if you’re eligible for compensation after delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flights with expert claim assistance.
Editorial Note: Some booking links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, Recommended™ may earn a commission that helps support our independent research and recommendations. It never affects our ratings or which businesses we recommend.