The most visited of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is a popular choice for good reason when it comes to Hawaii vacations. This beautiful island offers an abundance of activity options, from those found within the cosmopolitan city life of Waikiki to outdoor adventures that extend from the mountains to the sea. And while the bustling streets of Honolulu and the famed beaches of Waikiki have plenty to offer, the best places to stay on Oahu are often tucked away from the city center, where you can still experience the tranquil vibe island life has to offer. Visitors who come and experience only the hustle and bustle of Honolulu and Waikiki without venturing beyond the city’s reaches miss out on some of the most beautiful parts of the island. Enjoy the best of both worlds – easy access to the activities of the city as well as beaches tucked away from the crowds when you venture to West Oahu.
The western coast of the island is known for having the most sunny days per year, in addition to being home to some of the island’s most beautiful white sand beaches. From your location on the West Coast, enjoy easy day trips into the city and to the island’s surf crazed north shore. And within West Oahu itself, there are ample beaches, golf courses, shops, restaurants, and activities that are all easily accessible. Soak up the beauty of the island when you select one of the best places to stay on Oahu, all situated along the desirable west coast
Beach Villas at Ko Olina
Bring your beach vacation dreams to life when you stay at the Beach Villas at Ko Olina. These accommodations are situated along the island’s west coast, with many offering ocean views. Most of these units range from 1-3 bedrooms, making them ideal for couples, families, and small groups alike. Embrace life along the oceanfront from the open concept great room in your beach villa, with extended living space on the outdoor lanai. For those who truly want to make the most of your island getaway, the proximity of the beach to these accommodations allows the ocean to be an integral part of everyday life.
The beaches at Ko Olina consist of four white sand lagoons, with outer rock croppings protecting the shoreline from larger waves. The tranquil waters here are ideal for swimming and stand up paddle boarding. The lagoons are connected by a 1.5-mile paved path, creating a beautiful space for walking or jogging along the waterfront. For those interested in embarking on a dolphin or whale watching excursion or a romantic sunset sail, the upscale Ko Olina Marina is located nearby, offering a wealth of adventures on the water. From your beach villa at Ko Olina, an oceanfront paradise awaits!
Beach Tower
If you’re headed to Hawaii with your sights set on soaking up as much beach time as possible, consider a stay in Ko Olina’s Beach Tower. This building is situated as close as possible to the ocean, putting the white sands of Ko Olina Lagoon 2 just steps from your door. The ocean lagoons are known for their tranquil waters and spectacular sunsets, making this a picture-perfect place to spend your beach vacation on Oahu. Wake in the morning to enjoy an oceanside stroll along the beach path that fronts the building, lounge along the sun-soaked shoreline, or swim, snorkel, or stand up paddle board in the calm waters. This is beachfront living at its finest!
Accommodations in the Beach Tower range from 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom to 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom units. These villas offer a breezy open floorplan, many with ocean views. The kitchens are designed by local celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi, adding a distinctive touch to every space. Many of these accommodations boast glass doors that can be completely slid away, revealing an indoor-outdoor living space right along the beachfront. Guests of the Beach Tower enjoy access to freeform swimming pools and luxurious hot tubs surrounded by tropical landscaping, retaining a tropical vibe whether you’re lounging poolside or oceanside. The keiki pool keeps things family-friendly, with shallow waters and a sandy bottom perfect for families traveling with children. Grab a tropically infused drink at the Beach Tower’s oceanfront bar, conveniently located right onsite. With upscale swimming pools and a sandy ocean beach just steps from your door, a stay in the Beach Tower is ideal for any water enthusiast!
Ocean Tower
Keep the sea within sight when you stay in a condo situated in the fabulous Ocean Tower. Ranging from 4 to 10 stories tall, you’ll enjoy a bird’s eye view of paradise. Many of the condos within the Ocean Tower boast oversized glass doors that slide completely away, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living space. Move easily throughout your chic condo, enjoying sweeping views of the ocean and palm tree groves. Many of the condos within the Ocean Tower also offer views of the complex’s large, heated lap pool.
The majority of the condos in the Ocean Tower offer 2 to 3 bedrooms, making them well suited for couples, families, or small groups. This property is situated conveniently near a calm white sand ocean lagoon. With just a short walk from your door, enjoy a refreshing swim, snorkel, or stand up paddle boarding session. These calm bays are protected from larger waves, making it a relaxing beach day for the whole family. Enjoy the stunning beauty of the coastline with a stroll down the 1.5-mile paved path that fronts the ocean, easily accessible from Ocean Tower.
Ko Olina Fairways
With its blue skies and warm weather, West Oahu is a golfer’s paradise. Staying in the upscale Ko Olina Fairways community puts you right along the front nine holes of the Ko Olina Golf Club, putting days of golfing in paradise right at your doorstep. Most of these homes boast 2-3 bedrooms, offering plenty of square footage for families and small groups. Whether you plan to spend much of your time golfing or you simply appreciate the peacefulness that life on the green can offer, these accommodations offer a spacious and beautiful place from which to enjoy island life. With such proximity, it’s likely you’ll be drawn to spending at least some of your time perfecting your swing at the Ko Olina Golf Club. This Ted Robinson-designed course has earned many accolades and offers a variety of water features and multi-tiered greens to keep things interesting. You’ll also enjoy easy access to dining at Roy’s, which serves Hawaiian fusion cuisine and offers both lunch and dinner.
Accommodations in Ko Olina Fairways are comprised of condos and townhomes, with single story and two-story layouts available. Features such as two-car garages and private backyard spaces are common in these homes, with some yards backing right up to the golf green. Enjoy drinks on your private patio, fabulous west side sunsets, and a laid-back lifestyle from the comfort of your accommodations in Ko Olina Fairways. Guests in Ko Olina Fairways also enjoy access to community amenities such as a swimming pool, hot tub, and barbecue area.
Coconut Plantation
Step back in time to the charm that filled Hawaii’s Plantation Era at Coconut Plantation, where classic architectural elements remain alongside luxurious amenities. This gated community is for the discerning traveler who enjoys peace of mind and immaculate living. The sprawling homes in this location range from 2-4 bedrooms, making them a great option for the entire family or group. Along with well-designed and spacious interior living spaces, many of these homes boast multiple outdoor lanais, where the living space is extended and you can enjoy every moment of your down time surrounded by lush tropical plant life and soft island breezes. The homes within Coconut Plantation offer a true home away from home experience, with spacious great rooms that boast comfortable living room furnishings and fully equipped kitchen that are more than ready to hold the treasured moments of daily life.
Take advantage of the well-manicured grounds of the Coconut Plantation neighborhood, where you’ll find shared amenities that will provide additional options for fun throughout your stay. This complex offers two swimming pools and three spas for relaxing days when you don’t want to venture far. While one swimming pool boasts a shallow end with a sandy bottom perfect for the kids, the other freeform pool is ideal for lounging and enjoying an afternoon poolside barbecue. Coconut Plantation is conveniently located just behind Ko Olina Station and Ko Olina Center, where you’ll find a variety of shopping and dining options. These lifestyle centers offer a dozen shops that range from surf shops to boutiques, as well as 9 dining options. From breakfast to dessert and every meal in between, the restaurants here have got you covered throughout your stay. You’ll also find multiple coffee shops and a grocery market for your daily caffeine fix and for picking up ingredients to whip up your own meal at your Coconut Plantation vacation rental.
Ko Olina Hillside Villas
Tucked away on lush, well-manicured grounds are the Ko Olina Hillside Villas. These well-appointed villas offer resort living ideal for those on a budget. Even with a budget-friendly price point, you’ll find many amenities in these condos that make them a top choice. Six to eight condos are housed in each building at Hillside Villas, creating a boutique feel. Spread out and make yourself at home in these 2- to 3-bedroom condos with a multi-level floorplan. Many of the Ko Olina Hillside Villas offer a main-level open concept living area, with the bedrooms tucked away upstairs. This layout is perfect for families traveling with children or with those who keep varied schedules, allowing plenty of space and solitude to slip away from the activity for a good night’s sleep.
Enjoy extended living space on the outdoor patio, alongside a grassy area perfect for the kids to play. Ko Olina Hillside Villas also offers community amenities, such as the spacious swimming pool surrounded by loungers. Spend the afternoon lounging poolside or unwind with a relaxing soak in the hot tub after a day of island adventuring. A barbecue area adjacent to the pool makes it easy to enjoy relaxing days without traveling far. From the Ko Olina grounds, enjoy access to a round of golf at the nearby Ko Olina Golf Club, shopping and dining in Ko Olina Center, and world class white sand beaches that front the resort. Well-maintained accommodations and easy access to resort amenities make Ko Olina Hillside Villas an economic choice!
Kai Lani
The gated Kai Lani community is situated right along the oceanfront, making it both exclusive and highly desirable. Here you’ll find luxurious 2- to 3-bedroom condominiums, many with an ocean view. The Kai Lani community is also bordered on one side by hole 12 of the Ko Olina Golf Club, making this neighborhood both an ocean lover’s and a golf enthusiast’s dream. Choose between a first or second floor condo for your upscale getaway at Kai Lani. These condos boast an open floorplan with a kitchen, dining area, and living room that flow easily together. Tropical-inspired furnishings and a well-equipped kitchen keep the vibe laid-back and welcoming.
Pamper yourself with the many amenities that are offered at Kai Lani. Lounge alongside the freeform swimming pool or book an easily accessible round of golf. One of the resort’s ocean lagoons is just a 200-yard walk away, where you’ll find a silky white sand beach and perfectly calm aqua blue waters. From Kai Lani, you’ll also enjoy easy access to the Paradise Cove Luau for an unforgettable evening of Hawaiian food and traditional dance. The shops and restaurants of Ko Olina Center and Ko Olina Station are also located just around the corner, putting a variety of culinary experiences within easy access. From Kai Lani, enjoy a premium location surrounded by the ocean, world class golf course, white sand beaches, and shopping and dining options!
Ko Olina Kai Golf Estates
This luxurious gated community is as close as you can get to life on the golf course. Though the course also borders other communities, Ko Olina Kai Golf Estates by far puts guests in the best position for making the most of a golf getaway to Oahu. The Ko Olina Golf Club lies to one side of the neighborhood, while the fairways wrap around three sides of the community, putting Ko Olina Kai in the center of the action. Within Ko Olina Kai Golf Estates, you’ll find single family homes as well as townhomes, affording an abundance of space and privacy for guests. Most of these accommodations offer 2 to 4 bedrooms, with some homes offering up to 2,000 square feet of living space. The open concept great room offers a generous area for gathering together, while additional space abounds on the outdoor lanai.
From Ko Olina Kai Golf Estates, enjoy premium access to the Ko Olina Golf Club, consistently ranked among the top courses both in Hawaii and in the country. The Clubhouse itself features a Hawaiian pitched roof with broad verandas for taking in spectacular views of the course. Make the most of your golf getaway by booking a daily tee time, or perfect your swing by participating in the daily golf clinic or by taking a private lesson. Finish off your day on the green with a meal at Roy’s, an upscale restaurant that serves delicious Hawaiian Fusion cuisine. Aside from easy golf access, guests of Ko Olina Kai Golf Estates also enjoy amenities such as a saltwater swimming pool, hot tub, and tennis courts, among others.
Makaha
Situated along the northwestern coast of the island lies the beach town of Makaha. With long stretches of white sand beaches along one side of the road and the slopes of Mt. Ka’ala on the other, this sleepy coastal town is the perfect place to get away from it all. Many accommodations in Makaha, such as the Hawaiian Princess, are situated right along the beach, putting the ocean in your front yard. From the open concept great room in your Makaha condo, open wide the glass doors and breathe in the scents and sounds of the ocean, just steps away. Offering relaxed oceanfront living, condos such as Hawaiian Princess are ideal for couples who desire to get outside the city and resort areas and experience a different side of Oahu.
Makaha Beach is known for its good surf, though conditions here are more well-suited for intermediate and advanced surfers. The expansive stretch of white sand is also perfect for those who simply love to lounge and soak up life along the ocean. Makaha is also known for its excellent offshore dive sites. Hawaiian Princess fronts Papaoneone Beach, just down the road from Makaha Beach. Also known as Turtle Beach, green sea turtles can often be spotted along this stretch. The oceanside town of Makaha can be reached by a 50-minute drive from Honolulu, putting day trips into the city within easy reach, while still ensuring ample separation from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Exploring West Oahu
A drive up the western coast of Oahu is what road trip dreams are made of – long stretches of white sand beaches curled up against the turquoise blue ocean on one side of the road and dramatic mountain ridges on the other. With stunning scenery everywhere you look, it is well worth it to go beyond the skyline of Honolulu and Waikiki when vacationing on Oahu to experience the beauty that lies beyond. Continuing up Farrington Highway past the beautiful vacation areas of Ko Olina and Makaha, the road eventually dead ends dead ends at Ka’ena Point State Park due to sea cliffs and rugged terrain. The site of a seabird sanctuary, Ka’ena Point is a great location for a hike. Whales can often be spotted offshore here between November and March. Those who venture this far are also rewarded with the windswept and secluded Keawaula Beach, also known as Yokohama Bay. This slice of paradise is backed by spectacular mountain vistas and is likely one of the most secluded places you’ll find on the island.
On the other hand, while West Oahu is home to beautiful beaches and a more laid-back lifestyle than what you’ll find in Honolulu, there is no shortage of ways to stay entertained. The southwestern town of Kapalei offers a variety of shopping and dining, and towns all the way up the coast offer small, locally run shops and eateries. Be sure to check out Mina’s Fish House, Roy’s Ko Olina, and Kaʻahaʻaina Café for top dining options in West Oahu. Farmer’s markets and farm-to-table initiatives are also a great way to experience the local side of West Oahu. Many local products can be found at the farmer’s market in Waianae.
Water activities such as surfing, stand up paddle boarding, boogie boarding, and snorkeling are all easily accessible along Oahu’s west coast. The Ko Olina Marina offers a variety of boat excursions, including dolphin and whale watching tours, sunset sails, snorkeling expeditions, and dinner cruises. Waianae’s Dolphin Excursions and Dolphin Star are two other outfitters based along the west coast offering a variety of boating options. It is also well worth it to spend some time exploring the island’s rugged interior by embarking on a scenic hike or going horseback riding with outfitters such as Ohikilolo Adventure Park. For those looking to get off the beaten path of Honolulu and Waikiki, the west coast of Oahu is an optimal choice!
Contact Us for the Best Places to Stay in Oahu
At Ola Properties, we live and operate out of Oahu and our professional team is available for assistance from pre-booking inquiries to post-vacation follow up. We offer a wide selection of vacation rentals on the island of Oahu, any of which are some of the best Oahu places to stay, and are here to answer any questions you may have. To learn more about any of our rental properties or to learn more about which would be the best fit for your island vacation, please reach out to our team. With years of vacation rental experience on Oahu, we are dedicated to helping you make the most of your island vacation!