Part of our Hawaii guide.
For your stay in Hawaii, pick a base that matches your travel style: Waikiki’s energy on Oahu, Lana’i’s seclusion, or a gay-friendly resort that feels like home. Below are three specific options from our coverage, with details on what each offers.
Related travel guides: What It Costs In Hawaii, Where Is The Cruise Port In Maui, What To Do On A Layover In Maui, Secrets Of Maui's Hidden Sea Caves On The Road To Hana, and Secret Swimming Hole Trails On Maui's Road To Hana.
Best Gay Resorts In Hawaii
Hawaii’s LGBTQ+ travelers will find a genuinely welcoming scene, especially on Maui and Oahu, where several resorts market themselves as gay-friendly or gay-only. The most established gay resorts are on Maui (e.g., the Lahaina Inn area) and in Honolulu’s Waikiki neighborhood, where you’ll find clothing-optional pools and men-only sections at properties like Hula Maui and The Breakers. These are small, owner-run places with a strong sense of community. Check each property’s website before booking, as some have changed ownership or closed since 2019. If you want a resort that explicitly welcomes everyone, the Sheraton Waikiki is a reliable, family-friendly choice known for its inclusive atmosphere.
10 Best Luxury Hotels On Oahu, Hawaii: The Complete Guide
For a splurge on Oahu, these ten hotels are the top of the line. The Royal Hawaiian (the “Pink Palace of the Pacific”) sits right on Waikiki Beach and has been hosting guests since 1927 – book a garden room to avoid the noisier pool areas. The Halekulani offers the island’s best service and a five-star spa; rooms start around $700 per night in high season. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach has kitchenettes and an adults-only pool, while the Kahala Hotel & Resort is a quieter, dolphin-filled alternative just outside Waikiki. The Modern Honolulu has a chic pool scene and a 24-hour fitness center. The Prince Waikiki offers marina views and a 5th-floor infinity pool, and the Moana Surfrider is the historic “First Lady of Waikiki” with a classic beachfront porch. The Trump International Hotel Waikiki has spacious suites with full kitchens, and the Alohilani Resort features a 40,000-gallon aquarium in its lobby. Finally, the Laylow is a mid-century modern gem with a rooftop pool and retro-chic decor. All are within walking distance of Waikiki Beach and the Diamond Head trailhead.
Staying At Four Seasons Resort Lana’i, Hawaii
For true seclusion, the Four Seasons Resort Lana’i is on the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii – Lana’i has about 3,000 residents and no traffic lights. The resort has two golf courses (one by Jack Nicklaus), a 15,000-square-foot spa, and a 20-minute ferry ride from Maui’s Lahaina harbor to Manele Bay. Rooms start around $1,200 per night in peak season, and the resort offers complimentary shuttle service to the island’s red-dirt trails and the Dole Plantation’s pineapple maze. To explore beyond the resort, take a 4×4 tour to the Munro Trail for panoramic views of neighboring islands. The hotel’s dining is excellent, but the nearest town, Lana’i City, is a 10-minute drive away – plan for that if you want casual eats.
