Where to Stay in Honolulu & O'ahu: Comparing Waikiki's 3 Zones, Ala Moana, Ko Olina & North Shore

Unlike other Hawaiian islands where resorts are spread along rural highways, O'ahu zoning laws concentrated 85% of all hotels inside Waikiki, keeping the rest of the island's coastline remarkably green. However, Waikiki is divided into three distinct micro-neighbourhoods, plus two luxury resort enclaves outside the city.

1. Zone A: Central Waikiki (Kalakaua Avenue)

The only stretch of Waikiki Beach where hotels sit directly on the sand with no road between the pool and the ocean. Stay at historic icons The Royal Hawaiian ('Pink Palace', 1927), Moana Surfrider ('First Lady of Waikiki', 1901), Sheraton Waikiki (famed for its oceanfront infinity pool), five-star Halekulani (and sister hotel Halepuna Waikiki), or right on the surf break at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Reef. For lower rates one block inland on Kuhio Avenue, look at boutique hotels like White Sands Hotel, Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, Laylow Autograph Collection or Vive Hotel Waikiki.

2. Zone B: Quiet Diamond Head & Kaimana End (East Waikiki)

Bordering 300-acre Kapi'olani Park and quiet Kaimana Beach away from shopping crowds and close to the Diamond Head trailhead. Stay on the sand at boutique Kaimana Beach Hotel, or facing the crater at Queen Kapiolani Hotel, Park Shore and Lotus Honolulu.

3. Zone C: West Waikiki, Hilton Lagoon & Ala Moana

Anchored by the 22-acre Hilton Hawaiian Village (with its 5-acre lagoon, five pools, waterslides and Friday fireworks), harbour-view Prince Waikiki, and modern Alohilani, Ilikai and Ala Moana Hotel steps from Ala Moana Beach Park.

4. Outside Honolulu: Ko Olina (West) & Turtle Bay (North Shore)

• Ko Olina (35 Mins West of HNL Airport): for a peaceful resort escape away from city towers, Ko Olina features four crystal-clear crescent swimming lagoons linked by a coastal path, home to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Four Seasons Resort O'ahu at Ko Olina, and Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club.
• The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay (Kahuku): the only full-service resort on the North Shore, perched on a dramatic peninsula with 5 miles of coastal trails.