Looking to save money on Oahu? Find out about the top cheap hotels on Oahu and how to book them, keep on reading for all the info!
This cheap hotels on Oahu post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Which is your favorite Hawaiian Island? I’m not sure I can choose!
Each Island has its own little quirks and wonders. I would never turn down a chance to go to any of them!
That being said, I think my boys DO have a favorite island.
Oahu has so much for them to do, from Aulani Kids Club to playing at the Polynesian Cultural Center; they haven’t found anything they don’t love to do on Oahu.
Beyond the flights, the only bummer of a trip to Oahu is the cost of finding somewhere to stay. I’m always on the hunt to save money in Hawaii.
My boys love being outside so much right now that the room doesn’t have to be fancy. All we will be doing is sleeping there anyway! This really lets me bargain-shop for a less-expensive room.
Now, when thinking about finding a budget hotel on Oahu, there are quite a few variables to consider.
Things that can affect the price are; timing, dates, amenities, number of guests, proximity to attractions, etc.
When I book a hotel, I usually try to book at least three months out. I also try to stay flexible on dates/days of the week.
I look for cleanliness and look at reviews first. Then I try to balance what I found in reviews versus the price.
For the most part, I can find rooms for under $150 per night. Anything over that tends to be out of our price range.
I honestly also stay away from anything under $60 per night – not worth it!
Feel free to take advantage of my research and enjoy these cheap Hotels on Oahu, Hawaii!
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Oahu on a budget.
Best Budget-Friendly Oahu Tours/Activities
- Mele Luau (you can skip dinner and just pay to watch the show at a fraction of the price)
- Glass Bottom Boat (this is cheaper than the submarine ride and still really cool)
- 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour (this is a short and affordable boat tour during winter months)
- Waikiki Snorkel with Turtles Cruise (this is one of the cheapest snorkeling tours on Oahu)
- Shaka Driving App (it’s like going on an island tour at a fraction of the price)
Best Budget-Friendly Oahu Hotels
- Aloha Suites Waikiki (this is on the quieter end of Waikiki near the Honolulu Zoo and Diamond Head)
- Waikiki Marina Resort (it’s right next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village and walkable to Ala Moana Center)
- Kailua Vacation Rental (this is perfect for those wanting to escape Waikiki for a quieter part of Oahu)
Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?
One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.
Top Cheap Hotels on Oahu
Here are some of the top cheap places to stay in Oahu to help you have a budget-friendly vacation!
1. ROYAL GROVE WAIKIKI
151 Uluniu Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815
1-808-923-7691
Royal Grove Waikiki is probably the best deal I have found for cheap hotels in Hawaii. I would call the interior “vintage,” and I love it!
Stepping into one of the rooms feels like walking back in time to 1970s Hawaii – in the best way possible! Think of the original Hawaii Five-0 or Magnum P.I.!
Be prepared to spend anywhere from $78 to $150+ for a room that sleeps two adults and two kids. Check out the latest prices and more details.
There are a lot of different types of rooms, so make sure you book early to get the one that has the amenities you’re looking for!
There is an outdoor pool, free wifi, and it is only a 10-minute walk to the Honolulu Zoo! It is one of the top cheap places to stay in Honolulu for sure!
2. HOLIDAY SURF HOTEL
2303 Ala Wai Boulevard, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96815
1-808-923-8488
Holiday Surf Hotel is wonderful for local charm and hospitality, and it’s another one of the best cheap hotels Honolulu has to offer.
Their goal is to “make you feel like you’re at your favorite Aunty’s house.”
There are apartments or studios you can choose from, with each room featuring a kitchenette and a lanai (balcony). Check out the latest prices and more details.
Enjoy the view from your private lanai and the 2-block walk to Waikiki Beach! You will enjoy staying at Holiday Surf Hotel, one of the most affordable hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii.
3. AQUA ALOHA SURF WAIKIKI
444 Kanekapolei Street Honolulu, HI 96815
1-808-923-0222
Aqua Aloha Surf Waikiki is one of the rare cheap hotels in Honolulu that offers free breakfast. With the cost of food in Hawaii, that is a big deal!
Rooms start at $132 for a room big enough for two adults and two kiddos. Check out the latest prices and more details.
That rate includes one room with a queen-sized bed and a second sitting room with a sofa bed.
As much as I love my kiddos, sometimes a door between my sleeping area and theirs is a nice-to-have!
This is definitely a cheap hotel in Honolulu near the airport that you will love.
4. RAMADA PLAZA WAIKIKI
1830 Ala Moana Boulevard Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
1-844-377-6516
If you’re wondering where to stay in Honolulu on a budget, the Ramada Plaza Waikiki is one of the best Oahu cheap hotels if you plan on staying 3 nights or more.
Ramada Plaza has some amenities other hotels don’t have. You can get free Wifi, use the outdoor pool, or walk to Waikiki Beach, just minutes away.
With a 3-day or longer stay, a double room will set you back about $117 per night on special. Check out the latest prices and more details.
Being right on the north end of Waikiki gives us a great starting place to get anywhere we want – a wonderful amenity when looking at different activities!
The Ramada Plaza Waikiki is another one of the best cheap places to stay in Waikiki the entire family will love, with its beautiful pool, AC, and easy access to everything you want.
5. THE IMPERIAL HAWAII RESORT
205 Lewers St., Honolulu, HI 96815
1-800-347-2582
It can be hard to find cheap hotels in Waikiki that are big enough for families. The Imperial Hawaii Resort has suites of all sizes, and it’s a great cheap hotel in Oahu!
The Ohia suite starts at $129 per night and is just the right size for a family of four.
There is a double bed pull-down and a double sleeper sofa for the littles. Check out the latest prices and more details.
I like the idea of the beds being stowed during the day and getting to use the extra room to spread out a bit.
Hawaiian hotel rooms are usually a bit smaller than on the mainland, so a little extra room goes a long way!
This will feel like a luxury resort with its full-service spa, fitness center, sauna, hot tub, and valet parking.
The Imperial Hawaii Resort is another one of the best places to stay in Oahu on a budget that makes our list.
6. CASTLE WAIKIKI GRAND HOTEL
134 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, HI, 96815
Get a Waikiki ocean-view room at the Castle Waikiki Grand Hotel, another one of the cheap hotels in Waikiki, Hawaii.
Being close to the Waikiki Beach Walk is a nice added feature of this hotel. Here you will find a pool, free wifi, a restaurant, air conditioning, and so much more. Check out the latest prices and more details.
Prices range from $97 to $123 per night, depending on your check out start date, like always.
It is another one of the most affordable hotels in Waikiki!
7. TWIN FIN HOTEL
2570 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI, 96815
Another cheap accommodation Honolulu has to offer is the Twin Fin Hotel.
The average nightly price is around $169 for a room that sleeps 4 people, with either a king or 2 double beds. Check out the latest prices and more details.
It is only a 5-minute walking distance to Waikiki Beach and offers breakfast, AC, a pool, a fitness center, and a few other great amenities.
The Twin Fin Hotel is another one of the cheaper Honolulu hotels to enjoy close to the city center.
8. PACIFIC MARINA INN
2628 Waiwai Loop, Honolulu, HI 96819
If you are looking for one of the cheap hotels near Honolulu airport, try the Pacific Marina Inn. This inn offers a free airport Honolulu hotel shuttle other travelers won’t get access to! This makes it so easy to get to the Honolulu International Airport, especially with kids!
The lowest nightly price I saw was around $145 for a standard room. Check out the latest prices and more details.
With all the amenities, free airport shuttle, free parking, free wifi, outdoor pool, tour desk, nightly entertainment, and more, this is definitely one of the top cheaper hotels in Honolulu to enjoy.
It is probably one of the only cheap hotels in Kapolei or near the area.
9. HYATT PLACE WAIKIKI BEACH
175 Paoakalani Avenue, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815
At Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach, you will find a luxury resort with more affordable prices than you would get at a luxury collection resort. The Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach is at a great location, only minutes from Waikiki Beach.
Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach is close to the Honolulu Zoo, Pearl Harbor, the Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikiki Beach Walk, and so much more. Check out the latest prices and more details.
With its concierge services, free wifi, fitness center, outdoor pool, and other top-notch amenities, the $191 per night price is really not too high. There are even a few on-site dining options too!
Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach is definitely one of the best cheap hotels in Waikiki Beach I would enjoy. Read my honest review.
10. OHANA WAIKIKI EAST BY OUTRIGGER
150 Kaiulani Avenue, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815
For another more luxurious hotel in Honolulu, try Ohana Waikiki East. From on-site restaurants to a cafe, free wifi, a private balcony, and an Italian restaurant, it truly is one of the best hotels in Oahu.
The Honolulu price options range from $138 to $190 typically. Check out the latest prices and more details.
The concierge services helped this make the list too! The Ohana Waikiki East is one of the cheap hotels near Waikiki Beach that will be perfect for your next trip to Oahu.
11. PAGODA HOTEL
1525 Rycroft Street, Downtown Honolulu, Honolulu, HI 96814
Located in Downtown Honolulu, Pagoda Hotel is another one of the Honolulu hotels on the cheaper end of the budget.
It offers nice pools and a restaurant out by the koi pond and only a 10-minute drive to Honolulu Harbor. It is so nice to be in the city center! Check out the latest prices and more details.
Average night prices range from $118 to $139 for a standard room. It is another one of the great budget hotels in Honolulu that families or couples can enjoy.
Check for last-minute hotel deals; Honolulu hotels like this one usually will offer some good prices!
12. SURFJACK HOTEL & SWIM CLUB
412 Lewers Street, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815
Enjoy either a bungalow or suite at the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club. I think it is another one of the cheap stays in Honolulu you will quite enjoy.
It is a little bit higher priced at around $187 per night but still cheaper than most other luxury Honolulu hotels. Check out the latest prices and more details.
From free private parking to a poolside bar and entertainment, cultural activities, private cabanas, on-site restaurants, and more, the extra money is worth it.
The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club is one of the top cheap hotels in Honolulu, with free parking and larger accommodations for families.
13. WAIKIKI MONARCH HOTEL
444 Niu Street, Honolulu, HI, 96815
With only a few minutes walk to Waikiki Beach Walk, the Waikiki Monarch Hotel is another one of the affordable hotels in Waikiki you might be interested in.
It is close to the Royal Hawaiian Center, Ala Moana, and other convenient stores. Check out the latest prices and more details.
It is around $109 per night for a standard room. Waikiki Monarch Hotel provides an airport pick-up service, an outdoor pool with free cabanas, AC, mini bars in the room, and other cool amenities.
By being so close to Waikiki Beach, it is one of the cheap motels in Honolulu, Hawaii the entire family will love!
14. EWA HOTEL WAIKIKI
2555 Cartwright Road, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815
Ewa Hotel Waikiki is only two blocks from Waikiki Beach and is in the city center, perfect for a Waikiki adventure. It is one of the best hotel deals in Waikiki I’ve found!
The average price ranges from $80 to &199 depending on the time of the visit. Check out the latest prices and more details.
There is nothing really fancy or special about this hotel in Honolulu, it is simply a place to stay in the city center with access to everything you’ll want to do.
Ewa Hotel Waikiki is another cheap accommodation Waikiki has to offer that you might like.
15. WAIKIKI CENTRAL HOTEL
2431 Prince Edward Street, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815
Another one of the cheap hotels on Waikiki Beach is Waikiki Central Hotel. What is nice about this is that there are no resort fees, making it more affordable!
It is usually $139 per night for their standard room. Check out the latest prices and more details.
From free wifi to air-conditioned rooms, it is a nice option in the city center that will fit your small family.
What are some Other Options for Cheap Accommodation on Oahu?
AIRBNB
Don’t discount Airbnb due to its popularity! You can often find great deals on rentals via this newer platform.
There are rentals all over Oahu, and they can be anything from 1 room of a house to an entire home.
Obviously, the closer you are to the beach, the more expensive it will be.
We don’t particularly care for the shared home idea and usually look for an apartment or condo we can have all to ourselves.
A quick search can yield anything from $81 per night to $500+ per night for a condo or home to ourselves.
I tend to stick to hosts with higher ratings and prefer those labeled “Superhost,” – which makes me feel more secure about renting from them.
Airbnb has some pretty strict rules for their rentals, so you can be assured that everything will go smoothly.
Find out how to save money on food in Hawaii.
VACATION RENTALS BY OWNER
VRBO is another older vacation rental company. Their listings might pop up on booking sites similar to a hotel room.
Much like Airbnb, I look at the ratings and look for “Premiere Partners.” This gives me peace of mind when I book since I know that I am booking with someone who has given guests great experiences before.
There are various VRBO locations around Oahu, and they seem to cover the range of $91 to $1000+ per night.
STAY22.COM
I often use stay22.com to help me find the best rates on both flights and hotels.
Combining this with booking as far in advance has really helped me keep the costs down as much as possible.
I don’t know about you, but I would much rather save my money for fun activities on Oahu!
Stay22.com lets me search for specific dates or lets me search for flexible dates to find the best hotel deals in Hawaii.
The last thing I do is call the hotel before I book and ask them if they can beat the internet price. You never know how much one phone call might save you!
Are There Any Cheap North Shore Hotels?
You might notice a lack of hotel deals on the North Shore, and you’re right! There are not any cheap hotels on Oahu North Shore, unfortunately.
The Courtyard Oahu North Shore was the most reasonable I have found, and even that is usually over $180+ per night for a room that fits all four of us. Check out the latest prices and more details.
My suggestion, if you are looking to stay up north, would be to explore Airbnb or VRBO.
It seems that both sites have homes, condos, or apartments for rent, and they are usually cheaper than finding a hotel room.
If you are looking for an awesome North Shore luau, check out Toa Luau!
Cheap Hotels on Oahu FAQs
To save the most money on Oahu, you’ll want to choose an inexpensive Oahu hotel or vacation rental. And you can save some cash on food by making your own.
Oahu is the most populated island and has the largest variety of hotel options for all price points, including the best budget hotels in Hawaii.
Shoulder season (mid-April to mid-June and September to mid-December) is the cheapest time to visit Oahu. Plus, the weather is pretty mild and not too hot.
There are cheap hotels in Honolulu, Hawaii, for around $80 to $150 usually. The hotel cost will all depend on the amenities and if it is centrally located or not.
Laie is a North Shore town that does not have many hotels. The Marriott in Laie is around $289 per night, and the Tiki Moon Villas is around $295 per night. Those are the only cheap hotels North Shore Oahu has to offer, which are not that cheap at all!
One of the cheapest hotels in Oahu is the Ewa Hotel Waikiki, which is around $80 per night.
The Waikiki Grand Hotel is one of the best budget hotels Waikiki offers that is close to Waikiki Beach.
Cheap Hotels in Oahu Wrap-Up
These are just some of the cheap places to stay on Oahu!
My boys and I are constantly on the go when we are in Hawaii. I see our hotel as a place to crash and sleep at the end of every fabulous day, but I still want it to be clean and safe!
Amenities like an outdoor pool, continental breakfast, or a spa are nice, but as long as I don’t have to sleep with a toddler’s knees in my back, I consider it a successful vacation!
Hopefully, you find this list of Cheap Hotels on Oahu (And How to Find Them!) helpful as you plan your Dream Hawaiian Vacation!
What are you hoping for as you travel to my favorite place on Earth?