Being the tourism hub that it is, Hawaii is not short on options when it comes to option for accommodations and lodging. The biggest part of what kind of Accommodations to choose for your stay in Hawaii comes down to your personal tastes and style. Do you need a lot of amenities or are you fine with just the basics? Are you going to be spending a lot of time in your accommodations or will you be out exploring most of the time and just need a place to sleep? Will you want to cook or prepare any of your own meals? We will break things down into a few categories: Resorts and Hotels, Condominiums / Vacation Rentals (i.e. AirBnB / VRBO), Bed and Breakfasts, Camping/Glamping/EcoLodging, Hostels. While prices are generally higher here than on the mainland, there are deals to be had and one doesn't have to break the bank. We will also share a few money-saving tips along the way.
Resorts and Hotels - You'll generally find only the big name players when it comes to resorts and hotels and not their budget-brand affiliates. If you are a loyalty member with a major chain, you may be able to use your points. With the exception of Molokai and Lanai, all of the islands have a large number of resorts to choose from.
(Molokai has no resorts and Lanai only has two Four Seasons Resorts.) Each resort has it's own feel, room choices, amenities, and offerings. Many resorts will have dining options as well as offer daily activities that are usually free or for a small fee. All-inclusive resorts aren't really a thing here. The only all-inclusive that we here at Hawaii Travel Insider are aware of is the Travassa Hana on Maui. If you are looking for something all-inclusive, perhaps consider something in Mexico or the Caribbean. Things to look closely for or inquire about are resort fees and how often your room gets maid service. Nearly all resorts/hotels are going to have air conditioning but it doesn't hurt to make sure when you are booking.
Condominiums / Vacation Rentals (AirBnB / VRBO, etc) - There are a plethora of options here when it comes to these types of accommodations. They've become so popular on Oahu that the local government has banned them from certain residential areas of the island and created special zoning areas for them. These are great options for those who need multiple bedrooms or wish to prepare meals of their own - which is a great way to save some money on your trip! In addition to finding these properties on sites like AirBnB and VRBO, there are also a number of local property management sites in Hawaii that
manage a varying number of condominiums that you can rent directly from (and often for cheaper). Another money-saving tip regarding condominiums is that while the owner may have the property listed on multiple listing sites such as AirBnB and VRBO, they may also have their own website that you can book it through for cheaper. This is beneficial for both parties as it saves you on your costs and it saves the owner on the fees that the vacation rental sites charge. Certainly read the reviews of the accommodations before booking and note any fees and special conditions. Absolutely check if the unit has air conditioning or not. Many condominiums in Hawaii do not have air conditioning. Usually those units without a/c are well ventilated, have ceiling fans in each room, and get nice cross-ventilation from the trade winds. It can be quite pleasant most of the time and doesn't take long to get acclimated to. That said, it might not be for everyone and not worth making your vacation a less than stellar experience over. Finally, these can be a great option for an extended stay as many owners (not all) will offer some sort of discount for an extended stay.
Bed and Breakfasts - There are several offerings in the way of bed and breakfasts in Hawaii (again, Molokai and Lanai have very limited options in this category). Some Bed and Breakfasts are in secluded jungle-y areas and some may offer fresh fruits and other foods grown or made on-property. Some BnB's offer rooms that are in a main house or a separate house from the owners, and some have small, individual, private cottages as
well on the main property. Some will have a combination of both and you can choose
(with the rooms being cheaper and the cottages being the more expensive option). There are a variety of sizes of operations as well - all things to be investigated in your search. In addition to usually having at least one free meal per day (breakfast, of course), your host is going to be an invaluable source of information. Bed and Breakfasts are certainly going to be one of your best bets in being away from crowds. Some people choose to do Bed and Breakfasts for just part of their stay and choose another form of lodging for the rest of their stay. It may be a great way to kick-off your trip or to cap it off!
Camping/Glamping/EcoLoding - that last term "EcoLodging" we here at Hawaii Travel Insider aren't sure if it is an actual term or not but we feel it accurately describes what we are trying to depict. More and more people are coming to Hawaii for camping, glamping (glamourous camping), or some sort of EcoLodging. More and more listings on vacation rental sites are beginning to have these kinds of options such as tents, campers, yurts, huts, bungalows (or jungalows), etc. - this is certainly not everyone's cup of tea but
absolutely shouldn't be discounted for those wanting a different experience. As mentioned above and in previous articles, many of Hawaii's residents and vacation rental's do not have air conditioning. The mild climate and trade winds make for what is usually a pleasant year-round temperature and environment which could also make for a pleasant camping/glamping/ecolodging experience as well. Hawaii certainly has camping that is allowed in state and national parks by permit. There are also campgrounds with amenities that charge fees. More and more campgrounds are starting to offer upscale camping or glamping (some specializing in it altogether in addition to more traditional camping. Additionally, there are several nature-focused accommodations in the form of bungalows, treehouses, yurts, etc. that can be found (usually on vacation rental sites) that offer a unique, secluded experience. Many of these ecolodging accommodations (as we call them) still have electricity, running water, and many amenities etc. Some people choose to do camping/glamping/ecolodging for just part of their stay and choose another form of lodging for the rest of their stay.
Hostels - we'd be remiss not to mention hostels. There's a contingent of travelers out there that frequent hostels and Hawaii has these as well (you guessed it, with the exception of Molokai and Lanai). Some hostels are eco or beach themed, some have daily activities, and some offer private rooms. Definitely do your homework here and read-up on reviews. Hostels can be a great option for backpackers, solo travelers looking to make like-minded travel friends, and those wanting to see the world on a tight-budget.
To sum it up:
Resorts/Hotels - Best For: Those who want a number of amenities, room service, planned activities, maid service, air conditioning, don't want to cook or fix food, pool / hot tub, ability to use hotel loyalty points, and just want to make it easy.
Condominiums / Vacation Rentals - Best For: Larger families or those who want more room to spread out, separated and defined rooms, a kitchen to prepare food and/or cook, possibly a less crowded accommodation than a hotel, other specific amenities a hotel does not have, those who want an extended stay.
Bed and Breakfasts - Best For: rest and relaxation, getting away from crowds, feeling more local and connecting with locals, having local foods (perhaps), pampering, and having someone with local knowledge.
Camping/Glamping/EcoLodging - Best For: connecting with nature, having a new and unique experience, perhaps saving a few bucks along the way.
Hostels - Best For: backpackers, solo travelers looking to make like-minded travel friends, and those wanting to see the world on a tight-budget
One final tip: consider staying somewhere that isn't beachfront or oceanview. There are some fantastic, often overlooked places that are much more affordable, higher quality, and often surrounded by nature that make for an incredible and relaxing experience.
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