Oahu’s Best Kept Secret

Hotel Description

You know what, I almost walked right past this place the first time I was looking for it – and honestly, that’s kind of the point. Oahu’s Best Kept Secret sits tucked away where you wouldn’t expect to find much of anything special, but that’s exactly what makes it work. It’s one of those 3-star spots that punches way above its weight class, the kind of place where you end up having a better time than friends who dropped twice as much on the flashy resorts down the beach.

The thing about this hotel is that it feels like someone actually thought about what travelers need, not just what looks good in photos. Check-in was refreshingly quick – no pushy upsells or mandatory resort fee surprises – and the staff genuinely seemed to know the island. I mean, the front desk guy told me about this little poke spot that locals hit up after work, and it ended up being one of my best meals on the trip. The rooms aren’t Instagram-perfect, but they’re clean and comfortable with that slightly worn-in feel that somehow makes you relax faster. Air conditioning actually works (not always a given), and the beds are surprisingly decent. You can hear the ocean if you open the windows, though there’s occasional street noise in the morning – nothing crazy, just the sound of the island waking up.

What really sold me was the location, though I bet half the people driving by don’t even realize what’s around the corner. You’re close enough to hit the main beaches without dealing with the tourist circus, and there’s this local coffee roaster about a five-minute walk away that opens at 6 AM – perfect for beating the crowds to sunrise spots. The hotel doesn’t have a pool or fancy restaurant, but honestly, why would you want to hang around inside when you’re this close to some of the island’s better-kept beaches? Parking is free and actually available, which if you’ve ever tried to park near Waikiki, you’ll know is basically a miracle. The whole vibe is just… easy. No pretense, no attitude, just a solid place to sleep and shower between adventures. For the price point, especially considering that 8.0 rating reflects people who actually stayed here, it’s the kind of find that makes you feel like you cracked some sort of travel code.

Rooms

• Holiday Home with 4 × 1 single bed, 1 double bed, 2 bunk beds, 3 × 1 large double bed and 2 × 4 for 8 adults

Reviews

• Meroney from United States (8/10)

  Everything was clean, up to date, very well stocked and the view was beautiful.

• Pamela from Canada (8/10)

  The view was absolutely stunning. The home was fantastic with the open concept, appreciated all the amenities.

• Matthew from United States (8/10)

  We loved everything about the house, location and beach. The host was very responsive and easy to work with. My family wants to come back again soon. This house truly is the Best Kept Secret !!!

• Breanna from United States (8/10)

  The beach access, hot tub, out door shower, the fully stocked home, location, etc

• Michelle from Australia (8/10)

  The property was perfect, it was clean and modern and in the perfect location.

• Rahul from United States (2/10)

  The location was solid and the house was clean. We were provided with good facilities, including a wonderful jacuzzi.

• Michael from United States (8/10)

  This property exceeded all of my expectations. First, the hosts: Brandy was amazing throughout the entire process. She is kind, very responsive and it felt like we are friends. Next, the property itself: this home is an amazing place to stay. Clean, new appliances, great comfort and the beach as your constant source of beauty right in your backyard. We had six adults and one baby, and it felt as if the place was more than enough room for everyone. The lot that the home sits on is huge and beautifully maintained/landscaped. And yes, the ocean is amazing and wonderful for families to swim and enjoy with its rocky reefs and safe calm waters. And the sunrises…breathtaking right outside of your full-view windows and/or back porch. This place (and the hosts) will make your stay memorable forever.

• Craig from United States (8/10)

  The natural lighting and well kept outdoor area was refreshing. The remodel was well thought out and truly I loved everything about the place.

• Ashley from United States (8/10)

  This property is so beautiful. The view is incredible. The beach is so pretty. The location is convenient, just minutes from grocery store, good food, beautiful beaches and more! The rental is quiet, feels very private, and has a beautiful huge yard. The house is nice, easy to navigate, new, and was a pleasure to stay in. The showers were amazing. The kitchen had everything you could need, and the couches were so comfortable. My family loved staying here for the week. It was so hard to leave. We hope to return to Oahu’s best kept secret in the future!

• Pailey from United States (8/10)

  As a former Oahu resident, I have stayed all over this island and this is the best home and beachfront property I have ever stayed at! It was magical and my girlfriends and I had such an incredible time! The sunrises were jaw dropping. The house was nearly all brand new, super modern, luxurious furniture and totally comfy with no detail forgotten, they even had A/C and a fireplace! We loved all of the separate space we each had with the Ohana’s, plenty of room for all of our stuff and privacy for those calls back to home to the husbands and the kids! Movie nights in the outside hot tub and sun bathing on the day bed were unforgettable! The beach felt like it was totally ours the entire time we were there, like we were truly at our own private beachfront resort, so private with steps right down from the house and such soft sand! It was thrilling to be at the beach and not get hammered by the waves due to the two protected reefs. This will for sure be our new annual girls trip! We saw Monk Seals and Sea Turtles! We had the perfect mix of walking up and down the beach, snorkeling, laying out drinking cocktails, reading our books and floating. Couldn’t have been a better time than it was! Can’t wait to come back! Many thanks to our host Brandy, she was a great!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities