A celebrity retreat since 1964, the newly renovated Kahala is quite possibly the best hotel in Oahu. Yet its vibe is more "family fun" than "pretentious glitz" -- think swimming with dolphins, not posing in lounges. Sure, it's your only luxury option in a quiet setting without leaving Oahu -- but it's also a great one.

One of the island's best hotels, with 456 large, luxury-packed rooms, top restaurants with gorgeous views, a notable spa, fastidious service, and a former Miss Hawaii dancing the hula nightly. Too bad the property's formal, understated elegance can sometimes feel cold.

As Waikiki's first hotel, the 1901 plantation-style oceanfront Moana Surfrider offers a dose of historic charm on one of the nicest -- albeit most congested -- stretches of Waikiki Beach. Small rooms are offset by impressive public spaces, including an outdoor courtyard with live nightly music beneath a sweeping banyan tree, and an enormous spa and fitness center.

A 448-unit resort on the scenic, isolated North Shore with an unbeatable array of amenities -- two 18-hole golf courses, a stable, helicopter rides -- plus five miles of shoreline and great restaurants. Too bad guest rooms are bland and dated and some facilities need a facelift.

A top pick for those who want more than a budget hotel but less than a mega resort, this affordable, 72-room boutique a block from the beach is high on style, but short on amenities.

Formerly the W Waikiki, this scenic and stylish 50-room boutique hotel is about a block from the beach and a half-mile from Waikiki's crowds. Features are few -- no pool; no fitness center -- but the standard rooms are huge, and though they still have the W's chic decor and incredible beds, they now cost much less.

With a branch of Nobu in the lobby, a beach across the street, and signing privileges at its adjacent high-end sister Halekulani, this well-priced boutique hotel appeals to foodies and families. The fairly simple rooms have high-def, flat-panel TVs (some have spectacular views) and the service is friendly, if far less doting, than at its sibling.

An upgrade from the cramped standard rooms is worth it at this 125-room beachfront hotel in a mellow area a half-mile outside of Waikiki. Amenities are limited -- no gym or pool -- but its Hau Tree Lanai restaurant is impressive, as is its quiet location on a calm, clear beach.

Location trumps luxury at these 11 beachfront bungalows sitting just above the sand on the picturesque North Shore. Sure, the bungalows are modest, amenities are zero, and service is minimal. But a beautiful beach is just outside the door, as are hammocks and grills. And Oahu's most famous surfing spots and a charming surfer town, Haleiwa, are just down the street.