Hawaii is a popular vacation spot for those living within the continental US; a large portion of these travelers head for the high-rise-lined beaches of Waikiki on the island of Oahu. The locale’s most frequent sight: easily marked tourists with Hawaiian shirts walking down bustling boulevards, which spool palm-tree-dotted sidewalks with inviting shops and restaurants. Waikiki Beach is the perfect place for one’s first surfing lessons, advantageous with its bevy of instructors and made-for-learning wave breaks. When we’re in Waikiki, here are the hotels you can spot us laying beachside with a refreshing piña colada in hand.
The Royal Hawaiian
| Key Points: • Website • 5 Stars • Rooms: 528 • Airport: Honolulu International Airport | Amenities: • Beachfront • Outdoor pools • Spa • 7 Bars & Restaurants |
In the 1940s, this hotel was occupied by the armed forces fighting in World War II. Today the beachfront hotel is affectionately known as “The Pink Palace of the Pacific,” and draws in visitors from all over the world with its oceanfront access and romantic ambiance. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at Surf Lanai by the shore and then check into the Ahaaina Luau for a traditional experience.
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The Surfjack
| Key Points: • Website • 4 Stars • Rooms: 112 • Airport: Honolulu International Airport | Amenities: • Room service • Outdoor swimming pool • Spa • 3 Bars & Restaurants |
The Surfjack hotel seeks to embody the easy-going nature of modern aloha. Its name defines those who find inspiration from the ocean, and the interior design was in collaboration with local artists and designers. It’s retro, free-spirited character radiates to every visitor. (PS: Don’t forget to give Jack the hotel dog a pet when you see him!)
ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki
| Key Points: • Website • 5 Stars • Rooms: 9 • Airport: Honolulu International Airport | Amenities: • Beachfront • Outdoor pool • Spa • 1 Bar & Restaurant |
When what you want is luxury, why settle for one room — or even two. How about an entire floor? This nine-floor boutique hotel will make you the main-character from the private veranda to the jacuzzi whirlpool on an ocean-view balcony. Expect a personal butler that can set up personal itineraries with an AUDI Q5 SUV.
Queen Kapiolani Hotel
| Key Points: • Website • 4 Stars • Rooms: 315 • Airport: Honolulu International Airport | Amenities: • Fitness center • Outdoor pool • Pets allowed • 2 Bars & Restaurants |
When checking-in, you will be met with an open-air lobby with a café, and extended lanai space connecting your senses to the sights and sounds of the park. The hotel’s vibrance shines through the Deck Bar & Grill’s green living wall and hand painted scenic wallpaper inspired by Waikiki’s traditional fishing history. Head to the third floor deck for panoramic views of Diamond Head, Kapiolani Park and Waikiki beach.
The Laylow, Autograph Collection
| Key Points: • Website • 4 Stars • Rooms: 251 • Airport: Honolulu International Airport | Amenities: • Fitness center • Outdoor pool • Outdoor fireplace • 2 Bars & Restaurants |
Utilizing authentic mid-century decor, The Laylow encompasses a 1960s Hawaiian modern aesthetic and is a getaway from the busy streets of Waikiki. The halls of the hotel are covered in live plants, complemented by the floral wallpapers. The Hawaiian influence also flows into outdoor lounge areas with sand floors and a saltwater swimming pool where you can eat morning-caught fish while shaded by bamboo canopies.
‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
| Key Points: • Website • 5 Stars • Rooms: 839 • Airport: Honolulu International Airport | Amenities: • Fitness center • Outdoor pools • Spa • 6 Bars & Restaurants |
‘Alohilani combines indoor and outdoor luxury for ultimate allure, with bright, minimalist rooms and a half submerged shallow mirror pool. The large wooden pillars alongside white marble countertops in the lobby will be overshadowed only by the two-story aquarium, or “Oceanarium,” which has over 1,000 fish, eagle rays and eels. Combined with the rooftop tennis courts, infinity pool overlooking Kalakaua Avenue, and private cabanas, at ‘Alohilani you will have the utmost tropical vacation.
Wayfinder Waikiki
| Key Points: • Website • 4 Stars • Rooms: 228 • Airport: Honolulu International Airport | Amenities: • Fitness center • Outdoor pool • Bar • 2 Bars & Restaurants |
The Wayfinder is a blend of 1960s Brutalist architecture with tropical elements, making it an immersive hotel that will leave you feeling like a local. The interior reflects wood accents, light backdrops and green foliage that create a comfortable, relaxing ambience. Each guestroom consists of decorative art incorporated into the furniture, such as the headboards featuring traditional Japanese obis. The hotel is also home to the restaurant, Redfish Waikiki, known for its elevated poke bowl.
Kaimana Beach Hotel
| Key Points: • Website • 4 Stars • Rooms: 122 • Airport: Honolulu International Airport | Amenities: • Beachfront • Room service • Free WiFi • 1 Bar & Restaurant |
Kaimana Beach Hotel embodies the essence of Hawaiian luxury. Its elegantly refashioned, beach-inspired interiors swathe the 122 guestrooms from head to toe: bright-colored tropical wallpapers, surf-centric decor, and private balconies that give way to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Diamond Head volcanic cone. The maximalist coastal artwork gallery wall in the lobby is the perfect spot to snap an Instagram photo before heading to the shores of Waikiki.
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