With idyllic sun-soaked beaches close to amazing restaurants and shopping, there’s no real question as to why people love to visit Honolulu. And now, for the first time ever, Honolulu has an adults-only hotel — Romer House Waikiki. The hotel, the first 18+ hotel on the island, opened its doors to the world in June 2024, and it is the place to go whether you’re looking for a romantic, relaxing retreat or a fun-filled getaway.
Half a block from the Ala Wai Canal, it’s far enough away from Kalakaua Avenue, the busy strip that runs next to Waikiki’s beaches, to make it a welcome escape from the height of the tourist crowds. But it’s close enough to get easy access to Waikiki’s beautiful sun, sand, and palm trees — it’s an easy 10-minute walk down to the water.
All 179 guestrooms are decorated with nods to Waikiki’s mid-century architecture, and it’s got a mix of beach chic and city style with warm wood tones, deep blues, and moody teals. They have a range of room options, including some with sleeper sofas and connecting suites, and many have private lanais.
As you enter, one side of the lobby has a bar where you can get breakfast in the morning and drinks in the evening. To the other side is the hotel’s restaurant Izakaya 855-ALOHA (kids are allowed in the restaurant). It gets its name from Japanese bars where you can get great drinks and all kinds of small plates — kind of like tapas, but with booze. Some standouts on the menu include the kara-age (Japanese fried chicken), poke sampler, and wagyu trio, served tableside. Leave room for the chocolate namelaka with tahini caramel and black sesame seeds.
Throughout the public spaces, you’ll see modern art by local artists. Pieces by well-known surf photographer Arto Saari are behind the check-in desk, and there’s a rotating gallery of work lining the halls — abstract paintings by Chelsea Kinch were featured as the opening installation. Near the pool is a mural inspired by Hawaiian fishponds by Cory Kamehanaokalā Holt Taum.
They offer poolside wellness classes by Body Balance Hawaii, like yoga, sound baths, and pilates. In the rooms, you’ll find custom bathroom amenities, and in the lobby, you can pick up special edition items like t-shirts, towels, and Hawaiian shirts. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, DJs are on-site at the restaurant to get the party going.
They also run a “Love They Neighborhood” program, which can connect guests with stewardship initiatives, from helping restore the ecosystem of the Ala Wai Canal to park cleanups.
Where you’ll notice the lack of kids the most is at the pool — no splashing and overly excited shrieking here. It’s a long, narrow pool with a depth of around three feet, and it’s heated, so it’s like getting into a warm bath. Next to the pool are rows of deck chairs and sun umbrellas. Day beds / cabanas are available to rent (reservations required) for maximum relaxation. There’s also a poolside bar serving food and drinks — the 855 Smash Burger is particularly good and their Mama Said Knock You Out cocktail with coconut rum, mango, and pineapple is everything you want in a tropical vacation drink.
On the lobby stairs leading to The Backyard, you’ll see a long garland of drying leaves. It’s a maile lei, put in place during the traditional Hawaiian blessing held when the hotel first opened, and kept onsite to bring peace and prosperity to all who stay here.
Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador, their sister property, is nearby; Romer House guests can use their gym. But the name overlap can cause some confusion for Uber drivers — confirm they know you’re going to Romer House on Nāhua Street.
Top Takeaways
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii (Waikiki neighborhood)
Rating: Four-star
The vibe: A bit sultry, a lot inviting with unique amenities and activities in a mid-century meets modern urban beach setting.
Food + drink: Izakaya 855-ALOHA is a vibrant Japanese / Hawaiian fusion restaurant with fun cocktails, Japanese sakes and whiskeys, and tasty dishes perfect for sharing.
Amenities: Outdoor pool, fitness classes, restaurant, bar
Our favorite thing about the hotel: The local connections — the art throughout the hotel, the Waikiki mid-century feel in the rooms, the local ingredients used in the restaurant, and the discounts you can get at neighborhood places with the QR code on your room key.
What’s nearby? Waikiki Beach, International Market Place, Ala Wai Golf Course, Duke Kahanamoku Statue, Royal Hawaiian Center
Any personal neighborhood recs? Marugame Udon, with their handmade noodles, is a popular restaurant around the corner. CocoNene in the International Market Place sells cute Hawaiian made gifts and home décor.
Rooms: 179, including 8 connecting suites.
Pricing: Rates start at $195 per night with a $45 resort fee.
Closest Airport: Honolulu (HNL)
