Waikiki Hotel Profiles With Videos

From lovingly preserved 5 star luxury palaces
to a 3 star find with a view to die for...
Waikiki has a hotel for every lifestyle and budget
Honolulu Videos   >   Waikiki Hotels

5* Luxury Waikiki Hotels

Halekulani

Occupying a prime location in the center of Waikiki, the Halekulani is one of the few independently owned hotels in the state of Hawaii.  

Well appointed rooms, many with jaw dropping views grace the property.  Discretely elegant suites, including one by Vera Wang attract a loyal clientle.  Service levels are high here making the Halekulani an excellent choice.  The resort has a dress code adding a sense of decorum.

Though the hotel is  oceanfront, there is no beach of any size.  Sun worshipers instead relax on lounge chairs fiitted  with cotton fabric  slipcovers surround  the hotel's distinctive mosaic tiled pool.

Sunset cocktails at the outside  bar, a popular affair, are accompanied by hula performances by a former Miss Hawaii.  Romantic "La Mer,"  the Halekulani's pricey fine dining restaurant, is critically acclaimed.  
Westin Moana Surfrider
The Moana Surfrider has loads of curb appeal!  There's nothing quite like it on Waikiki.   This distinctive beachfront Plantation style property was Waikiki's first, opening in 1901.  Fortunately  the iconic all white landmark have been lovingly maintained.
Rooms in the historic Banyan wing are loaded with charm, but can be on the small side.  Larger digs can be found in the attached tower wing, but it's newer construction.  Note that lower floor city view rooms face the hotel across the street.

Outside "under the Banyan tree" is  the hotel's very popular patio and bar, along with the beachfront pool   Back in the day, the famous radio show "Hawaii Calls" was broadcast to the US mainland from this spot.  If you're seeking a dose of old Hawaii, in the right room category, the Moana Surfrider won't dissapoint.

​If there's a downside here, it's the ever constant parade of tourists from other hotels chwecking out the lobby and public areas.  

Royal Hawaiian


The iconic "Pink Palace of the Pacific" is an unmistakable Waikiki landmark.  It's one of those rambling  older hotels where no two rooms are exactly alike.  From your arrival at the palm fringed  porte- cochere in the tropical coconut grove, you'll feel like royalty.  Indeed many queens have preceded you.  This beachfront resort has long been a favorite with the  gay and lesbian crowd since it opening in 1925.  

The hotel is comprised of two buildings.  The historic side is done in a Moorish motif, a popular style in the 20's.  Except suites, rooms in this distinctive building lack lanais.

The Makuna side is modern, and just refurbished, offering stunning oceanfront views.  Interiors have been redone is a subtle contemporary style.

The outdoor Mai Tai Bar attracts an animated group sipping well crafted cocktails.  Sun loungers and  cabanas surround the small circular pool fronting the beach.  It's all very classy and very pink.

Starwood's Luxury Collection  has maintained the hotel in excellent condition.  A complete renovation occurred five years ago, including a restoration  of the legendary showroom. Some find service levels not up to other luxury collection properties like the Danieli or the Gritti Palace properties in Venice. That's not to say service levels are poor, just not as fawning.  None the less, the Royal Hawaiian is one of my top recommendations in the state of Hawaii.

Kahala Resort - just outside Waikiki

The beachfront  five star Kahala Resort  is located 15 minutes from Waikiki in one of Honolulu's snazziest neighborhoods.  Here guests can enjoy a remarkable setting that feels a world away while taking advantage of Honolulu's convenient flight schedules.
 
Rooms and suites are decorated in dark woods and a  cream color palate. Conservative but very smart.  Views from the large  lanais are special, though not all rooms have them.   And for more celebratory  occasions, the Kahala has a wide variety of suites.

The lovingly landscaped grounds are a big draw, and the beach here is just incredible. You'll be in a tranquil island frame of mind in no time.

The Kahala features a comfy club lounge with changing areas for early arrivals and late flight departures so you can make the most of your time there.  Plus you'll find an extremely well equipped 24 hour fitness facility at your disposal.

There's a pervasive calm and sense of decorum at the Kahala. Think country club casual, Hawaiian style. It's the sort of resort the Queen of England would choose should she pop by the island - donning sensible sandals, of course.

4* plus Waikiki Hotels

Modern Honolulu

Originally conceived as the unlikely love child of Ian Schrager and the Marriott Corporation,  this property opened as one of the first Edition hotels.   New ownership has taken the luxurious design hotel to new heights, re flagging the property as the Modern Honolulu.

Fronting a marina, the property is a ten minute stroll to one of Waikiki's most beautiful stretches of beach, as rated by  the expert Dr. Beach himself.  For some guests, the marina view may not meet their expectations.

Spend the day lounging at one of the Modern's amazing pools.   The lower level pool is a striking wood design, lit up with a sexy glow when night falls.  Definitely one of the hotel's highlights.  Upstairs at the small  adult pool, the hotel brought the beach to you, installing tons of sand around a shallow sunning pool. 

The  city side rooms may seem too urban for a Hawaii  vacation, but they do grant  entree to the Modern's awesome facilities at a reasonable price.  The tasteful white walled ocean view rooms with lanais are my suggested  upgrade.  Ocean side accommodations here  here are some of Waikiki's most cheerful , with lot's of light and dashes of island color.

The resort has just recently be sold to Diamond Resorts, the forth management change since the property opened.  Physically the Modern is a slick choice.  The jury's out on service levels. In fairness, new management teams take time to adjust.

4*  Waikiki Hotels

Waikiki Marriott

The 1300 room Marriott, one of the chain's largest, is located just across the street from a nice section of Waikiki's beach.  While large, service standards at the hotel are consistently high.  A complete stylish overhaul of the Marriott's large lobby makes for a tastefully done welcome to this popular property.
Comprising  two towers, there's a wide variety of views. From higher floors they can be quite spectacular.
The Marriott also sports a large (for Waikiki) pool and sunning area, plus a top notch gym.  A plus for gay and lesbian travelers is the proximity to one of Honolulu's  gay beaches and several popular gay bars.  The Marriott is in a nice location on the scenic and less frantic Diamond Head end of Waikiki.  The seawall just down the beach offers protected swimming .
VIDEO:  Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel and with shots of the beach life.

Hilton Waikiki Beach

The Hilton Waikiki Beach is located on the Diamond Head side of Kuhio Avenue, one block from the beach.  It is a high rise property, so both the Deluxe and Executive room categories offer really remarkable views of either the mountains or the Pacific.  All the rooms here feature a lanai to take in the scenery.
Rooms sport a bright contemporary decor with modern bath. There's a nice sized  pool with bar service and a good supply of loungers..The popular MAC 24/7  restaurant, offering round the clock service, a rarity in Waikiki, is in the building., The property is located on tree lined Kuhio Avenue just a block from the beach on the less crowded  Diamond Head end
At the  moment, the 4* Hilton Waikiki is one of the better values on offer in Honolulu thanks to no resort fee.
VIDEO:  The 22 acre Hilton Hawaiian Village on a prime spot of beach in Waikiki

Hilton Hawaiian Village

This 22 acre resort, Hawaii's largest, is set on one of Waikiki's  nicest stretch of beach.  Everything you need for your vacation can be found here. Dining, shopping, entertainment, and water sports are all close at hand. 20 restaurants and 90 shops await. The tropical 10,000 gallon theme pool, a big hit with kids, is one of five on the property.

Accommodations range from your basic functional hotel room to fully equipped luxury condominiums with designer kitchens. Some of the nicest ocean views are from the hotel's distinctive Rainbow Tower building, famous for its colorful mosaic running the height of the structure.

In season the Hilton Hawaiian Village is quite popular with families.  Convention business is also brisk. So be prepared for the lines and pool chair dramas that plaque large properties.  Due to the  sheer size of the resort, the Hilton Hawaiian Village can be a challenge for those with mobility problems.  A wheelchair is a good idea.   

But when kids are back in school, between the conventions, the Hilton offers some really sweet deals - all available through Rainbow Voyages.
VIDEO:  The completely reimagined Alohilani, formerly the Pacific Beach.

Alolhilani Resort 
New Renovation

The former Pacific Beach Hotel ijust completed of a $100 million dollar renovation,and the property has been rebranded as the Alolhilani Resort.  Public areas are dazzling.  Sleeping rooms have been upgraded to a much more contemporary look and feel.
The hotel is nicely located across from Waikiki beach on the Diamond Head end, where there''s more room to roam.  
But should the beach not be your thing, the Alolhilani  has a completely redesigned pool deck ala South Beach or Vegas.  Cabanas and a bar make for a fun day at a cool pool.
VIDEO:  Hyatt Regency Waikiki

Hyatt Regency Waikiki

The cylindrical towers of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki are just across the street from Waikiki beach.  Fresh off a tasteful renovation, the Hyatt Regency welcomes guests with large ( for Waikiki ). bright, uncluttered rooms.  Accommodations here are priced according to view, and there are some really great ones to be had from the 40 story towers.  Breakfast inclusive rates can be a real deal. 

Between the towers is a tropical  garden atrium  filled with  cascading  waterfalls.  There's a  small pool, and an outdoor bar with a large terrace  overlooking the Pacific.. The Hyatt shares the same drawback of any busy 40 story property - waits for an elevator.  If you can overlook that issue and want to be in the center of the action on Waikiki, you'll be very happy here.  Service levels are very high.
VIDEO:  Exploring Oahu  from your base at Hyatt Centric  Waikiki Beach
Local news report re: Hyatt Centric
Hyatt Centric Foodie Suggestions

Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
New renovation

One of the latest additions to the Waikiki hotel renaissance, the Hyatt Centric occupies the former World Trade Center..  The conversion into a hotel resulted in spacious rooms with large floor to ceiling windows facing the city, Diamond Head, mountains, and some partial ocean views.  None have balconies.
The design here is modern eclectic accentuated with high end finishes.  There's a lively bar and restaurant on site, plus plenty of  space for guests to lounge and socialize.
The inviting lobby's  public areas open up to a large outdoor space  featuring a  splash pool, cabanas,  and chaises skimming the three foot depth.  The deck also serves as a venue for local performing artists.   It's a popular spot to stop by for a drink.  
All ready the Hyatt Centric has earned a AAA Four Diamond rating.  Rates represent an excellent value for Waikiki.  A trendy base for taking in the sights that's been a big hit since it's opening.

LayLow Hotel - The Autograph Collection
New renovation - Mid-century design

The Laylow is yet another new renovation on Kuhio Avenue's now trendy hotel district..  The decor in the rooms suites are tastefully done with mid century Hawaiian furnishings.  Wallpaper prints further enhance the look The hotel has done an excellent job creating comfy cocoons to retreat to after a full day or night exploring Honolulu.  Bedding here is especially notable as rooms come equipped with one or two king size beds - unheard of in Waikiki.
Hungry?  Guests simply need to make their way to the property's on site restaurant and bar "The Hideout."  Besides tables, you'll find outdoor sofa's and fire pits where that beckon you to enjoy one of the spacious bar's many cocktail concoctions.  The "Hideout" is a hit with local residents who come to enjoy the restaurant's reasonably priced creative menu.  On Fridays and Saturdays a live DJ pumps up the volume.
Like many of the new renovations on Waikiki, the saltwater pool is far more form than function with a maximum depth of 3 feet. But the attractive furnishings create an inviting ambiance to while away the afternoon.
Like the wallpaper?  You'll find matching slippers in your welcome basket!

The Surfjack Hotel
New renovation - Mid-century design

Another new entrant  that's part of the Waikiki renaissance is the delightfully vintage Surfjack.  The owners took a 60's  Honolulu hotel and completely redecorated the property in a quirky yet eye catching mid century decor.
The central courtyard features a pool and sunning area known as the swim club.  The hotel's  pool  is emblazoned with the tag "Wish You Were Here!"  Notable is that it is an actual pool, not a "poolette" which has become the standard at new other renovations. Come nightfall the spot is used for entertainment and outdoor movies.
Basic bungalow rooms here are on the small size but do come with furnished lanais.  The comfortably furnished one bedrooms feature a living room done in a brightly colored  mid century decor.
Bringing your entourage?  The hotel offers suites combinations up to 3 bedrooms, rare for Waikiki.  And if you're  looking to splurge, the hotels'studio and one bedroom units, with large furnished decks with cityscape views are unique in Honolulu.  The penthouse units are priced along the lines of what you'd pay for a room at a 5* Waikiki hotel. They're a fun choice for a honeymoon!
There's a popular bar on-site, a requisite barista in residence, and a trendy sustainable dining spot Mahina and Sons.

The Lotus Hotel


The very zen Lotus Hotel offers a quiet  respite from the Waikiki strip.  It's perfect for those desiring access to the dining, culture, and nightlife of Waikiki without encountering swarms of tourists the moment they exit their hotel.
Originally opened as one of the first W hotels, the Lotus enjoys a serene location close to Diamond Head on the edge of lovely Kapiolani Park..You're a shoty walk from a great uncrowded beach.
The rooms here are spacious by Waikiki standards, and all come with at least one lanai.  Choose from either partial views of the Pacific or Diamond Head.
The Lotus is only 51 rooms, so there is a real boutique feel to the property.  An on-site restaurant offers breakfast dinner, and cocktails.
And when you're ready to take on Waikiki, the taxi ride is 10 minutes tops across Kapiolani Park. A highly recommended alternative to 
hotels on Waikiki.

3*plus   Waikiki Hotels

VIDEO:  Drone view of the gay friendly Park Shore Waikiki
View from Lulu's Restaurant at the Park Shore Waikiki Hotel

Park Shore Waikiki  


The Park Shore has a prime location - the corner of Kalakaua  and Kapahulu Avenues, at the far end of the hotel strip.  Fronting  beautiful  Kapiolani Park, there absolutely nothing to obstruct your view of Diamond Head and the blue Pacific.  That's the draw here. And the rates are reasonable!  

The hotel underwent a complete renovation in 2012.
The cozy rooms have a contemporary look, but the real star of the show are  the fabulous unobstructed views of Diamond Head and the Pacific from the oceanview (my preference) or  oceanfront rooms.. Each measures 220 to  235 square feet, typical for a three  star Waikiki hotel.  A wall of floor to ceiling windows plus a lanai make the spotless accommodations feel larger. A nice upgrade  is the reasonably priced Diamond Head junior suite, and oceanfront one bedroom suite, both of which are 4* in quality.  

Great views can also be enjoyed from the hotel's small pool and sundeck overlooking the Pacific.  Attached is  lively Lulu's Surfer Bar and Restaurant -  a fun, reasonably priced spot to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There's a Starbucks off the lobby, and an outpost of yummy Teddy Burgers just down the street.

Legendary gay hotspot Hula's is just around the corner.  
    
                                                                                                                   
VIDEO:   Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach

Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach
New renovation

Guests entering the lobby of the Waikiki outpost of Hilton Garden Inns are welcomed with high wooden ceilings showcasing  Hawaiian kappa prints.  A complete redesign of a former Outrigger property that had great bones, the hotel has an upscale look.  
The stylish makeover is carried over to the sleeping rooms, most with private lanai. All are well equipped with fridges, Keurig coffee makers, and a 48 inch flat screen tv.  Junior and one bedroom suites are reasonably priced for Waikiki, offering families or friends extra breathing room. Two bedroom suites sleep 6 comfortably in a king and two double bedded configuration. Guests will find on site dining, a marketplace,  plus  a pool deck with bar service and a grill. Two blocks from the beach, the property is just across from the newly re-built International Marketplace complex of shopping and dining spots.
The Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki is a nice fresh property in a very central Waikiki location at a good point.  Perfect for visitors who don't require an up close ocean view.
A word about the term "NEW" as used on this page.  These properties have either undergone significant renovations, or were buildings that have been converted into hotels.  
MORE WAIKIKI HOTELS CAN BE VIEWED IN THIS ONLINE CATALOG
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