HONOLULU HOTELS

HONOLULU INTRODUCTION > HONOLULU HOTELS

Waikiki accommodations range from trendy 3 star refurbishments to some of the world's most iconic 5 star hotels. I've profiled some of my favorites here, along with the best visuals I've found on the net.

5* WAIKIKI HOTELS AND RESORTS

HALEKULANI

The elegant Halekulani is an independently owned property, a rarity on Waikiki. The lovely oceanfront location is central to dining an upscale shopping.

Sumptuous contemporary rooms are done in calming shades of white. There's a wide variety of suites at the Halekulani, including one designed by Vera Wang.

Guests relax around the hotel's iconic pool featuring an orchid design made up of 1.2 million glass tiles - all the while receiving fawning service from the ever attentive pool staff.

The Halekulani's signature restaurant, La Mer is Forbes five star rated, Enjoy a Mai Tai at the House Without a Key, the hotel's outdoor bar, while taking in a hula performance each evening at sunset. The setting is spectacular.

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. (See lower video.) Larger digs can be found in the attached tower wing, which is newer construction.

Outside "under the Banyan tree" is the hotel's very popular patio and bar, along with a 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 disappoint.

ROYAL HAWAIIAN - A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT

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 restored and enhanced the original section including the legendary showroom.. The Royal Hawaiian is one of my top recommendations in the state of Hawaii.

4th NIGHT FREE PLUS ONE CATEGORY UPGRADE, BREAKFAST FOR 2 DAILY, $100 RESORT CREDIT, EARLY/LATE CHECK IN
IF AVAILABLE -SELECT DATES AND CATEGORY

KAHALA HOTEL - 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.

RITZ CARLTON RESIDENCES WAIKIKI

Both towers are now completed at this highly anticipated residential outpost of Ritz Carlton.
Accommodations range from studio to four bedroom condominiums, so it's a magnet for families.

Guests are greeted with a traditional lei greeting, a nice touch not always still found in Hawaii. While condos, services like twice daily housekeeping with turndown are provided. There's also a very well equipped gym on site.The apartments sport a modern contemporary decor, all with ocean view. While a bit of a walk from the beach, a bag with water is offered for the outing.

Those looking for a slick upscale vibe with nice pools, as opposed to a beachy retreat, will be quite happy here!

4* WAIKIKI HOTELS

QUEEN KAPIOLANI HOTEL

Fresh off a $35 million dollar renovation, the this hip botique hotel is half a block from Waikiki beach. The hotel has an unobstructed view of Diamond Head as the hotel borders Kapioloni Park, Honolulu's tropical equivalent of New York City's Central Park.

Waikiki Beach is most less crowded on the Diamond Head end.
Personally, this is my favorite section section of Honolulu. You can get anywhere on the city's super efficient bus system. If you've rented a car, more of a hassle than a help in Honolulu itself, it's a straight shot out of town on Kapahulu Avenue.

The outdoor deck on the 3rd floor not only where you'll find hotels's popular bar and restaurant, but also the location of the outdoor pool and entertainment area. Enjoy a crafted cocktail while taking on some rays. Come sunset it's the venue for local entertainers.

LGBT visitors will enjoy legendary Hula's, one of the country's oldest gay bars, in the next hotel over. The open air design let's patrons enjoy Pacific breezes while partaking in one of the longest "happy hours" I've ever seen, a welcome relief from hotel cocktail prices.. Queen's Surf , the gay beach is a short walk.

Kuhiio Avenue, home to many of Waikiki's most popular dining and nightlife spots, is just around the corner. Trendy Chinatown is just a cab ride away.

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, while minimalist with their white walls and simple but tasteful furnishings are bright and cheerful.

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.

NOTE: PENDING LABOR NEGATIONS DUE STAFF
CUTBACKS COULD AFFECT YOUR STAY. THE HOTEL HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL BE CONVERTED TO CONDOMINIUMS.

WAIKIKI MARRIOTT

The 1300 room Marriott, one of the chain's largest, is located just across the street from a lovely 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. Room renovations are to follow.

Comprising two towers, there's a wide variety of views. From the higher floors they can be quite spectacular.

The Marriott also sports two pool and a large sunning area . The gym is a top notch. 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 - a plus with the kids.

HILTON WAIKIKI BEACH

The Hilton Waikiki Beach is located on the Diamond Head side of Kuhio Avenue, one big 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, which vary from city view to fantastic, depending on your floor.

All rooms sport a bright, if not generic, contemporary decor, Hilton bedding, and modern bath. Bathtubs can be requested.
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 hotel.., The property is located on a pretty tree lined spot on Kuhio Avenue on the less crowded Diamond Head side of Waikiki.

A good value most times of the year!

VIDEO: The 22 acre Hilton Hawaiian Village on a prime spot of beach in Waikiki

HILTON WAIKIKI 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.

The beach here is one of the stars of the show. It's Waikiki's widest section. Hands down one of the nicest on the island. There's also a lagoon surrounded by a beach, great for kids.

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. Definitely spring for the rooms facing Diamond Head!

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 everywhere.

The hotel section of the resort is comprised of five buildings. One is the Ali'i Tower. This is a separate upgraded affair with a private pool and their own check-in ,among other niceties.

Here you'll also find several high rises on property affiliated with the Hilton Vacation Club timeshare brand. These apartments can also be reserved by the night.

When kids are back in school, between the conventions, the Hilton offers some really sweet deals - all available through Rainbow Voyages.

VIDEO: THE NEWLY RENOVATED ALOHILANI

ALOHILANI'S VERY INSTAGRAMABLE POOL DECK

ALOHILANI
New Renovation

The former Pacific Beach Hotel just completed of a $100 million dollar renovation,and the property has been rebranded as the Alohilani Resort. Public areas are dazzling. Sleeping rooms have been upgraded to an island inspired 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 Alohilani has a completely redesigned and very "gramable" pool deck ala South Beach or Vegas. Cabanas and refreshing in pool loungers (both at a charge) and a full bar are on hand for a fun day this cool pool. Entry to the private Longboard Club - a popular new trend on Waikiki - is also available for a charge.

Foodies will appreciate the Honolulu outpost of Morimoto located at the hotel. Also note the breakfast buffet is spectacular here.

VIDEO HYATT REGENCY WAIKIKI

HYATT REGENCY WAIKIKI

The iconic 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). uncluttered rooms complete with spacious lanais. 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.. If you want to be in the center of the action on Waikiki, you'll be very happy here. Service levels are quite high.
And if you need extra pampering, there's always Hyatt's renowned Regency Club floors and lounges.

VIDEO: Exploring Oahu from your base at Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach

Local news report re: Hyatt Centric

Hyatt Centric Foodie Suggestions

HYATT CENTRIC WAIKIKI
New renovation

One of the latest additions to the Waikiki hotel renaissance, the Hyatt Centric occupies the former World Trade Center.. Because the hotel was a former office building there are no lanais off the rooms, though there are some great views. The conversion into a hotel resulted in spacious rooms with large floor to ceiling windows facing the city, Diamond Head, mountains, and some with partial views of the ocean.

The design here is modern eclectic accentuated with high end finishes, especially for the price point. 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.

Already 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 with millennials since it's opening.

LAYLOW HOTEL 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 and 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.
Obama dined there!

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.

3* WAIKIKI HOTELS

VIDEO: DRONE VIEW FROM THE PARK SHORE WAIKIKI

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 is absolutely nothing to obstruct your view of Diamond Head and the blue Pacific. That's the draw here at this well preserved 3+*** hotel.
All rooms feature:
Private lanais with floor to ceiling windows
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.

NOTE: A NEW MANAGEMENT COMPANY HAS JUST TAKEN OVER THIS PROPERTY.

SIGNIFICANT SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION IN FRONT OF HOTEL THIS SUMMER/FALL. POOL IS IN FRONT OF HOTEL. EXPECT NOISE DURING DAYTIME HOURS.

VIDEO: HILTON GARDEN INN WAIKIKI BEACH

HILTON GARDEN INN WAIKIKI
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, this wallet friendly 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 offering a very good value.for the price. Perfect for visitors who don't require an up close ocean view.

SHORELINE HOTEL
New Renovation

Rooms and and public areas are renovated in bright vivid colors at this fun property. The very popular Shoreline has been a big hit with budget minded travelers since it opened.

Originally the hotel was owned by United Airlines to accommodate their flight crews laying over in Honolulu.
Expect rooms on the smaller side, but the price is right.
There's even a small pool on the roof.

The staff here a notable for their friendly helpful attitude.

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

TO VIEW CATALOG: Click on the Cover