Bliss on the Beach
Look to the shoreline for Waikiki’s best beachfront hotels and resorts, where mai tais and dreamy views create unforgettable stays.
HALEKULANI
“HALEKULANI LITERALLY MEANS ‘HOUSE BEFITTING HEAVEN’.”
Perfect stay for: Relaxed glamour and “I really deserve this” trips.
Why we love it: There’s so much to love at Halekulani, literally translated to mean House Befitting Heaven. For more than 100 years, guests have been welcomed to this tranquil waterfront oasis – a favourite of celebrities – where extraordinary service meets top-notch amenities.
It’s easy to escape the stresses of modern life when you retreat to the hotel’s rooms and suites, decorated in soothing ‘Seven Shades of White’ beach house décor. We love the deep soaking tubs and spacious balconies, many with jaw-dropping ocean views.
After an extensive renovation, the grand dame has a new sparkle, from the dreamy heated pool to the award-winning SpaHalekulani, where healing traditions of the Pacific are explored. Activities include surf lessons and architecture tours, all with the bonus of no resort fee.
Where to eat and drink: Don’t miss sunset cocktails at oceanfront House Without a Key, where former Miss Hawaii winners elegantly perform the hula to the melodies of live ukulele music. For lunch or dinner, reserve a table at Orchids. The seafood curry is the best in Hawaii, while the signature chiffon coconut cake tastes as good as it looks.
Insider tip: As part of Halekulani’s “For You, Everything” program, guests are offered complimentary access to some of the island’s best arts and cultural museums, including Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace.
More information: halekulani.com
THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN
Perfect hotel for: Milestone birthday celebrations and lavish destination weddings.
Why we love it: Unveiled in 1927 as the Pink Palace of the Pacific, the Royal Hawaiian’s iconic pink exterior holds court in the heart of Waikiki Beach. A grand and gracious hotel by any standard, it has warmly welcomed celebrities, royals, heads of state and happy holidaymakers for decades. Never stuffy, always classy, the hospitality is flawless. Lavish suites weave together modern comforts, Polynesian accents and endless ocean views.
Where to eat and drink: Sundowners at the Mai Tai Bar are a favourite ritual for locals and visitors alike. Arrive an hour before sunset to nab a front-row seat and order the Royal Mai Tai.
Every Monday and Thursday evening, a traditional outdoor luau feast is held at the Ocean Lawn at The Royal Hawaiian. The show pays homage to Hawaiian royalty with spectacular fire dancing and hula moves, while the menu features island specialties. Book well in advance to secure a table. Insider tip: Take home an elegant souvenir of the hotel from the gift store. We love the signature candles and scented room spray. The face washers embellished with an image of the pink facade are chic and easy to pack. More information: royal-hawaiian.com
OUTRIGGER REEF WAIKIKI BEACH RESORT
Perfect hotel for: Multi-night stays, multi-generational family travel, culture enthusiasts.
Why we love it: After a US$80 million renovation during the pandemic tourism pause, the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort looks better than ever. Now offering even more accommodation options, there’s also a new spa and fitness centre. Rooms and suites have been tastefully redecorated, featuring art and photography dedicated to local culture and customs.
Speaking of culture, there’s an excellent daily program of activities that are sure to deepen one’s appreciation of Hawaii’s unique heritage charms. Join in lei making, hula dancing and ukulele lessons at the A’o Cultural Center. Or simply sit back with a cold drink and enjoy live Hawaiian music nightly at the poolside Kani Ka Pila Grille. Where to eat and drink: Access the Voyager 47 Club Lounge when you book a Club room or suite. It’s worth it for complimentary breakfast choices and an evening service that includes alcoholic drinks and substantial bites that change daily (on a recent visit we enjoyed chicken skewers, dumplings and a cheese plate).
Insider tip: Celebrate love in one of the world’s most romantic places. A complimentary vow renewal ceremony is offered on the beach in front of the hotel at sunrise every Friday. The concierge can arrange flowers, photography and special requests.
More information: outriggerreef.com
HALEPUNA WAIKIKI BY HALEKULANI
Perfect stay for: Wellness warriors who love the finer things.
Why we love it: While not exactly beachfront like the other hotels in this guide, Halepuna might as well be. Located across the street from sister property, Halekulani, just steps to the beach, it enjoys expansive ocean views and breezes. Once the chic Waikiki Parc, the new-look hotel opened in 2019 after a year of remodelling. The infinity pool (Sunset views! Turquoise vistas!) and leisure deck with cabanas and deck chairs tempt many visitors to skip the beach altogether.
An extensive fitness program includes morning restorative yoga and tai chi, a Reflexology Path designed to stimulate the soles of the feet, surfing instruction and a high-tech gym.
Where to eat and drink: Refresh with drinks from the pool bar, serving local brews and cocktails including the Halepuna Punch (delicious raspberry, lemon and vanilla vodka). Halekulani Bakery & Restaurant, adjoining Halepuna, is expected to reopen before the end of the year. For now, take a short walk to Steak Shack on the beach, for one of the best-value meals in Waikiki. Insider tip: Work by local artists including Aaron Padilla, Christopher Edwards and David Kuraoka adorns the walls and public spaces. See the concierge about complimentary admission to the acclaimed Honolulu Museum of Art.
More information: halepuna.com
MOANA SURFRIDER
Perfect stay for: Everyone!
Why we love it: Widely known as the First Lady of Waikiki, the Moana Surfrider first opened its doors in 1901. Now beautifully restored and updated, the luxury property – a member of Historic Hotels of America since 1989 – has sat regally in the centre of the beachfront promenade for more than 120 years. With elegant period detail, the white exterior of the hotel is unmissable on Kalākaua Avenue. Most rooms and suites are ocean-facing, with Diamond Head views to the left and vibrant sunsets to the right. Drift off to the sounds of the ocean after a day of swimming or hiking, in beds that are famously comfortable.
From Wednesday to Sunday, the lobby is the place to be for nightly live entertainment with a leave-your-inhibitions-behind invitation for revelry and dancing. The pool is just a few steps from the sand.
Where to eat and drink: The ahi tuna poke nachos with sriracha from the barefoot Beach Bar is one of the most delicious things you’ll eat in Waikiki. For fine dining al fresco, look no further than Beachhouse at the Moana. Using fresh Oahu ingredients, chefs serve up dishes including lobster risotto, beef tartare and the perfect pork chop. Don’t miss the fresh prawn cocktail.
Insider tip: Nab a rocking chair on the verandah, sit back and enjoy one of Waikiki’s best spots for people-watching.
More information: marriott.com
SHERATON WAIKIKI
Perfect stay for: Incentive reward trips, leisure travellers of all ages.
Why we love it: In the heart of the action, this hotel is a crowd-pleaser. In 2020, the Sheraton Waikiki celebrated its golden anniversary by revealing an extensive renovation and complete refurbishment of all guestrooms and suites. The results are impressive, with calming hues of cream, taupe and white in the rooms, most of which have awesome ocean views. To make the most of year-round perfect weather, rooms feature outdoor space with ergonomically designed furniture made for lounging around.
The pools are a hit, divided as they are into an expansive family-friendly swimming spot with waterslides, and an infinity pool reserved for grown-ups.
Where to eat and drink: RumFire, overlooking the beach, is ever-popular for cocktails and local cuisine. Kai Market is a more casual option for breakfast. Guests at Sheraton Waikiki also have signing privileges for restaurants at The Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani.
Insider tip: Plan ahead if you’d like to enjoy one of the poolside cabanas or infinity pool chairs. They usually book out in advance. More information: marriott.com
HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE WAIKIKI BEACH RESORT
Perfect stay for: Families with kids of all ages; multi-generational groups.
Why we love it: It takes a village to create an awesome holiday for all ages. At Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, the village includes dozens of shops and restaurants, water sports and an extensive spa. Set on a sheltered swimming beach, the hotel has several pools, lagoons and waterslides for maximum fun.
Elvis Presley loved the Hilton, staying there for the first time in 1957 and then on six subsequent visits. Many scenes from his hit movie, Blue Hawaii, were filmed there. To retrace the King’s steps, stay in the Rainbow Tower.
Where to eat and drink: In 1957, bartender Harry Yee created the Blue Hawaii cocktail for guests at the hotel. Sixty-five years later, it’s still on the menu at the Tapa Bar. Popular restaurant options include teppanyaki, pizza, a New York-style deli and beachfront grill. Enjoy a cheeky Blizzard ice cream from Dairy Queen.
Insider tip: Don’t miss Hilton’s Friday night fireworks, filling the night sky with glorious colour at 8pm.
More information: hiltonhawaiianvillage.com