Waikiki is the hub of Oahu and one of the best places to visit in Hawaii, with many hotels located right along this famous stretch of beach. You’ll not only be close to the sand and surf but countless restaurants, cafes, shops and more. The question is, which option to choose among so many? These are arguably the top picks for those looking for the very best Waikiki Beach hotels.
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
The Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort captures the Aloha spirit with its Polynesian decor and spectacular ocean views, located on a quieter stretch of the beach. It hosts 635 beautiful rooms and suites, some of which come with balconies for watching the incredibly romantic ocean and sunset views. Upgraded rooms also include private lounge access with complimentary breakfasts, snacks, and drinks. The property hosts two restaurants, a 24-hour gym, a nice spa, live music in the evenings and activities such as hula and ukulele lessons.
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach
The oceanfront Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach, was the very first hotel that opened in Waikiki, dating all the way back to 1901. It offers an idyllic blend of historic charm and the very best stretch of sand on Waikiki Beach. The spa is outstanding and provides a full menu of treatments, from hydrotherapy rooms to traditional Hawaiian massage. There’s also a gym and a number of boutiques and shops, water sports and other activities, a lively bar and a restaurant. Rooms boast balconies with sweeping vistas as well as ultra-luxe beds with pillow-top mattresses and goose-down pillows.
Sheraton Waikiki
Tucked along the best stretch of Waikiki Beach, the Sheraton Waikiki is a massive high-rise hotel that features sweeping ocean vistas, multiple restaurants and all sorts of family-friendly activities. Rooms come with city, mountain or ocean views, with the two latter well worth the upgrade. The property hosts an adults-only infinity pool with tranquil views of the bay, complete with “pool ambassadors” that bring chilled towels for guests. There are also two pools for the kids, including one of the largest in Waikiki, a freeform Helumoa pool and a shallow pool for little ones. The property also provides beach services with everything from chaise loungers to surfing lessons and an onsite spa offering pampering body treatments.
Halekulani Hotel
The 5-star Halekulani Hotel is one of the area’s top hotels, located right on Waikiki Beach. It offers an elegant atmosphere in an oasis of tranquility with luxurious oceanfront rooms and suites that include views of Diamond Head and direct access to the beach. Guests can enjoy the outdoor heated pool with loungers and umbrellas, a fitness center and a spa offering Polynesian therapeutic rituals. There are casual and formal restaurants, including the La Mer with its French-style fare and Orchids, which offers upscale Italian cuisine with ocean views. Entertainment is provided nightly, including live jazz at Lewers Lounge.
Waikiki Shore by Outrigger
Nestled along Waikiki’s oceanfront along the white sands of Waikiki Beach, Waikiki Shore by Outrigger is an ideal option for families and large groups traveling together, made up of studios, one- and two-bedroom condos. They come with floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs, kitchens or kitchenettes and private balconies, some of which boast unparalleled ocean views that also include the iconic Diamond Head. The beach is the top attraction here, but after a day of outdoor adventures (excursions can be arranged at the hotel’s independently-owned tour and activity desk), guests can look forward to live music and tasty Hawaiian fare at the Kani Ka Pila Grille.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
This oceanfront property has attracted many celebrities, from John Wayne and Elton John to Snoop Dogg, since it opened over a half-century ago across sprawling grounds about 15 minutes outside of Waikiki. It’s more about family fun here at the Kahala Hotel & Resort than glitz and glamour, however, with all sorts of activities like swimming with dolphins, surfing and stand-up paddle board lessons. It hosts a small but tranquil, uncrowded beach, a busier communal pool and a hot tub along with a large gym and four restaurants serving international, Italian and Asian fusion fare. Rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows and huge bathrooms that have soaking tubs.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort
Hawaii’s largest resort, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, is a veritable luxury village situated at the westernmost end of Waikiki. There are 3,386 rooms, with the Ali’I and Rainbow towers offering oceanside rooms, suites and upscale condos. The property hosts more than 90 shops, 20 restaurants and bars, along with an expansive kids’ program. There is direct access to a white sand beach and the only saltwater lagoon in Waikiki, along with a host of activities that range from snorkeling and hula lessons to whale watching and catamaran trips. Every night a luau buffet dinner is offered too.
Twin Fin Hotel
The Twin Fin Hotel in Honolulu is a newly renovated hotel, and it also has one of the best locations you could ever hope for. Situated right along the beach, most rooms come with a beautiful ocean view. A top pick in Waikiki, this is a great hotel for families traveling in Hawaii because it’s very close to the Kuhio section, which is known to be one of the most family-friendly areas. When you stay here, you can enjoy private balconies, mini-fridges, large flat-screen TVs, and the on-site Tiki’s Grill & Bar.
Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach
The Ritz-Carlton sits just a couple of blocks from Waikiki Beach, offering a peaceful location for enjoying the scene. It’s known for its understated luxury and top-notch service, set within a 38-story tower with an 8th-floor sky lobby that has an indoor-outdoor feel, while its Dean & Deluca Market restaurant provides uninterrupted views over the trees to the ocean. Facilities include a gym, yoga studio and a signature spa for indulging in lomi lomi Hawaiian and classic massage. The beautiful infinity pool is surrounded by frangipani trees and provides gorgeous views that look out to the Pacific. The one-bedroom residences come with a spacious open-plan kitchen-dining-living area that stretches to an outside terrace through sliding glass doors, fully-equipped kitchens with wine fridges, as well as washers and dryers.
