1. Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Located on the former site of one of Queen Lili‘uokalani’s summer homes, Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is home to several restaurants and the Pā‘ina Waikīkī Lū‘au. It has a family pool surrounded by day beds and cabanas, an adults-only pool, a day spa, gym and a rooftop deck overlooking Kūhiō Beach.
2. Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
The boutique, pet-friendly Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club has 1960s vintage vibes, with a restaurant called Mahina & Sun’s specialising in local cuisine, a tiki-style bar and a pool iconically tiled with the words “Wish You Were Here!”. Pop in for ‘meet and greet Tuesdays’ to say aloha to the hotel’s resident dog, Jack.
3. Waikīkī Circle Hotel
Built in 1963 and inspired by the glow of a Chinese lantern, this family-owned hotel blends mid-century charm with modern comforts, including complimentary Wi-Fi and easy access to surf gear and beach toys. Many rooms feature private balconies with ocean or partial ocean views. On-site dining and practical amenities make it ideal for couples and families seeking relaxed island style and authentic Hawaiian spirit.
4. Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort
OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort has rooms overlooking the beach and Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head) and offers live music at Hula Grill Waikīkī and the iconic Duke’s Waikīkī. The resort celebrates local culture with activities like hula lessons, lei-making and surf experiences, while shops and attractions are within easy walking distance. They include OUTRIGGER Theater inside sister property OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel, where you can see the ‘Auana Cirque du Soleil resident show.
5. Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikīkī Beach Walk
Located just one block back from the beach, Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikīkī Beach Walk offers complimentary breakfast and a social evening gathering on the Grand Lānai (balcony), which has a bar and a pool with a hot tub and shallow section for young children. It’s also home to a Roy’s Waikīkī restaurant, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Giovanni Pastrami sports bar and Yard House brew pub.
6. ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach
With an infinity-edge pool with a large deck and cabanas, light installations projected on its walls at sunset and hip restaurants and bars, ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach is an inviting option. As well as being powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity, it has a 280,000-gallon oceanarium and offers a rooftop fitness experience with sunset yoga, batting cages and tennis courts. Its on-site wellness centre, Fit Waikīkī, has also been revamped to include activities such as a full-service spa.
7. The Twin Fin Hotel
Surfers should look no further than The Twin Fin Hotel, which is named after a surfboard with two fins. The hotel has its own experiential surf school helmed by nine-time Pipeline champion, Jamie O’Brien, with real-time surf conditions streamed throughout the property. Amenities include an outdoor pool, gym and beach gear rentals, as well as on-site restaurants such as Tiki’s Grill & Bar and the island-inspired café Sunrise Shack.
8. Prince Waikīkī
This luxurious hotel has an infinity-edge pool overlooking the Ala Wai Boat Harbor as well as a second pool, and offers floor-to-ceiling ocean views from all its guest rooms and suites, spa services, a Club Lounge, and multiple dining experiences, including its signature restaurant, 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, and the casual poolside Hinana Bar. It’s also affiliated with the 27-hole Hawai‘i Prince Golf Club.
9. The Ambassador Hotel of Waikīkī, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
This stylish mid-century inspired hotel has 368 guest rooms, many with ocean views. It boasts one of the neighbourhood’s only full-sun pool decks, Waikīkī Swim & Social Club, with live music on weekends, free Pilates classes and a gym. Its indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar, Favorite Son, serves fresh, locally-influenced comfort food, including sandwiches, salads and pizzas.
10. Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa
Known as the “First Lady of Waikīkī”, as it was the first hotel built on the shores of Waikīkī in 1901, this property mixes Victorian-era elegance with modern comforts. It spans more than 180 metres of shoreline and features three distinct wings with a range of accommodations. Guests can swim in the oceanfront pool under the famous banyan tree, enjoy cultural activities like lei-making, take part in wellness classes and get pampered in the only oceanfront spa in Waikīkī. Multiple dining venues and its prime location make it a beloved classic.
11. The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay is a five-star oceanfront resort on O‘ahu’s scenic North Shore, set amid more than 400 hectares of beaches and nature trails. Previously known as Turtle Bay Resort, the property underwent a major renovation in 2023 and now offers elegant rooms, suites, villas and private bungalows with water views. Guests enjoy multiple pools, a world-class spa plus wellness programs, cultural activities and restaurants with a focus on local ingredients. Outdoor experiences include surfing, snorkelling and hiking.
12. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
Built in 1927 and dubbed the “Pink Palace of the Pacific”, The Royal Hawaiian hotel also oozes heritage and charm. Guests enjoy ocean views, elegant rooms, cultural activities such as a lū‘au and premium dining, including the beachfront Azure restaurant. With pools, private cabanas and direct beach access, this property blends historic architecture with luxury amenities.
13. Sheraton Waikīkī Beach Resort
This refurbished resort features award-winning outdoor pools, including the adults-only Edge Infinity Pool with panoramic ocean vistas and the family-friendly Helumoa Playground complex with waterslides, whirlpools and cabanas. Guests can keep active in the gym or enjoy direct beach access and daily activities like hula and lei-making. Dining options include RumFire with Pacific-inspired cuisine and sunset views, Kai Market for relaxed breakfast and lunch, Edge of Waikīkī for poolside snacks and drinks, plus Honolulu Coffee, Baskin-Robbins ice creamery and The Cookie Corner.
