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The best Waikiki accommodation: from beachfront to beach views

From retro-chic hangouts to oceanfront grande dames, Waikīkī’s hotels and resorts each bring their own personality.

With its iconic stretch of sand, legendary surf breaks and ever-evolving hotel scene, Waikīkī offers far more than a one-size-fits-all stay. Whether you want to splash out on room with a view over its golden sands or prefer a more affordable option with ocean glimpses a few blocks back, each property delivers a distinct take on island life. The issue isn’t finding somewhere to stay – it’s choosing which version of Waikīkī you want to wake up to.

Find the one that fits your travel style.

Best for a girls’ getaway: The Laylow Waikīkī

the pool at The Laylow Waikīkī
Lounge by the saltwater pool.

The Laylow Waikīkī channels a retro-cool 1960s Honolulu aesthetic with a stylish, design-led edge, ideal for a fun girls’ trip. Think monstera-print walls, vintage furnishings and a tropical, lantern-lit pool deck that feels equal parts Palm Springs and Pacific. At its heart, the rooftop Hideout hums with live music and DJs, creative cuisine and craft cocktails.

Proximity to beachfront: Three blocks back from the beach, or around a five-minute walk

Address: 2299 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$300 per night

Best for families: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort from above
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort features the only saltwater lagoon in Waikīkī.

Set at the quieter western edge of Waikīkī, around a 10–15 minute stroll from the main strip, the sprawling Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort feels like a destination in itself. It comprises five towers and more than 3,000 rooms, with several pools and restaurants and a calm, wave-free lagoon that’s perfect for younger swimmers. Known for its spectacular Friday night fireworks show, the sheer scale of this property means endless space to play, dine and explore without ever leaving the resort.

Proximity to beachfront: Located directly on Duke Kahanamoku Beach

Address: 2005 Kālia Rd, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$200 per night

Best for luxury: ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikīkī

ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikīkī pool from above
The rooftop pool at ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikīkī.

With just nine full-floor suites, butler service and a rooftop infinity pool, ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikīkī is more private mansion than hotel. It also boasts a much-lauded restaurant, Mugen, in-room massages and a private chef experience, where a customised menu using rare and seasonal ingredients is prepared in your suite. A fleet of Mercedes vehicles are also available for guest use, or engage a chauffer.

Proximity to beachfront: Just across the road

Address: 2452 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$3,000 per night

Best for solo travellers: Romer House Waikīkī

the interior of Romer House Waikīkī
The mid-century-inspired interiors are designed with local art. (Credit: Joe Rovegno)

Romer House Waikīkī offers a refreshingly grown-up take on the neighbourhood’s hotel scene. Mid-century-inspired interiors – all woven textures, dark timbers and local art – create a smart, apartment-style feel, while the laidback pool club and lobby-level restaurant provide a place to relax and rejuvenate. The atmosphere is calm yet convivial, with a cocktail lounge if you are feeling social.

Proximity to beachfront: Around four blocks from the beach, or a seven-minute walk

Address: 415 Nahua Street, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$209 per night

Best for budget-conscious travellers: Vive Waikīkī

A boutique bolthole just three blocks from the beach, Vive Waikīkī delivers stylish simplicity with a distinctly local edge. Bright, compact rooms feature island-inspired touches and ocean or mountain views, while a convivial “living room" lobby and curated art create a relaxed, design-forward feel. Thoughtful inclusions – from complimentary continental breakfast to loaner beach gear – make it a smart choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking value without sacrificing style or location.

Proximity to beachfront: Three blocks back from the beach, or around a five-minute walk

Address: 2426 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$120 per night

Best for surfers: The Twin Fin

The Twin Fin in Honolulu
Mid-century rooms with oceanfront lanais offer panoramic views.

Tucked away at the Diamond Head end of Waikīkī, The Twin Fin is a love letter to surf culture, where “check in, paddle out" is more than a tagline. With multiple breaks – from Queens to Canoes – just minutes away, plus on-site board hire and a surf school, it’s made for wave chasers. Light-filled, mid-century rooms with oceanfront lanais offer front-row views of the lineup, fusing laidback style with an unbeatable location.

Proximity to beachfront: Just across the road, or a two-minute walk

Address: 2570 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu

Prices: From around $150 per night

Best for history lovers & pamper seekers: Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikīkī Beach

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikīkī Beach
The oceanfront rooms boast views of the Pacific and Diamond Head.

Opened in 1901 as Waikīkī’s very first hotel, the Moana Surfrider – affectionately known as the “First Lady of Waikīkī" – combines Victorian-era grandeur with contemporary beachfront luxury. Set directly on the sands of Waikīkī Beach, its storied Banyan Wing and sweeping verandahs evoke a bygone era, while the oceanfront Moana Lani Spa offers restorative treatments inspired by Hawaiian healing traditions. It’s a rare stay where heritage, location and wellness converge in quietly timeless style.

Proximity to beachfront: Mere steps

Address: 2365 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$300 per night

Best for couples: Halekulani

the Halekulani pool on Waikīkī Beach
Relax poolside right by Waikīkī Beach.

Situated on a coveted stretch of Waikīkī Beach yet quietly removed from the crowds, Halekulani – which means “house befitting heaven" – is a study in understated romance. Its oceanfront rooms and private lanais showcase uninterrupted views of Diamond Head, while the orchid-tiled pool and fine dining restaurants set an intimate tone. At SpaHalekulani, couples can retreat to serene suites for hydrotherapy and bespoke treatments.

Proximity to beachfront: Located directly on the beach

Address: 2199 Kālia Rd, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$700

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insider tips, offers, and more.

Best for eco-conscious travellers: ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach

the infinity pool at Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach
The saltwater infinity pool overlooks Waikiki Beach.

‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach pairs contemporary design with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability. Powered by 100 per cent renewable energy and committed to carbon-neutral certification, it leads the way in eco-conscious hospitality, while initiatives such as reforestation programs, plastic reduction and locally-sourced dining strengthen its impact. Guests can even plant native trees, making each stay a small but meaningful contribution to Hawai‘i’s future, without compromising on style.

Proximity to beachfront: Just across the road

Address: 2490 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$250 per night

Best for cultural activities: OUTRIGGER Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort

OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Reef Resort from above
This four-star oceanfront sanctuary lies on the quieter western edge of Waikīkī. (Credit: OUTRIGGER Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort)

From lei-making to ‘ukulele lessons, hula classes and storytelling sessions led by local cultural practitioners, OUTRIGGER Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort is a top choice for those who want to immerse themselves in Hawaiian traditions. Evenings bring live music and beachfront dining, while the theatre at its nearby sister property OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel hosts the incredible Cirque du Soleil show ‘Auana.

Proximity to beachfront: An absolute beachfront property

Address: 2169 Kālia Rd, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$300 per night

Best for yoga lovers: Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel Waikīkī Beach

Kapiʻolani Park view from Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel Waikīkī Beach
Wake up to scenic views of Kapiʻolani Park.

On the quieter, park-fringed edge of Waikīkī, Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel blends breezy retro charm with one of the area’s most iconic outlooks. Mornings begin with open-air yoga on the lanai, framed by Lēʻahi(Diamond Head) three days a week, while the hotel’s rooftop restaurant serves Pacific-inspired cuisine in an alfresco setting with a view.

Proximity to beachfront: One block back from the beach, or around three minutes’ walk

Address: 150 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$180 per night

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12 grand journeys throughout North America

    Continue
    Discover North America’s epic adventures — from Route 66 and Alaska cruises to Hawai‘i road trips, NYC culture, Mexico trails and more.

    1. Route 66, the Main Street of America

    Travelling with: Ricky French

    Sunset on Route 66 in the California Mojave Desert.
    Hit the open road and trace America’s legendary highway. (Image: Getty/Der_Thomasa)

    Dubbed the Main Street of America, Route 66 radiates serious main character energy, cemented into popular culture through everything from John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath to the Disney Pixar film Cars. Spanning nearly 4000 kilometres from Chicago to Los Angeles, the historic highway celebrates its centenary next year, a timely invitation to take the mother of all road trips along the Mother Road. Allow two to three weeks to tackle the full length, or bite off a smaller chunk at either end, cruising the dramatic deserts of California or the more pastoral landscapes of Illinois, lined with neon-lit diners, retro gas stations and quirky roadside attractions.

    2. Mexico’s Día de los Muertos

    Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

    emblematic catrina of mexico with flowers and necklace with sempasuchil flowers
    Celebrate life and honour loved ones in vibrant style. (Image: Getty/Fabian Pacheco)

    You might know Oaxaca as the birthplace of mole and mezcal. But the state in southern Mexico is also where the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) began. Time your visit to coincide with the colourful holiday, on 1–2 November, which honours and celebrates loved ones who have passed away. Oaxaca is also Mexico’s Michelin-starred culinary capital, with 18 restaurants and a humble taco stand listed in the 2025 guide.

    3. Museum-hop in New York City

    Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

    The Guggenheim Museum’s iconic spiralling exterior, a highlight of North America Epic Adventures.
    Step inside and marvel at bold, world-class art. (Image: Damiano Fiore)

    Your map app will look like it’s been scattered with confetti after you’ve dropped pins on all the museums you want to visit in New York City. Must-sees are the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art aka the Met, and the Museum of Modern Art. The American Museum of Natural History is also a draw. It’s also worth venturing into the boroughs to browse institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum, which has a huge permanent collection categorised by culture.

    4. The USA’s music scene

    Travelling with: Elizabeth Whitehead

    The Seattle skyline at night, aglow with city lights on North America Epic Adventures.
    Soak up skyline views and dive into the city’s coffee culture. (Image: Abigail Boone)

    If you’re a muso, chances are you’ve wanted to make a pilgrimage to the United States, the epicentre of so many beloved genres. Whether you’re head-banging your way around the Grunge Circuit in Seattle, chasing the twang of the pedal steel through Tennessee or bouncing between blues bars in the Mississippi Delta, the USA’s rich music culture has something that’ll strike a chord.

    5. Road-tripping Hawai‘i

    Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

    A woman surfing in Hawaii, gliding across turquoise waves on North America Epic Adventures.
    Catch the waves and ride Hawaii’s iconic swells. (Image: Ben Ono)

    Hawai‘i is one of the most diverse US states to road trip around. Of the six major islands to visit, the Island of Hawai‘i packs in everything from the snowy summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa to black-sand beaches and lava fields frozen in the act of flowing forward. Change down a few gears on the island of O‘ahu, too, where you can find your own patch of sand on Waimanalo Beach. Visit poi and pineapple plantations. And hang ten on beginner-friendly waves on the North Shore.

    6. Cruising Alaska

    Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

    Explora Journeys ship cruising in Alaska.
    Sail past glaciers and spot whales in pristine waters.

    Seeing Alaska from the sea allows you to cover a lot of distance quickly. This immersive frontier now beckons more than ever before with Explora Journeys adding the American state to its global destination portfolio. Best of all are the pre-and post-journey immersions that connect the luxury of a cruise onboard Explora III with the rugged grandeur of the Alaskan interior. UnCruise Adventures also weaves in access to remote national parks, legendary wildlife corridors and authentic cultural experiences on its Alaskan itineraries.

    7. The Wixárika Route in Mexico

    Travelling with: Elizabeth Whitehead

    People journeying through the Wixarika Route.
    Journey deep into sacred Huichol traditions and art.

    For generations, the Indigenous Wixárika People of Mexico have walked a sacred path known as Tatehuarí Huajuyé, or ‘The Path of Our Grandfather Fire’. The annual pilgrimage route spans 500 kilometres, taking in significant sites in Wixárika spirituality and cosmology. The route passes through the deserts, mountains and forests of northern Mexico before reaching Wirikuta, believed to be the place the sun first emerged. The route is a living cultural landscape of Indigenous culture pre-Columbian influence and, in July this year, was formally inscribed into UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

    8. Drive the Iceberg Coast in Canada

    Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

    Iceberg off the east coast of Canada
    Chase icebergs along Expedition 51 on Canada’s east coast. (Image: Canadian Tourism Commission/ Chris Hendrickson)

    Download the icebergfinder.com map to better plan your road trip along Canada’s Iceberg Coast. The new highway, which has been nearly 25 years and CAD$1.1 billion in the making, threads through the country’s pleated coastlines around Quebec, Newfoundland, Labrador, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick before looping in the French islands of St Pierre and Miquelon. As well as chasing icebergs along Expedition 51, travellers will have the opportunity to engage with cultures that have thrived in the pristine provinces for thousands of years.

    9. A foodie tour of Nova Scotia

    Travelling with: Katie Carlin

    Lunenberg Nova Scotia
    Try lobster rolls in Lunenburg on the east coast of Canada in Nova Scotia. (Image: Natalia Kvitovska/ Unsplash)

    World-famous for its lobster, Nova Scotia is a Canadian province best savoured through its culinary clout shaped by sea and terroir. Bite into lobster rolls at historic Lunenburg’s Salt Shaker Deli & Inn and sip maple rum at Ironworks Distillery. Winery-hop around Wolfville’s rising vineyards (don’t miss Lightfoot & Wolfville). Take a maple syrup tour at Sugar Moon Farm near Earltown. And pull up a seat at waterfront Bar Sofia in Halifax, where Nova Scotia oysters aguachile arrive bright with cucumber, lime and pickled onion.

    10. Soak up the sun in the Caribbean

    Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

    Overwater bungalows off a beach in the Caribbean
    Experience the white-sand beaches and cerulean seas of the Caribbean on board a cruise.

    The Caribbean is on the radar for seasoned cruisers. And it’s easy to see why, with white-sand beaches, cerulean seas and swaying palms so picture-perfect they look AI-generated. Cruise with Windstar, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity on its inaugural Xcel season to the Caribbean to enjoy action-packed excursions such as snorkelling coral reefs and shopping for local trinkets. And those sea days? Spectacular.

    11. Red Chair Hikes of Canada

    Travelling with: Kassia Byrnes

    Red Adirondack chairs overlooking Lake Minnewanka in Canada
    Take a seat at Lake Minnewanka, one of more than 400 red Adirondack chairs scattered across Canada’s hiking routes. (Image: Getty Images/ Autumn Sky Photography)

    No one appreciates the great outdoors more than Canadians, emerging from snow-covered winters to tread glacial rivers and snowshoe through forests, or to hike mighty mountains and wildflower-strewn valleys come spring. Along popular hikes around the country, more than 400 red Adirondack chairs have been placed in peaceful, breathtaking locations. What started as a social media contest now sees hikers soaking in classic Canadian lake and mountain vistas, overlooking historic sites or gazing down on the mountainous path they just travelled.

    12. Ride the Rocky Mountaineer from Denver to Moab, USA

    Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

    Sweeping views from the Rocky Mountaineer.
    The Rocky Mountaineer will continue as the Canyon Spirit in 2026, seen here carving through Ruby Canyon.

    Sighting wild animals is one of many incredible thrills along the two-day luxury Rockies to the Red Rocks route onboard the Rocky Mountaineer across America’s Southwest between mid-April and mid-October. In addition to the lone bear, we spot bighorn sheep, elk, beavers, pronghorn antelope, bald eagles and ospreys. Riding the rails onboard the luxury train, which was founded in Canada in 1990 and has been awarded the prestigious World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train several times, has never been about just getting from A to B. Ride the train from Denver to Moab and you will see the scenery change from snow-capped peaks to meadows, red-rock canyons and soaring cliffs that resemble ornate Gaudí-esque cathedrals. But it’s not until you get off the train that you can produce the ultimate Venn diagram, with nature and adventure in the intersecting spheres.