The Best Hotels near Waikiki Beach

Introduction to Waikiki

The famous Waikiki Beach is located on the south side of the Hawaiian island of O’ahu. Travelers fly into Honolulu International Airport, with many nonstop flights from the West Coast and drive 20-30 minutes before arriving to the two-mile white sand beach.

Waikiki is a popular tourist destination and is home to countless hotels with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Diamond Head mountain, designer and local stores and well-known restaurants.

Where to stay in Waikiki

Waikiki is a destination in itself, where you can spend anywhere from one day to a full week there or make it a home base for exploring the rest of the island. In our opinion, the best hotels near Waikiki Beach are the Halekulani, Ritz-Carlton Residences and ‘Alohilani Resort.

Halekulani

Halekulani is a five-star luxury hotel on Waikiki Beach that has deep historical roots originating back to 1881. Today, the property spans five acres on Waikiki Beach and has 453 guestrooms, three restaurants, three cocktail lounges featuring live local music, a pool with their iconic orchid logo, spa and fitness studio. Halekulani, meaning “House Befitting Heaven,” reopened after a comprehensive renewal project in 2021. Guestrooms are warm and inviting, featuring an understated elegance and the property’s signature “seven shades of white” aesthetic. Guests can select from poolside to oceanfront guest rooms, including connecting room options and ADA-accessible accommodations, making it great for a couples getaway or a family vacation.

For a more boutique option, the Halepuna by Halekulani, is the Halekulani’s sister property adjacently located and features Halekulani Bakery.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

Waikiki can sometimes feel overwhelming with all of the tourists, and that’s why we like the Ritz Carlton, which is perched in two oceanview towers on Kalaimoku street towards the end of Waikiki that provide some seclusion, while still being minutes away to the heart of Waikiki. The Ritz Carlton Waikiki has 552 guestrooms and suites, two pools, including an adults-only pool and the highest infinity pool in Waikiki, a premier spa and fitness center and their signature Ritz Carlton service. On property, dining options include a ten seat sushi omakase restaurant (Sushi Sho), a modern French restaurant (La Vie), an al fresco Italian restaurant (Quiora) and markets including Dean & Deluca. We recommend this for couples and solo trips to Waikiki.

‘Alohilani

The ‘Alohilani is a favorite go-to, being an affordable mid-range beachfront hotel near Waikiki Beach. Opened in 2018, the hotel features 839 guestrooms and suites, the Swell infinity pool deck, an oceanarium (aquarium), two restaurants by Iron Chef Morimoto and Kai Coffee serving delicious macadamia nut lattes.

Where to eat near Waikiki

There is no shortage of restaurants and to-go dining in Waikiki, as well as some local gems in the surrounding area. Our favorite spots to eat include Tonkatsu Tamafuji, Side Street Inn, Island Vintage (which turns into a wine bar at night!), Marugame Udon and Musubi Cafe Iyasume. You can’t visit the area without a stop at Leonard’s malassadas and Waiola Shave Ice.

Aside from spending time at Waikiki Beach, whether that’s surfing or relaxing on the beach, indulging poolside, shoppers delight with high-end designer stores and unique shops or can visit neighboring Ala Moana shopping mall for more endless shopping.

Visiting Waikiki is only scratching the surface of O’ahu, so be sure to visit the North Shore, Kailua on the east side and Ko Olina on the west side of the island.