Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach: Site Inspection

The Alohilani Resort really stands out as one of Waikiki’s more updated and stylish options. It has a sleek, modern, urban feel—contemporary and polished but still welcoming. It used to be the Pacific Beach Hotel during my childhood, and the transformation under Highgate’s management is impressive. The lobby is striking, with a sunken lounge area and a huge aquarium that anchors the space (there are daily fish feedings that are fun to catch).

Sunken lobby aquarium area

The resort is made up of two towers—the Seascape and the Beachside—which share a central lobby and floors three through five, where all the amenities are located. The layout makes it easy for families or groups in different towers to meet up in communal areas. A highlight is the Swell Pool & Bar deck on the fifth floor—it feels like a rooftop beach club, complete with an infinity pool, fire pits, cabanas, and panoramic views of Waikiki Beach.

Alohilani pool sundeck cabanas

Rooms start with standard partial ocean views, which may be obstructed by other buildings, and go all the way up to Diamond Head Oceanfront rooms and one-bedroom suites with very generous wraparound balconies. Of course, the higher up you go, the better the view, especially for the rooms directly across from Waikiki beach—you will get a full day of sun and unobstructed views. It’s worth noting that oceanfront rooms do have spectacular views, but they also have smaller bathrooms and no sofa beds, so rollaway beds are needed if you’re traveling with kids or extra guests.

Partial ocean view room

Oceanfront King Suite

Oceanfront King Suite with sofa bed

Generous accessible bathroom

There are some great, unexpected amenities at the Alohilani. For wellness-focused travelers, there’s a full fitness center and access to clay tennis courts and a batting cage. The hotel also has a dedicated spa offering treatments like drip IV therapy for rehydration and recovery. Families and beachgoers will love the Waikiki Candy Bar amenity, where guests can use resort credits to rent beach chairs, umbrellas, speakers, games, and other beach-day essentials all in one place—they are super flexible and will work with you for overnight or two-day rentals.

Alohilani gym

Dining onsite is a highlight too, with Morimoto Asia and Momosan by celebrity Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto right onsite, offering upscale Asian cuisine and casual ramen and sake. There’s also a grab-and-go café, an espresso bar in the lobby, and an on-site car rental desk (Sixt) for easy island exploration. There’s no kids’ club.

Security is tight in a good way. The elevators are keycard-operated and will only take you to your floor, which is a nice touch for clients who value tech-forward features and privacy.

All in all, I’d recommend Alohilani for style-forward couples, friends, or families looking for an elevated, lively Waikiki experience. It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend the whole day lounging poolside at the infinity pool, or just use it as a sleek base for island adventures.

Infinity pool

While the resort commands higher rates due to its location and amenities, I’ve seen group rates under $300 per night, making it accessible for a broader range of travelers, not just luxury clients. Guests can also use resort credits at the on-site Waikiki Candy Bar, a fun and functional amenity hub where you can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, speakers, and more—everything you need for a perfect beach day in one spot.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Hawai'i page.