The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach: Site Inspection

During my site inspection last month at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, I was impressed by how much it truly feels like a luxurious home away from home. At first glance, the valet-only entrance right off busy Kuhio Avenue—with its sleek, expansive pull-through—felt a bit formal and almost intimidating. As soon as I handed over my car to the valet, that impression melted away. The Ritz team greeted me with their signature hibiscus welcome drink (specifically made for the Waikiki property) and a cool towel. The atmosphere was an authentically warm, gracious island welcome.

This property blends the comforts of a recently renovated upscale private residence with the level of service you’d expect from the Ritz-Carlton brand. The studio and one- to three-bedroom residences I toured were impressively spacious, especially by Waikiki standards—each with a full galley kitchen, full-size washer/dryer, generous closet space, and en-suite bathrooms. All of them have balconies with beautiful views of the ocean, which is a flat five-minute walk away. Both towers (Ewa and Diamond Head) have been recently refreshed, with subtle Hawaiian design details.

View of the Diamond Head Tower from the Ewa Tower

Suite bedroom

Three-Bedroom Suite living area

The one- and two-bedroom layouts are perfect for families, especially as all residences feature pull-out sofas and double vanities. For larger groups, the three-bedroom penthouses and duplexes offer even more room to host and spread out—and some even have separate entrances for added privacy. Some have a bedroom and bathroom on the floor above for more privacy, or if a nanny accompanies the family, they have their own separate space. I was genuinely shocked at how generous the kitchens were, with high-end appliances and stacked washer-dryers. Convenience for cooking and laundry was baked into the experience rather than an afterthought.

Standard Oceanview Suite

Suite living area

Standard Oceanview Suite living area and sofa bed

Kitchen and dining area

Some of the units are used as full- or part-time residences and may be rented out through the Ritz program, where the property maintains, rents out, and cleans the units to a very high standard. This is also a great option for clients who may wish to have the same (or similar) room and amenities available several times a year. There is an on-site concierge dedicated to visiting Ritz guests and a separate concierge dedicated to residents.

In terms of amenities, the resort has two pools: one for families and one for 18+ adults, with little touches offered on the hour throughout the day, like popsicles or li hing pineapple treats, and a thoughtful nightly cultural offering that includes an oli (chanted prayer). The spa and fitness offerings are compact but thoughtfully designed. The spa has just a few treatment rooms. The fitness center, on the other hand, is impressively large and well-equipped for a property of this size. I was especially impressed that guests can request Peloton bikes in their residence if they prefer to work out in private.

View of the ocean from the 18+ infinity pool

Dining includes a casual all-day option by the pool and an intimate omakase-style restaurant that’s only open for dinner. Swell, the poolside restaurant just off the main lobby, is where guests can redeem their daily breakfast credit. It’s relaxed and open-air, with breezy ocean views and a menu that works just as well for a light lunch or sunset cocktail. Also on the same level, around the corner, is Sushi Sho, with just 10 seats and a celebrity chef–driven omakase experience designed specifically for this property. Note that Sushi Sho books out months in advance—some guests even plan their entire trip around that reservation.

In terms of location and convenience, there is a Dean & DeLuca right downstairs (a perfect place to grab gourmet snacks), and there are designer boutiques and ubiquitous ABC stores within a two-block radius. The Ritz-Carlton Residences is just a short five-minute walk from the shoreline, offering easy access without being right on busy Waikiki Beach.

This property is one of my top picks for families or multigenerational groups who don’t need to be directly on the beach. It’s ideal for clients loyal to the Ritz brand who are looking for a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and thoughtful design—without sacrificing luxury or ending up in a generic “family-friendly” resort. The resort is also valet parking only (you call for your car), so there is no self-parking.

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