17 Top-Rated Resorts in Honolulu, HI
Whether you are visiting Hawaii's capital city of Honolulu for business or pleasure, on a honeymoon or a family vacation, there are plenty of hotel and resort options in all budget brackets.
Waikiki Beach, which runs for about two miles ending at Diamond Head Crater, is by far the most popular part of Honolulu to stay and is home to most of the city's lodging options, from multi-bedroom condos to luxury resorts and stylish boutique hotels. The resorts line the beach itself but also fan back from it, so when booking, it's important to check if your property is actually on the beach or within walking distance.
Waikiki is also filled with dining and shopping options, as well as plenty of activities both in and out of the water. The Diamond Head Crater to the south, which can be seen from many resorts, is home to challenging hiking trails, while Waikiki Beach is famous for surfing.
Find a place to stay that matches your style and budget with our list of the best resorts in Honolulu.
1. Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach
Although not on the beach itself, the all-suites Ritz-Carlton Residences feature mesmerizing ocean views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Varying in size from a studio with a kitchenette to a three-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, these all boast trendy, modern decor and spacious bathrooms with Tibetan white marble accents.
Waikiki Beach is just under a 10-minute walk away, but if you need a large body of water more quickly, head to the 8th floor, where the infinity swimming pool comes with awesome views. Also on-site are a few dining choices like BLT Market.
2. Halekulani Hotel
Accommodation: Halekulani Hotel
Halekulani is a luxe property right on Waikiki Beach. The spacious rooms and suites are outfitted in varying shades of white and cream and boast amazing ocean views from huge windows and private balconies. The concept is definitely understated elegance with a design that doesn't detract from the natural surroundings.
Away from the rooms, you can dine at three on-site restaurants, swim in an outdoor pool with a glass-tile floor, or partake in a Polynesian treatment at the relaxing, beachfront spa.
3. The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Accommodation: The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Located right on the beach, just a few minutes' drive from Waikiki, The Kahala Hotel & Resort is in a posh residential neighborhood. The rooms and suites are large, clean, and comfortable, and the top ones feature private balconies and sweeping sea views.
Modern amenities include 40-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod docking stations. Suites add more space and also higher-end furnishings. On-site perks include a lagoon with dolphins, free paddleboard and surf lessons, a spa, a gym, and five restaurants.
4. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
Accommodation: The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
The Royal Hawaiian is an iconic Waikiki Beach hotel that has been accommodating guests since 1927. Known as the "pink palace by the sea," it is right on Waikiki Beach.
The luxury resort has some 528 rooms and suites in the original flamingo-hued Spanish-Moorish building and a 17-story tower that was built later, and all are done up in tropical style.
They feature modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations, along with comfortable beds. Beyond the room, you'll find two restaurants; a number of swimming pools, including one filled with saltwater; a private beach area; and a spa.
5. Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
Accommodation: Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
Sitting on Waikiki Beach, the Outrigger is a stylish luxury resort with clean, modern rooms and suites offering plush beds, Hawaiian-style decor, and often ocean views. The top views are found in the suites, which also feature Jacuzzi tubs and sleeping sofas that are a plus if you're traveling with the family.
Away from the rooms, you'll discover three restaurants, a swimming pool, a relaxing spa, and a fitness center that's open 24/7. The resort is also home to Blue Note Hawaii, which is a unique live music and dining experience. There are two nightly performances that include different genres of music, from jazz to rock and reggae depending on when you visit, as well as dinner service. Staff members are friendly and professional.
6. Prince Waikiki
Accommodation: Prince Waikiki
If golfing is on your vacation agenda then check out the Prince Waikiki, which has a well-known 27-hole golf course just a short drive away. This luxury resort on the quieter side of Waikiki is not right on the beach but is not far from Ala Moana Beach to which a hotel shuttle runs.
All the stylish and contemporary rooms have ocean views from large windows, comfortable beds, and smart TVs. Other on-site amenities include multiple restaurants, a swimming pool, and a relaxing spa.
7. The Modern Honolulu
Accommodation: The Modern Honolulu
For a boutique sleep in Honolulu, check out The Modern. It has rooms and suites in a variety of sizes that are well-maintained and feature beds with Italian lines and designer toiletries in spacious marble bathrooms.
If you want to learn more about the area, ask to borrow one of the house iPads that come pre-programmed with regional exploration apps as well as Hawaiian music soundtracks. Aloha!
Other property amenities include three restaurants and two swimming pools. Although not directly on the beach, The Modern is within walking distance of Waikiki Beach and also the trendy Ala Moana shopping center.
8. Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
Accommodation: Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
Just a few minutes' walk from the beach, the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach features 230 spacious rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, modern decor, smart TVs, and comfortable beds. Upgraded rooms offer fantastic ocean views and deep soaking tubs, and some have sofa beds if you're traveling with the family.
The suites offer more space and an open floor plan living area with plenty of natural light. Resort amenities include a few dining choices, including a Starbucks cafe for morning coffee, a splash pool, hot tub, gym, and a shopping concourse.
9. Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
Accommodation: Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
The rooms and suites at the Outrigger Reef are done up in sophisticated Polynesian style, and local art is features throughout. For access to a private lounge serving a free breakfast and snacks throughout the day, book the Club Floor. For families, the suites have room to move around, as well as whirlpool tubs and often balconies with direct ocean views.
Also on property, you'll find two restaurants, a swimming pool, spa, and fitness center, and there is also nightly live Hawaiian music. For couples wanting to re-pledge their love and add some romance to their lives, the Outrigger also offers complimentary vow renewal ceremonies.
10. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
In a great Waikiki Beach location just steps from the sand, The Hyatt Regency boasts luxe accommodations in rooms and suites that are at once spacious and swanky. Each comes with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, with views of either the city center or the Pacific Ocean.
Other amenities include two restaurants with ocean-view terraces, as well as a swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, and the relaxing Na Ho'ola Spa overlooking the sea. Additionally, there is an on-site kids club.
11. Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
Accommodation: Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
Sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Waikiki," the Moana Surfrider first opened its doors in 1901. Now part of the Westin family, it is an oceanfront property in the heart of Waikiki Beach.
The decor is a blend of classic Victorian charm and Hawaiian elegance, with rooms and suites boasting comfortable beds, muted colors, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Upgraded rooms have full ocean views from private balconies. Other on-site amenities include multiple restaurants, including a fine dining choice, an outdoor pool, and a spa with a wide range of treatments.
12. Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head
Accommodation: Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head
The Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head is a luxe boutique property just a minute's walk from a top swimming beach. The resort is just far enough away from the Waikiki strip to avoid the hustle, but still close enough to be accessible. Its location also offers views of the ocean on one side and Diamond Head and the park on the other.
The rooms come in a few different configurations and have either ocean or Diamond Head views. The high-floor Ocean View Premium room is best if you want sea views from the furnished balcony. All rooms have vibrant stylish décor and feel spacious and bright thanks to floor-to-ceiling sliding glass windows.
Groups of friends or families will love the two-bedroom, ocean-view penthouse suite. It can accommodate up to 6 people with a king and two double beds. With 1,701 square feet of space, there's plenty of room to spread out. It comes with a full gourmet kitchen, living and dining space, and a library. But its best perk is the 900-square-foot wrap-around balcony.
Onsite amenities include a French restaurant with Diamond Head views. The resort also offers yoga classes, has bikes, towels, and beach chairs for guests to use, and welcomes small dogs for a daily fee.
13. Hilton Grand Vacations Club Grand Waikikian Honolulu
Accommodation: Hilton Grand Vacations Club Grand Waikikian Honolulu
A part of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, the Grand Waikikian is just a few minutes' walk from Waikiki Beach and also within easy access of the Diamond Head Peak hiking trails.
It is a great pick for families, as the rooms are of the one- and two-bedroom suite variety, with plenty of space to sprawl, as well as full kitchens, dining tables, and private balconies. On the 22-acre property are multiple restaurants, shops, swimming pools, a video arcade, and the Mandara Spa.
14. Sheraton Waikiki
Accommodation: Sheraton Waikiki
Overlooking Waikiki Bay and just a few steps from the beach, the Sheraton Waikiki is a luxury property with colorful but sophisticated rooms and suites with a mix of sizes and views. The best offer balconies with full ocean views and are located on the club floor, where guests also have access to a lounge with a complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon snacks.
There are also multiple restaurants on-site. Try Hapa's Pizza if you want something quick with the kids. The pizzas are tasty and have some unique toppings. There is also a fine-dining restaurant overlooking the ocean that serves modern Asian fusion food for lunch and dinner.
Other amenities include a few swimming pools, one of which features a waterslide.
15. Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Accommodation: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Sitting on 22 acres, just a two-minute walk from Waikiki Beach, the Hilton Hawaiian Village is a mega resort that is very family-friendly. It occupies five towers and counts more than 20 restaurants, 90 shops, five swimming pools (including a giant family activity pool with waterslides), and a saltwater lagoon among its amenities.
Oh, and there is also a Friday night fireworks show for guests. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and come with either resort, partial ocean, or full ocean views, along with mini-fridges, large flat-screen TVs, and custom-designed beds.
16. Embassy Suites by Hilton - Waikiki Beach Walk
Accommodation: Embassy Suites by Hilton - Waikiki Beach Walk
The Embassy Suites by Hilton is a good-value property in the heart of the Waikiki Beach Walk, which is the beach's shopping, dining, and entertainment district. Staying here ensures you won't run out of places to eat if you don't like the options on-property.
That said, the Embassy Suites is an all-suite hotel, and these one- and two-bedroom affairs all come with kitchenettes should you want to do some cooking yourself. The suites here are also contemporary in decor and clean and comfortable.
Amenities include a complimentary, made-to-order daily breakfast and an evening reception by the hotel pool for guests. There is also a workout room on-site.
17. Hilton Grand Vacations Club Hokulani Waikiki
Accommodation: Hilton Grand Vacations Club Hokulani Waikiki
A good value 3-star choice, the Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations is a great-value choice for anyone who wants to save some cash by cooking for themselves. The 3-star property has a central location at the edge of Waikiki. While it isn't on the beach itself, the resort is less than a 10-minute walk away and is also walking distance from numerous restaurants and shops.
The hotel has 143 suites that come with full kitchens, as well as separate living and dining rooms. They are all quite spacious and feature Juliet-style lanais with city and ocean views. The suites are quite spacious, and the decor is modern and makes good use of polished wood in the form of floors, framing and doors, and accent walls. Juxtaposed against white furnishings and large windows, it creates a nice ambience.
The resort also has a number of amenities, including a restaurant, a rooftop plunge pool, and an up-to-date fitness center. There is also a snack bar, valet parking, and a concierge service that can arrange all sorts of activities or dinner reservations.
