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Dreamiest Honolulu Resorts by the Beach
Written by Nate Robinson
Sea-salt breezes, sensational sunsets and palm-fringed coastlines – discover our dreamiest Honolulu resorts by the beach.
Honolulu is a beach lover’s dream brought to life. Hawaii’s laidback capital offers bright blue waters, spectacular surf breaks and sunsets which ignite the sky in a triumph of brilliant red, orange and purple. Divers will delight in Oahu’s opalescent reefs, sea turtles and mysterious wrecks, while the island’s iconic crescent beaches offer surfers everything from gentle beginners’ swells to thunderous barrels worthy of legend.
Whatever your inclination, paradise is best appreciated with a cocktail in hand and dazzling ocean views in sight. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the absolute dreamiest Honolulu resorts by the beach.
Discover Hawaii
For modern beachfront luxury: Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
Breathtaking views over world-famous waters, deep Hawaiian cultural roots and an extensive US$80-million-dollar refurbishment; this winning trifecta makes the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort the perfect choice for travellers dreaming of a modern beachfront luxury escape. During your stay, feel the hotel’s powerful mana (spiritual energy), thanks to the authentic Hawaiian art and culture celebrated everywhere you go. Catch award-winning Hawaiian performers at the iconic Kani Ka Pila Grille, ascend the hotel’s Ocean Tower to marvel at Oahu’s best views or simply sit back and watch the waves roll gently across Waikiki Beach. However you choose to spend your stay, you’ll be warmly rewarded.
For authentic beachfront experiences: Halekulani Hotel
There is a quiet strength in history, and Halekulani Hotel has guaranteed unrivalled service and timeless serenity on the shores of Waikiki Beach for over a century. The hotel’s robust ‘For You, Everything’ program offers guests an alluring portal into many of Oahu’s best arts and cultural hotspots – including the Honolulu Museum of Art, Manoa Heritage Centre and the Hawaii Opera Theatre. Meanwhile, Halekulani’s masterful concierge works tirelessly to arrange the cultural experiences of a lifetime for its guests, whether it’s architectural tours, reservations at an exclusive restaurant or surfing lessons at dawn with expert watermen.
For an infinity pool worthy of royalty: Prince Waikiki
With a mirage-like, adults-only signature infinity pool that blends effortlessly into the horizon and a canoe-load of prestigious awards – including Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2021 and the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2021 – Prince Waikiki boasts perks worthy of the world-famous beach on which it rests. Dine on world-class Japanese at Katsumidori Sushi Tokyo or modern Hawaiian at 100 Sails Restaurant and Bar, indulge in a luxurious massage at Naio Bliss spa, or book a private poolside cabana and enjoy a day of cocktails and carousing. Whatever you choose, you’ll only be footsteps away from Waikiki Beach’s soft golden sands.
For historic cocktails on the beach: The Royal Hawaiian
Ever since opening in 1927, The Royal Hawaiian has redefined beachside luxury. Extraordinary views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean have drawn guests for almost a century, but it’s the Honolulu resort’s flawless service, world-class dining and private beachfront cabanas that have cemented its position as one of Oahu’s most iconic oceanfront escapes.
Gourmands will cherish Azure, serving candle-lit haute cuisine matching the hotel’s distinctive Moorish ambience, and Honolulu Bakery’s menagerie of sweet treats. It would be criminal for cocktail lovers not to visit the barefoot Mai Tai Bar, made famous for advancing Trader Vic’s original recipe with a splash of pineapple juice. The hotel’s innovation was declared in 1959 to be a tiki ‘top tourist tantalizer’, and the legend of the Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai was born. Dig your toes into sun-warmed sands and take a sip – you’ll never want to leave.
For legendary beachfront spas: The Moana Surfrider
Named ‘The First Lady of Waikiki Beach’ for its elegant Victorian architecture and cherished location on the shores of Waikiki Beach, The Moana Surfrider has a wealth of gifts available for guests. It boasts a world-class spa facing the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean, famously built on the mystical ‘Āpuakēhau healing spring that flowed through legendary fishponds and coconut groves to provide restoration to Hawaiian royalty (trust us!). The hotel is perfectly placed near Honolulu’s best shopping, dining and entertainment and features a state-of-the-art fitness centre, majestic outdoor pool and six mouthwatering onsite bars and restaurants.
For family-friendly beachfront adventure: Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Soak up the electric energy of Waikiki Beach with a stay at Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, tucked within Honolulu’s vibrant Kalakaua Avenue, just steps from the soft sands and wonderful waves of Kuhio Beach. It’s perfect for families looking to maximize their adventure, with Honolulu Zoo and Diamond Head’s gorgeous nature walks only a short drive away. The hotel’s jaw-dropping centrepiece is a landmark, 280,000-gallon oceanarium, brimming with colourful marine life and the site of twice-daily educational ‘tank talks’. Alohilani also boasts one of Oahu’s most-Instagrammable infinity pools, decked out with a bar and private cabanas overlooking the Pacific Ocean, plus a shallow wading pool perfect for the little ones.
For a stay fit for the rich and famous: The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Stay at the only beachfront resort in Honolulu’s prestigious Kahala district, the Kahala Resort & Hotel. The five-star resort has had celebrities, jazz singers, holy men, presidents and queens (including Angelina Jolie) pass through its resplendent lava-chandeliered lobby. Boasting a staggering array of luxurious facilities, including a saltwater dolphin lagoon, five excellent dining venues, an onsite spa and shuttle service to Waikiki Beach, only a short ten-minute jaunt away, it’s not hard to see why the rich and famous are drawn here. Order a mojito at the hotel’s onsite Seaside Grill, relax under Kahala Beach’s gently curving coconut palms and watch the afternoon gently fade away.
Dreaming of Hawaii luxury? Dive into our guide on the best 5-star stays.
