Marrying absolute luxury with an unrivalled position on Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu’s vibrant beach promenade, Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach offers a stay unlike anything else in Hawaii. From surfing lessons with local legends to exclusive clubs and cultural connection, authentic Hawaiian life is injected into every aspect of this stay. Here are the top reasons we can’t get enough of this slice of paradise.
It’s on Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu’s main shopping street
A place on Kalakaua Avenue means you’re never in for a dull time. Dubbed the ‘Rodeo Drive of the Pacific’ and aptly named after King Kalakaua (Hawaii’s last monarch, celebrated for his love of music, culture and dance), Kalakaua Avenue is the lively heart of Honolulu. Shopaholics will love the high-end boutiques on Luxury Row, and at The Royal Hawaiian Centre – one of Hawaii’s largest shopping malls – you can browse alongside live hula shows and Hawaiian music.
Find locally crafted goods at Waikiki Beach Walk – including ukuleles, Hawaii’s national instrument – while foodies can sample Hawaiian cuisine at restaurants serving fresh seafood, poke bowls and shaved ice. As night falls, Kalakaua comes alive as a stellar combination of stylish cocktail bars, modern nightclubs and traditional performance shows.
Kūhiō Beach makes swimming easy
Sitting directly opposite the resort are the shimmering waters and golden sands of Kūhiō Beach, a picturesque stretch perfect for lazy beach days and spectacular sunsets. Nicknamed ‘Kūhiō Ponds,’ seawalls stretching out into the ocean ensure the water is always calm, making Kūhiō the ideal place for swimming (and splashing, for families with young children). The beach conveniently connects to Waikiki Beach, Duke’s Beach and Queen’s Surf Beach, making it possible to frolic across several in one day.
The lobby has a massive Oceanarium teeming with wildlife
As soon as you enter the lobby at Alohilani, you’re immediately greeted by the cobalt glow of the Oceanarium – an extraordinary two-storey tank holding more than a million litres of water and teeming with native reef fish. Guests of all ages can learn about Waikiki’s underwater world during daily feedings at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Or you can simply watch fish weave in and out of their coral habitats as you sip on a refreshing tipple right beside the tank at O Bar.
It’s the perfect place to learn how to surf (or boogie board)
When in Honolulu, where the water is warm and clear, you’re in the birthplace of surfing. It’s also the ultimate surf classroom – take a lesson with surfer Jamie O’Brien at the onsite Jamie O’Brien School of Surf and paddle where legends like Duke Kahanamoku once rode. Gentle rolling waves pave the perfect path for beginners, and those looking for a less strenuous activity can pick up a boogie board instead.
With year-round sunshine and experienced local instructors ready to share their passion, Honolulu offers the ideal conditions to catch your first wave. Plus, with beach gear hire through Beach Candy Waikiki, all you need is yourself and your sense of adventure.
You can opt for VIP treatment with The Longboard Club
Level up your stay with access to the Longboard Club, an exclusive retreat-within-a-retreat overlooking Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Here, it’s all about the finer things in life – think indulgent breakfast buffet spreads (including a signature acai bowl bar), a curated collection of wines, craft beer from Honolulu Beerworks on tap, and daily charcuterie with artisanal, chef-picked cheeses.
As afternoon becomes evening, kick back in your very own poolside cabana and then enjoy cocktails and freshly made pasta – what could be better than that?
The impressive infinity pool looks towards the Pacific
Fancy a Hawaii escape with a jaw-droppingly impressive pool? SWELL at Alohilani delivers that and more. Situated on the resort’s fifth floor, the sparkling saltwater infinity pool seemingly disappears into the Pacific Ocean. The atmosphere is first class: driftwood sculptures are dotted around the deck and custom-built teakwood cabanas sit directly at the water’s edge. As the sun sets, lanterns and firepits illuminate the area and SWELL transforms into an uber-cool hotspot, where resident DJs spin up the vibes, delicious Mai Tais and inventive art projections paint pictures of Oahu.
Its restaurants include two Iron Chef eateries
Foodies rejoice, because Alohilani’s dining is like no other, with six bars and eateries serving up some of Waikiki’s best. At Morimoto Asia Waikiki, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s menu moves from hand-carved duck with apricot sweet chilli and hoisin mayonnaise to lobster with bell peppers and Thai red curry. For something more casual, head to Momosan Ramen Waikiki for chewy noodles and Japanese small plates.
Cultural experiences bring you closer to Hawaii
From Hula lessons to lei making, cultural experiences at Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach allow you to garner a deeper appreciation for Hawaii’s rich history and living traditions. Bring the little ones to Hawaiian story time to learn ancient lore, hum along to a local musician playing the ukulele and show off your moves while you learn the Hula, Hawaii’s cultural dance. Check the current schedule with the resort before travel.
Discover Hawaii
Featured image: Night view of cabanas at Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, Hawaii / Source: supplied.
