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8 Reasons Why We Love ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Written by Siri Smith
With a next-level infinity pool facing the Pacific Ocean, Iron Chef-backed eatery and a prime position on Honolulu’s most famous beach promenade, this five-star stay is the ultimate Hawaiian escape.
Marrying glamorous 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 eight reasons we can’t get enough of this slice of paradise.
1. It has an unrivalled location 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 ukeleles, 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.
2. Plus access to the calm waters of Kuhio Beach
Sitting directly opposite the resort are the shimmering waters and golden sands of Kuhio Beach, a picturesque stretch perfect for lazy beach days and spectacular sunsets. Nicknamed ‘Kuhio Ponds,’ seawalls stretching out into the ocean ensure the water is always calm, making Kuhio 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.
3. The lobby is home to a massive Oceanarium, teeming with underwater life
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 (and colourful) 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.
4. 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 included equipment hire at Beach Candy Waikiki, all you need is yourself and your sense of adventure.
5. The Longboard Club is the perfect place to sip cocktails in the sunshine
Level up your laidback stay with a club lounge access upgrade granting admission 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 signature acai bowl bar), curated collection of wines, craft beer from Honolulu Beerworks on tap, and daily charcuteries with artisanal chef-picked cheeses. As afternoon becomes evening, kick back in your very own poolside cabana and enjoy cocktails and freshly made pasta – what could be better than that?
6. It’s home to one of Honolulu’s most impressive infinity pools (with views over the Pacific Ocean)
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.
7. Its restaurants include Iron Chef eateries and two Hawaiian ice cream spots
Foodies rejoice, because ‘Alohilani’s dining is like no other, with 10 bars and eateries serving up some of Waikiki’s best. At Morimoto Asia Waikiki, Iron Chef Morimoto shares his world-famous fare. Indulge in delectable specialty items like hand-carved Peking duck paired with apricot sweet chilli and hoisin mayonnaise, buttery lobster tails with bell peppers and Thai red curry sauce and a prime short rib with kimchi, Asian pear and gochujang. Then, cool off with a creamy delight at Double Fat Ice Cream and choose from flavours like Kona coffee, honey furikake and yuzu. Alternatively, head to worldwide favourite Haagen-Dazs, here to provide the ultimate respite after a spot of surfing.
8. Curated cultural experiences bring you closer to the heart of Hawaii
From Hula lessons to lei making, cultural experiences at ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach allow you to garner a deeper understanding and appreciation for Hawaii’s rich history and living traditions. Bring the little ones to Hawaiian story time to learn ancient lore and listen to captivating tales of old, hum along to a local musician playing the ukulele and show off your moves while you learn the Hula, Hawaii’s cultural dance.
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