Photo: Prince Waikiki

These Are the Best Hotels in Waikiki, Minutes From the Sand, for All Budgets

Hawaii Epic Stays
by Katie Gavin May 23, 2024

Waikiki is home to one of Hawai’i’s most famous beaches. Renowned for the miles of dazzling coastline, endless shopping and dining opportunities, and postcard-perfect views, Waikiki provides a perfect escape from bustling Honolulu and an oceanfront base to start your vacation in Hawai’i. Regardless of whether you plan to spend all of your time in this convenient location or use it to bookend a trip to the Hawaiian islands, choosing where to stay is paramount. It’s also essential to consider the budget. Hawai’i is famously expensive, and the popularity of Waikiki often means hefty price tags. That said, there are options for all. Here’s a selection of Waikiki hotels, from five-star luxury Hawai’i resorts to more affordable yet top-rated options.

We hope you love the Waikiki hotels we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach

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The Ritz-Carlton brings elevated yet casual luxury to Honolulu’s Rodeo Drive. Located a couple of blocks from Waikiki Beach, the hotel offers guests proximity yet a peaceful location away from the busyness of Waikiki. Its excellent position on O‘ahu means you can drive to any point on the island within a little over an hour. The hotel dates back to the early 1900s, originally built as a beachfront estate. Since then, it has been transformed into one of Hawai’i’s most iconic luxury hotels.

There are 552 stylishly appointed guest rooms and suites in two towers, all of which are ocean-facing. The accommodations range from studios to multi-bedroom residences with gourmet kitchens, spacious living areas, and private balconies or terraces with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Guests can also enjoy luxurious amenities such as coffee shops, a fitness center, spa services, an outdoor infinity pool with a deck peppered with cabanas and daybeds, restaurants offering local cuisine and international flavors, shopping boutiques, live entertainment venues, and more.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach: 383 Kalaimoku Street, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, HI, 96815

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Aston Waikiki Beach Tower

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Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel is a luxurious, family-friendly hotel directly across from Waikiki’s Kuhio Beach. Kuhio Beach has plenty of activities, such as swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking, making this a superb option for those needing to entertain kids. The hotel’s location is unbeatable, but the oceanfront property offers guests an unforgettable experience with its enormous ocean-front pool, sea-view tiki bar-inspired restaurant, and modern architecture and design features. There are 645 air-conditioned rooms with surf-inspired decor ranging from standard rooms to spacious and elegantly furnished one and two-bedroom suites. If you’re looking for something with a central location and excellent facilities, especially for a group, Aston Waikiki Beach delivers.

Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel: 2470 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI, 96815

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The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki

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The Royal Hawaiian has been a landmark on the Waikiki strip for 90 years. Set between the high rises of the Sheraton and Outrigger Waikiki, it’s famed for its signature pink facade and lush tropical gardens. The hotel is also popular due to its many resort-like amenities, including a full-service spa, fitness center, beach cabanas and umbrellas, restaurants serving local cuisine, and activities for kids of all ages. It is another ideal destination hotel for families. Surf lessons, stand-up paddleboard rentals, and special events are hosted within the resort premises. Guests can also access the shared seaside pool with a water slide at the nearby Sheraton Waikiki.

The Royal Hawaiian: 2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI, 96815

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Prince Waikiki

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The Prince Waikiki is Honolulu’s answer for the business traveler. It’s centrally positioned and provides an exceptional backdrop for a dinner meeting or drink by the pool after a conference. Located on the waterfront of Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, this upscale hotel offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the city’s glittering skyline. The hotel has 521 rooms and suites designed with floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of the stunning views. This is the best option for on-the-go travelers who need convenience, outstanding dining, and harbor views.

Prince Waikiki: 100 Holomoana St, Honolulu, HI, 96815

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Aston at the Waikiki Banyan

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Aston at the Waikiki Banyan is a condo-style hotel catering to travelers seeking affordability and amenities in a convenient location. The hotel is popular with return visitors who adore its prime Waikiki position and suite-like setup. It offers large living areas and full kitchens equipped with appliances and cookware, which is ideal for those traveling with children. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool area, tennis courts, and communal grilling facilities when not at the beach, which is minutes away.

Aston at the Waikiki Banyan: 201 ʻŌhua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

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Vive Hotel Waikiki

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The Vive is a mid-range chain hotel five minutes walk from Waikiki Beach. The hotel offers an authentic island experience with its modern design and friendly Hawaiian hospitality. It is strategically located in a prime location near shops, restaurants, and other nearby attractions, such as the Diamond Head State Monument and Honolulu Zoo. There are 119 modern and sleek rooms, some with ocean views. A complimentary breakfast buffet of homemade pastries and fresh fruit is served in the open lobby, and guests can borrow beach chairs, boogie boards, and umbrellas from reception. There is no pool, but the proximity to the beach makes up for this. If you are a solo traveler or digital nomad looking to meet people but want something more elevated than a hostel, Vive is a superb option. There are also often discounts if you stay for more than seven nights.

Vive Hotel Waikiki: 2426 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu, HI, 96815

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Aqua Palms Waikiki

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Aqua Palms Waikiki is a recently renovated boutique hotel just a block from the main beach. It offers a more intimate experience with friendly, service-oriented staff than nearby large chain resorts. The location is ideal for those who want to be close to Waikiki but not directly on the busy strip. Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, a popular spot for swimming and paddling, is within walking distance, along with Fort DeRussy Park, a beachfront park offering stunning views and historical sites. Guest rooms, deluxe studio suites, and one-bedroom suites were updated in 2020 and feature splashes of tropical décor.

Aqua Palms Waikiki: 1850 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815

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Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites

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Luana Waikiki sits surrounded by Fort DeRussy Park and is just a short stroll away from Waikiki Beach. This is another terrific hotel for families and is a more affordable option if your budget is a consideration. The hotel features studios and suites with kitchenettes and breathtaking views of Honolulu’s skyline or the Pacific Ocean from the private patio or lanais. There’s also a great range of amenities, such as a heated swimming pool with a sundeck and barbecue grills and a newly renovated fitness center. Because the hotel is not in the center, it offers the best of both worlds. It’s close enough to the action but in a peaceful and safe location.

Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites: 2045 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI, 96815

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Shoreline Hotel Waikiki

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Situated just a block away from the beach on Seaside Avenue, this boutique hotel offers 135 rooms over 14 floors and is known for its colorful lobby and comfy rooms. The design features are unique and eye-catching; from the brightly colored accent walls to the paper mache birds, retro decor, and art déco paintings — it’s easy to see why Shoreline Hotel Waikiki is such a popular mid-range hotel. There’s also a funky and equally colorful outdoor rooftop pool where you can take a dip or relax on the sun deck chairs while admiring views over the city.

Shoreline Hotel Waikiki: 342 Seaside Ave, Honolulu, HI, 96815

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Aqua Skyline at Island Colony

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This 44-story high-rise hotel is Waikiki’s tallest building, offering guests panoramic views of the area. It sits just two blocks from Waikiki Beach, putting the white sand and turquoise waters within easy walking distance. Honolulu’s world-class shopping, dining, and nightlife are at your doorstep. Modern three-star accommodations range in size from studios to one-bedrooms with kitchenettes. All have walk-out balconies, many offering views of the Pacific Ocean and Ko’olau Mountains.

Aqua Skyline at Island Colony: 445 Seaside Ave Ste 3C, Honolulu, HI 96815

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Coconut Waikiki Hotel

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This family-friendly boutique hotel is a lovely alternative for a group amid the large chain hotels in Waikiki. The tagline, “You’re family now,” is evident in the hotel’s guest reviews that rave about the friendliness of staff and local vibe of the small yet facility-packed property. It is in a quiet canal-side location, a 10-minute walk from Waikiki Beach and three blocks from the main drag. The 81 rooms and suites are bright and colorful with pops of yellow, small kitchenettes, and furnished lanais with city or mountain views. There’s a great range of facilities, including a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, a grilling area, and games for kids.

Coconut Waikiki Hotel: 450 Lewers Street, Honolulu, HI, 96815

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What part of Waikiki is best?

The best neighborhoods for beach vacations are Waikiki, Ala Moana, Diamond Head, and Kahala. Waikiki offers the busiest beaches with the most activities and amenities, like hotels and restaurants. The area around Fort Derussy Beach is great for families looking for a quieter beach experience. For those who want to be close to the action but still have some peace and quiet, Queen’s Surf or Kuhio Beach are great options.

What is the pink hotel in Waikiki?

The pink hotel in Waikiki is the Royal Hawaiian Resort. It’s in prime position on the Waikiki strip and got its name due to its iconic pink walls.

Which hotels in Waikiki have no resort fees?

There are several hotels in Waikiki that offer no resort fees, so you can enjoy your stay without worrying about extra costs. The best way to understand the rates of each property is to contact the hotel directly.

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