reviews featured in this post
- Ritz-Carlton Oahu Turtle Bay
- Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
- Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach
- The Royal Hawaiian
posts releated to this topic
In this review, we pick the best luxury hotels in Waikiki based on our experience of this magical oceanfront city so that you can enjoy the best of Waikiki in luxury.
Waikiki is easy to get to. Fly into Honolulu (HNL), and you are a short cab or Uber ride from Waikiki. If you prefer to explore the other Hawaiian islands and stretches of beach beyond Waikiki, take a look at our top ten best selection of the best luxury hotels in Hawaii. You may also be interested in which hotels are best for club lounges in Waikiki.
The Four Seasons hotels consistently offer the best luxury hotels on the Hawaiian islands and are a must-stay for any luxury traveler. Find out which is the best Four Seasons hotel in Hawaii. I have written a detailed article on how to get an upgrade & free breakfast at any Four Seasons hotel. Simply book through our luxury travel concierge to get brilliant free VIP benefits at all the luxury hotels across the Hawaiian islands.
Waikiki used to be a Royal retreat and is now the largest and most popular resort area on the Hawaiian islands. It is bordered by a fabulous stretch of golden sand that sits in front of many high-rise hotels and resorts. The best hotels in Waikiki offer grounds that reach right down to the water’s edge. During the day, you can enjoy the vibrancy of Waikiki or simply spend your days lazing by the pool and paddling in the sea.
There are so many hotels to choose from, including all the major brands, that it is difficult to differentiate between the ones that are great and offer true luxury and those that sit too far from the beach for a comfortable stroll and should be avoided.
Beyond your luxury hotel, this vacation destination offers a jungle of hotels and restaurants that stretches for miles. Waikiki Beach is one of Hawaii’s busiest and arguably most exciting and vibrant destinations. Still, some might find the constant noise, activity, and sheer volume of tourists somewhat overwhelming.
Waikiki is certainly not a “get away from it all” destination. If you want seclusion and exclusivity, head to the island of Lanai, where you can enjoy one of the best Four Seasons hotels on the Hawaiian islands.
However, if you enjoy shopping during the day and going out at night, Waikiki offers a mass of surf stores and all the main brands throughout the town, as well as numerous fast-food joints like McDonald’s and convenience stores (usually ABC stores), so you are never left wanting. On the edge of the main resort area, you will find the Ala Moana shopping mall, which has every major brand missing from the resort center. You will also find designer fashion stores like Chanel on Kalakaua Avenue and nearby streets.
Which Is The Best Marriott In Waikiki: Sheraton Waikiki Or Ritz-Carlton?
When comparing the best Marriott hotels in Waikiki, Sheraton Waikiki Vs. The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach, you should know that the Sheraton Waikiki is located on the beachfront, while the Ritz-Carlton isn't, it is hidden a few blocks back with two fantastic pools but it does not have direct beach access. We've stayed in Waikiki on a number of occasions and have stayed in both of these hotels. We also love the Halekulani and Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki and the Four Seasons Oahu beyond Waikiki. All of these three hotels are right on the beach.
Waikiki offers vibrant nightlife, too. Shops stay open till late, and there are plenty of waterside cocktail bars and fine dining venues to enjoy. Of course, this is Hawaii, so you must also take in an evening Hula show at one of the many luxury hotels.
I find Waikiki a wonderful place to start a trip to Hawaii. There is no end to the activities on offer, and if you arrive from one of the big cities in North America like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or, in fact, anywhere with a busy vibe, then Waikiki offers a great place to decompress.
That said, my ideal trip to the Hawaiian islands would not exclusively be based around Waikiki. There are so many wonderful, exclusive, and remote resorts that make the most of the beautiful scenery, incredible wildlife, and gorgeous weather in a more sophisticated environment.
I would recommend combining Waikiki with a stay either somewhere quieter on Oahu or island hopping over to Maui or Big Island, where you can completely chill out in luxury.
Best Four Seasons Hotels And Resorts In North America
We have already investigated the best Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in the world, and now we look exclusively at the best Four Seasons hotels and resorts in North America which includes USA and Canada as well as Mexico. Our opinions and expert reviews are based on our own experiences at these wonderful hotels. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is one of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands, with over 100 properties in more than 40 countries. In my opinion, the best Four Seasons hotel in the world is the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons hotel.
Visit in Hawaii’s off-season, when the rates are cheaper, along with three-for-two-night deals being available, and the islands are less crowded. Ideally, travel is spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). Winter in Hawaii can be cloudy and wet from December to March, but it is a popular time to travel simply because the rest of the Northern Hemisphere is so miserable and cold.
1. Halekulani Waikiki
The Halekulani is the best luxury resort on Waikiki Beach, with a beautiful pool and direct waterside access. The pool area (pictured above) leads directly out onto a small patch of sand, while most of the hotel borders the ocean boardwalk, which drops down to the sea. This means that the Halekulani does not have a large patch of sand for sunbathing, although it does offer an area with beach access for paddling and swimming. Just don’t expect a lengthy patch of beach here, as there isn’t one!
Halekulani actually means “House Befitting Heaven”. It was originally built in 1907 and is now completely refurbished. This is a large hotel, but it’s not large by Waikiki standards. All 410 guest rooms are excellent, with plenty of space and large lanais. They range between 415 and 485 ft.², and pricing depends on the view. The standard rooms overlook the gardens. Crucially, 90% of all rooms offer an ocean view.
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Vs Hilton Hawaiian Village. Which Is Best?
When comparing Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort Vs. Hilton Hawaiian Village it is immediately worth mentioning that the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort is confusingly named as it isn't actually on the beach. It's across the road and down the street from the beach, and while some of the rooms have ocean views, you cannot avoid walking and crossing the road to get to the beach. Hilton Hawaiian Village is a huge hotel that is set on the beach.
There are also 43 suites at the Halekulani, which tend to overlook the resort pool and beach. The lowest-level suites only offer a Romeo and Juliet balcony, so don’t get caught out if you like to sit out on a lounger with the privacy of your own balcony all day. The larger suites have larger balconies, and some even have a terrace. All are beautifully decorated in creams, greys, and light blues, which evoke the colors of the beach, the sea, and Diamond Head in the distance. Technology includes a 46-inch flat-screen TV, a DVD/CD entertainment center, and complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms feature a deep soaking tub, a separate glassed-in shower, and a marble basin.
The place to spend the evening is the iconic “House without a Key”. It is the perfect place for early evening cocktails and live music as the sun sets. Follow your cocktail with an exclusive meal. Orchids and La Mer are two of the best restaurants in Hawaii, and they both reside in the Halekulani.
The hotel also offers an award-winning spa embracing the Pacific’s healing culture and a wide range of water sports, including outrigger canoe rides, surfing, snorkeling, sailing, or you can just take in Waikiki’s world-famous beach culture. For families traveling with children, a kids’ program is also provided during the summer months and at Christmas.
With its beautiful glass mosaic tiles designed as a rare orchid, the freshwater pool provides one of the most relaxing places for a swim in Waikiki.
Best Hotel Executive Club Lounge In Hawaii
Which hotels in Hawaii offer the best executive club level lounges? We review lounges across Oahu, including Waikiki, Maui, Kaanapali, Kapalua, Wailea, Kauai, Poipu, and Hanalei, and the Big Island's picturesque Kona-Kohala coast. I have compiled a list below containing the best club lounges available across the best luxury hotels in Hawaii. I list the ones I consider to be the best at the top. I review each of these hotel club lounges in detail so you know what you will get if you book a room with club lounge access.
It’s worth noting that there isn’t much beach bordering this hotel. The best stretch of beach in Waikiki is in front of the Hilton Village, which is just a couple of minutes walk away, or down by the Moana Surfrider, a short walk in the other direction. Here, you can hire sun loungers and umbrellas, but you have to walk up the coastline to use the beach. On the bright side, you can take up free surf lessons here and paddle out to sea. It’s a great place to start this exciting sport!
2. Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
For any avid Bonvoy points collectors or spenders, this hotel, which is also part of the Marriott and Sheraton SPG group, is undoubtedly a fantastic choice! This hotel is one of three great beachfront Starwood properties, and if you are looking for chain hotels, there is also a well-located Hyatt Regency with a club lounge in Waikiki, as outlined below.
The Royal Hawaiian opened in 1927. This “Pink Palace of the Pacific” is located slap band in the center of the famed Waikiki Beach. With 528 rooms and suites, The Royal Hawaiian features modern comfort, indigenous accents, and refined luxury. In the Royal Beach Tower, each room provides an intimate lanai for a private vantage point of the sparkling Pacific Ocean. In the historic building, there are fresh and elegant guest rooms. The resort’s signature restaurant, Azure Restaurant, is perched along the Waikiki beachfront and serves some of the best seafood in Waikiki and Honolulu.
Best Marriott In Waikiki: Sheraton Vs. Royal Hawaiian
When comparing Sheraton Waikiki to The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki, it is immediately worth mentioning that both hotels are located on the beach and in the heart of Waikiki's nightlife and action. We have stayed in Waikiki on a number of occasions and have stayed in both of these hotels. We particularly love the Halekulani and Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki and the Four Seasons Oahu beyond Waikiki. Sheraton Waikiki is brilliantly located between the Halekulani and the Royal Hawaiian on the beachfront in Waikiki.
This is my second favorite hotel in Waikiki and one of the best hotels in Hawaii. It is part of the Sheraton Luxury Collection, and you can get upgrades and free breakfast at all Luxury Collection Starwood Hotels if you book with our concierge.
When comparing the Halekulani Vs. Royal Hawaiian, both these hotels offer the most luxury hotel option in Waikiki. If you travel further out of Waikiki but remain on Oahu, the Four Seasons Oahu is also worth a stay, but within Waikiki, these are your best options. We have reviewed which is best, Halekulani Vs. Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki, in more detail.
Suffice to say that stay at the Halekulani for a luxury oasis, beautiful grounds, and the pool. But there is no beach in front of Halekulani. There is a nice beach, part of which is roped off for the guests at the Royal Hawaiian. If you want a beach, we recommend the Royal Hawaiian. If you are happy sitting on beautiful grounds, the Halekulani is for you. Both hotels are beautiful.
3. The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach
If you’re looking for the best luxury hotel in Waikiki, look no further than The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach. This is a fantastic property, but it’s worth mentioning from the outset that the hotel itself is not based on the waterfront. There’s no beach in front of the property; instead, it’s a 10-minute walk away.
Review: Four Seasons Maui
We have reviewed the best Four Seasons hotels in Hawaii, which includes the stunning Four Seasons Maui in the most exclusive resort on Maui, Wailea. Four Seasons Maui is the most resort-based Four Seasons hotel on the Hawaiian Islands, situated in the exclusive resort area of Wailea. To get the best deal at Four Seasons Maui, book your next stay via our luxury travel concierge, as we can give you free loyalty-style benefits, free breakfast (which is glorious here), resort credit, room upgrades (subject to availability), and perks while matching the rates on the Four Seasons Maui website.
The views that you can enjoy from the rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Residences are breathtaking, as the hotel itself is a high-rise. Oh, there are also fantastic views from the adults-only infinity pool, which is the highest infinity pool in Waikiki. This infinity pool is a great spot to enjoy a cocktail in peace, and if you splash out on the private cabanas, you can enjoy a TV and minibar by the pool.
The hotel has a number of restaurants, including Sushi Sho, as well as French and Italian eateries. To be honest, in this part of Waikiki, you are spoiled for choice in places to eat. Whip up dinner in a gourmet kitchen with Miele appliances, or savor chef Keiji Nakazawa’s omakase-style cooking at Sushi Sho.
4. Moana Surfrider Hotel, A Westin Resort
The last time I stayed in this hotel was just before Christmas, and there was a charming Christmas train set in the foyer with sparkling snow and a train making its way around these tiny mountains and through petite tunnels. It is one of the three main memories of my stay here. The other two moments that stick with me are sitting on the rocking chairs on the balcony at the front of the hotel, looking out to the main street, watching people walk by, and just relaxing in the heat.
What Is The Best Four Seasons Hotel In Hawaii?
Four Seasons has four hotels in Hawaii: Four Seasons Hualalai (on Big Island), Four Seasons Lanai, Four Seasons Maui at Wailea, and the Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina, which is the newest of the four. They are all gorgeous, and they are all pretty expensive. They all feature in our picks of the best Four Seasons hotels in the world. Four Seasons is a particularly outstanding hotel brand, and Four Seasons hotels are usually the best option in any resort area. My reviews of the Four Seasons hotels in Hawaii can be found below.
And my third memorable moment was sipping a cocktail in the gardens overlooking the beach on the first night. The sun sets quite early here, so we continued to sip as the stars came out. I had terrible jet lag, but the swishing of the waves on the shore and the distant Hawaiian tunes made that particular evening rather lovely, regardless of my poorly head and body!
It is the historical setting and the old-fashioned architecture that make the Moana Surfrider such a special choice in Waikiki. The hotel was actually built in 1901, and the lobby is in the original colonial building. You enter, bypassing the decked front porch lined with white wooden rocking chairs, and you step into the perfectly restored lobby.
Enormous tropical flower displays scent the lobby, and guests are greeted with a lei and a glass of fruit juice. Rooms are, unfortunately, less noteworthy.
The historic and diamond rooms lack a balcony, and although pleasant, they don’t enable you to sit out and enjoy the views. The best rooms here are the more modern Tower Ocean Front and Ocean View Rooms with incredible vistas. If you are not bothered about a balcony, the Historic Banyan Ocean rooms are also cute. Of note, the Royal Hawaiian does not have rooms overlooking the beach like the Halekulani. Still, for a cheaper option, the Surfrider also has rooms overlooking or even hanging over the beach. Of course, the ones at the Moana Surfrider come in at a lower price than those at the Halekulani, so this can be a great way of scoring an oceanfront room where you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves for less!
10 Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts In Hawaii
Hawaii offers a landscape straight out of Jurassic Park (it was filmed there, after all!), and if you want to get a true feeling of the island and its beaches, watch the box set of LOST, and you will see what you are missing out on. Towering jungle-covered peaks rise from the deep blue Pacific Ocean, and palm-fringed beaches give way to glorious surf and quiet bays. The islands of Hawaii are simply spectacular. The islands belong to the United States of America as the 50th and most recent state to have joined the USA. Luxury resorts here are large, and most sit right on the beach.
The base rooms here are small and can be musty. You need to upgrade to a room with a balcony and views for a luxury experience. Many “City View” rooms overlook the International Marketplace to the hotel’s right from the back. The view is great, but the music can be loud and can continue well past midnight.
The location, right in the center of Waikiki Beach with direct beach access, means that you couldn’t be more central. The pool is small, but the location and overall upkeep of the hotel are superb, making it a great hotel choice in Waikiki. The private beach at the Moana Surfrider is a thin strip of over-crowded beach with a small area closest to the hotel property cordoned off by a rope, where you can use hotel beach chairs. But then there isn’t a Starwood or Bonvoy option in Waikiki on Oahu with anything close to a secluded, private beach feel.
Access to the beach club lounge may actually save you cash even though there is a steep price tag of around $100 USD per room. This lounge does actually feel a bit like a beach club. The lounge is on the ground floor and has an outdoor seating area which is great for breakfast and alfresco or drinks in the evening. You are just a few feet above the beach! The Moana has a popular popcorn machine. There tend to be fewer children at this hotel than at the Sheraton Waikiki up the beach, so usually, this lounge is the more peaceful lounge of the two if your loyalty sits with the Marriott/Westin/Sheraton brand and you collect Bonvoy points.
There is a great selection at breakfast; scrambled eggs, fruit, cheese, and porridge, a nice variety along with coffee, espresso, and bottled water (bottled water is not available at the equivalent club lounge at the Hyatt across the road, so the Moana beach club lounge offers a much better choice is the hotel lounge is a deal-breaker at your hotel). There are also soft drinks available throughout the day.
Is Moana Surfrider Or Ritz-Carlton A Better Marriott Bonvoy Hotel In Waikiki?
When comparing the best Marriott in Waikiki, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, to The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach, Moana Surfrider is located on the beach, while the Ritz-Carlton is located a few blocks away from the beach within the concrete jungle that makes up Waikiki. We have stayed in Waikiki several times and have stayed in both of these hotels. If you can stretch to it, we also love the Halekulani and Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki and the Four Seasons Oahu beyond Waikiki.
In the evening, there is free wine/beer they serve you, but your glass will never be empty. There is also a decent spread of food and excellent service.
5. Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa
This place is enormous, with 3,000 rooms spread over 20 acres with tropical gardens containing waterfalls, restaurants, and even penguins on the grounds. Yes, you read right. There are little penguins that waddle around one part of the grounds with their own pool!
This hotel is located to one end of Waikiki, towards Honolulu and the Ala Moana shopping mall. The action of Waikiki Beach is actually around a 15-minute walk away. The hotel is designed around a secluded lagoon, with three swimming pools, Hawaiian cultural activities, two minigolf courses, and, of course, one of the best patches of Waikiki Beach.
Review: Four Seasons Hualalai, Hawaii
The primordial beauty of Four Seasons Hualalai is hard to put into words. The eruptions of black lava rock protruding out of crashing waves, golden sands, and green lawns contrast in a way that almost seems unreal. Four Seasons Hualalai is located on Big Island, Hawaii, the one with the big and active Kilauea volcano, which means that the whole resort is built on the dramatic black rock and that you can take a trip to the live volcano if you like. It's worth bearing in mind that this island is pretty big, so the drive to see the volcano is lengthy if worthwhile.
There is no Club lounge at this resort, and do remember that there is also a $30 USD resort fee added to your bill per night. On the bright side, many of the bars and restaurants spill right out onto the beach, as there is no road between the hotels and the beach towards the Northern end of Waikiki.
6. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
This is a great property, and whether you book it with cash or on points, this Hyatt may offer better value than the equivalent Sheraton property costs on Marriott Bonvoy rewards, and if you book with our concierge, we can get you extra benefits at this hotel.
The name of this property is misleading because it is not actually situated on the beach. It is situated not far from the Moana Surfrider Hotel and across the road from the beach.
Best Marriott In Waikiki: Sheraton Waikiki Or Moana Surfrider
When comparing the best Marriotts in Waikiki; Sheraton Waikiki to Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, it is immediately worth mentioning that both hotels are located on the beach. We have stayed in Waikiki on several occasions and have stayed in both of these hotels. Neither hotel is our number one choice in Waikiki. If you can stretch to it we love the Halekulani and Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki and the Four Seasons Oahu beyond Waikiki. Sheraton Waikiki is brilliantly located between the Halekulani and the Royal Hawaiian on the beachfront in Waikiki.
The Hyatt Regency Waikiki sits above high-end stores in two large high-rise towers. This means there are some great views of the beach and Diamond Head, as well as the surrounding city, from the rooms. The best rooms in this Hyatt Regency are the ocean-view rooms, which are spacious and have been recently renovated. There are, in fact, over 1200 newly renovated rooms at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. It’s a big property.
The rooms themselves are spacious, with a chaise lounge to one side of the room, a large bed in the middle, and a desk with a wall-mounted TV above. The ocean-view rooms have a nice balcony with two chairs and a table. The balcony is very private, but it lacks any loungers for laying out on and relaxing in the sunshine. The bathroom is compact but modern.
The pool area at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki is compact and surrounded by loungers. The hotel’s two towers looked down upon this rather small pool area, and to be honest. It is nothing compared to the pool at the Hyatt Regency Maui for the Grand Hyatt Kauai. It is small and very concrete, but being on an elevated floor, it does have a view over to the beach. The Marriott down the road has a similarly unappealing concrete pool area. You really need to book one of the beachfront hotels for exciting grounds and a pretty pool.
The best feature of this property is the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Regency Club Lounge. The lounge and, in fact, the hotel is populated largely by Asian visitors, particularly the Japanese, giving it a wonderful international feel.
10 Best Marriotts In Hawaii
Which is the best Marriott hotel in Hawaii? We think the best Marriott hotels in Hawaii are the Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, the Ritz-Carlton Waikiki, and the Wailea Beach Resort, but there are plenty more to choose from, depending on your budget. Read on to find out which hotel will work best for you. The Marriott brand includes Luxury Collection, EDITION, St Regis, W Hotels, and JW Marriott, as well as mid-range brands like Autograph Collection, Renaissance, Sheraton, Le Meridien, Design Hotels, and Westin.
The lounge breakfast offers a nice selection of pastries, a charcuterie of meats and cheeses, along with fruit, including strawberries and melon, salads, salmon, and miso. If you are still hungry, there is toast and loads of fresh buns with various jams and spreads. Although this breakfast is not a patch of what you would expect from somewhere like the Four Seasons hotels, it still offers a fresh and expansive free buffet to fill you up in the morning.
There are soft drinks available from a fridge during the day, which include Pepsi and cans of other soft fizzy drinks like Schweppes. Plus, you can pick up yogurt, and there are loads of fruit juices but no bottled water to take away.
The evening food and beverage offering includes, once again, a charcuterie of meats and cheeses, along with cold salad items and soups with deserts available later in the evening. I can quite easily munch my way through strips of cucumber celery, carrots, peppers, and dips to keep me going, but to be honest. You may feel you still want to eat out after finishing in the lounge. Interestingly, drinks containing alcohol are at extra cost, with beer coming in at around four dollars, a glass of wine at five dollars, and cocktails at six dollars. If you are still hungry, there are plenty of eateries on the doorstep, including things like Subway and McDonald’s, to fill you up.
There is no kids club at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, and for me, the rather concrete pool area and the fact that you are across the road from the beach means that this Hyatt Regency is not the best hotel in Waikiki. Still, it is one of the few hotels with a club lounge, along with the Moana Surfrider And the Sheraton.
Four Seasons Maui Vs. Oahu. Which Is Best?
Which hotel is best, Four Seasons Maui or Oahu at Ko Olina? While both hotels are some of the best Four Seasons in Hawaii, we think Four Seasons Maui feels more exclusive than Four Seasons Oahu. It offers a gorgeous beach shared by the Grand Wailea and Wailea Beach Resort luxury hotels. It is set in the sunniest and most exclusive resort area in Hawaii. The building is fairly low-rise, and the gardens that front the hotel are as pretty as a wedding cake. Four Seasons Oahu is easy to reach and less than a 30-minute drive from Honolulu Airport.
7. Sheraton Waikiki
This hotel is right on the beach with a fantastic pool, beachfront with super beach, and a great if slightly soul-less club lounge (if you are after a character beach club-style club lounge, head over to the Moana Surfrider for a more child-free experience with outdoor seating).
The downside of this hotel is that it is massive, so don’t expect the personal touch. It’s too big for that! But with huge and enormously high blocks come incredible views! The view from the Club Lounge is also excellent, although it is just a crowded room (often full of kids) with a decent breakfast and light dinner with snacks and free-flowing self-serve wine and beer in the evening. It’s a great spread but lacking in much of a Hawaiian feel.
If you come here to enjoy the pools and beach right on your doorstep and a location right in the center of the action, this hotel is a great choice!
8. Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay
While the Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay, is actually on the North Shore of Oahu, on the other side of Oahu from Waikiki beach, it should not be missed. This recently refurbished resort was just adopted by the Ritz-Carlton brand. It would be very easy to twin center a trip to Oahu with the more commercial Waikiki beach, staying in the Halekulani, which we consider to be one of the best luxury hotels on Waikiki beach, or maybe the Ritz-Carlton Waikiki, before traveling to a more wild, remote and peaceful part of the island of Oahu.
The advantages of this resort include its beautiful new design, with all the rooms offering some sort of ocean view. The resort building is located on a peninsula, and the pools are on stepped layers leading down to the waterfront. The pools are beautiful, starting with an infinity pool and then freeform pools below that have slides for the kids. To the side of the peninsula is a wonderful bay with a white sandy beach, which is picture-perfect.
The only disadvantage of this resort is that the beach can be wavey so it is less ideal for little toddlers, but for bigger people, it’s brilliant and you can try your hand at surfing here too. For little ones, the Four Seasons Koh Olina is your best pick on the island of Oahu.
Review: The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay Club Lounge
The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay has one of the best club lounges in Hawaii and is one of the best luxury hotels on Oahu. Being part of the Marriott Bonvoy brand, this Ritz-Carlton hotel is an ideal destination to earn and burn loyalty points, and if you book via our luxury travel concierge, you will get complimentary breakfasts, resort credit and more during your stay. The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay, is a recently refurbished resort that has been adopted by the Ritz-Carlton brand.
One final point to mention about this hotel is its club lounge, which is one of the best club lounges in Hawaii. The club lounge is oceanfront and located within the main building above the restaurants. It has many incredible food presentations every day, a stylish interior seating area and a wonderful outdoor terrace where you can grab a bite or a drink and look down at the resort activity and the pools and waterfront beyond. It’s an amazing lounge to hang out in at sunset and alcoholic drinks are included so you can have a free glass of fiz as the sun goes down.
Review: The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay
The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay is the latest Ritz-Carlton hotel to launch on the Hawaiian Islands. There are now three Ritz-Carltons in Hawaii, and this one is brilliant for families and couples who are looking for a remote luxury resort on the easily accessible Oahu. The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay is located on the stunning North Shore of Oahu, accessible via the scenic H-2 and Kamehameha Highway.
9. Kahala Hotel & Resort
The Kahala has always been rated one of Hawaii’s best hotels, and although not strictly in Waikiki, it must be mentioned as it is a short ride away and such a nice choice! The hotel says that every president since Richard Nixon has stayed here, plus a host of rock stars from the Rolling Stones to the Beach Boys, has stayed here.
This is not a chain hotel where you can earn and redeem points. Although Honolulu has a wide range of chain hotels, including the Royal Hawaiian and the Moana Surfrider, the Hyatt Regency, and Marriott, this one is independent and, as such, offers something a little bit different.
The Kahala is actually 10 minutes from Waikiki and is described as a “luxury hideaway, adored by stars, presidents, and royalty”. It is in a tranquil location, yet is so close to Waikiki that it also benefits from all the shops, bars, action, and nightlife, which are just a short taxi ride away.
The hotel is located in a quiet residential neighborhood and has a grand lobby that hasn’t changed in years. Rates here start in the region of $500 USD, but book via our concierge for extra benefits. It is also worth looking out for fourth-night free type offers here out of the high season.
Review: The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
The Royal Hawaiian, a Hilton Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki, a Honolulu landmark for nearly 90 years thanks in part to its pink color, is definitely one of the best Marriott hotels in Waikiki taking luxury in Hawaii to a new level. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, opened in 1927. This "Pink Palace of the Pacific" is located slap band in the center of the famed Waikiki Beach.
There is a particularly good breakfast spread here, served in the Plumeria Beach House, as well as Starbucks Coffee and tea available in the reception. Seaside Grill offers lunch on the beach, and there is a poolside menu. Hoku’s is a fine dining restaurant offering a Hawaiian, Mediterranean, and European mix of dishes. There is also an Italian called Arancino.
There is one swimming pool and a hot tub, but it never seems too crowded poolside, and the peaceful, picture-perfect, private beach is just steps away. You can rent out cabana lounges, tents, and umbrellas (around $30 USD per day) on the beach. Odd for a luxury hotel, as usual, these would be free. There is also a golf course next to this hotel, a fitness center, and a spa. One unusual feature of the hotel is the captive dolphins, which you can visit and play within the lagoon.
10. The Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
The Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is not in Waikiki, but being a short drive away (further than the Kahala from Waikiki but still driveable by rental car, taxi, or Uber), it is probably the best and most luxurious hotel choice on Oahu as Four Seasons hotels tend to be the best in the world.
Stay here, and you have the option of enjoying the best of Waikiki by taxi-ing or Uber-ing into town, but you can also escape the crowds to the glorious and luxurious isolation of this Four Seasons hotel.
This is probably the most convenient of all the Four Seasons hotels on the Hawaiian Islands. It is located on Oahu, around a half-hour drive from Honolulu Airport (HNL), and you can fly direct into HNL from mainland USA and Canada.
Ko Olina, where the hotel is situated, is a 642-acre (260-hectare) resort community on Oahu’s leeward coast, alongside the Waianae mountain range. Home to Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, the sunny western shoreline offers some of the Hawaiian Islands’ most breathtaking scenery, featuring towering mountains, vast valleys, calm ocean waters, and wide white beaches.
With 370 rooms and 55 suites, this is the largest Four Seasons hotel in Hawaii. The thing that differentiates the Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina from the other Four Seasons resorts on the various Hawaiian islands is the fact that it is designed around a calm artificial lagoon beach.
Turquoise in color, this lagoon offers a gorgeous golden sand beach in a circular bay, making it an extremely calm and shallow place to paddle or swim. The comparative safety of this lagoon makes this an ideal Four Seasons to choose if you have kids. There are loungers, umbrellas, and beach equipment available, all free of charge, so you can snorkel, swim, or try other water sports without paying any premium.
If you prefer to avoid kids, there is also an adult-only area of the beach situated near the adult-only pool, so whether you are a family or a couple, you will find your own piece of sandy paradise at this resort.
The resort actually sits within a 10-acre nature preserve called Lanikuhonua (“where heaven meets earth”). The jungle-covered mountains behind the resort that drop down to the turquoise sea in front of the resort certainly make this one of the most picturesque spots in Hawaii. Other unique features include a private deep-draft marina and a mile and a half of seaside paths, making this a great choice if you like to jog or just stroll to wear off the delicious food.
Arrival is a delight, with hotel porters ready to help with luggage and the presentation of a traditional lei along with chilled towels (nice in the heat) and a soft welcome drink and the décor feels Hawaiian, but in a good way. It feels stylish and sophisticated without losing its roots.
The Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina has a wonderful garden that stretches down to the beach, and its pools are also an absolute highlight. Activities beyond the beach, pools, and fine dining include a magnificent spa, a golf course, tennis courts, and a 24-hour gym. You are also encouraged to embrace Hawaiian culture with local experts teaching classes to learn to play the ukulele and to stargaze, which is how the ancient Polynesian voyagers found Hawaii in the first place.
There are two family pools on tiered levels, which lead down to the beach, along with a serene adults-only infinity pool leading onto the adults-only beach. This adults-only pool is a place to listen to the peace and quiet and the breeze rustling through the palms with views of the Pacific Ocean and with a cocktail by your lounger (yes, you are allowed alcoholic drinks by this pool to help you relax!).
It is worth mentioning that even the cheapest room at the Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina is a great room, and you will have a similarly great holiday, whichever room you choose. If you book via our concierge, we can bump you up a room level for free (subject to availability on check-in). We also add in a bunch of other free benefits, as outlined above.
Rooms at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu average around 640 ft² with a spacious lanai, where you can sit out on comfortable loungers. Inside, lots of traditional local woods and banana leaf headboards bring Hawaiian nature in (in a good way!).
Review: Four Seasons Oahu At Ko Olina
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is a brilliant luxury hotel on Oahu and arguably your best choice on Oahu’s leeward coast. It joins four other Four Seasons hotels that make up the best Four Seasons in Hawaii. We love the magical Islands of Hawaii, but the resorts there are largely limited to "middle-of-the-road" chain hotels. Certainly, you will not find overwater villas with plunge pools.
The Resort View room with mountain views is undoubtedly the best deal as you get to enjoy all the benefits of the resort at the lowest possible price. They offer vistas of the nearby Waianae Range and are wonderful for watching the sunrise over Mount Kaala, but these balconies can lack sunshine during the day, so don’t bank on sunbathing on the balcony in these rooms.
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Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.
