My Favorite Boutique Hotels in Waikiki: Old Classics & New Favorites

Lincoln Travel Co.

If the Hawaii trip of your dream looks like a vintage but trendy boutique hotel, mai tais with little umbrellas, palm trees, and easy access to food, shopping, and world class attractions all on one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic beaches, then you’re going to love Waikiki.

Now, I want to be totally honest with you…I have a love/hate relationship with Waikiki. The beach and area itself is BEAUTIFUL and it definitely has its attractions, but a lot of people end up disappointed because it’s not what they expected Hawaii to be like.

So instead of just plowing ahead with my favorite boutique hotels in Waikiki, let me do a quick breakdown to help you decide if staying in Waikiki is right for you or not.

This is definitely the most iconic hotel in Waikiki…in all of Hawaii!  “The Pink Palace of the Pacific” has a style that speaks of a bygone era but it’s still high on modern luxuries.

The Royal Hawaiian

The oldest hotel on Waikiki definitely feels like it’s from another era. Their porch is iconic for guests and visitors alike and while it’s always pretty busy since it’s right on the main strip, it has an elegant and relaxed feel.

Moana Surfrider

This is my favorite “off beach” place to stay in Waikiki. It’s a great spot if you want a nice resort/hotel experience but don’t need to be right on the beach. They’ve really embraced the vintage Hawaii vibes.

The Laylow

This is probably Honolulu’s most luxurious hotel and its location means it’s not as busy with foot traffic as some places. You’ll have amazing views of Diamond head from the beach, pool, restaurants, and guest rooms.

Halekulani Hotel

Swipe up to read the full post!