ALOHA!
Waikiki is home to some of the best hotels in Hawaii.
And there are some hotels that you can visit (legitimately!) even if you’re not staying there.
Of course, if you’re not in Hawaii on a super duper budget looking to stay at a cheap hotel in Waikiki, and instead you’re willing to spend money on good experiences, these would make good hotels for you to actually stay at too!
But if you’ve chosen another hotel in Waikiki, these are some of the best Waikiki Beach hotels that you may want to pay a quick visit to see what it’s about!
These are pretty centrally located in Waikiki so you can take an afternoon to go “hotel hopping” down Kalakaua Avenue, the main road that runs alongside Waikiki Beach.
There are affiliate links below. See the Waikiki Beach hotel reviews and check the prices to see if you actually want to stay at these resorts instead of just visiting!
So…
What are some of the best hotels on Waikiki Beach?
1. The Royal Hawaiian
Why the Royal Hawaiian is famous
This is Hawaii’s famous pink hotel.
You can spot this hotel from miles away!
You’ll be able to see it when you reach the summit of Oahu’s most popular hike – the Diamond Head hike.
And if your plane flies right along Waikiki Beach and you’re sitting beachside on the plane, you’ll be able to spot the hotel too.
The Royal Hawaiian touts itself for having brought a new level of luxury travel to Hawaii.
What you can do at the Royal Hawaiian as a non-guest
Royal Hawaiian bakery
Anyone can come in for a little break at the bakery that’s located on the ground floor.
History tour
If you’re interested in expanding your knowledge of Waikiki’s history, the hotel offers a free history tour that anyone can be a part of.
Royal Hawaiian hotel reviews and prices
2. Hilton Hawaiian Village
Why the Hilton Hawaiian Village is famous
This hotel’s claim to fame is having been featured in Hawaii 5-0.
Well, this is its claim to fame aside from being one of the best family-friendly resorts in Waikiki!
As the hotel partner of the hit TV show (that you should totally be watching in preparation for your first trip to Hawaii), there were frequent scenes of this hotel on Hawaii 5-0.
The Hilton Hawaiian Village is also notable for the Rainbow Tower.
This is another icon of Waikiki Beach that can be spotted from far away.
What you can do at the Hilton Hawaiian Village as a non-guest
Swim at the beach
The Duke Kahanamoku Beach in front of this hotel is public, so anyone can come here and swim on Waikiki Beach.
This beach is the widest stretch of beach from ocean to building that you’ll find in Waikiki.
Play at the lagoon
There’s a lagoon right in front of the hotel too, and anyone can come here too. There’s also water equipment that you can rent.
Watch the Friday night fireworks
Every Friday night, this hotel hosts fireworks. It could also be something to watch from another part of Waikiki Beach too.
Attend a luau
A luau is a Hawaiian feast (and among the Hawaiian words to know before your trip to Hawaii!), and at a luau you’ll get Hawaiian food and entertainment.
Some of the best luaus on Oahu include the Polynesian Cultural Center, Paradise Cove, or Chief’s Luau.
But these are all a little bit of a drive from Waikiki, so if you want to attend a luau that’s closer to “home” (your Waikiki Beach hotel), the Hilton Waikiki starlight luau could be one to consider.
Hilton Hawaiian Village reviews and prices
3. Moana Surfrider
Why the Moana Surfrider is famous
If you’re walking down Kalakaua Avenue as you’re doing some shopping and see this hotel, you might wonder what it is.
Built in 1901, it still looks like a classic building today, and that’s what makes it unique too.
The Moana Surfrider is known as Waikiki’s first ever hotel, and it’s also called the “First Lady of Waikiki.”
You can even find it on the list of the National Register of Historic Places.
If you’re not staying here, there may not be a reason to really be on the grounds of this hotel, but you can still admire the architecture from the street to see what this heritage hotel is like!
Moana Surfrider reviews and prices
See more Waikiki hotels
And then…
What to pack for Hawaii?!
There are affiliate links below. You should totally check out these things for your trip to Hawaii!
Quick packing list for snorkeling in Hawaii:
- Sun shirts with UV protection (for women and for men) so you have to wear less sunscreen
- Popular water shoes (for women and for men) for the hidden rocks on the beach
- This standard snorkeling set
- This CHEAP way to make your phone waterproof so you can take amazing underwater photos!
- This type of waterproof pouch so you don’t need to leave valuables on the beach
- Sunscreen that’s NOT a part of the Hawaii sunscreen ban
And for hiking in Hawaii…
- Hiking sandals (for women and for men) will do for most trails in Hawaii!
- But trail running shoes (for women and for men) or hiking shoes (for women and for men) work too!
And don’t forget the absolute BEST guide to making the most out of your Hawaii vacation – available for every Hawaiian island
HAPPY HOTEL HOPPING IN WAIKIKI!
If you are looking to save money on accommodation in Hawaii, stay at an airbnb on Oahu! Use my referral link to sign up for airbnb and get up to $40 off on your first booking.
Tips for your first time in Hawaii
- How to find the cheapest flights to Hawaii
- Worst time to visit Hawaii
- Tips for first time snorkeling in Hawaii
- What to wear snorkeling in Hawaii
- What to pack for Hawaii