Discover the Best Places to Stay in Waikiki, Hawaii for an Unforgettable Vacation
Waikiki, Hawaii is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason. It boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, as well as a wide range of activities and attractions. If you’re planning a trip to Waikiki, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to stay. Here are some of the best places to stay in Waikiki:
The Royal Hawaiian: This iconic hotel is known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific” and has been a fixture on Waikiki Beach since 1927. It offers luxurious rooms and suites with stunning ocean views, as well as a range of amenities including a spa, fitness center, and several restaurants.
Halekulani: Another iconic hotel on Waikiki Beach, Halekulani offers elegant rooms and suites with ocean or garden views. It also features several restaurants, including La Mer, which has been named one of the best restaurants in America.
Moana Surfrider: This historic hotel was built in 1901 and is known as “The First Lady of Waikiki.” It offers classic rooms and suites with ocean or city views, as well as several restaurants and bars.
The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club: If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe, The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club is a great option. It offers stylish rooms with retro-inspired decor and a range of amenities including a pool, restaurant, and coffee shop.
Queen Kapiolani Hotel: This newly-renovated hotel offers affordable rooms with stunning views of Diamond Head or Waikiki Beach. It also features several restaurants and bars, including Deck Restaurant + Bar which offers panoramic views from its rooftop location.
No matter where you choose to stay in Waikiki, you’re sure to have an unforgettable vacation filled with sun, sand, and aloha spirit.
5 Reasons Why Waikiki, Hawaii is the Perfect Place to Stay for Your Next Vacation
- Beautiful Beaches
- Variety of Accommodations
- Shopping and Dining
- Close Proximity to Attractions
- Abundance of Activities
Challenges of Staying in Waikiki, Hawaii: 6 Cons to Consider
- Expensive accommodation – Waikiki is a popular tourist destination, so accommodation can be expensive.
- Crowded beaches – With so many people visiting Waikiki, the beaches can become crowded and noisy.
- Limited parking – Parking in Waikiki can be difficult to find and expensive to pay for.
- Traffic congestion – The streets of Waikiki are often congested with traffic, making it difficult to get around quickly.
- Lack of privacy – With so many people in such a small area, privacy can be hard to come by in Waikiki hotels and resorts.
- Limited activities – Although there are some attractions in the area, there are limited activities available compared to other Hawaiian islands
Beautiful Beaches
Waikiki, Hawaii is known for its stunning beaches that attract tourists from all over the world. The soft sand and crystal-clear waters make it a perfect destination for those who love to relax and soak up the sun. One of the biggest pros of staying in Waikiki is having easy access to these beautiful beaches.
Waikiki Beach, in particular, is one of the most famous beaches in the world. It stretches for two miles and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Other nearby beaches include Kuhio Beach Park and Queen’s Surf Beach, which are also popular among tourists and locals alike.
The beaches in Waikiki are not only beautiful but also offer a range of activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and surfing lessons. For those who prefer to simply relax on the beach, there are plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent.
In addition to the stunning beaches themselves, Waikiki also offers a variety of beachfront restaurants and bars where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while taking in the ocean views.
Overall, if you’re looking for a destination with beautiful beaches that offer both relaxation and adventure, Waikiki is definitely worth considering.
Variety of Accommodations
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Waikiki, Hawaii is the variety of accommodations available. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for a luxurious getaway, there is something for everyone in Waikiki.
For those on a budget, there are plenty of affordable hotels and hostels that offer comfortable accommodations without breaking the bank. These options often offer basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi and breakfast, and may be located further from the beach or main attractions.
On the other hand, those seeking luxury can choose from a range of high-end resorts and hotels that offer top-notch amenities such as spas, fine dining restaurants, and private beaches. These options are often located right on the beachfront and offer stunning ocean views.
No matter what your budget or preferences are, Waikiki has something to offer. The wide variety of accommodations ensures that everyone can find something to suit their needs and make their stay in Hawaii unforgettable. So whether you’re planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway, consider Waikiki as your next destination for an unforgettable experience.
Shopping and Dining
One of the major advantages of staying in Waikiki, Hawaii, is the abundance of shopping and dining options available to visitors. Whether you’re looking for high-end boutiques or local eateries offering delicious cuisine, Waikiki has something for everyone.
The main shopping district in Waikiki is located along Kalakaua Avenue, which runs parallel to the beach. Here you’ll find a wide range of shops selling everything from designer clothing and jewelry to souvenirs and Hawaiian-made crafts. You can also explore the Royal Hawaiian Center, which features over 100 stores and restaurants spread across three levels.
When it comes to dining, Waikiki offers a diverse range of options that reflect the island’s multicultural heritage. You can find everything from traditional Hawaiian dishes like poke and kalua pig to Japanese sushi, Korean barbecue, and American-style burgers and fries. Many restaurants also offer stunning ocean views, making for a truly memorable dining experience.
Overall, the shopping and dining options in Waikiki are one of its biggest draws for visitors. Whether you’re looking to splurge on luxury goods or sample some local cuisine, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in this bustling beachfront neighborhood.
Close Proximity to Attractions
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Waikiki, Hawaii is its close proximity to popular attractions. Diamond Head State Monument, one of the most famous landmarks in Hawaii, is just a short drive or hike away from Waikiki. Visitors can enjoy a scenic hike up to the top of Diamond Head and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Another popular attraction near Waikiki is the Honolulu Zoo, which is home to a wide variety of animals from all over the world. Visitors can see everything from tigers and elephants to monkeys and birds. The zoo also offers educational programs and activities for children.
In addition to these attractions, Waikiki is also home to some of the best shopping and dining options on the island. Visitors can explore Kalakaua Avenue, which is lined with high-end boutiques, souvenir shops, and restaurants offering delicious Hawaiian cuisine.
Overall, staying in Waikiki puts visitors in close proximity to all that Hawaii has to offer. With its beautiful beaches, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder that Waikiki remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Abundance of Activities
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Waikiki, Hawaii is the abundance of activities available for visitors. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a fun time, there is something for everyone in Waikiki.
Surfing is one of the most popular activities in Waikiki, and there are plenty of surf schools that offer lessons for beginners. You can also rent a board and hit the waves on your own. Snorkeling trips are another great way to explore the underwater world around Waikiki, with many tour companies offering guided tours to some of the best snorkeling spots in the area.
If you prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of other activities to choose from. Take a stroll down Kalakaua Avenue and shop for souvenirs or dine at one of the many restaurants along the way. Visit Diamond Head State Monument and hike to the top for breathtaking views of Waikiki and beyond. Or simply relax on one of Waikiki’s beautiful beaches and soak up the sun.
No matter what your interests are, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained during your stay in Waikiki. With so much to see and do, you’ll never be bored!
Expensive accommodation – Waikiki is a popular tourist destination, so accommodation can be expensive.
One of the cons of staying in Waikiki, Hawaii is the cost of accommodation. As a popular tourist destination, Waikiki attracts visitors from all over the world, which means that hotels and resorts can charge a premium for their rooms. This can make it difficult for budget-conscious travelers to find affordable accommodations in the area.
However, there are ways to mitigate this expense. One option is to stay in a hotel or resort that is slightly further away from the beach or main tourist areas. These hotels may offer lower rates while still providing easy access to all that Waikiki has to offer.
Another option is to consider vacation rentals such as Airbnb or VRBO. These rentals can often be more affordable than traditional hotels and may provide additional amenities such as a kitchen or laundry facilities.
While expensive accommodation may be a con of staying in Waikiki, it’s important to remember that the area offers an abundance of activities and attractions that are free or low-cost, such as hiking trails, public beaches, and cultural events. With some planning and research, it’s possible to enjoy all that Waikiki has to offer without breaking the bank on accommodations.
Crowded beaches – With so many people visiting Waikiki, the beaches can become crowded and noisy.
One of the cons of staying in Waikiki, Hawaii is that the beaches can become crowded and noisy. With so many people visiting this popular tourist destination, it’s no surprise that the beaches can get quite busy. This can make it difficult to find a spot to lay out your towel and relax, or to go for a peaceful swim in the ocean. Additionally, the noise level on the beach can be quite high with so many people around.
However, there are ways to avoid some of the crowds. Consider visiting the beach early in the morning or later in the evening when fewer people are around. You could also try exploring some of the less crowded beaches outside of Waikiki, such as Lanikai Beach or Kailua Beach. Another option is to book a hotel with its own private beach access, which can offer a more secluded and peaceful experience.
Overall, while crowded beaches may be a downside to staying in Waikiki, with some planning and creativity it’s still possible to enjoy all that this beautiful destination has to offer without feeling too overwhelmed by other tourists.
Limited parking – Parking in Waikiki can be difficult to find and expensive to pay for.
One of the biggest cons of staying in Waikiki, Hawaii is the limited parking. Parking in this popular tourist destination can be difficult to find and expensive to pay for. Many hotels charge high fees for valet parking, and finding a spot on the street can be a challenge.
If you plan on renting a car during your stay in Waikiki, it’s important to keep this in mind when choosing your accommodations. Some hotels offer complimentary or discounted parking for guests, while others may require you to park at a nearby garage at an additional cost.
However, there are alternatives to driving and parking in Waikiki. The city offers a convenient public transportation system called “TheBus,” which can take you to many popular destinations around the island. You can also rent bicycles or take advantage of ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
Overall, while limited parking may be a downside of staying in Waikiki, there are still plenty of ways to get around and enjoy all that this beautiful destination has to offer.
Traffic congestion – The streets of Waikiki are often congested with traffic, making it difficult to get around quickly.
One of the downsides of staying in Waikiki, Hawaii is the traffic congestion. The streets can become quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season. This can make it difficult to get around quickly and easily, whether you’re driving or taking public transportation.
If you’re planning on exploring other parts of the island, it’s important to factor in extra time for travel due to traffic. It’s also worth considering staying in a less congested area if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.
However, despite the traffic congestion, Waikiki remains a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and range of activities make it an unforgettable vacation spot. So if you’re willing to deal with a bit of traffic, Waikiki is definitely worth checking out!
Lack of privacy – With so many people in such a small area, privacy can be hard to come by in Waikiki hotels and resorts.
One of the cons of staying in Waikiki, Hawaii is the lack of privacy that can come with staying in hotels and resorts in such a densely populated area. With so many people in such a small area, it can be difficult to escape the crowds and find a peaceful retreat. Many hotels and resorts have balconies or lanais that are shared with other guests, which can make it hard to relax without feeling like you’re being watched.
However, there are ways to mitigate this lack of privacy. Some hotels offer private cabanas or secluded areas on the beach for their guests, which can provide a more intimate experience. Additionally, choosing a hotel or resort that is set back from the main strip of Waikiki can help to reduce noise and crowds.
Ultimately, if privacy is a top priority for you during your stay in Waikiki, it may be worth considering alternative accommodations such as vacation rentals or private villas. These options often provide more seclusion and privacy than traditional hotels and resorts.
While the lack of privacy can be a downside to staying in Waikiki hotels and resorts, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy all that this beautiful destination has to offer while finding moments of peace and tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle.
Limited activities – Although there are some attractions in the area, there are limited activities available compared to other Hawaiian islands
While Waikiki, Hawaii is undoubtedly a beautiful and popular destination, it does have its limitations. One of the cons of staying in Waikiki is the limited activities available compared to other Hawaiian islands. While there are certainly some attractions in the area, such as the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium, there are fewer options for outdoor activities like hiking or exploring natural wonders.
This is because Waikiki is a highly developed area with limited space for nature-based activities. Visitors looking for more adventurous experiences may want to consider staying on other Hawaiian islands like Maui or Kauai, which offer a wider range of outdoor activities like surfing, snorkeling, and hiking.
However, this doesn’t mean that visitors to Waikiki will be bored. There are still plenty of things to do in the area, including shopping at high-end stores and boutiques along Kalakaua Avenue, enjoying world-class dining options, and taking in the vibrant nightlife scene. Plus, with its beautiful beaches and warm weather year-round, relaxing on the sand and soaking up the sun can be an enjoyable activity in itself.
Ultimately, whether or not Waikiki’s limited activities are a con depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation. If you’re seeking adventure and exploration of Hawaii’s natural wonders, you may want to consider other islands. But if you’re looking for a more laid-back vacation filled with relaxation and luxury amenities, Waikiki may be just what you’re looking for.
