Moana Surfrider
4.5
Affectionately known as the ‘First Lady of Waikiki’, the Moana Surfrider offers a traditionally warm Hawaiian welcome. Elegant interiors complete with chandeliers and sweeping staircases lead through to an outdoor pool and private beach area. Dine on fresh premium local produce at Beachhouse at the Moana, and sample fine wines at Vintage 1901. The oceanfront Beach Club at the Moana offers breakfast, evening appetizers, beer and wine for guests who book a Banyan Classic Ocean Club Room or a Suite. Access to the Lounge can also be booked as an add-on on top of any room type. Guests can also dine at sister hotels Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort. The Banyan Courtyard – where a 120-year-old rare Banyan tree takes centre stage – is the place to be for afternoon and evening entertainment, when live music includes a Hawaiian duo, hula, acoustic guitar and contemporary Hawaiian soloists. The entertainment here recreates the concept of the famous ‘Hawaii Calls’ radio programme from 1935, where live performances from the Banyan Courtyard were broadcast to stations all over the world. Moana Lani Spa is Waikiki’s first oceanfront spa, where signature treatments include the Kona Coffee and Vanilla Facial – using organic Hawaiian Kona Coffee, Kauai clay and vanilla, and the Na Mele massage – which incorporates traditional lomi techniques alongside relaxing sounds of Hawaii. Rooms are housed in the historic Banyan Wing, contemporary Tower Wing or Diamond Wing with views of Waikiki Beach and Honolulu. All have Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed®. For a Juliet balcony and stunning ocean views, opt for a Deluxe Ocean Diamond Room.
Life is about enjoying the cool and quirky style and the uninterrupted views of Diamond Head at this landmark Waikiki hotel. It’s all white-washed walls, fresh pastel colours and décor that depicts the island’s renowned surf scene in fun and funky artworks; you’ll know exactly where you are here. Every has been thoughtfully remodelled including the pool deck which may just have the best views of any pool in the area. There’s a bar and grill just a few steps away from the pools edge so it’s not too far to move from your sun lounger to grab a cocktail and some all-American dishes which have been infused with some Hawaiian flavours. Knots Coffee Roasters is the hotel’s other drinking and dining venue and it has a menu of light dishes, coffees, teas and speciality drinks as well as a selection of signature cocktails – mai tai anyone? We love the new look rooms at Queen Kapiolani and whether you go for a simple Standard Room, a Cityview Room or a highly-recommended Diamond Head View Room you know that it’s going to be comfortable, full of light and refreshingly modern. The Junior Suites are a bit more spacious and have either Diamond Head or Waikiki Beach views.
This is a traditional beach resort hotel where activities, facilities and entertainment are plentiful and everything is focused on making the most of your time in Oahu. The hotel buildings are set on a rocky promontory and they are surrounded on three sides by the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean. If you like the sea and getting out and about on the water we couldn’t think of a better place to be. They offer stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and – of course – surfing and you can even head out on a traditional outrigger canoe. The fun continues on shore too. The resort has its own stables which offers trail rides whatever your ability; the sunset rides are particularly popular for obvious reasons. There are miles of hiking and biking trails and two championship golf courses. If you have a head for heights you can board the hotel’s very own helicopter. There’s plenty of scope for relaxation too at the Nalu Kinetic Spa which features a menu full of traditional Hawaiian therapies and treatments. A restful Aloha’ Nui Loa massage in the one of the oceanside cabana is an experience not to be missed. As the treatments at the spa, the cuisine here is typically Hawaiian too and created with fresh organic produce and the catch of the day – not only is this farm to table, it’s also ocean to table. Accommodation comes in a few shapes and sizes here with spacious sea-facing rooms and suites and beach cottages. As the name suggests, these charming rooms, which share a one-storey cottage with five other rooms, are located close to the shore of Turtle Bay. There are also Ocean Villas which feature full kitchens and three of four bedrooms. These are perfect if you are travelling as a family or a group and want a little independence to eat when you please.
The Modern Honolulu is an Instagrammer’s dream. From the surf board art installation at reception and the artfully lit pool bar to the crisp white décor of the rooms accented with hints of colour added by the flowers and art works, there’s another photo-worthy view at every turn. If you like to experience the nightlife of Waikiki, this is the place to be, as well as a well-thought-of restaurant, The Grove, there are four bars and the nightclub, Addiction. One of the most popular spots is the Sunrise Pool which the Ala Wai harbour to one side and Waikiki skyline views to the other. There’s an exclusive pool bar here where you can order signature cocktails and artisanal dishes. If you’re planning on spending the day at the hotel, reserve a daybed and treat yourself to a drink and dining package. The circular, adult-only Sunset Pool is located on one level above the Sunrise Pool and is surrounded by soft white sand, free standing hammocks and super-soft sun loungers.
Queen Kapiolani Hotel
Turtle Bay, North Shore
The Modern Honolulu
