Honolulu hotels

Kaimana Beach Hotel sits right on the sand, so it’s easy to spend an entire day right there on the property. And let me tell you, it sure doesn’t hurt that the beach is one of the quietest in Honolulu. When I visited, I dined at Hau Tree Restaurant’s open-air terrace, sat in a complimentary Peligo beach chair to soak up some vitamin D and worked on my wave-catching skills at Kai Sallas’ on-site surf school.
On my list for next time: snorkel the shallow reef, bike through the neighborhood (Electra cruisers are complimentary for guests) and take a sunset yoga class with Diamond Head as my backdrop. Hands down, my favorite thing about this hotel is the bold boho lobby. With its framed artwork collage and repurposed furniture, it’s one of the most photographed in all of Waikiki.

The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, one of the top-rated hotels in Honolulu, is a place your whole crew will dig – even your four-legged family members. Dog-walking and doggie daycare is available, plus there are no pet fees. If your dog loves the ocean, consider canine-friendly stand-up paddleboarding or surf lessons with SUPDog Hawaii, who even have a pro photographer on staff to document the fun.
Located two blocks from the beach, this hotel offers the perfect combo of nostalgia and modern design, from the “Wish You Were Here” mosaic on the bottom of the pool to the whimsical paintings that decorate its kitchy-classy interior. For meals, Mahina & Sun’s is a solid choice. Try Kauai shrimp risotto, Taro burgers, and handcrafted cocktails.
It’s within walking distance of the Royal Hawaiian Center shopping mall, so if you forget to bring sunscreen, you can just pop right over. The hotel’s rotating calendar of events includes dance parties, markets, and movie nights.

There’s a lot to love about Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. Kids will appreciate weekly tank talks at the 280,000-gallon oceanarium, which houses 350 protected marine creatures and daily fish feedings with on-site aquarists.
Once you’ve had your fill of the life aquatic, there are rooftop batting cages and tennis courts. Adults will love dining at Morimoto Asia, going to Drip Hawaii, Waikiki’s first IV lounge and med spa and hitting up the sustainable happy hour menu at SWELL.
Top off the day with sunset yoga and take in the ambiance of the Light Monument, a video art installation projected on the 17-floor beachside tower. When it’s time to hit the beach, you don’t have far to go: it’s an easy walk from the hotel. Once you’re there, use resort credits to rent surfboards, umbrellas and snorkels.