When we say Honolulu, many travelers might not be very familiar with this city, yet, when we say Hawaii, people from all over the world probably know where our destination is. Honolulu is the capital of the Hawaiian island state in the Pacific Ocean. It’s a large city with famous beaches, such as Waikiki beach, where you’ll find amazing beachfront hotels. If you’re heading there, you must stay at a beachfront hotel in Honolulu to enjoy a view and vibes you’ll never find anywhere else in the US.
Generally, the city of Honolulu has a lot to offer. From the wonderful waters and golden sands to the endless water activities and also historical places to visit. So, beach hotels in Honolulu are experiences you mustn’t miss when traveling to Honolulu. Whether you’re a couple, a family, or even a solo traveler, Honolulu beaches have all the options you might be looking for. Here are the top 11 beachfront hotels in Honolulu to choose from.
Table of contents
- Espacio, the Jewel of Waikiki
- Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel
- The Twin Fin Hotel
- Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
- Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
- Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
- Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
- Sheraton Waikiki
- Kaimana Beach Hotel
- The Kahala Hotel and Resort
- Halekulani Hotel
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Honolulu
- What are the top tourist attractions in Honolulu?
- How many days are recommended for a vacation in Honolulu?
- Where can I find beach hotels in Honolulu?
Espacio, the Jewel of Waikiki
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Most luxurious. Espacio, the Jewel of Waikiki, is a jewel overlooking the Waikiki beach. You can reach Waikiki beach or Kuhio beach in seconds, as the hotel is across the street from both beaches. Choose from the nine suites on the hotel’s nine floors to enjoy full privacy and a spacious room like nowhere else in Honolulu. This means all the suites overlook the beach, so a splendid view is guaranteed here. The hotel blends the eastern and the western fine decoration details that manifest themselves in the Italian marble hugging the Moroccan lattice.
Inside your suite, you have a sauna, a hot tub on the balcony, and smart control of the room’s temperature and lighting. Further, a full modern kitchen is there to have a luxurious home-like experience. But we believe you won’t need the kitchen that much because the Mugen restaurant in the hotel has an AAA Five Diamond rating. You won’t want to miss such an experience. And if you want a customized meal, why not try the Japanese Kaiseki customized dining experience in the comfort of your suite?
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Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel
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Immerse yourself in the relaxing shades of blue at Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel is featured with. The hotel’s lobby, restaurant, and rooms are distinguished by the green and blue colors with some yellow accents, as if the sky, the sea, and the beach sand surround you. The rooms are equally comfortable with all the amenities you might be looking for, such as a coffee maker, an LCD TV, and renovated balconies with a panoramic view of the beach.
Speaking of the view, you can choose from two options, an oceanfront room or an ocean-side view. Both offer a nice relaxing view, especially on the high floors, where you’ll have an extra-wide panoramic view of the beach. The Kuhio beach is across the road, and you can access the beach in less than a minute from this hotel. For food options, you have Eggs ‘n Things restaurant inside the hotel. It’s widely known for its amazing breakfast, and it has many other locations in Honolulu as well. Being a resident at the hotel, you receive a special discount when you dine in the restaurant.
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The Twin Fin Hotel
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Most affordable. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly beachfront hotel in Honolulu, The Twin Fin Hotel is our recommendation. Although it’s cheaper than many nearby hotels, you’ll still enjoy a great stay with a stunning ocean and beach view. While you can stay in hostels in Honolulu to save money, The Twin Fin Hotel gives you the option to enjoy fine hotel services without paying that much. To save more money, you can choose a partial ocean view room. The rooms are average-sized, with the possibility of taking a full suite to enjoy a larger space. All the rooms and suites have the same basic amenities, such as air conditioning, a TV, and a compact refrigerator.
Moreover, the dining experience in the hotel is really wonderful. The on-site Tiki’s Bar and Grill is open-air to enjoy the sea breeze while taking your lunch. There are several food options, including island-inspired and Italian cuisine. When it’s time for a sunbathe, the pool is ready with large comfortable lounge chairs to enjoy your tan. But if you prefer sunbathing by the beach, you can head directly to the public Kuhio beach across the street and rent the beach equipment for free from The Twin Fin Hotel.
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Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
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Best for water activities. Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, is a full resort with all the on-site activities and amusement. You won’t actually want to go outside during your stay because you have everything inside the resort. The hotel looks like an old Victorian palace starting with the overall decorations. It combines sophisticated fine decorative details with a modern touch to suit a beachfront hotel in Honolulu.
During your stay, you can ask about water activities such as canoe riding, surfing, diving, parasailing, and many more activities. There are also private lessons if you’re new to such things. Alternatively, you can enjoy the beach and sunbathe under the beautiful sun rays on this hotel’s private beach or by the resort’s outdoor pool. And don’t forget to try the Hawaiian cuisine they’re distinguished with. By the way, you can enjoy all your meals in the comfort of your room as you can order all your meals at any time of the day.
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Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
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Hyatt Regency chain is known all over the world for its luxurious hotels and splendid services inside. Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa isn’t an exception, as you’ll enjoy a one-of-a-kind resort overlooking the public Waikiki beach. Cross the street from the hotel front gate, and you’re on the beach. It’s one of the best beach hotels in Hawaii Honolulu to enjoy a full Hawaiian experience. The hotel features Na Ho’ola Spa, which offers innovative health and wellness services inspired by Hawaiian culture, arts, and values of healing.
On the other side is the open-air Pualeilani Great Hall Atrium, with many shops and boutiques located on three levels for a world-class shopping experience. The hotel has around 1,230 rooms and suites with different options to choose from, such as a tub, a shower, and club access, and you can also choose a high floor for a panoramic view.
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Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
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Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is another beachfront hotel in Honolulu from very well-known chains around the US and other parts of the world. The hotel, or actually the resort, has exquisite rooms overlooking the Kuhio beach and other rooms with a city view at cheaper prices. The hotel is located on the first block near the beach; you can rent free towels and chairs from the hotel to enjoy your day by the sea. All the rooms are spacious and very comfy, with modern furniture and interior.
Marriot Resort in Honolulu features five on-site restaurants for those who devote much time searching for the best food to try. Indulge in classic American cuisine, Italian cuisine, seafood, and sushi, or a steakhouse in one of the five amazing restaurants in the hotel. Further, the resort has two pools, and one of them is an adult-only pool. This will be a great option for couples who want to enjoy swimming away from kids.
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Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
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If your imagination of beach hotels in Hawaii, Honolulu, is a large resort with lots of greens and water all around overlooking the wide ocean. In that case,n Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is your place. With 22 acres of space and five towers, this hotel is one of the largest in the area. Two of the towers, named Ali’i and Rainbow, are beachfront, so make sure to choose rooms in one of those towers if you want a view of the ocean and direct access to the beach.
The resort is packed with tropical gardens, waterfalls, ponds, four swimming pools, and one adult-only pool all around. The swimming pools are complimentary to your stay; they’re all outdoor. One of them is a rooftop pool, and the others are directly in front of Kahanamoku beach. Moreover, there is a lot to do inside the village. Start your day with an outdoor yoga class or amuse yourself with a hula lesson, then take some me-moments in the Mandara Spa. When it’s time to eat, take a moment to think about where to eat today because nine restaurants in the hotel offer American, Mexican, Japanese, and Italian food.
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Sheraton Waikiki
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Best for couples. Sheraton Waikiki is a great hotel to enjoy your honeymoon or anniversary in an average-priced hotel overlooking the beach. Being one of the best beach hotels in Honolulu, it offers all the needs of a newly married couple. Families and friends can also enjoy their stay here or check the best family hotels in Honolulu for better options. The hotel has been renovated, so all the rooms have new modern furniture. Although the rooms aren’t very large, you can still enjoy a comfortable stay in an ocean-view room with a private balcony upon your request.
Needless to say, the hotel offers private access to a small beach, and you can also reach the main Waikiki beach in seconds. If you don’t feel like staying on the beach today, you might enjoy the oceanfront pools and, particularly, the adults-only pool. For dining options, savor in one of the four on-site restaurants or head to the on-site Kai Market to get fresh Hawaiian products.
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Kaimana Beach Hotel
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With the Diamond Head behind and the ocean in front, Kaimana Beach Hotel is one of the best beach hotels in Honolulu. Here, you have different options to unwind. They include a standard ocean view, a VIP corner ocean view, or a view combining the green ridges of the Diamond Head and the ocean’s blue waters. You’ll enjoy the blend of the hustle and bustle of the beach with the tranquil feeling of the sky hugging the ocean.
Had your relaxation time already? It’s time for some amusement, then. Grab a bicycle and go out exploring the area or dine in one of the mouth-watering restaurants around. Otherwise, praise your stay inside the hotel, enjoying the fun and colorful decor of the hotel lounges and lobby. What’s more, the hotel has a private beach named Kaimana beach, with umbrellas, seats, and towels provided by the hotel.
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The Kahala Hotel and Resort
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Nature and environment lovers will find The Kahala Hotel and Resort the most welcoming beachfront hotel in Honolulu. This hotel is known for its special efforts in preserving the stunning nature of Hawaii as it launched an initiative for participating in sustainability. You can take a glimpse of what they do in a sunset seminar series organized by the hotel or participate in a beach clean-up and get a 15% discount on the hotel rate.
Aside from the sustainability efforts, the hotel is luxurious of its kind. It features four restaurants and a full-service spa for its guests. Moreover, you can pamper yourself with some shopping at Ala Moana Centre using the free shuttle from and to the hotel. Leverage your stay in the best possible way by going for a hike or snorkeling in the best spots in Honolulu. The hotel has a large private beach all the guests can enjoy as well. Thus, it’s a very luxurious experience you can’t miss in Honolulu.
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Halekulani Hotel
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Halekulani Hotel is the best beachfront hotel in Honolulu that combines luxuriousness with simplicity. It’s a big deal to find both features in a hotel, but Halekulani did it in the best possible way. The hotel is luxurious in the services and the experience you’ll enjoy during your vacation. Yet, it’s a hotel that won’t leave you overwhelmed because everything is simple and easy to find.
Your day starts with a nice breakfast at the Orchids restaurant or House Without A Key restaurant. Both are optional, as you can choose to stay with no breakfast in the hotel and figure out some of the other options outside. After that, sunbathe on the small private beach shared with the Sheraton hotel or one of the pools, whether it’s the salt-water pool or even the heated pool when it’s a bit chilly. In the evening, you can attend a live jazz concert or night entertainment or get a drink in one of the bars on-site.
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Our Verdict!
The best beachfront hotel in Honolulu is difficult to name because different people might be looking for different qualities. We have listed below the best options based on their specific features to help you find the best deal for your stay.
- Most luxurious: Espacio, the Jewel of Waikiki
- Most affordable: The Twin Fin Hotel
- Best for water activities: Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
- Best for couples: Sheraton Waikiki
Where to Stay in Honolulu
While it’s a relatively small city, it offers a lot for vacationers. It’s a dynamic city blending the American nightlife vibes with the stunning morning beach and ocean scenery, and you’re free to choose which you’re more into. So, where to stay in Honolulu? Well, it depends on different things, your purpose for traveling, your preferences, and your budget.
Waikiki beach is definitely the first and most known tourist destination in Honolulu. The beach is very large, and many beach hotels in Honolulu overlook this wide beach. The water there is so calm and inviting for new swimmers. Plus, there are lots of water activities to do on the beach and its waters. So, this area is a great option for couples, families, and anyone who want a scenic view from his hotel room.
Another option is the Ala Moana area. This neighborhood has lots of shops and restaurants to fill your day with things to do rather than the beach. The large Ala Moana center includes hundreds of shops and boutiques. Also, the hotels there are very near to the regional park and the public beach, just a walking distance to get into the beach.
Waialae – Kahala is another area on the right side of the Diamond Head State Monument. It was formed from an erupted volcano years ago with many beaches to enjoy an oceanfront stay in Honolulu. The most famous hotel there is the Kahala Hotel & Resort, but there are other options as well, overlooking the sea or minutes away from it. People choose this area because the beaches there aren’t crowded like the Waikiki beach. So, if you’re more into relaxation and quiet vibes, this area is totally recommended.
Also, check out the best hotels near Honolulu airport.
What are the top tourist attractions in Honolulu?
Aside from the beaches and natural forests, there are many historical places and museums to visit, such as the Shangri La mansion, Iolani Palace, the Honolulu Museum of Art, and Hawaiian Mission Houses.
How many days are recommended for a vacation in Honolulu?
It totally depends on what you’re going to de there. A five-day vacation is good for enjoying most of Honolulu’s sightseeing and tourist attractions. You can take a bike using the Biki local bike-share program and enjoy a tour around the island to see the neighborhoods and other tourist attractions.
Where can I find beach hotels in Honolulu?
Nearly all beaches in Honolulu have hotels overlooking those beaches. Waikiki beach is the most famous one, but you can find beach hotels in other areas, such as Ko Olina beach, Kalihiwai beach, and Ala Moana beach.