11 Best Boutique Hotels in Waikiki

As a tourist hotspot in Honolulu, Waikiki offers beautiful beaches, bustling nightlife, and galleries to keep you entertained. The stunning beaches are famous for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. Also, visitors will find numerous restaurants and shops in the neighborhood. Although the city is small, Waikiki is packed with various accommodations that will suit any type of traveler. From stylish boutique hotels, and exclusive residential-style hotels, to different lavish oceanfront resorts. If you’re looking for a place to stay, we’ve prepared a list of the 11 best boutique hotels in Waikiki.

Coconut Waikiki Hotel

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Coconut Waikiki Hotel is located in the heart of Waikiki and across the Ala Wai Canal. It’s only minutes of walking to Waikiki Beach Walk and Fort DeRussy. You’ll find world-class shopping and restaurants along the Kalakaua Avenue. Some of them are the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, The International Marketplace, and Luxury Row.

All the 81-rooms and suites in this boutique hotel feature retro-inspired décor with full amenities that will make your stay comfortable. After all the island fun – whether playing in the ocean or soaking in the sun – recharge and refresh in your clean and comfy rooms. Besides, each room and suite offer free Wi-Fi, wet bars, and Keurig coffeemakers. What we love the most is a private lanai to enjoy the view.

Kick back and relax in the hotel facilities that offer a peaceful and playful vibe. These include an outdoor play area, a heated pool, an exercise room, and BBQ grills.

Vive Hotel Waikiki

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Next on our list of the best boutique hotels in Waikiki is Vive Hotel Waikiki. It’s located just steps from the world-famous beach, shops, and restaurants. This boutique hotel offers a retreat for travelers craving an authentic Hawaii experience and aloha spirit. It’s only within minutes of walking from Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Beach, and Royal Hawaiian Center.

The stylish rooms with local artwork offer ocean and mountain views. Cozy bedding with cotton linens and a duvet is perfect for a peaceful retreat and relaxation. The thoughtful in-room amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi and minifridges, will make the most of your stay. Book a suite room; you’ll get bright murals and a seating area.

The room rate includes a complimentary breakfast buffet. Enjoy your meal at its restaurant or grab a bite at the snack bar/deli. Besides, guests will also find other amenities offered. These include parking, a complimentary newspaper in the lobby, and laundry services.

Aqua Oasis Hotel

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Aqua Oasis Hotel features walls of greenery and serene koi and turtle pond. This light and airy boutique hotel is located in the heart of Waikiki. The prime location means you’re only minutes away from the famous Waikiki Beach Walk. Moreover, Waikiki Shopping Plaza and Fort DeRussy Beach Park are also nearby.

The intimate and relaxed rooms and suites feature calming tropical atmosphere and private balconies. In-room amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, minifridges, and flat-screen TVs, are available. Besides, you can enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast to start your day. Some suites feature living rooms and kitchenettes.

Unlike other boutique hotels in Waikiki, guests are entitled to Bishop Museum and Honolulu Museum of Art admission for two. Unwind and relax after a long day in its soaking pool, or sunbathe on the sun deck in a chaise lounge. Then, indulge in traditional steak dishes and local flavors at its on-site restaurant, Aloha Steak House Waikiki. For night entertainment, you can enjoy the Karaoke GS Studio.

Kaimana Beach Hotel

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Kaimana Beach Hotel is located in Sans Souci Beach and in the shade of Diamond Head, making it one of the best boutique hotels in Waikiki. It’s easy to walk around Waikiki, such as Kapiolani Park and Waikiki Aquarium. All in all, this boutique hotel is perfect a place to experience the best of Waikiki’s ‘Gold Coast.’

You’ll enter the gorgeous lobby with blends of vibrant and tropical décor. Each airy room and suite offers free Wi-Fi, a private balcony flat-screen TV, and a minifridge. And your private balcony with chairs and a table is a perfect place to relax after a long day while enjoying the views of the skyline, Pacific Ocean, and Diamond Head.

You can also book a room with a kitchenette and pull-out sofa. If you upgrade the room, some feature sitting areas and/or ocean views. Moreover, most suites feature separate living areas. For a dining experience, Hau Tree offers beachside brunch, lunch, and casual dinner. Complimentary beach towels and parking are available for free. If you want to keep up with your daily exercise, a paid fitness center is ready to use.

Hotel Renew

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Suppose you prefer to stay in a boutique hotel with an intimate oceanside escape in Waikiki. In that case, Hotel Renew is a perfect choice. Offering sophisticated serenity and tropical Hawaiian ocean views, it’s an excellent base for active travelers who love exploring.

Enjoy complimentary use of towels, beach chairs, boogie boards, and snorkel gear. And there’s also a free weekly yoga class in the park you shouldn’t miss. Explore and visit some famous places, like Kapiolani Park, Waikiki Beach, and International Market, which are only within walking distance.

After exploring all day, retreat to a room with mid-century meets modern tropical design. Rest in your bed with crisp cotton bedding and a picture-perfect ocean view. Also, recharge yourself with the in-room amenities, like Illy espresso and coffee machines. Other amenities include minifridge, bathrobes, and Korres bath amenities.

Polynesian Residences Waikiki Beach

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Polynesian Residences Waikiki Beach is located in Kalakaua Avenue, also known as Luxury Row. It’s near world-class shopping and dining in Waikiki, such as Tiffany’s, Chanel, Tommy Bahama, and Ruth Chris Steakhouse. Besides, it’s only a minute’s walk to the beaches and Waikiki Aquarium. The location makes the hotel one of the best boutique hotels in Waikiki Beach.

All spacious rooms and suites feature Wi-Fi, microwave, work desk, and minifridge. And most rooms have a private balcony, while suites offer Keurig Coffee Maker and kitchenettes. A Family Suite with four queen beds and a seating area is the best option if you come with a group.

An outdoor pool with sun loungers or beach chairs is available for you to refresh and have some exercise. With that said, the sundeck is also a great place to relax or sunbathe since it’s surrounded by palm trees. You’ll find the front desk is available 24 hours.

Shoreline Hotel Waikiki

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Only minutes of walk from Waikiki Beach, Shoreline Hotel Waikiki offers the striking beauty of the Hawaiian landscape. This modern hotel is only a mile (1.6 km) away from the Honolulu Zoo, International Marketplace, and Fort DeRussy.

It features warm, bright, and airy rooms during the day. Meanwhile, you’ll get a cool, moody, and electric atmosphere at night. The 135 contemporary rooms and suites feature private balconies; some offer ocean views. Like most boutique hotels in Waikiki, all rooms and suites have free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Microwaves and minifridges are available in some units.

Heavenly Island Lifestyle serves cuisines with local, organic, and sustainably-sourced ingredients for your dining and entertainment. Don’t miss trying the taste of Hawaii and enjoy the pau hana (happy hour) in this on-site restaurant. Also, you can exercise and relax at its vibrant rooftop pool, making it one of the best boutique hotels in Waikiki Beach.

The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Clubeach

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Conveniently situated in downtown Waikiki, The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club is within walking distance of some popular places. These include Waikiki Beach, the US Army Museum of Hawaii, and the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.

As one of the best boutique hotels in Waikiki, it features airy rooms and bright suites with private balconies and traditional island décor. Enjoy the in-room amenities, such as Wi-Fi, minifridges, flat-screen TVs, and designer toiletries. Sofabeds are available in suites.

Refresh after your full-day activities in its outdoor pool that offers poolside movies, a cocktail bar, and cabanas. The on-site restaurant is also available for your dining experience. Other amenities include board games, towels, daily coffee, and a snack basket.

Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites

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Located near a tourist area, The Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites is within walking distance of everything. This boutique hotel is just a short walk to Waikiki Beach. Besides, it’s adjacent to Fort DeRussy Park and near to shopping and dining places.

Various types of rooms and suites are available to meet your need. All bright and airy studios and suites feature Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, pull-out sofas, a mini-refrigerator, and a private balcony. If you prefer accommodation with a kitchenette, Studio Kitchenette offers additional amenities, such as a 2-burner stovetop and microwave. For the best of your stay in one of the best boutique hotels in Waikiki, suite rooms feature a living area, a full kitchen, and views of Honolulu’s skyline.

Enjoy the complimentary morning coffee and tea during your stay. Besides, there are sundeck with BBQs and a café available for guests to enjoy. A heated outdoor pool, a gym, and yoga classes await those who want to keep doing the exercise. Other amenities include beach gear, a weekly wine-and-cheese social, a local shuttle, and DVDs video games.

Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head

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Experience a balance of leisure and elegance in boutique hotels in Waikiki Beach by staying in Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head. You can immerse the island tranquility in spacious and bright rooms with breathtaking views of the deep blue Pacific Ocean or Diamond Head volcanic peak.

Enjoy your stay and have the ultimate relaxation in its rooms and suites with plush amenities. Guests can use high-speed Wi-Fi, iPod dock, and coffeemaker. Start the day by sipping your morning coffee from the comfort of your private balcony. Some suites feature a living area, library, a full gourmet kitchen, and dining table. If you book the penthouse, you’ll have the view of the Pacific Ocean, Diamond Head, and Kapiolani Park.

The hotel offers complimentary morning coffee, evening wine tasting, bicycle rentals, beach gear, and yoga in the park to enhance your stay. The award-winning restaurant plus lounge and bar will be an excellent place for you to explore the world of Hawaiian cuisine.

Espacio The Jewel of Waikiki

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Experience something unlike any other by staying in Espacio The Jewel of Waikiki. This one of the boutique hotels in Waikiki provides nine luxurious suites on nine floors designed to offer privacy and personalized service. You’ll find the multi-room suites occupy an entire floor with stunning panoramic views overlooking the world-famous Waikiki Beach. Within minutes of walking, you can reach Waikiki Beach, International Marketplace, Waikiki Aquarium, and Royal Hawaiian Theater Legends in Concert Waikiki.

Each suite features butler service, sleek kitchens, a marble bathroom, and a sauna. Besides, all suites have balconies with hot tubs and beach views. Enjoy the Wi-Fi access and 65-inch smart TV with cable programs for in-room entertainment.

Other complimentary perks include loaner cars (subject to availability) and airport transfer. Guests will also enjoy the spa, a rooftop area with an infinity pool, and a sundeck to relax. However, what we love the most about this hotel is Mugen, a chic Japanese-French restaurant, offers an exquisite dining experience with globally sourced cuisine and rare wines.

Recommended Restaurants/Bar in Waikiki

• Hy’s Steakhouse – Has been a fine-dining for 38 years; Hy’s Steakhouse offers prime beef cooked over Hawaiian kiawe wood. Enjoy the perfectly tender steak and other menus, such as warm spinach salad.
• Azure Restaurant – Have a wide selection of local fresh-caught fish at a world-class Azure Restaurant. Don’t miss trying their menus, including ahi tuna to moi in its oceanfront space with a relaxed ambiance.
• Tommy Bahama Restaurant – Enjoy your dining in the restaurant with a gorgeous living wall of tropical plant life and herbs and an open-air rooftop. Get the taste of tropical-American menus, such as blackened mahi-mahi tacos, coconut shrimp, and guava baby back ribs. 

Recommended Things To Do in Waikiki

• Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Excursion – Experience and enjoy the Waikiki coastline by sailing on a luxury catamaran with a great viewing platform. Enjoy the sight of thousands of beautiful Humpback whales in the warm waters of Hawaii. 
• Diamond Head – Don’t miss to visit Diamond Head, the iconic volcanic crater in Waikiki. Take a 30-minute hike while admiring its spectacular panoramic views of Hawaii’s capital city and the Pacific Ocean. 
• Waikiki Undersea Adventure Submarine Tour – While visiting Waikiki, you should try the recreational submarine to experience a unique oceanic adventure. You’ll dive 100 feet (30 meters) below the surface and see the natural marine life close up, including coral, fishes, and turtles.

Where To Stay in Waikiki

Knowing where to stay in Waikiki will help you plan the perfect getaway. It’s no secret that hotels in Waikiki Beach are the best places to base yourself. If you prefer the ultimate beach vacation, beachfront hotels or resorts in Waikiki Beach are the perfect places.

Nature enthusiasts can’t go wrong with Diamond Head. Group or family travelers will love visiting the Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo in Kapiolani Park. Meanwhile, outdoor and nature lovers can embark on a whale-watching tour or go hiking on the historic trail to take a glimpse of the incredible Diamond Head Crater.