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The best Waikiki accommodation: from beachfront to beach views

Angela Saurine Angela Saurine
From retro-chic hangouts to oceanfront grande dames, Waikīkī’s hotels and resorts each bring their own personality.

With its iconic stretch of sand, legendary surf breaks and ever-evolving hotel scene, Waikīkī offers far more than a one-size-fits-all stay. Whether you want to splash out on room with a view over its golden sands or prefer a more affordable option with ocean glimpses a few blocks back, each property delivers a distinct take on island life. The issue isn’t finding somewhere to stay – it’s choosing which version of Waikīkī you want to wake up to.

Find the one that fits your travel style.

Best for a girls’ getaway: The Laylow Waikīkī

the pool at The Laylow Waikīkī
Lounge by the saltwater pool.

The Laylow Waikīkī channels a retro-cool 1960s Honolulu aesthetic with a stylish, design-led edge, ideal for a fun girls’ trip. Think monstera-print walls, vintage furnishings and a tropical, lantern-lit pool deck that feels equal parts Palm Springs and Pacific. At its heart, the rooftop Hideout hums with live music and DJs, creative cuisine and craft cocktails.

Proximity to beachfront: Three blocks back from the beach, or around a five-minute walk

Address: 2299 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$300 per night

Best for families: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort from above
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort features the only saltwater lagoon in Waikīkī.

Set at the quieter western edge of Waikīkī, around a 10–15 minute stroll from the main strip, the sprawling Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort feels like a destination in itself. It comprises five towers and more than 3,000 rooms, with several pools and restaurants and a calm, wave-free lagoon that’s perfect for younger swimmers. Known for its spectacular Friday night fireworks show, the sheer scale of this property means endless space to play, dine and explore without ever leaving the resort.

Proximity to beachfront: Located directly on Duke Kahanamoku Beach

Address: 2005 Kālia Rd, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$200 per night

Best for luxury: ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikīkī

ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikīkī pool from above
The rooftop pool at ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikīkī.

With just nine full-floor suites, butler service and a rooftop infinity pool, ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikīkī is more private mansion than hotel. It also boasts a much-lauded restaurant, Mugen, in-room massages and a private chef experience, where a customised menu using rare and seasonal ingredients is prepared in your suite. A fleet of Mercedes vehicles are also available for guest use, or engage a chauffer.

Proximity to beachfront: Just across the road

Address: 2452 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$3,000 per night

Best for solo travellers: Romer House Waikīkī

the interior of Romer House Waikīkī
The mid-century-inspired interiors are designed with local art. (Credit: Joe Rovegno)

Romer House Waikīkī offers a refreshingly grown-up take on the neighbourhood’s hotel scene. Mid-century-inspired interiors – all woven textures, dark timbers and local art – create a smart, apartment-style feel, while the laidback pool club and lobby-level restaurant provide a place to relax and rejuvenate. The atmosphere is calm yet convivial, with a cocktail lounge if you are feeling social.

Proximity to beachfront: Around four blocks from the beach, or a seven-minute walk

Address: 415 Nahua Street, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$209 per night

Best for budget-conscious travellers: Vive Waikīkī

A boutique bolthole just three blocks from the beach, Vive Waikīkī delivers stylish simplicity with a distinctly local edge. Bright, compact rooms feature island-inspired touches and ocean or mountain views, while a convivial “living room" lobby and curated art create a relaxed, design-forward feel. Thoughtful inclusions – from complimentary continental breakfast to loaner beach gear – make it a smart choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking value without sacrificing style or location.

Proximity to beachfront: Three blocks back from the beach, or around a five-minute walk

Address: 2426 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$120 per night

Best for surfers: The Twin Fin

The Twin Fin in Honolulu
Mid-century rooms with oceanfront lanais offer panoramic views.

Tucked away at the Diamond Head end of Waikīkī, The Twin Fin is a love letter to surf culture, where “check in, paddle out" is more than a tagline. With multiple breaks – from Queens to Canoes – just minutes away, plus on-site board hire and a surf school, it’s made for wave chasers. Light-filled, mid-century rooms with oceanfront lanais offer front-row views of the lineup, fusing laidback style with an unbeatable location.

Proximity to beachfront: Just across the road, or a two-minute walk

Address: 2570 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu

Prices: From around $150 per night

Best for history lovers & pamper seekers: Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikīkī Beach

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikīkī Beach
The oceanfront rooms boast views of the Pacific and Diamond Head.

Opened in 1901 as Waikīkī’s very first hotel, the Moana Surfrider – affectionately known as the “First Lady of Waikīkī" – combines Victorian-era grandeur with contemporary beachfront luxury. Set directly on the sands of Waikīkī Beach, its storied Banyan Wing and sweeping verandahs evoke a bygone era, while the oceanfront Moana Lani Spa offers restorative treatments inspired by Hawaiian healing traditions. It’s a rare stay where heritage, location and wellness converge in quietly timeless style.

Proximity to beachfront: Mere steps

Address: 2365 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$300 per night

Best for couples: Halekulani

the Halekulani pool on Waikīkī Beach
Relax poolside right by Waikīkī Beach.

Situated on a coveted stretch of Waikīkī Beach yet quietly removed from the crowds, Halekulani – which means “house befitting heaven" – is a study in understated romance. Its oceanfront rooms and private lanais showcase uninterrupted views of Diamond Head, while the orchid-tiled pool and fine dining restaurants set an intimate tone. At SpaHalekulani, couples can retreat to serene suites for hydrotherapy and bespoke treatments.

Proximity to beachfront: Located directly on the beach

Address: 2199 Kālia Rd, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$700

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Best for eco-conscious travellers: ‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach

the infinity pool at Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach
The saltwater infinity pool overlooks Waikiki Beach.

‘Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach pairs contemporary design with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability. Powered by 100 per cent renewable energy and committed to carbon-neutral certification, it leads the way in eco-conscious hospitality, while initiatives such as reforestation programs, plastic reduction and locally-sourced dining strengthen its impact. Guests can even plant native trees, making each stay a small but meaningful contribution to Hawai‘i’s future, without compromising on style.

Proximity to beachfront: Just across the road

Address: 2490 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$250 per night

Best for cultural activities: OUTRIGGER Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort

OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Reef Resort from above
This four-star oceanfront sanctuary lies on the quieter western edge of Waikīkī. (Credit: OUTRIGGER Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort)

From lei-making to ‘ukulele lessons, hula classes and storytelling sessions led by local cultural practitioners, OUTRIGGER Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort is a top choice for those who want to immerse themselves in Hawaiian traditions. Evenings bring live music and beachfront dining, while the theatre at its nearby sister property OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel hosts the incredible Cirque du Soleil show ‘Auana.

Proximity to beachfront: An absolute beachfront property

Address: 2169 Kālia Rd, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$300 per night

Best for yoga lovers: Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel Waikīkī Beach

Kapiʻolani Park view from Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel Waikīkī Beach
Wake up to scenic views of Kapiʻolani Park.

On the quieter, park-fringed edge of Waikīkī, Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel blends breezy retro charm with one of the area’s most iconic outlooks. Mornings begin with open-air yoga on the lanai, framed by Lēʻahi(Diamond Head) three days a week, while the hotel’s rooftop restaurant serves Pacific-inspired cuisine in an alfresco setting with a view.

Proximity to beachfront: One block back from the beach, or around three minutes’ walk

Address: 150 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu

Prices: From around US$180 per night

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Angela Saurine
Angela Saurine is a freelance writer based on Bundjalung Country in the village of Bangalow, in the Byron Bay hinterland. She began her career as a copykid at The Daily Telegraph in Sydney before setting off to explore the world – spending a few months as a ski bum in Whistler and living the expat life in London. On returning home, Angela climbed the ranks to land her dream role as national travel reporter at News Corp Australia. She’s since journeyed everywhere from Arnhem Land to Antarctica, and from Christmas Island to Easter Island, with a particular passion for Indigenous tourism, islands, snow, food and expedition cruising. Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo is at the top of her Aussie bucket list.
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5 things every hotel needs for a more restorative stay

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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    Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

    The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

    1. Easy access to good food

    meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20
    Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

    One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

    In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

    In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

    Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

    At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

    While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

    It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

    2. Better sleep options

    Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room
    Sleep deeply with Novotel.

    There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

    For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

    The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

    3. More ways to move

    woman hiking around queenstown new zealand
    Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

    Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

    At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

    Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

    4. Better connections

    Novotel Sharm El Sheikh
    Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

    One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

    Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

    A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

    5. Location is everything

    Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld
    Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

    Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

    All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

    Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.