If the Hawaii trip of your dream looks like a vintage but trendy boutique hotel, mai tais with little umbrellas, palm trees, and easy access to food, shopping, and world class attractions all on one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic beaches, then you’re going to love Waikiki.

Now, I want to be totally honest with you…I have a love/hate relationship with Waikiki. The beach and area itself is BEAUTIFUL and it definitely has its attractions, but a lot of people (usually ones who don’t do their research before their trip) end up disappointed because it’s not what they expected Hawaii to be like.

So instead of just plowing ahead with my favorite boutique hotels in Waikiki, let me do a quick breakdown to help you decide if staying in Waikiki is right for you or not….

This post may contain some affiliate links, which means I’ll make a little money on anything you choose to purchase. But of course, I only recommend my absolute favorites to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Mousin’ Around possible.

Why You Might Like Waikiki

Here’s why many people like staying in Waikiki:

First things first, Waikiki Beach is seriously STUNNING. The view down Waikiki with Diamond Head in the background is probably the most iconic view in Hawaii and it’s one that many people grow up imagining. The water is calm, warm, clear, and blue. The sand is soft and white. Palm trees are swaying. There are views for days. You get the picture.

Some of the most legendary hotels in Hawaii are on Waikiki Beach. It’s Hawaii’s oldest resort area so there’s a lot of history. The Moana Surfrider (built in 1901) was Hawaii’s first hotel and it’s still a major draw today. And the Royal Hawaiian, nicknamed the “Pink Palace of the Pacific” and made famous by Hollywood in the 1960s is everything you associate “old Hawaii” with.

You can find cheap hotels. A lot of them. Just like any major city, the more hotel rooms there are, the more competitive prices are.

You can get around the area without a car. Shuttles/Taxis/Ubers are a dime a dozen from the Honolulu airport to Waikiki and most visitors tend to stay in Waikiki/Honolulu and not venture out to the rest of the island much (or only on excursions). Oahu also has a decent bus system and there are frequent tourist oriented trolleys that have good coverage of Waikiki and certain places in Honolulu. Since parking at hotels can run you up to $40/day, not absolutely having to have a car (at least every day) is attractive.

Waikiki is pretty densely populated with attractions. There are tons of museums, historic and cultural sites, the zoo, aquarium, etc. as well as companies that pick up for excursions like snorkeling, ziplining, luaus, ATV tours, etc. making it a central station for activities and entertainment on Oahu.

There’s a LOT of shopping. From luxury designer brands at the Ala Moana to major chain stores at the Royal Hawaiian Center, to cheap souvenir outlets everywhere, Waikiki is a shopper’s paradise.

There are a ton of restaurants. You’ll find major chains (Cheesecake Factory, Hard Rock Café, etc.) and pricey resort restaurants as well as local joints (as you venture away from Waikiki into Honolulu). Honolulu is also something of a foodie’s paradise (especially if you love Asian cuisines) if you’re willing to venture off the beaten path. Read about the best places to eat in Waikiki and Honolulu here.

Why You Might NOT Like Waikiki

Now, a few reasons you may not like Waikiki:

It’s very crowded. Like…very, very crowded. There are over a million people that live on Oahu PLUS droves of tourists and they all seem to concentrate in Waikiki and Honolulu. It is not an undiscovered Hawaiian paradise.

Even the nice beachfront resorts are crowded. Also, for the price I don’t generally find the nicest places in Waikiki to be as nice as comparable resorts in other parts of Hawaii.

There’s soooo much traffic! You’d expect traffic in the city, but even if you have a car and you’re willing to get out and explore the rest of the island, there just always seems to be traffic everywhere. And I guess you really shouldn’t be surprised with over a million people on a small island.

There’s so much to see on the island besides Waikiki (the truly beautiful parts!) and getting around by bus isn’t too convenient. Which means you’ll most likely want to rent a car (at least part of the time) and most resorts charge about $40/day for you to park it (but if you can find a resort anywhere in Hawaii that doesn’t charge for parking let me know ; )

You may come home feeling like you’ve had more of a city vacation instead of a beach vacation. Most people expect Hawaii to feel like an island getaway. And it certainly can. But that’s not at all the vibe in Waikiki. It’s tall buildings, endless shopping, traffic, people everywhere, and all of the trappings of a tourist destination (timeshare pitches, cheap souvenir shops, etc.).

BUT if you’re okay with a more crowded, city vacation on one of the world’s most iconic beaches, then a Waikiki vacation can be really fun!

My Favorite Boutique Hotels in Waikiki

Now here’s the deal…I am not going to recommend every single resort or hotel in Oahu to you.

First of all, this is a list of MY personal favorites. Second, there are a lot of good places to stay and your budget and circumstances may make you lean in a certain direction. So if you have your eye on a certain place and I don’t recommend it here, it’s not necessarily a bad place to stay. I’m just really picky about where I like to stay and what I recommend.

Also, my specific recommendations in this post are for HOTELS AND RESORTS only. If you’re looking for a condo (even a condo-tel/condo resort), you want this post.

Final Note (and a big favor to ask): If you find my blog and info AT ALL helpful, the absolute best thing you can do to help me out is to click through the links in this post to book your hotels. I make a small commission on your bookings and if you’re going to book a hotel anyways, it’s a WIN WIN. Thanks so much!

The Royal Hawaiian

This is definitely the most iconic hotel in Waikiki…in all of Hawaii!  “The Pink Palace of the Pacific” has a style that speaks of a bygone era but it’s still high on modern luxuries.

It’s right in the heart of Waikiki, but tucked back off the main strip behind the Royal Hawaiian Center so it never feels quite as busy as so many of the other big hotels.

If it’s in the budget, definitely book the Mailani Tower. It’s the newly renovated “luxury” tower and it has much more modern and updated rooms (not to mention ah-mazing views) than the older wing.

Check pricing here.

***Want to save major $$$ on your trip to Hawaii? I get asked ALL the time how I’m able to travel so often to Hawaii and stay at really nice resorts. Well, my favorite travel hack is cashing in points to score free airfare and free nights at some of Hawaii’s most high end resorts. Read my full guide on the exact system I use to max out credit card rewards here. Seriously, it’s going to save you soooo much money.

Moana Surfrider

They just don’t make hotels like this anymore. The oldest hotel on Waikiki (it’s been around since 1901) definitely feels like it’s from another era. Their porch is iconic for guests and visitors alike and while it’s always pretty busy since it’s right on the main strip (and the beach), it has an elegant and relaxed feel.

They do afternoon tea on the verandah on the weekends and that’s pretty high on my Hawaii bucket list.

Check pricing here.

The Laylow

This is my favorite “off beach” place to stay in Waikiki. It’s a great spot if you want a nice resort/hotel experience but don’t need to be right on the beach. They’ve really embraced the vintage Hawaii vibes.

The rooms are spacious and comfy and they provide some fun amenities like snacks, flip flops, and reusable water bottles.

The pool area is a nice retreat and their restaurant/bar “the Hideout” is a great place to escape the Waikiki hustle and bustle while still feeling close to it all. And bonus! It’s part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection so you’ll get all the perks of status and points.

I wouldn’t necessarily call it a budget hotel, but it’s usually much cheaper than other comprably nice beachfront hotels.

Check pricing here.

Halekulani Hotel

This is probably Honolulu’s most luxurious hotel and its location (it’s a bit tucked away off the main strip) means it’s not as busy with foot traffic as some places. You’ll have amazing views of Diamond head from the beach, pool, restaurants, and guest rooms. Some of Waikiki’s most sought after dining is also located here (La Mer, Orchids, and House without a Key).

Check pricing here.

The Modern Honolulu

While not beachfront, The Modern Honolulu is a super trendy waterfront hotel (located on the Ala Wai Harbor) with a great location in Honolulu. It’s not a budget hotel, but it’s becoming an increasingly popular place to stay. Its location puts you in a different sphere than the more tourist oriented parts of Waikiki as you’ll be closer to Ala Moana and Kakaako but still nearby all the fun spots in Waikiki.

Check pricing here.

The Surfjack Hotel

This budget friendly/mid range boutique hotel really plays up 1960s Hawaiian beach culture. It’s not on the beach, but it’s not too far to walk and it’s a great spot if you want a reasonably priced place to stay while exploring the island, but you don’t want to sacrifice style and a nice room.

Check pricing here.

Kaimana Beach Hotel

Recently under new ownership, this property has been undergoing some pretty significant renovations that have made it one of the more trendy spots in Waikiki. It’s located down at the quieter end of Waikiki (by the zoo and aquarium) so it’s a totally different vibe, but the design is so on point and their restaurant (Hau Tree) is supposed to be amazing. Most of the common spaces and the suites have been totally renovated, but last I checked they were still working on the regular rooms. It’s a great deal for an oceanfront hotel too.

Check pricing here.

Shoreline Hotel Waikiki

If budget is the number one factor, I’d check this place out. It’s not on the beach (quick walk though) and it’s a streamlined/efficient kind of hotel but with a super cute instagram aesthetic. Some of the rooms can be a little worn, but it’s clean and the common spaces are well done (the rooftop pool is great) and I love Heavenly Island Lifestyle, their casual cafe. Their kalua pork eggs benedict are AMAZING.

Check pricing here.

Want to read more posts about Oahu? I’ve got plenty!

My Favorite Things to Do on Oahu // Things to Do in Waikiki // 5 Day Oahu Itinerary // Oahu North Shore Guide // Oahu Windward Coast (Kailua) Guide // Easy Hikes on Oahu

My Favorite Boutique Hotels in Waikiki // Where to Stay on Oahu Besides Waikiki // The Laylow Review

The Best Luaus (and the Worst) on Oahu // Paradise Cove Luau Review // Is the Polynesian Cultural Center Worth It? // Paradise Cove vs Polynesian Cultural Center

Where Locals Eat in Waikiki // Jurassic Park at Kualoa Ranch // Shangri La and the Honolulu Museum of Art // Tips for Visiting Pearl Harbor

Tips for Staying at Aulani // Is Aulani Worth It? // How Many Days to Spend at Aulani // Aulani Character Schedule // Ka Wa’a Luau Review // Things to Do Near Aulani (in Ko Olina) // Where to Eat Near Aulani

Everything You Need to Know BEFORE You Go to Oahu