Waikiki is home to the vast majority of hotels and resorts on Oahu. Depending on the kind of Hawaiian vacation you seek and your budget, there’s arguably a spot for every type of traveler along the world-famous stretch of beach. Located on the Diamond Head end of Kalakuau Avenue, ‘Alohilani Resort is just steps away from the sand and sparkling surf.
The resort lobby knows how to make a good first impression. Floor-to-ceiling walls of glass fill the space with natural light, highlighting towering pillars wrapped in basket-woven teak. A striking coral sculpture named “MAKAI” by artist Nina Helms dominates the wall behind the front desk, serving as an ideal introduction to the vibrant sea life residing steps away in Oahu’s largest saltwater Oceanarium.
Dive Below the Waves Without Getting Wet
Opened in 1979, the two-story tank holds 280,000 gallons of salt water and approximately 350 fish, including a charming porcupine fish named Ophelia.
Guests are welcome to watch daily fish feedings at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Feedings take place at the water’s surface (The fitness center has an incredible view) and via a team of scuba divers.
Five days a week − Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday – divers hold Tank Talks, welcoming guests and their questions. On select days, the dive team offers behind-the-scenes, “Marine Biologist for a Day” experiences.
Accommodations
The ‘Alohilani Resort has 839 guest rooms and suites. I stayed in a Premier Ocean Front room on the 15th floor. The ocean view takes center stage from the moment you enter, because the entire exterior wall is made of glass, and natural light floods the room. A neutral color palette dominated by white and beige, with pops of color from wall art, creates a relaxing and welcoming space.
- Get a Car Rental
- Buy Travel Insurance
With room for just one person at a time, the bathroom was tight. One of the tightest bathrooms I’ve come across in recent memory, but it had all the essentials, including a single-sink vanity, walk-in shower, Hawaiian-made Malie organic toiletries in refillable bottles, and a toilet.
The room was also stocked with a coffee machine, electric kettle, small refrigerator, and a pair of complimentary reusable Mananalu (the brand launched by actor Jason Momoa) bottles of water. Water stations are available in the lobby; a partnership with the Boomerang Bottling System allows the bottles to be cleaned and refilled, eliminating single-use plastic.
My room also came with access to the Longboard Club. Breakfast included a lovely breakfast spread with build-your-own açai bowls, pastries, eggs, and assorted tropical fruit. Every evening there’s a pasta special, as well as cheese and charcuterie, a selection of dumplings, and rotating beer and wine.
Public Spaces and Facilities
For guests wanting to splash about, the pool is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Be sure to take a peek at the massive “Greetings from Hawaii” mural by artists Victor Ving and Lisa Beggs.)
Along with a fitness center, guests have access to rooftop tennis courts and batting cages. Daily wellness classes might include Aqua Zumba, Slow Vinyasa Yoga, and Grounding Strength & Mobility. Spa U’ilani offers an assortment of treatments, including massages and facials.
Dining Options
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto has two restaurants on the property: Morimoto Asia and Momosan. During my one-night stay, I had lunch at Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar. Along with a selection of appetizers (pupus) such as ahi poke nachos, chicken karaage bao buns, expect mains such as a soba noodle bowl, smash burger, and açai bowl.
Swell serves breakfast daily from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Choices range from a tropical fruit plate and yogurt parfait to banana bread French toast.
Good to Know
It’s a tad less than 10 miles to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
There are 22 adapted rooms (with at least one ADA room offered in every room category) for guests with mobility disabilities. Select rooms also feature strobe light alarms for hearing-impaired guests.
Self-service laundry facilities are located on the 5th floor. Washers and dryers are payable by credit card, but the detergent vending machine is coin-operated.
Rates for a Premier Ocean Front Room start at $535. Be sure to budget for the additional $54 daily resort amenity fee, which covers an assortment of services including beach rentals such as chairs and umbrellas, lei making and hula lessons, Wi-Fi, and more. Longboard Club access can be added to all room types starting at $175 per night, based on double occupancy.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
‘Alohilani Resort allows dogs 75 pounds and under. There is a $100 fee for stays of one to five nights, and a $200 fee for stays of six nights or longer. There is a maximum of two dogs per room.
I’m lucky enough to travel to Oahu frequently. Some of my other favorite hotels include: Halepuna Waikiki and its sister property, Halekulani, The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay, and The Kahala Hotel & Resort.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by ‘Alohilani Resort, but as always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
