Looking for a distinctive and characterful stay on Oʻahu? You’ll find an array of niche boutique hotels at budget-friendly prices on Hawaiʻi’s most populous island that will provide a uniquely cool backdrop and bespoke charm to your adventures in paradise.
From vibrant city life to relaxed surf towns, Oʻahu, aka ‘The Gathering Place’, caters for all kinds of holidaymakers with diverse accommodation, ranging from luxe resorts to intimate local stays.
Waikīkī plays host to many of these boutique hotels, offering locally inspired cuisine, elegant rooms and breathtaking Pacific Ocean views for an unforgettable stay steeped in rich culture and natural beauty.
Boutique hotels in Waikīkī often have a compelling cost advantage as well as maintaining a commitment to personalised service, local charm and immersive experiences.
Here’s our pick of the coolest and budget-friendly boutique hotels to check-in to in Waikīkī.
Waikīkī Malia Hotel
Beautifully designed and boldly nostalgic, Waikīkī Malia Hotel allows you to immerse yourself in all the arts, culture, sights and sounds of this sprawling sun-kissed oasis. The hotel contains 48 sets of connecting rooms – many with two double beds, providing flexible stays for families and groups.
Kaimana Beach Hotel
Located where the iconic Diamond Head and Pacific Ocean meet, the 122-room Kaimana Beach is the perfect place to relax at the quiet end of Waikīkī. Sample local and international cuisine at Hau Tree beachfront restaurant and enjoy bevvies at the bar/lounge while you drink in the ocean view.
Coconut Waikīkī Hotel
Coconut Waikīkī becomes a visitor’s home away from home for a comfortable stay with inviting outdoor spaces like a heated pool. The 81-room hotel showcases a contemporary take on the classic Waikīkī style where you can simply lounge and soak up the warm sun and refreshing island breeze.
Hotel La Croix
The 192-room Hotel La Croix offers a soothing and connected experience that will bring
light to your spirit and soul. La Croix, meaning “the cross” (crossroads) in French, is a fitting name for the boutique hotel at the gateway of Waikīkī on Kalākaua and Kūhiō, the area’s two main avenues.
Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
The Surfjack pays homage to the genuine essence of Waikīkī with a boutique hotel experience that’s reminiscent of the beach ‘burb’s mid-century heyday while celebrating the lively creative movement reshaping it today, complete with an iconic pool and resident hotel dog.
White Sands Hotel
This location represents a spot where you can truly relax. Each of the White Sands’ rooms and suites has a distinctive fusion of vintage charm and modern luxury with wet bars equipped with mini-fridges and microwaves, enhancing the Waikīkī experience.
Romer Waikīkī at the Ambassador
An antidote to ordinary Oʻahu itineraries, this neighbourhood hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Waikiki Beach Walk and the Royal Hawaiian Center. Centred around Waikīkī’s creative culture, the easy-going guestrooms feature private lanais, plenty of lounge space and local Big Island coffee.
Shoreline Hotel Waikīkī
Situated a block away from Waikīkī beach, the 135-room Shoreline is a ‘tropicool’ boutique
hotel with a vibrant and playful essence from the lively lobby and cosy rooms to the rooftop pool – infusing Hawaiian style with a contemporary and colourful twist.
Vive Hotel Waikīkī
The aloha spirit is steeped in every element at Vive Hotel Waikīkī. Tucked three blocks
away from Waikīkī Beach, this boutique retreat offers an authentic island experience – stylish rooms with ocean and mountain views, local artwork, thoughtful amenities and friendly staff.
Wayfinder Waikīkī
A new boutique hotel haven in the heart of Waikīkī, Wayfinder is a fresh take on the traditional Hawaiʻi hotel experience. The 228 guestrooms are inspired by the heritage of Hawaii, blending geometric and floral prints and natural fibre furniture with design elements by local artisans.
After more idyllic retreats? Discover how to escape the everyday at Hawaiian wellness havens here.
Want to stay up-to-date on all Hawaiian Island happenings with The Aloha Update? Head to gohawaii.com/au
Advisors, check for destination updates and important intel here.
