Luxury Hotel Review: Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Hawaii

Waikiki has long since shrugged off its image as a congested tourist trap packed with weary hotels, and the Outrigger Waikiki is one resort which can claim a major role in the area’s renaissance. Here’s why.

• Location: In the heart of the action on Kalakaua Avenue and one of Waikiki’s finest beaches.
• Accommodations: The hotel has a wide range of room types, and suites, some with city views, some with beach views, and some absolutely beach front. Many room types come with multiple beds or a bed and sofa bed making them suitable for families, with features including blackout drapes, a refrigerator and coffee maker with complimentary coffee. V/47 rooms have access to the Voyager 47 Club Lounge and are located on a high floor, and come with perks including breakfast, and complimentary evening appetisers, with beer, wine, and beverages. There are two types of suite including a One-Bedroom and Diamond Oceanfront Suite, which also have access to the lounge.
• Dining options: There are a number of onsite venues including Duke’s Waikiki Restaurant, which is a Hawaiian institution and not just for the tourists - locals also flock to the bar for the amazing sunsets over Waikiki. Hula Grill Waikiki offers contemporary dining, and views of the ocean and Diamond Head which are outstanding, even if you’re seated back from the front of the restaurant. Pai’s Deli is ideal for a light lunch and snacks, and Sunrise Shack is where you’ll get your daily caffeine fix or a smoothie. 
• What else is there: New to the hotel is Blue Note Hawaii, which has been voted "Hawaii's Best Live Music Venue" by Honolulu Magazine and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. On offer here besides great food are two shows per night of world-class talent, with music styles ranging from jazz, pop, rock to reggae, traditional Hawaiian and more. Infinity Massage - A Waikiki Beach Resort Spa Spa features a number of Hawaiian-themed treatments including the Lomi Lomi Massage, along with Thai/Yoga massage and facials. There is complimentary yoga on Saturday mornings, a 24-hour fitness centre, high-speed internet access, a swimming pool and whirlpool.
• What’s nearby: Guests can walk to many key attractions including the International Marketplace, the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Kapiolani Park, Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, and Ala Moana Shopping Center. Diamond Head is just under four kilometres away, with the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and Iolani Palace and the Hawaiian Royal Museum a short taxi ride.
• Why go: Very few people leave the Outrigger Waikiki feeling disappointed. Besides a top location right in the heart of Waikiki, and perched right on its famous sands, it’s an ideal destination for a romantic getaway, as well as a vibrant introduction to Waikiki.

The Space

Outrigger Waikiki is one of a lineup of absolute beach front hotels but there’s more to this stunning property than a refreshing contemporary design and to-die-for views of the world’s most famous beach. Highly rated and fully renovated in 2012, it would be easy to confuse this hotel with its sister, the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, which sits less a couple of kilometres northwest along the Waikiki shore. Both have similar offerings but what truly sets this hotel apart is a terrific location, offering direct access to the  golden sands of Waikiki Beach, and with a great selection of shops and restaurants within easy walking distance. 

Where We Stayed

Our V/47 Club Diamond Head Oceanfront Suite, located on a high floor of the hotel, was simply huge at 64 square metres in size. The first time we stepped into the space, we headed straight for the lanai, or balcony, to savour one of the world’s most famous views along the stretch of Waikiki beach down to Diamond head. We spent a lot of time here during our stay. In the mornings we sipped on coffee and watched the “line up” of surfers, tandem surfers and outrigger canoes on the world’s most famous surf break on one lanai, and in the evening, with a cocktail in hand, we would watch the sunset over Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. The room came with access to the  Voyager 47 Club Lounge and its many perks, and came with a super comfortable king bed and two bathrooms, one featuring a huge bathtub, and a separate living area with a sofa bed if you’re travelling with kids. The decor was casual contemporary with dark wood, and a colour palette of earth tones including red and green.

UltimateTravelMagazine.com Loves 

• The location, which can’t be beaten.
• The friendly service.
• The views to Diamond Head.

Insider Tips  

• Make to experience Blue Note Hawaii but book the second sitting so you won’t be rushed. 

The Details

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is located at 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, www.outriggerwaikikihotel.com.