The 7 Best Hotels in Waikiki for Couples

Some of the best hotels in Hawaii are located in the beautiful and world-famous Waikiki neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or want to explore one of the world’s most iconic destinations, Waikiki offers couples plenty of fun and relaxation. From glamorous beachfront resorts to intimate boutique hotels, Waikiki has it all!

We understand that it can be hard to choose which hotel is right for you, so we’ve rounded up the best Waikiki hotels for couples to help you decide.

How did we come up with this list? It took hours of research and much input from local experts, plus our personal experience. We’ve included everything from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels that still offer the full Waikiki experience.

There is something for everyone on this list – from hotels catering to young adults, seniors, and romantic getaways to people just looking for a staycation.

Best Hotels in Waikiki for Couples

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

(1) Halekulani Hotel

RATING: 4.5 Stars | Price: $$$$

Amenities/Perks: Spa, salon services, heated pool, fitness studio and classes, business center, hospitality suite, TOTO toilets, multiple restaurants onsite, no resort fees

The Halekulani is one of the most iconic and luxurious hotels in Waikiki. Situated on a prime piece of beachfront property, you’ll enjoy stunning views from your private balcony and access to all the amenities of such a high-end resort.

There’s something for everyone here, from intimate spa treatments to gourmet meals and beyond.

Accommodations at the Halekulani Hotel

This hotel has been hosting visitors for nearly 100 years. The rooms are spacious, clean, modern, and iconic, yet simple. 

The Halekulani offers four different main room types:

Premier Suite: This option offers four different premier suite options overlooking Waikiki Beach with unobstructed views of the iconic Diamond Head. Most people would describe these suites as luxury at its finest. The rooms are very spacious with spectacular interior design. If you have money to spare, this is the way to go!

Each suite has a dedicated butler, in-room guest check-in, private kitchen facilities, and complimentary SUV roundtrip transfers from the Honolulu Airport.

Suites: These luxurious suites are expansive, with extra large bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and a separate powder room in full-size suites. Every suite has a private balcony or lanai with breathtaking views.

Guestrooms: Depending on your budget, you can choose from multiple room types in this category. On the high end, you have the Diamond Head oceanfront prime rooms. These rooms are typically on the high floors and have the best views, but you will have to pay a pretty penny for them!

Here are all the options:

• The high-floor ocean
• The Diamond Head oceanfront
• Ocean views
• Partial ocean
• Poolside and poolside convenience
• Garden courtyard rooms

Accessible Rooms: The Halekulani offers several ADA-accessible rooms with partial ocean views, Diamond Head ocean views, and pool and garden views. Guests can choose from mobile-impaired to audibly impaired rooms.

More About The Halekulani

Package offers to enhance your experience. There are two options you can purchase to enhance your stay:

Sunrise Breakfast: If you are a breakfast lover, this option is for you! This package offers guests a daily breakfast for two at either House Without A Key (buffet) or Orchids. These two restaurants are some of our favorites on the island of Oahu and are on our list of the best restaurants in Waikiki.

Note: Breakfast on Sundays is available at House Without a Key only.

Romance Remembered: For couples looking for an extra romantic experience, this is an excellent option to add on. It includes a special dinner for two at Orchids, a daily buffet breakfast at House Without a Key, or a full American breakfast at Orchids. You also get complimentary admission to some of Oahu’s finest cultural and art venues. Furthermore, you also get flowers delivered to your room upon arrival.

What we love: This hotel reminds us of some of our favorite luxury hotels in Fiji. We love the attention to detail that can be seen around this hotel and the gorgeous views. The public spaces are beautiful, elegant, and very calming. The rooms are designed to meet your needs, plus more. 

Cons: One downside is that the Halekulani can be pretty expensive. However, you get what you pay for in terms of quality and service. If it’s within your budget, we recommend staying here! 

Another downside is the lack of direct access to the beach compared to some hotels further east/south of Waikiki. We are okay with this since the beach is only a 5-minute walk away. 

Tip: If you have plans to dine at some of the onsite restaurants, such as La Mer, House Without a Key, and Orchids, book your reservations in advance.

(2) Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

⭐ RATING: 4.5 Stars | Price: $$$

Amenities/Perks: Pool, cabanas (reservation needed), live music and entertainment, cultural activities, Voyager 47 Club, spa, fitness center, filtered water stations, local discounts

Note: This hotel charges a $45 resort fee per night per room plus tax. This charge will be added at checkout.

With its world-class amenities, spacious guest rooms, and stunning views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, it’s easy to see why The Outrigger Reef is one of the most popular hotels on Oahu.

The Outrigger Reef feels more like an experience than just a place to stay. From the moment you enter the lobby, you’ll be greeted with an abundance of island hospitality.

Accommodations at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

The rooms at Outrigger are spacious and recently renovated with a modern Hawaii residential feel. You have three different room categories to choose from:

Ocean view: These rooms feature stunning views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. You can choose from the Pacific Tower ocean views, the Ocean Tower with Diamond Head views, and the club oceanfront. Rooms that have both the Diamond Head and Waikiki views will cost more.

Suites: These are perfect if you’re looking for something a little more luxurious. The Outrigger has one and two-bedroom suites with lanais, gorgeous ocean views, and city views. You also get exclusive access to the Voyager 47 Club Lounge, where you can indulge in delicious breakfasts and evening receptions.

There are three different suite options to choose from:

Club 1-bedroom resort view: These suites include sleeping accommodations for up to five people. There is a living area with a pull-out sofa and a beautiful lanai with views of the resort and Honolulu skyline.

Club ocean view suite: Guests can choose from a king or two queen beds. The living space is spacious, with a separate bedroom and a sofa bed. You also have spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Club oceanfront suite: These suites feature a separate king bedroom, sofa bed, spacious living area, and a private lanai with spectacular ocean views. You also have the option to make this suite a three-bedroom suite by adding connecting rooms.

Navigator floor: While the navigator floor will most likely be too much for just two people, we wouldn’t be doing this hotel justice if we didn’t include it on our list.

If you want the ultimate experience, the navigator floor will not disappoint. This floor has private and exclusive suites with stunning views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach.

The navigator floor has over 10,000 square feet of private living space on the entire 18th floor of the Pacific Tower. Guests can choose from four over-the-top penthouses that can sleep up to 18 people.

More about The Outrigger Waikiki Hotel

Tip: the Outrigger offers complimentary vow renewal ceremonies for couples. If you are celebrating your anniversary, this is a nice perk.

What we love: There’s so much to love here! The spectacular views, the level of hospitality from the staff, and the amenities are unmatched and make your stay much more enjoyable. 

Also, the local live music is a nice touch and adds to the atmosphere. The hotel is also centrally located, so you’re just steps away from the beach and all of the shops and restaurants Waikiki offers, yet far away from all the crowds.

Con: Like the Halekulani, the Outrigger does not have direct access to the beach. Again this doesn’t bother us because the beach is only a few minutes away.

(3) Sheraton Waikiki

RATING: 4 Stars | Price: $$$

Amenities/Perks: Infinity pool, family pool with water slide, poolside cabanas, meeting rooms, spa, fitness center, four onsite restaurants

Note: This hotel charges a$42 resort fee per night per room plus tax. The resort fee includes access to book various activities. Make sure to book these in advance, as they get booked quickly. You can book these a week in advance.

The Sheraton Waikiki is the perfect option for couples looking for a modern, luxurious stay. This beachfront resort offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, romantic sunsets, and unparalleled hospitality.

The hotel is very open and airy, with multiple amenities to choose from. The infinity pool is one of the main attractions of this hotel. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind while taking in the gorgeous views of Waikiki Beach.

Accommodations at the Sheraton Waikiki

The Sheraton Waikiki has 1,636 newly renovated rooms to meet any couple’s needs. Guests can choose from various room types depending on their budget and preferences.

Oceanfront suites and rooms: with over 129 rooms to choose from, these are the perfect option for a luxurious vacation. About 80% of the guest rooms and suites here have gorgeous views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. The sunrise and sunset views are spectacular.

Partial ocean views: These guest rooms have partial views of the ocean and provide excellent value for money.

City view rooms: These rooms have a view of downtown Honolulu and the surrounding area. They are perfect for those looking for a much more affordable option while still getting the luxurious experience of the Sheraton.

More About the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel

What we love: The amenities here are top-notch. From the infinity pool to the spa services, it’s hard to pass up this hotel when looking for a romantic getaway. 

The service is also excellent, as the staff goes out of their way to ensure your stay is perfect. We also appreciate the onsite activities included in the resort fee: the stand-up paddle boarding lesson and the Haku bracelet-making class are highly recommended.

Cons: This hotel is massive, with about 31 stories, which could be overwhelming for some couples. Also, the Sheraton is not directly in front of the beach, so you’ll have to take a very short walk to get to the beach.

(4) Hilton Hawaiian Village

RATING: 4 Stars with over 19000 REVIEWS | Price: $$$

Amenities/Perks: Five pools, waterslides, five-acre saltwater lagoon, spa, Duke Kahanamoku Beach, fitness center, Waikiki Starlight Luau, and daily activities such as lei making

Note: This hotel charges a daily resort fee

The Hilton Hawaiian Village is one of the most iconic hotels in Waikiki, and it’s easy to see why. Arguably, it’s also one of the most popular hotels in the world and one of the few resorts in Hawaii.

This hotel truly captures the spirit of Hawaii with its lush gardens and tropical atmosphere. It provides various activities and amenities for couples looking for an unforgettable stay.

The hotel’s location is right on the beach, with easy access to many of Waikiki’s attractions. The hotel is also connected to a small plaza with two ABC Stores and various restaurants for quick convenience.

The Hilton Hawaiian is the perfect choice for couples looking for a luxurious, affordable experience. We understand that not everyone has the budget for a 5-star hotel, so this is one of the perfect options.

Accommodations at the Hilton Hawaiian Village

Regarding accommodations, the Hilton Hawaiian Village offers a range of room types for every budget. The rooms are spacious, and some have balconies with spectacular views of the city and/or ocean.

Guests can choose from a wide range of room types, from garden-view rooms to luxury oceanfront suites. Below are the five main towers:

The Ali’l Tower: This is the most elite choice for those looking for a luxurious stay. The tower offers exclusive check-in and rooms with unparalleled views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. If you love privacy and luxury, this might be a perfect choice.

This tower has a private pool and a poolside fitness center, and you also get Yukata robes and slippers!

Rainbow Tower: If you are planning a trip to Waikiki, you’ve probably heard of this tower because it’s the most popular one. Situated right next to the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, this tower offers comfortable and spacious rooms with a wide selection of room types. Rooms range from an ocean view and a Diamond Head view to corner rooms and junior suites.

Fun fact: The Rainbow Tower has a world-famous rainbow mural featured in multiple TV shows.

Tapa Tower: This is the hotel’s oldest tower, and it’s perfect for those looking for a contemporary stay. The design of this tower is modern and chic, with bright colors to complement the Hawaiian atmosphere.

This option is geared more toward business travelers and includes a conference center. The Tapa Tower has nightly live music at the Tapa Bar.

Kalia Tower: The Kalia Tower is located at the corner of the front of the resort, with direct access to the spa.

Diamond Head Tower: At this tower, you’ll find some of the most affordable rooms in the middle of the resort.

Lagoon Tower: As its name implies, the Lagoon Tower is located right on the resort’s lagoon. These rooms are geared towards timeshare guests.

More About the Hilton Hawaiian Village

What we love: This hotel has so many things to love. There is something for everyone, from the fantastic staff to the lush tropical surroundings and various activities. The hotel also offers a great selection of rooms, from budget to luxury. 

Con: While this hotel has direct access to the beach, many people have complained that the beach is too rocky.

Tip: Don’t forget the Friday night fireworks! The show is spectacular and a great way to end the week.

(5) Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort

Rating: 4 Stars with over 8000 REVIEWS | Price: $$$

Amenities/Perks: Pool, spa, meeting facilities, fitness center, onsite restaurants, pet friendly, water station on each floor, frozen treats poolside

Note: This hotel charges a daily $42 plus tax resort fee.

The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort has a lot to offer couples looking for a romantic getaway. The location is excellent – right on Waikiki Beach with easy access to many attractions.

The service here is top-notch, and the staff is fantastic. You can feel the warm welcome from the moment you check in.

This hotel is also pet friendly, so if you have dogs (weighing 50 pounds or less) or cats, you can bring them with you (for an additional fee).

Accommodations at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Hotel

The Hyatt Regency has a wide range of rooms, from standard rooms to suites. All rooms are spacious and very comfortable with modern facilities.

Each of the 1,230 rooms has a private lanai with spectacular views. You can choose from two room categories:

Suites: These luxurious suites offer separate living and sleeping areas. Guests can choose from the one-bedroom penthouse, family ocean, two-bedroom ambassador, and presidential suite.

Rooms: if suites are not your thing, the standard rooms are still great and offer a more affordable option. You can choose from various room types with ocean views, Diamond Head views, city views, and more.

More About the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Hotel

What we love: The location is excellent, and if you’re looking for something close to Waikiki Beach, this is a fantastic option. 

We love the onsite cultural activities, such as hula and ukelele lessons. We also love that your resort fees cover portable beach chairs and kid’s toys. It makes seeing beaches outside of Waikiki easier and more fun!

Cons: Some guests have reported noise issues on the lower level floors. If this bothers you, be sure to reserve a higher-level room. Waikiki is generally not quiet, so some evening noise is to be expected.

(6) Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa

RATING: 4 Stars| Price: $$$

Amenities/Perks: Fitness center, beachfront spa, pool, meeting space, six onsite restaurants and bars, beach access

Note: This hotel charges a daily $42 plus tax resort fee per night

Nicknamed the “First Lady of Waikiki,” The Moana Surfrider is a charming hotel full of history and romance. The decor is stunning, the customer service is impressive, and everything about this hotel makes you feel at home. It is the perfect hotel for couples that appreciate a blend between Victorian style and modern contemporary touches.

The Moana Surfrider opened its doors in 1901 and has been a favorite for locals and tourists alike.

Tip: The history room on the second floor is a must-see for any history buff, as it showcases the hotel’s rich past.

Accommodations at the Moana Surfrider Waikiki Hotel

This hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites for all budgets. You can choose from three different room types:

Historic banyan wing: These rooms are located on the historic banyan wing with intimate layouts and local design.

The tower wing: Choose from contemporary suites or hotel rooms, each with a balcony.

The Diamond Wing: These rooms have the best views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.

More About the Moana Surfrider Waikiki

What we love: We love the location of this hotel, as it’s right on Waikiki Beach. The decor is stunning and provides an excellent atmosphere for romantic getaways.

Con: Like the Hilton Hawaiian Village, some guests have reported noise issues on the lower floors. We don’t mind because it’s Waikiki, and we expect a little noise.

(7) The Royal Hawaiian

RATING: 4 Stars | Price: $$$

Amenities/Perks: Pool and jacuzzi, spa, salon, Marriott Bonvoy shuttle for hotel and resort, Mai Tai Bar, multiple restaurants, Aha’Aina Luau, GoPro HERO5 rental, morning yoga, welcome signature banana bread muffins, daily cultural activities, live Hawaiian entertainment

Note: This hotel charges a daily $42 plus tax resort fee.

The Royal Hawaiian is an iconic Waikiki Beach hotel that has welcomed visitors since 1927. Also known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” this lavish property will give you an unforgettable stay.

Upon entering the grounds of the hotel, you will feel like you’re in a different part of the world. They’re lush and vibrant, with tropical foliage and colorful blooms everywhere you look.

Compared to most hotels mentioned in this article, the Royal Hawaiian is tucked away in a more intimate location, so you can truly relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki while not being too far away.

This hotel also has direct access to the beach, so you can wake up each morning to the sound of waves and the smell of salty air just a few steps away. The Royal Hawaiian definitely occupies the best part of Waikiki Beach, so be sure to check it out while you are there.

Accommodations at The Royal Hawaiian

The Royal Hawaiian offers a variety of rooms, ranging from traditional hotel rooms to lavish suites.

Mailani Tower: Offers elevated suite and oceanfront room options with some of the best views on the island, along with a private lanai.

Historic Wing: This part of the hotel has unique decor and a classic ambiance. It’s furnished with custom dark wood, a warm paint pallet with bold fuchsia pink and a platinum silver headboard. Guests can choose from ocean-view and garden-view rooms.

Prestige suites: If luxury is your cup of tea, the Royal Hawaiian offers four prestige suites for the ultimate indulgence. You can choose from the Royal Hawaiian Suite, Ali’l Suite, Queen Ka’ahumanu Suite, and Kamehameha Suite. 

The Ali’l Suites and the King Kamehameha Suites have both Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach views. All suite options have views of Waikiki Beach.

More About The Royal Hawaiian

What We Love: The Royal Hawaiian offers impeccable service with its friendly staff. You can truly feel the spirit of Aloha here.

We love the hotel’s history, from its iconic pink facade to its secluded grounds. This hotel’s classic and regal atmosphere makes it stand out from other hotels in Waikiki. This hotel has always given us the wow factor for a romantic getaway. The beach access is also a huge plus!

Con: Some guests mentioned that the rooms might appear slightly “tired.” These complaints mainly came from people expecting shiny brand-new hotel rooms. As long as you appreciate the history of this hotel and love the gorgeous views, you will not be disappointed with your stay here.

Tip: Keep your eye out for turtles as they frequent the beach near this hotel!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – the best hotels for couples in Waikiki! Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay with all the bells and whistles, a secluded escape, or just an incredible view of the beach and Diamond Head, these hotels can provide it all.

We hope this article has given you some great ideas on where to stay during your next visit to Waikiki. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect place for your romantic getaway!