The 8 Best Waikiki Beachfront Resorts | Right on the Surf & Sand
We found the best Waikiki beachfront resorts that are directly on the beach so that you can enjoy a relaxing stay with an unobstructed view of the water.
These Waikiki resorts on the beach are the ultimate way to fully embrace the breezy, ocean-scented charm of Hawaii’s most famous shoreline. This stretch of sand is, after all, a place where golden sunlight glows, surfboards practically become part of the scenery, and there’s an endless hum of energy from both visitors and locals soaking up the salty air.
We made sure that our choices were properties that are literally on the beachfront so that you can get the true experience. We also included picks for every price point to ensure that you can find one within your budget.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To determine the best beachfront resorts Waikiki has to offer, we sifted through the details—real guest feedback, the kinds of experiences each place tends to deliver, and, naturally, those little extras that set a resort apart.
Amenities, dining, pools, and proximity to that famous shoreline all factored in, but, in the end, it came down to the overall experience each resort brings to the table.
In short, we handpicked the best Waikiki beachfront resorts based on everything that makes a stay not just enjoyable, but truly worth remembering.
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The 8 Best Waikiki Resorts on the Beach
8. Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa – Top Budget-Friendly Pick
Google Reviews Score: 4.3 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- Right on the ocean’s edge with a nearly unobstructed view of the surf
- Two generously sized pools that offer plenty of space to lounge
- On-site restaurants serving fresh island flavors with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients
For travelers looking for a place that blends affordability with those signature Hawaiian vibes, the Waikiki Beach Marriott manages to check off quite a few boxes.
The rooms are spacious, with balconies that offer an incredible, nearly panoramic view of the water or city skyline.
Meanwhile, swimming pools are plentiful, and for those who want to unwind a little more, the full-service spa is, frankly, a solid place to do just that.
Dining leans toward casual yet well-executed island fare, meaning fresh seafood is never far from reach. And, in terms of location, this place is just across the street from the beach, which is about as convenient as it gets.
Overall, the Waikiki Beach Marriott is one of the most affordable Waikiki beachfront resorts and also happens to be one of the top-rated properties here as well, making it an excellent choice.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
7. Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
Google Reviews Score: 4.4 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- Historic charm meets seamless beachfront luxury
- Signature Banyan tree courtyard adds an iconic touch
- Direct beachfront access with an intimate yet lively atmosphere
The The Moana Surfrider is where classic Waikiki meets that dreamy, white-columned aesthetic straight out of a vintage travel poster. This property isn’t just another resort—it’s, in fact, the very first hotel ever built in Waikiki.
That old-school elegance is still very much alive in the architecture, the shaded courtyard, and the breezy, wide-veranda design that lets guests sip drinks while gazing at the waves.
The rooms vary, with some leaning into that traditional style while others feel more modern, but, regardless, you’re never far from a direct walk onto the beach.
The resort’s restaurant and afternoon tea service also add a refined touch, making it a place where relaxation feels just a little bit elevated.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
6. Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort – Best-Seller
Google Reviews Score: 4.4 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- One of Waikiki’s largest infinity pools, stretching seemingly into the ocean
- Multiple dining options that cater to everything from quick bites to upscale meals
- Family-friendly yet equally appealing to adults looking for a more refined stay
If there’s one place that captures the liveliness of Waikiki while still maintaining a sense of comfort, it’s this one.
The infinity pool alone is worth a mention—it practically merges with the horizon, making it one of the most visually impressive spots to unwind.
Rooms here are modern and sleek, with decor that subtly leans into island elements without overdoing it.
Dining is another strong point, with both casual and more refined choices available, meaning there’s no need to leave the resort if you’d rather stay put.
Plus, the location is, obviously, prime beachfront territory, making it easy to transition from poolside lounging to ocean dips in a matter of steps.
It’s no wonder why the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort is one of the most booked Waikiki resorts on the beach.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
5. Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort – Top Value Pick
Google Reviews Score: 4.4 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- Recently renovated with a fresh, modern island-inspired design
- Direct beachfront access with a more peaceful, less crowded stretch of sand
- Live Hawaiian music nightly at Kani Ka Pila Grille
For travelers looking for that perfect balance between upscale comfort and reasonable pricing, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort is, without question, one of the best Waikiki beachfront resorts in terms of value.
Fresh off a major renovation, this resort now blends a modern, stylish atmosphere with deep respect for Hawaiian culture, incorporating elements of local design, art, and music throughout the property.
The location is, in some respects, one of the best aspects—it sits right on the quieter end of Waikiki Beach, giving guests easy ocean access without the overwhelming crowds that tend to pack other parts of the shoreline.
Rooms and suites lean into a clean, airy aesthetic, with large lanais that open up to either ocean or city views.
The pool area s beautifully designed and provides a relaxing escape with plenty of loungers for unwinding under the Hawaiian sun. Meanwhile, the on-site spa delivers traditional Polynesian healing treatments, making it a great spot for some much-needed downtime.
Dining at Outrigger Reef is another highlight, with Kani Ka Pila Grille serving up island-inspired cuisine alongside nightly live Hawaiian music, creating an atmosphere that’s both lively and relaxed at the same time.
All of these amenities come at quite an affordable rate, making the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort one of the best bangs-for-your-buck among all of the beachfront resorts Waikiki has to offer.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
4. The Royal Hawaiian Resort
Google Reviews Score: 4.5 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- Iconic pink facade – one of the most recognizable beachfront resorts in Waikiki
- Exclusive access to private cabanas on the golden sand
- Polished yet deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and tradition
The Royal Hawaiian Resort is a resort that truly embodies that vintage Hawaiian glamour. Nicknamed the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” this resort has established itself as one of the best Waikiki beachfront resorts for generations.
The historic architecture blends seamlessly with modern comforts, so in a way, you get that old-world charm without sacrificing any of the luxuries you’d expect from a five-star stay.
The beach? Absolutely prime. Guests have a private section, which means a little more space, a little less crowding, and a view that’s just about perfect.
Dining options, from the Mai Tai Bar to fine dining experiences, lean into both traditional Hawaiian flavors and globally inspired dishes, giving you options that suit just about every craving.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
3. ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki – Ultra Luxurious
Google Reviews Score: 4.6 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- Exclusive, ultra-private multi-room suites
- Rooftop infinity pool with panoramic ocean views
- Michelin-star level dining at Mugen
Some places call themselves luxury, and then there’s ESPACIO, which takes things to an entirely different level.
This is the kind of resort where every suite feels more like a private penthouse than a hotel room, complete with full gourmet kitchens, extravagant marble bathrooms, and lanais that open up to an endless view of the waves.
The rooftop infinity pool is, honestly, one of the most stunning spots in Waikiki, giving you a nearly unobstructed view of the coastline.
And if that weren’t enough, the fine dining restaurant, Mugen, brings a Michelin-level culinary experience that rivals anything you’ll find elsewhere on the island. If you’re looking for the best Waikiki beachfront resort that prioritizes privacy, opulence, and exclusivity, the ESPACIO should be your top pick.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
2. Aston Waikiki Beach Tower
Google Reviews Score: 4.6 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- All-suite accommodations with full kitchens and private balconies
- Unbeatable beachfront location with direct access to Waikiki Beach
- Family-friendly atmosphere with the comforts of home
If you want high-end comfort and that feeling of having your own space, the Aston Waikiki Beach Tower might be the answer.
Unlike many resorts, this one is all about suite-style living, meaning spacious accommodations with separate living areas, full kitchens, and, in most cases, balconies that look right over the ocean.
That setup makes it an especially strong choice for families or travelers planning longer stays. Location-wise, it sits directly in front of the beach, making it one of the best Waikiki resorts on the beach for those who want to be just steps away from the shoreline at all times.
The vibe leans more toward relaxed and homey, but with all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury stay, including a pool, a whirlpool spa, and a fitness center.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
1. Halekulani Hotel – Top Overall
Google Reviews Score: 4.7 out of 5.0
Key Highlights:
- Legendary five-star hospitality with a reputation for excellence
- Oceanfront rooms with sweeping views and impeccable design
- La Mer, one of Hawaii’s most celebrated fine dining restaurants
Now, if there’s one name that repeatedly comes up when talking about the best Waikiki beachfront resorts, it’s Halekulani.
This resort doesn’t just deliver luxury—it practically defines it in Waikiki.
Service here is polished to an art form, with staff that somehow seem to anticipate your needs before you even think of them.
Rooms offer floor-to-ceiling ocean views that feel like living inside a postcard, while the pool area, lined with palm trees and positioned right along the shoreline, is perfect for soaking up the scenery in a way that feels both relaxed and refined.
Dining is another high point, with La Mer being one of the most celebrated fine dining experiences in the entire state, offering French-inspired cuisine with a distinctly Hawaiian twist.
If you’re after an experience where every detail is perfectly executed, this is it, making the Halekulani the best beachfront resort Waikiki has to offer, period.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
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