Three Favorite Honolulu Resorts

Hawaii is a favorite travel destination, and while there are a number of islands to choose from, when it comes to direct flights and convenience, Oahu, home to Honolulu, is the obvious choice. It’s also home to famed Waikiki Beach, a fabulous restaurant scene and some swanky hotels, like three of our favorites, featured here.

1. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Outside Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, but still accessible, the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is on Oahu’s calm leeward coast. The 642-acre beachfront property (formerly a JW Marriot) features 371 light-filled rooms and suites, five restaurants and lounges, four swimming pools (two, including one infinity-edged one, are adult only), tennis courts, a multi-level spa with lap pool and a golf club. Rooms are done up in modern Hawaiiana style, with local woods and banana-leaf wall coverings; they all come with a lanai, and face the ocean or a lagoon. For something indulgent, book the sprawling 3,200-sq-ft, 2-bedroom Penthouse Suite with a massive 800-sq-ft sea facing terrace and wrap-around decks that lend a truly dramatic feel and views of the entire coastline. Dining options range from a line-to-table seafood restaurant and a wood-fired pizza and Italian restaurant. This hotel is also a popular family choice.

2. Halekulani Hotel

We love that nearly all the suites come with full or partial ocean views at the Halekulani Hotel, which is just the right mix of stylish and fun. The Waikiki Beach-front property is under a 15-minute walk from downtown, and the stretch of beach it’s located on is relatively void of development (by Waikiki standards), creating a more private vibe. Décor is simple but sophisticated with quilted, cream-hued comforters and wooden furnishes. For the most space, book the Diamond Head suites, which are up to 1,000-sq-ft and come with private lanais. The oval swimming pool is quite impressive thanks to 1.2 million glass tiles that create a Cattleya orchid pattern on its bottom. There are a few house restaurant choices including La Mer for upscale French at dinner and beach-fronting Orchids for an excellent brunch. The traditional afternoon tea served on the Verandah is a Halekulani tradition.  

3. Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

Part hotel, part private residences, the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach is a beyond elegant property. The hotel portion of the tower property begins on the eighth-floor where guests are greeted with ocean views and an impressive Hermes-leather inspired front desk. Also on a long terrace perched off this floor is our favorite feature, the long skinny infinity pool and Jacuzzi, complete with sun loungers and private cabanas and awesome views. Rooms are the usual Ritz quality with  comfortable beds, ocean views and kitchenettes. The marble baths feature separate soaking tubs. Note the Ritz is not directly on the beach – it’s a five minute walk. There are three excellent onsite restaurants, including Hawaii’s debut locations of Dean & DeLuca and and the stellar Sushi Sho, as well as established hotspot BLT Market. There is also a spa.