Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort

Prior to becoming the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, the property’s fabulous oceanfront location was the setting for the legendary Outrigger Canoe Club -- a private club for surfers. The club moved down the beach, and in 1967 the current Outrigger’s 16-story structure was built. Sure, it’s been renovated since, but the dark and tropical decor can't help but feel a little tired and dated. The lobby's tan and green leaf-patterned carpet is paired with wooden ceiling panels, molding, and huge paintings of traditional canoers. Its centerpiece, though, is a beautifully restored koa wood outrigger canoe from the 1800s. Depending on where you find yourself in the property, the vibe can vary. The lobby is usually a laid-back spot and guests are often lounging in its many couches. Closer to the beach and near the restaurants things pick up considerably. Depending on the day (or time of day), the otherwise relaxing beachfront might be bumping with loud music or packed with families. Famed Duke’s restaurant is located and between the bumping beats and crowds spilling onto the sand, guests might struggle for serenity. Sure, the party’s not 24/7, but it’s a bit more lively than some beachgoing guests might prefer. Outrigger Waikiki draws an international clientele of all ages, including families.  

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is located at the western end of Waikiki Beach. It’s a perfect location for travelers who want to be in the thick of it, with stunning views of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head Crater, and sunsets over Waikiki Bay. Within a three-minute walk of the resort are restaurants, shops (mostly chain or designer boutiques), convenience stores, and a shopping mall. It’s definitely one of Waikiki’s most bustling and crowded areas. Honolulu Zoo is a three-minute drive or 11-minute stroll from the resort, while Diamond Head State Monument is a five- to 10-minute car ride away. Once at Diamond Head, it's a 45-minute hike to the top for fantastic views. Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, and the Iolani Palace (the Hawaiian royal family’s former home) take 20 minutes to reach in a car. Set in a protected cove, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is arguably Oahu’s most breathtaking beach and has great snorkeling. It’s a 25-minute drive from Outrigger, while Oahu’s famous North Shore takes around an hour to reach. The Dole Plantation is on the way and offers tours of an active pineapple farm. Honolulu International Airport is a 20-minute drive -- depending on traffic. It takes about the same amount of time to reach the Pearl Harbor monuments.

The air-conditioned guest rooms have earthy, tropical interiors but are surprisingly dark and -- like many Outrigger properties -- dated as of our early 2018 visit. Tan walls are accented with sunset photos of palm trees or rowers in outrigger canoes, while awkwardly-designed corner rooms also have a wall of mirrors. Beds are a mix of kings, queens, or two doubles with slatted wood camelback headboards. Expect a dash of Hawaiian kitsch in details like grass-skirted hula girl desk lamps. Flat-screen TVs with cable channels are situated in beautifully-stained entertainment units that also house mini-fridges and illuminated beauty mirrors. Other standard features include coffeemakers with free coffee and tea, two bottles of water, irons, ironing boards, robes, slippers, safes, and flashlights. Wi-Fi is included in the property’s mandatory resort fee. Without a doubt, the best features are the balconies -- especially in the ocean or partial ocean-view rooms. Watch out for rooms on lower floors or near the back of the resort, though, as they’re loud and nearby street noise is audible late into the night. Despite a wall of mirrors and wide granite counters, bathrooms still feel small. In fact, they can be so small that the door must sometimes be closed to access the shower. Expect standard toiletries plus shower caps, vanity kits, lotion, and hairdryers. Cribs are available for free.

Without a doubt, this Outrigger's best feature is the sandy beach that sits just next to the property. It’s lined with lounge chairs and umbrellas (although there’s a pricey fee to use them) and has breathtaking views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Bay sunsets. The resort’s freshwater pool is located next to the beach. It has a hot tub, but it’s surprisingly small and the hot tub closes early on weekends. Four restaurants get mostly positive reviews and also have ocean views. Duke’s Waikiki is the most popular, and is an American restaurant that serves breakfast (including a breakfast buffet), lunch, and dinner. It’s also a beachfront party spot that features live music. Chuck’s Steakhouse has a great balcony and serves seafood, steaks, and has a salad bar. Hula Grill also serves an American menu, while other outlets offer sandwiches, sweets, and coffee.  Blue Note Hawaii is located on-site as well, and is a great spot for live jazz. Dinner is also available at Blue Note.A dedicated elevator lifts guests to the penthouse level where the spa and gym -- both with fabulous ocean views -- are located. The spa offers 11 types of massages, but that's surprisingly it. The property’s 24-hour gym features floor-to-ceiling windows and is stocked with treadmills and other cardio equipment, weight machines, dumbbells, and medicine balls. The free weekend yoga classes are a nice plus. All Outrigger stays include free shuttle rides to Waikiki attractions like Diamond Head and the zoo. The property’s ground floor is full of gift shops and boutiques. Meeting rooms are available as is valet parking (for a fee). The resort can arrange surf lessons, boat rentals, canoe rides, bodyboard rentals, car rentals, airport transfers, babysitters, and tours. A 24-hour business center is available, though it costs extra to use, and same-day laundry service is available for a fee. There’s also a self-serve laundry room. An ATM is located in the lobby and Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort as part of the mandatory resort fee.