It is no secret that the islands of Hawaii are some of the most sought-after destinations in the entire world. Hawaii is truly astonishing in the beauty it possesses, with its rolling mountains, jaw-dropping volcanoes, endless beaches, pristine waters, and numerous waterfalls.
Honolulu is on the island of Oahu and has a wide variety of activities for visitors to take part in. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is located on this island, which is definitely worth a visit at some point during your stay.
Hanauma Bay is a breathtaking nature preserve on Oahu that allows adventure seekers to discover the fascinating surroundings and wildlife that thrives here, and Waikiki Beach is arguably the most iconic beach that exists on the island.
There is no shortage of fabulous hotels and resorts in Hawaii, and today we are going to dive into the five best boutique hotels that you can find in this life-changing destination.
The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club Honolulu
First, we have The Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club, a laid-back spot that has a slightly retro feel due to the interior design.
The Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club is near Waikiki Beach, but it is far enough away that it is not swarming with tourists. The hotel holds meditation and Pilates classes, and the restaurant that is on the property offers delicious island fare.
The hotel also has a charming boutique and coffee bar, and guests are welcome to rent bikes from The Surfjack to easily cruise around the area. The 112 rooms here have beachy aesthetics, and they have their own balconies with a sitting area that are perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning.
New York Times review:
“In a quieter zone between the Ala Wai Canal and busy Waikiki, the midcentury design Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club charges $29 a day to each room for access to treats like hotel-branded bicycles, free morning coffee in the lobby and use of a beach tote and towels.”
Hotel details
Address:
412 Lewers Street, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States.
Guest rating:
4.5 out of 5
Price per night:
From $160
Shoreline Hotel Waikiki
The Shoreline Hotel has that colorful, tropical feel that everyone is looking for when they come to Honolulu. The hotel is located just a short walk away from the infamous Waikiki Beach, and the hotel offers a refreshing swimming pool on the roof for guests to enjoy.
There is a quaint café on the main level that is ideal for a pick-me-up coffee or beverage.
There are 125 rooms at the Shoreline Hotel that are all vibrant and seriously comfortable. The vast windows allow for sunlight to pour in, and the bathrooms are very crisp and spacious. The rooms all have big flatscreen televisions for when you want to wind down after a long day spent at the beach, as well.
Hotel details
Address:
342 Seaside Avenue, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States of America.
Guest rating:
4.1 out of 5
Price per night:
From $99
Kaimana Beach Hotel
Up next is the Kaimana Beach Hotel, a beautiful accommodation with a friendly staff that is just a couple of miles outside of downtown Waikiki. The hotel has a phenomenal restaurant on the property. Plus, guests are welcome to rent bikes or surfboards from the front desk for those days you want to get out and explore.
All of the rooms at the Kaimana Beach Hotel are complete with balconies that either provide views of the infamous Diamond Head dormant volcano or the shimmering Pacific Ocean, as well as refrigerators and resources to brew delicious coffee.
Kaimana Beach Hotel also offers lei-making classes for travelers who would like to partake in an educational and fun pastime.
CNN review:
“Situated at the quieter Diamond Head end of Waikiki, The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel is affordable, new and right on the beach. Service is solid all-around without being flashy.”
Hotel details
Address:
2863 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, Hawaii.
Guest rating:
4.1 out of 5
Price per night:
From $172
The Modern Honolulu
The Modern Honolulu is the place to be if you are desiring a hotel that has the perfect tropical atmosphere with endless perks and amenities.
The outdoor pool and lounge area are remarkably spacious and idyllic for relaxing under the warm sun, and the farm-to-table restaurant that is on the property should not be overlooked during a stay here. If you want some extra peace and relaxation, be sure to book an appointment at the tranquil spa that is on-site.
There are over 350 rooms here at The Modern Honolulu, and they are all seriously luxurious with immaculate views of the surrounding city or gorgeous beaches. The rooms are all equipped with large televisions, plush beds, and some of the lodging options have lovely balconies for taking in the scenic views.
Hotel details
Address:
1775 Ala Moana Boulevard, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States of America.
Guest rating:
4.0 out of 5
Price per night:
From $185
Moana Surfrider Waikiki Beach
Moana Surfrider Waikiki Beach is an utterly eye-catching spot that is situated right on the glorious Waikiki Beach that has been around for over a century. The hotel is nothing short of deluxe, with its vast beachside pool, numerous restaurants, lovely terrace and garden area, well-stocked gym, and incredible spa facility.
There are nearly 800 rooms at Moana Surfrider that all vary in size and amenities, but they are all superb, nonetheless. All of the rooms have stunning views and are set up with work desks, sofas, televisions, minibars, and sizable showers.
If you opt for a balcony room, do not be surprised if you cannot bring yourself to stop staring at the sweeping views.
Telegraph review:
“This Waikiki Grand Dame is beloved for its historic charm and relaxed vibe. The dozens of rocking chairs lining its sleepy porch have consumed many a holiday, and the Moana Lani Spa, offering above-the-waves treatments, may just be the best in Waikiki.”
Hotel details
Address:
2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, Hawaii.
Guest rating:
4.1 out of 5
Price per night:
From $279
While Hawaii may be known for its all-inclusive resorts that line the miles of beaches, boutique hotels offer just as much luxury while avoiding many of the undesirable resort fees, while also being quieter and more peaceful. You cannot go wrong with any of the above accommodations, as they all offer something truly exceptional.
About our boutique hotel recommendations in Hawaii
We are a travel research company. We help you discover the best boutique hotels in Hawaii by researching the internet for you. It’s not just our opinion, it’s the opinion of many travelers who have been there before you.
We make it easy for you to find out about cool design hotels and unique design hotels on the island. Some of them might be so romantic you might not want to leave your room.
Please note, we only list hotels that have an aggregated guest review rating of at least 4.0 out of 5. We aggregate all reviews from different booking sites and other unbiased review websites. Hence, you can be certain all hotels listed above offer you a great stay in Hawaii.
Best price guarantee
We partner with Booking.com and Hotels.com to provide you with the lowest price guarantee on your stay in Hawaii! Both those websites offer price matching. That ensures that you are paying the lowest price available online.
If you find a cheaper offer on another website for the same cool hotel in Hawaii at least 24 hours before check-in, contact them to claim a refund of the difference!
Top 5 boutique hotels in Hawaii
Before you go, let’s summarize this guide. Based on thousands of guest reviews and tips from travel experts, these are the best boutique hotels in Hawaii:
- Moana Surfrider Waikiki Beach
- The Modern Honolulu
- Kaimana Beach Hotel
- Shoreline Hotel
- The Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club
More Hawaii tips
If you like our guide above, you should also check out our other articles about Hawaii:
