Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, Honolulu
Expert reviews
“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.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Honolulu.
What guests liked
- Excellent location
- Comfortable beds
- Friendly staff
- Great food
All you need to know
Located around the best tourist spots of Honolulu, the Surfjack is within 15-minute walks to Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikiki Aquarium, and other tourist attractions. Free bicycles are provided for easier travel accommodations. With raging reviews and guaranteed satisfaction, this hotel promises gratification
The incentive of having Downtown Honolulu is very near to the hotel is a mere invitation to experience vibrant art and culture. A similar place that exhibits the heritage of the city is Kaka’ako, Chinatown. Arguably Waikiki’s most famous tourist point is The International Market. The nightlife and feasting close to the lodging are likewise worth encountering, and a walk around the Waikiki seashore will leave you yearning a greater amount of the excellent city.
Each enchanting guestroom is intended to completely suit visitors with luxuries, for example, cooling appliances, Wi-Fi, a private gallery, and hand cleanser from The Indigenous Soap Company. Visitors can likewise move up to lodge style rooms updated to provide the true Waikiki experience with contemporary touches and beach culture vibes.
The Swim Club has a sun deck and an open-air pool to house all sorts of social engagements. A well-known Café Mahina and Suns, run by the prestigious chef Ed Kenney offers a more outdoor feel and additionally has a bar.
Location
Recent guest reviews
18 January 2025
Great stay
Comfy bed and friendly staff. We had to book something last minute in Oahu and was perfect! They are nearby the hotspots of Waikiki but in a quiet area. Their bar serves tasty food and really nice cocktails. Also live music in the evening. We got a room with a super comfy bed and a huge balcony.
Everything was perfect!
15 January 2025
Beautiful hotel in an excellent location and all the staff were very friendly
Excellent location & modern facilities. Free tea and coffee in the mornings was a lovely touch
Nothing - it was perfect for our stay.
13 January 2025
The Good, the bad, the walk
I love that the hotel is dog friendly with no additional cost, The size of the room, and loved the wraparound lanai/balcony.
I didn't like that the hotel's hot water wasn't working, furniture was slightly broken, electricity in lamp was sporadic, and parking was far.
9 January 2025
Will definitely stay here again if we come back to Waikiki!
We had a 2 night stay here on our way to another island and the hotel and staff were excellent. The hotel has been refreshed into a fun, stylish place with great amenities and lovely, helpful staff. Close to everything in Waikiki but still nice and quiet
8 January 2025
I’d stay here again.
Great staff. Great live music. Great location. Great vibe.
There was some mechanical noise, possibly from an air conditioner or some machinery that could be heard from our bedroom in our 1 bedroom suite. We also got a parking ticket from the city while unloading bags and running them upstairs, but the staff told us the night before we could park in the 3 minute passenger loading zone for a short amount of time. Beware of the parking officers that are trying to make their quotas.
5 January 2025
Perfect Honolulu Spot
Honolulu is a busy city. The Surfjack is in a great location as it's just a block away from the first of 2 main roads. It takes about 10 minutes to walk to the beach. So you are away from the noise but so close! The staff are great. It's a super cute boutique-style hotel. The owner is always there with his bulldog who will roll around and play with you if you stop in at his unit. The best part for me is the Cafe. It's not expensive by Honolulu standards and is perfect for a quick breakfast before heading out. The lattes are delish. Also the hotel offers free coffee every morning in the lobby.
The chairs on the balcony are super uncomfortable. We spent a lot of time there while our kids were asleep. The entire place is amazing. But ouch, those chairs...
4 January 2025
Would recommend! Perfect getaway hotel
Great location (beach, restaurants and shopping within walking distance), friendly staff, nice & clean rooms, great restaurant, daily live music
Pool closes early for events (e.g., local shopping event)
3 January 2025
Beautiful boutique hotel
Cool, friendly people, lovely vibe, dogs, lovely rooms, easy walk from Waikiki
Christmas lights given to us to put up on Christmas Eve didn’t work and two requests for maintenance to fix them never happened - just a bit dissapointing given that we made the effort to follow provided instructions and put them up!
31 December 2024
Great location and amenities, but a few drawbacks
The room was spacious and comfortable, and the staff were incredibly friendly. The pool was beautiful, and the coffee shop was fantastic. The location was perfect, and everything was reasonably priced.
There was no luggage storage or parking available, and the elevator had an unpleasant smell.
29 December 2024
Fabulous
Very cool vibe in the backstreets of Waikiki. A short walk to everything and right in the heart of it all. Staff were very accommodating when we arrived early.
No laundry or coffee making facilities would be my only criticism.
23 December 2024
great location with a comfy relaxed atmosphere everything you need for a short stay at a great price
location of the surfjack is excellent .. about an 8 min walk from the beach .. the vibe is relaxed and fun .. room was very spacious .. we checked in about 2 hours early and it was no problem .. room had everything we needed for a short stay .. comfy bed .. very clean ... decent bathroom ... bar fridge .. the hotel offers discounted parking in a lot about 4 mins walk .. very convenient and good value for money .. the hotel pool in its central courtyard was popular with plenty of day beds avail and the onsite cafe, bar and food offerings were great .. front desk staff and others were very freindly and helpful .. nothing was too much trouble for them ... this property had everything including excellent cust service at a great price and can recommend a stay here
Disliked · hot water in our shower would go from very hot to very cold without warning .. was manageable ... we told the front desk Submit review
21 December 2024
Great little hotel. Good value.
Loved the decor and retro vibe. Staff were friendly and helpful. Room was clean and bed comfy. Good location to walk/bus everywhere. Thought it was great value for money compared to larger chains. On-site cafe was great. Lots of live entertainment/activities on offer.
Air con was a little noisy.
20 December 2024
Service was fantastic all around , we had a great experience and will definitely stay here again!
Property was gorgeous and hip.
The pull out bed was awful and extremely uncomfortable, ended up just sleeping on the couch.
18 December 2024
A Perfect Stay at The Surfjack Hotel!
I had the one-bedroom room with a swimming pool view, and it was absolutely worth it! The room was neat, cozy, and beautifully decorated with a retro-chic vibe. The staff, especially the wonderful Hawaiian girls at reception, were incredibly welcoming and went above and beyond to meet all my needs. From check-in to check-out, the service was truly impeccable. The parking was also very attractive—both in terms of convenience and price, which is rare for Waikiki! It was such a relief not to worry about parking in such a busy area. The overall vibe of the hotel is laid-back yet stylish, and the pool area was the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring. I highly recommend this gem for anyone looking for an amazing stay in Waikiki. I’ll definitely be back!
None
17 December 2024
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot - right outside my room
I liked the location. Coffee shop downstairs was good. Parking arrangements were very affordable and a huge pro.
Room was directly facing a parking garage, which was a very depressing view. The property seems dated, and lots of the furnishings need better maintenance. The room smelled damp.
14 December 2024
Great property, Nice location, but the parking??
The property was clean, had a fun atmosphere and the pool was nice!
The parking they claim is validated but at the end of your stay they charge you for the parking. That threw us off. On top of that the parking structure they use is a little 7ish minute walk away.
11 December 2024
Exceptional
Perfect, location we love staying at this hotel!!
8 December 2024
Great place to stay especially if traveling solo. I would stay again.
great one bedroom on the 9th floor, A/C was great, bathroom was nice and clean, appreciate the water dispenser on main floor to fill up my water bottle
no breakfast, happy hour ended too early
5 December 2024
Comfortable, quiet and wish I had longer to stay there!
Cute! Funky and fun.
No parking onsite
5 December 2024
Excellent option in Waikiki
We stayed for 4 nights. Loved the whole vibe of the place, it had personality. Good value for Waikiki, parking was also extremely reasonable and only a short walk away. The staff were always lovely.
We had an ongoing issue with our hot water throughout the whole stay. It was very intermittent. We did raise it with staff and were advised it was due to the fact we were situated on a lower level and the hot water came from the top.
5 December 2024
Good!
Location Staff very friendly Good service
Small pool but ok for what it is!
5 December 2024
Fabulous
I just loved the friendly, relaxed vibe.
A few minor maintenance things. Nothing to spoil the stay.
23 November 2024
Super fun, hip, thoughtful, friendly, detail oriented value!
Location super. Off one block from th ‘nice’ area but close enough to feel close enough The VIBE though. Daytime is like meh, cute, okay. Then NIGHTIME, turns into a super fun, moody lighting, adult open veranda dinner spot with great live music and excellent bar, food service. Really surprising little gem. Keep open mind and lean into the experience. Not a chain, it’s boutique one off where the owners have invested in experience! Not lipstick.
Hate to say but want best for the hotel: Little things like room needs mildew buildup of mildew at shower stall ceiling cleaned/rectified. The touch up painter got ran down paint swipes in the bathroom fresh door glass. Elevator felt ‘dirty’ smelling and while glancing up lotta dust buildup around ceiling compartment. Just a little more eye to detail and this place could soar!
23 November 2024
Pleasant
The Surfjack Hotel offers a prime location, with easy access to shops and restaurants. The bed was incredibly comfortable, allowing us to drift off to sleep quickly. The water pressure in the shower was amazing after a long day out. A standout feature of our stay was the exceptional service provided by the front desk staff, particularly the friendly and accommodating woman with the bun. I wish I can remember her name to give her credit that she deserves. Her willingness to assist and her genuine care for our satisfaction truly elevated our experience at Surfjack Hotel.
Our experience was marred by some unfortunate room issues. While the complimentary room upgrade was a nice gesture, the initial room was plagued by a pungent dirty wet mop odor. The second room, though an improvement, still had a noticeable pet urine smell near the nightstand in the bedroom. We kept the balcony doors constantly open, the windy weather helped to mitigate the odors. Overall, the Surfjack Hotel offers a convenient location and friendly service, but guests should be prepared for potential room cleanliness issues.
21 November 2024
I would stay this hotel again but not on the second floor or anywhere near room 241.
Awesome boutique hotel. Pool was awesome. Bar was awesome. Water station was a bonus.
Room 241 on the second floor is big and comfortable but the location is next to or under maintenance room where you hear a constant machine running and closet doors slamming all night/day long.
20 November 2024
Very good
Room was good size. Bed was comfortable. Hot water for shower was good. Free good quality coffee in the morning. Staff were very friendly. Our request for a hot water kettle was quickly attended to.
My room look out directly into a car park.
15 November 2024
Cute spot, great staff.
I really liked the size of the property. It wasn’t too big or too small.
Parking was probably not my most favorite, especially when I forgot to get my ticket validated and had to backtrack.
12 November 2024
Decent stay if you’re looking to save some coins but still be close to the action. Shouldn’t expect luxury but the facil
Location away from the main strip. Not as busy but close to enough to walk to everything
Older building, shows in the small details of the halls, elevators, doors, rooms, etc. the bathroom towel weren’t clean.
12 November 2024
Cute boutique, great location and value
Great location. Cute boutique hotel. Loved the $10/day parking (a rare perk). We got a complimentary upgrade upon arrival and it made the stay even better! Really good value relative to other hotels and airbnbs nearby.
Nothing. We had a great stay!
11 November 2024
Surfshack-Chic
The laid back unassuming atmosphere. Small boutique size. Onsite restaurant very good
Slightly tired unkept-up feel of decor. Needs a revamp but encourage keeping the surfbeach-shack chic which we loved.
7 November 2024
Very good
The location was excellent and the rooms were large.
There was a malfunction in the elevator and it created a pinging sound all night.
7 November 2024
Cozy hotel with very good chill vibe
Chill vibe, good sized room, comfy bed, coffee shop adjacent to the hotel
Although it is supposed to be a kind of retro hotel, some facilities could be renovated
6 November 2024
We had a great stay at Surfjack.
Cute hotel, a short walk from the beach, shops and restaurants. The room was very spacious and the bed vas super comfortable! Hotel provides beach bag and towels and there were sunscreen dispensers around the pool. The staff was very friendly and helpful.
6 November 2024
Nice chill, comfy stay
Chill vibe, clean room, loved the live music each evening. Staff were welcoming and very friendly. Aircon was a lifesaver
Room was a little smaller than I hoped and it made placing our luggage a bit harder but overall very comfy stay
5 November 2024
Exceptional
Great hotel with kind staff. Loved the live music and restaurant was delicious.
4 November 2024
Easy and comfortable spot for a short stay in Oahu.
Loved the charm, the location, and price.
Pool wasn’t very private. Visible wear and tear in rooms.
3 November 2024
Lovely stay
Great location, lovely staff, comfortable room
Abit shabby around the edges. Not bad, but noticeable
2 November 2024
A tremendous introduction to Hawaiian life.
The atmosphere created around the pool, of welcome and relaxation, made me feel very comfortable. The restaurant food was delicious and the staff always ready to help.
The difficulties parking a high 4WD vehicle in a low carpark was the only thing that marred the visit.
1 November 2024
After searching and checking reviews, this place is simply the best. The best value for money in Waikiki, convenient to
Fabulous hotel in Waikiki, chill vibes and awesome staff.
Nothing.
31 October 2024
Dog hotel, good location and helpful staff
Value for money, good location
It is a dog hotel so sometimes there are constant barking from neighbours Swimming pool is also used by dogs so consider that before booking
23 October 2024
Overall, it's a very chilled and stylish unique hotel, we will stay again.
design is great, vintage surfer feel. coffee is great. A very good deal for parking .
front desk was slow when checking in, no laundry room.
22 October 2024
Lovely stay in an updated hotel, nice staff and fun bar by the pool.
Lovely staff, great pool, upgraded us for free
The building is very dated and has been renovated but there are still many signs of the original space. For example, the hallways and elevators are very old, and there is no sound proofing between rooms.
16 October 2024
A simple yet lovely stay at Surfjack!
This hotel is simple yet lovely! The staff were so friendly and managed to get us checked in early as our flight arrived early morning. The pool area is beautiful and we enjoyed our swim there. The cafe on site offers 10% off for guests and they have a delicious strawberry matcha! The location was perfect! A very short walk to the main street downtown and Waikiki Beach. A highlight is that it’s a dog-friendly hotel, so we got to meet plenty of cute floofs including the hotel’s mascot, Jack!
The pool lounge chairs don't have umbrellas and didn't have a convenient spot to put an umbrella. If you’re swimming during the day it can be hard to get some shade by the pool.
12 October 2024
Fabulous
Great location. Smaller boutique hotel. Great staff.
10 October 2024
Exceptional
Great location! You can easily walk to the main street. Room is clean. Staff is super friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting the Honolulu. Parking fee is a huge plus. $10 a day and only 2 blocks away.
Room is a bit smaller than expected. But considering all other aspects, I couldn’t ask for more.
4 October 2024
Amazing week in the sun, would go back!
Super nice vibe, clean - everyone was very helpful and friendly!
Nothing!
2 October 2024
Best hotel in Waikiki
The people at the front desk were exceptionally friendly and welcoming. The live music each night is beautiful and sets a lovely ambience. Rooms were clean and beautifully made up. Everything about our stay was perfect and location is also great.
28 September 2024
Fabulous
The staff are lovely and very helpful. The room was nice and cozy. Location was also great. Very close to the shops and the beach which we loved!
27 September 2024
Fantastic
The rooms were clean and the bed was comfortable. Easy access to various places. Restaurant on site was lovely. Overall great vibe
Nothing
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
Services
- - Room service
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Daily housekeeping
General
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Paid WiFi
Outdoors
- - Outdoor pool
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
Activities
- - Nightclub/DJ
- - Evening entertainment
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Accessible parking
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
- - Lower bathroom sink
Pool and wellness
- - Pool bar
- - Shallow end
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming Pool
Miscellaneous
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Access to health care professionals
23 January 2025
Good stay