I love staying at unique hotels and resorts, and unless you’re on a million-dollar luxury budget, I think the best way to stay in an authentic, memorable place is to look for a boutique hotel or B&B.
With fewer rooms, no corridor mazes, and much more local flavour, staying in a unique establishment will make the moments spent inside your room just as memorable as your time exploring.
I’m heading to Hawaii for a week in October, so as part of Hipmunk’s City Love initiative, I’m sharing the coolest boutique hotels I’ve found in Honolulu for your consideration.
The Modern Honolulu
The Modern Honolulu has received accolades from Forbes Travel Guide, Conde Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure Magazine and has been named the number one Boutique Hotel in Honolulu by Hawaii Magazine.
The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Morimoto, celebrates the best of Hawaii’s and Japan’s seafood and has been named one of America’s best hotel restaurants by Travel + Leisure Magazine.
The Modern Honolulu is the only boutique hotel in Hawaii with two pools. Reserve a sunbed by the Sunrise Pool or enjoy a tropical cocktail at the bar in the evening at the luxurious Sunset Pool. Overlooking the Sunrise Pool, the Sunset Pool is dotted with chaise lounges and hammocks, surrounded by native trees and sand gathered from 100 surrounding Hawaiian islands. The Sunset Pool is open only to adults, which means it’s perfect for some peace and quiet.
Shoreline Hotel Waikiki
Enjoy stunning Hawaiian sunsets from your balcony at the island-chic Shoreline Hotel Waikiki, which is located just two blocks from Waikiki Beach.
The freshly renovated 1970s tropical modernist hotel has been given a modern twist by award-winning architect Anthony Laurino to bring the hotel’s retro glamour into the 21st century. As part of the trendy Joie de Vivre Hotel Group, the Shoreline Hotel Waikiki will have you on island time in a flash.
Coconut Waikiki Hotel
For the boutique hotel experience on a budget, look no further than Coconut Waikiki Hotel. Also part of the Joie de Vivre Hotel Group, the Coconut Waikiki is bright, breezy and just a few minutes’ drive from Waikiki Beach. From your own private lanai (balcony), enjoy views of the Ala Wai and Ko’olau Mountains.
Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head
Nestled in the foothills of Diamond Head, the impressive crater at the edge of Waikiki, Lotus Honolulu offers guests a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki Beach, at the quieter end of the popular beach. Enjoy views over the Pacific and Diamond Head from the hotel and unwind with the yoga in the Kapiolani Park, exclusive to hotel guests.
Four-legged friends are welcome too, with special pet amenities to make sure your furry friends enjoy their stay just as much as you do.
Choose a room with a view of Diamond Head or the Pacific Ocean, or splurge on the panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean and Kapiolani Park in the Penthouse.
What is the best place you’ve stayed in Hawaii?
Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived & worked in New York City and now live in Melbourne, Australia.
I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.
My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!
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