Aloha from Waikiki!

Hawaii is always a great idea for a vacation, and it’s so good to be back, especially staying at ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. I first visited Oahu back in 2015 with no real plans and a small budget. Fast forward to now, and after a long wait, I finally returned to the island, this time to upgrade to a luxury vacation. Staying at ‘Alohilani Resort was a dream come true, and I was beyond excited to finalize our reservation for a whole week here.

Aloha ‘Alohilani

The moment we walked into the resort’s open-air lobby, we felt a genuine sense of warmth and hospitality from the friendly staff. The check-in process was seamless, and within minutes, we were heading up to our Premiere Oceanfront Room on the 14th floor. We opened the balcony door to a bustling view of the streets of Waikiki, and that’s when it hit me – it’s officially vacation time.

About ‘Alohilani Resort

In line with its numerous accolades, ‘Alohilani Resort was recently voted among the Top 20 Resorts in Hawaii by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best 2020. Situated in the heart of Waikiki, the resort is within walking distance of just about everything you’d want to see and do. Waikiki Beach is literally across the street! Inspired by Honolulu’s rich culture and lush landscapes, this resort offers a tranquil oasis amidst the lively cityscape.

Named in honor of Queen Lili’uokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the resort holds a deep historical significance. It occupies land once home to Queen Lili’uokalani’s estate and takes its name from one of her beachside cottages, meaning “heavenly brightness” or “royal light.”

In keeping with the Queen’s legacy, ‘Alohilani is also dedicated to preserving Hawaii’s forests. The resort has partnered with the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI), a non-profit focused on restoring indigenous koa, milo, and sandalwood trees to the islands. As part of their commitment, a tree is planted for every guest stay, but if you’re interested, you can even visit HLRI’s Gunstock Ranch on the North Shore to plant your own tree!

‘Alohilani Resort Towers

The property consists of two towers. I stayed in the Beachside Tower, which is closer to the beach, while the Seascape Tower is connected to the parking garage on the 3rd floor (Level C). Both towers are connected on the 3rd floor, so if you’re self-parking, you won’t have to take an elevator down to the lobby.

Pro Tip: To avoid the elevator ride, park on Level C in the parking structure, walk through the towers, and take the elevator up to your floor.

‘Alohilani Rooms

The Rooms at ‘Alohilani

Walking into our room, I immediately felt at ease. The design is sleek and minimalistic, yet bright and airy. We were welcomed with a sweet card and our very first leis in Hawaii. The room came with a queen-size bed, a fridge stocked with complimentary soda and water, and locally sourced toiletries from Malie Organics, whose storefront is conveniently located downstairs by the lobby.

The highlight? The balcony view. It’s hard to beat the panoramic, unobstructed views of Waikiki Beach. It was the perfect spot to watch the sunset, feeling like you’re front and center. For those who prefer a different kind of view, ‘Alohilani also offers the Diamond Head Ocean View, which is just as unique and breathtaking. Check out other rooms here.

Pro Tip: The room offers several outlets and USB ports, making it super convenient for charging all your devices, especially for those like me who never travel without their photography gear.

The First Day: Resting and Unwinding

After a long flight, we decided to take it easy and cancel our plans for the day. Instead, we spent the afternoon watching the sunset from our balcony, soaking in the sky’s stunning colors. Being on the 14th floor gave us the perfect vantage point, stretching the horizon of Waikiki Beach from end to end. It felt like we were witnessing a true Hawaiian sunset.

By the time the last bit of light faded, we decided to unpack and settle into our room. We made the best decision to start the vacation with a relaxing evening at the hotel. The bed was so comfortable, it made getting up early for sunrise quite the challenge. But, on the last morning, I promised myself I would wake up early to see the sunrise – and it was absolutely worth it. The sky was soft and dreamy, painting a beautiful start to the day.

Experiences at ‘Alohilani Resort

Oceanarium: A Unique Underwater Experience

At check-in, we were handed a sheet outlining daily activities around the property. The Oceanarium, located next to Kai Coffee and adjacent to the lobby, caught my eye. This two-story, 280,000-gallon saltwater aquarium is home to a variety of vibrant Hawaiian reef fishes. You can witness daily feedings at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM, offering an awe-inspiring marine experience for all ages.

Other amenities include an indoor gym, massage services, and the Longboard Club, an exclusive guest experience with curated offerings designed to enrich your stay. While I didn’t get to experience the Longboard Club, I’ve heard wonderful things about it.

Dining at ‘Alohilani Resort

Momosan Ramen Waikiki

A highlight of our stay was dining at Momosan Ramen Waikiki, a popular spot owned by Michelin Chef Morimoto. We tried everything from pork gyoza to yakitori, and of course, the signature Momosan Tantan Ramen. This dish blends Japanese and Malaysian flavors into a bold and flavorful creation. Don’t forget to try their Frozen Beer, which is topped with a slushie layer to keep your beer cold for up to 40 minutes!

Momosan Hours:

  • Breakfast: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Lunch: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Dinner: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Swell Bar & Pool: The Perfect Spot to Unwind

The Swell Bar, located on the 5th floor of the Seascape Tower, offers a picture-perfect infinity pool overlooking Waikiki Beach. The views from the poolside seating are second to none, and there are private cabanas available with advance booking. The poolside menu offers various food and drink options, including gluten-free and vegan selections.

Swell Bar boosts to be one of the best bars in Waikiki, in case you needed another reason to check it out. It’s open to the public so you can experience the sunset from the infinity pool or enjoy a nightcap by the fire pit. t night, there’s live music performed by local musicians and DJs on weekends.

Swell Bar Hours:

  • Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Live Music: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (nightly)

MENU

Check out their menu by scanning this QR code below:

Earth To Cup at Swell Bar

I also had the chance to try the Earth to Cup Happy Hour Menu, which focuses on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. My favorite dish was the veal meatballs, paired perfectly with a Coconut cocktail made with local young coconut and tequila.

Earth to Cup Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

 

Other Dining & Coffee Options

Kai Coffee

For a quick morning pick-me-up, Kai Coffee serves locally roasted coffee, breakfast sandwiches, crepes, and fresh baked goods. It’s located next to the Oceanarium, so you can grab a bite before heading out for the day.

Kai Coffee Hours:

  • Mon – Thurs: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Fri: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Sat/Sun: 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM

 

Shopping at ‘Alohilani

Did you know there’s an ABC Market on-site? Located on the first floor of Beachside Tower, it’s a great spot to grab snacks, drinks, or a quick meal. There’s also a variety of shops just around the corner, including Beachside Luxe, offering a curated selection of apparel and accessories, and Malie Organics, a luxury Hawaiian beauty brand.

Beachside Luxe

Beachside Luxe has a curated collection of local and international apparel and accessories. I actually checked it out and had a variety of brands including Spells & The Gypsy with many cute styles to choose from.

Malie Organics

Malie Organics is the closest shop to the lobby showcasing a collection of luxurious Hawaiian beauty and wellness products. They’re locally sourced, organic, smell divine, and located in your room as part of the toiletries.

Kolohe

The last store is Kolohe, where you can check out its paradise-inspired pieces of jewelry and attend one of the jewelry-making classes.

Final Thoughts

Overall, ‘Alohilani Resort stands out for its prime location, stunning views, and top-notch service. Our stay here on Oahu was nothing short of amazing, and I can’t recommend this resort enough if you’re planning a visit to Waikiki. Whether you’re unwinding by the infinity pool or enjoying the local flavors at the restaurants, ‘Alohilani Resort is truly a must-stay.

If you have any questions about our stay or want more recommendations, feel free to drop a comment below or connect with me on Instagram or via Email. Mahalo!

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