Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort – Hotel Review

Step off the busy sands of Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach and enter the calm, cool aesthetic of Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. It begins with the lobby space of cane chairs and low-slung lounges and continues to the refreshed rooms washed in the colours of the ocean views that wait outside your window. Read on for the full review.

It’s a matter of simple pleasures at this seaside hotel. A lunch of locally-sourced ahi and avocado poke, a morning of in-room coffee sipped on a balcony overlooking Diamond Head or an afternoon of cultural immersion via a complimentary lei making class. Our advice? Say yes, yes and yes.

Where is Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort? 

Between Kāliak Road and the shores of Waikiki, the property (not to be confused with Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort) sits right on Honolulu’s most famous beachfront. It’s about 20 minutes from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport by car.

What’s near Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort?

From ocean view rooms at Outrigger Reef, guests can watch the crowds that gather on Waikiki Beach… or join them on their beach towels - it’s that close. Families will appreciate the proximity to Waikiki Aquarium, and Honolulu Zoo (less than 10 minutes away by car or a seaside stroll of half an hour). The hike up picturesque Diamond Head begins after a 10-minute drive to the visitor centre.

Room types 

Opt for an ocean view if the budget allows - Ocean Tower Ocean View rooms are particularly stunning, taking in the craggy peak of Diamond Head and the surrounding ocean. Inside, rooms have a “serene seaside” vibe with soft, ocean-blue carpets, woven accents and curtains that ombré from white to baby blue hiding access to your private lanai (or balcony). 

Restaurants and bars 

Kani Ka Pila Grille, the only eatery at Outrigger Reef at the time of writing, mixes local produce with tried-and-tested faves - most notably in Kalua pork quesadillas. Breakfast is lighter, with fresh fruit-laced options that fit the tropical climate perfectly - an acai bowl on a warm Waikiki morning is a treat indeed. 

Monkeypod Kitchen, a pub-style offering of local beers and a happy hour, is due to open in 2023.

Travel for work

A light-filled space looking out to the ocean, Outrigger Reef’s Voyager 47 Club Lounge (accessible to those who book suites or Voyager Club 47 rooms) is a lovely space to sequester yourself should work need to be done. The small balcony, which juts out over the ocean, is stunning, especially with a Kona coffee or light snack in hand (both are served from 6.30am through to the evening).

The Outrigger Business Connection program is also a helpful addition for business travellers: daily resort charges will be waived and you’ll receive 50 per cent off parking charges as well as other benefits).

Gym and pool

Outrigger Reef backs onto the sands of Waikiki so taking a dip is a matter of choosing between the sea and the deep blue kidney bean-shaped swimming pool ringed with sun loungers. The area also houses a trio of hot tubs and bookable cabanas and loungers (the cabanas are inclusive of chaise lounges and a couch, chair and coffee table, perfect for a long lazy day by the pool).

There’s also an on-site fitness centre but with direct beach access, a soft sand run or hike up Diamond Head would be our choice for exercise. 

Fun, free hotel activities to relax the mind include Hawai‘i petroglyph card making and wood carving. Keen to dance the stress away instead? Take a hula lesson. 

Sustainability

Outrigger Reef is one of five Outrigger Hospitality Group’s Hawai‘i properties to be given a nod by the state’s Green Business Program for their sustainability efforts. You’ll find them in everything from reusable water bottles to low voltage and energy-efficient lighting as well as bike repairs and storage for guests and staff alike.

Accessibility   

Outrigger Reef is a fully accessible hotel, with ramp entrances to the hotel proper, as well as dining spaces and common areas. A number of guestrooms incorporate roll-in showers, lowered thermostat and light switches and visual alarm clocks.

What you need to know

Have a peep at the activity schedule. The hotel makes a palpable effort to bring the culture of Hawai‘i to its guests, with a rotating schedule of traditional activities such as hula dancing and ukulele lessons.

SEE ALSO: The Best Beach Resorts in Waikiki