Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort – Hotel Review

Infused with a host of local traditions, the absolute shorefront location of Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort offers guests total immersion in the beauty and hospitality of Hawaii. Read on for the full review.

You’ll be continually lured away from the seafront sun loungers by the activities on offer at this Honolulu gem. Those seeking blissful downtime can saunter off to the hotel’s spa and sprawling pool circled by palms, while the more energetic can hang ten during a surfing lesson with world greats (the legendary Kelly Slater is a resident instructor here). Whatever the call, this place seems to have an answer for it.

Where is Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort? 

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort (not to be confused with Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort) occupies a true beachfront location, between Kahanamoku Beach and Diamond Head Beach Park, 25 minutes drive south from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

What’s near Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort?

The ocean. The shoreline of Waikiki Beach reaches right up to the resort, with the on-site dining space and oceanfront rooms offering uninterrupted views of the glittering sea. Elsewhere, the bustling malls of Waikiki Beach Walk and the Royal Hawaiian Center are just minutes away on foot.  

Room types 

The aspect is the drawcard here, with rooms more functional than fancy (though the Hula Girl lamps are a cute touch). If you can, skip the city view rooms and book one on the Waikiki Beach side, where the seemingly endless ocean is invited in through floor-to-ceiling windows and a breezy balcony. Wi-fi, bathtubs and full-sized work desks are standard in all rooms. 

Restaurants and bars 

Under the shade of towering palms and fringed umbrellas, the lively Duke’s Waikiki isn’t just a highlight of the hotel – it’s a Waikiki institution. As famous for its Hula Pie – a chocolate sauce-topped slab of macadamia ice cream designed for sharing – as it is for its beachside location, it’s a place of sea salt-perfumed breezes and hearty favourites with a local twist, such as poke tacos and coconut shrimp with chilli water (that’s hot sauce, to the uninitiated). 

There are four other on-site eateries: the smoothie-serving Sunrise Shack and sandwich spot Pai’s Deli, for light and fresh fare as well as Hula Grill Waikiki, a cute culinary nod to the local fishermen with a menu of line-caught proteins. 

The intimate Blue Note Hawaii, a hybrid live events and dining venue, has a rotating bill of comedy, jazz and music performers and regularly has international acts as well as beloved Hawaiian acts on the bill. 

Travel for work

Boasting its own waterfront balcony hanging directly over Waikiki Beach, the Voyager 47 Club Lounge (for those who book suites or Voyager Club 47 rooms) is quite the perk. Open from 6.30am, it’s a many-meal affair of Kona coffee service in the morning, as well as pupus (appetisers) and local craft beers in the evening. Business travellers could also consider the Outrigger Business Connection program, which waives daily resort charges, takes 50 per cent off parking charges and collects no deposit upon booking, among other benefits.

Spa, gym and pool

Guests unsurprisingly flock to the resort’s sun lounger-lined pool, open from 8am to 8pm. Steps behind that, the public beach stretches beyond where your eye can reach. If it’s here you want to concentrate your efforts, a reliable holiday mantra would be: get there early to snag a lounger.

There’s also the heavenly Infinity Massage & Spa, which offers roaming treatments bookable for your room. We’d suggest opting for the in-house service, performed in a glorious penthouse that overlooks the ocean. Here you can submit to a Lomi Lomi, a traditional Hawaiian massage that works to stimulate the body’s energy flow with deep, long strokes.

If you can’t bear to break your routine, there’s also an on-site fitness center open from 6am.

Sustainability

In January 2022, five of Outrigger Hospitality Group’s Hawai‘i properties were recognised by the state’s Green Business Program for their efforts towards a more sustainable business. As a guest, you’ll notice energy-efficient lighting systems and reusable water bottles.

Accessibility   

There’s notable consideration for accessible travellers at Outrigger across both the hotel in general and in accessible rooms. There’s a non-staired entrance and accessible section for the pool and, in dedicated suites, guests will find everything from closed-caption capability on in-room TVs, toe and knee clearance at desk units and lowered light and thermostat switches.

What you need to know

The room rate is non-inclusive of the daily resort fee, a USD$45 (plus tax) charge that covers extras such as beach towels, refreshment of in-room bottled water, coffee and tea supplies, reef-friendly sunscreen and access to the pool and fitness center. This is added to your bill at check-out.

SEE ALSO: The Best Beach Resorts in Waikiki