
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii: The Luxury Travel Atlas City Play List
Welcome to the ultimate guide to Waikiki, a place where the sun-kissed shores meet a vibrant, cosmopolitan energy. Our curated City Playlist is your key to unlocking the very best of this iconic Hawaiian paradise, from hidden culinary gems to must-see cultural experiences.
Waikiki is more than just a beach; it’s a lifestyle. We’ve compiled a collection of our favorite spots to eat, drink, and explore, designed for the luxury traveler who craves authenticity and style. Whether you’re seeking a romantic, five-diamond dining experience with breathtaking ocean views, a lively beachside bar for a sunset cocktail, or a casual local spot for a quick bite, this guide has you covered.
Dive into our recommendations and let us guide you through the dazzling array of flavors and experiences that make Waikiki truly unforgettable. Get ready to indulge, explore, and fall in love with the heart of O‘ahu.
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, Interactive Map
Best Hotels in Waikiki, Hawaii
- Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach
- The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
- The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
- Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Rooms
- The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
Booking with us on Classic Travel, you can get the following at no extra cost on most bookings:
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
+More
Best Restaurants in Waikiki, Hawaii
- SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar
- Morimoto Asia
- STRIPSTEAK Waikiki
- Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar – (thank’s @harmonyshay_ !)
- Quiora at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
- Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi at The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
- La Mer (Halekulani Hotel): Hawaii’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant, offering exquisite French cuisine with stunning ocean views.
- Azure Restaurant (Royal Hawaiian Hotel): Elegant, beachfront restaurant focused on fresh, local seafood with incredible sunset views.
- Hy’s Steak House: A classic, old-world steakhouse famous for its kiawe wood-grilled steaks and a luxurious, romantic ambiance.
- Sushi Sho (The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach): A must-visit for a high-end, traditional omakase sushi experience.
- The Beachhouse at the Moana (Moana Surfrider): Serves modern Hawaiian cuisine in a beautiful, historic oceanfront setting.
- Duke’s Waikiki (Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort): A quintessential Waikiki experience with a lively “Barefoot Bar” and fresh fish dishes.
- Hula Grill Waikiki (Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort): An open-air restaurant with great views of Waikiki Beach, known for its brunch and Hula Pie dessert.
- House Without a Key (Halekulani Hotel): A classic Hawaiian setting with live music, hula dancing, and views of Diamond Head.
- Orchids (Halekulani Hotel): A casually elegant, oceanfront restaurant at the Halekulani, great for a Sunday brunch.
- Marugame Udon: Famous for its fresh, handmade udon noodles and tempura with a long line that’s worth the wait.
- Musubi Cafe Iyasume: The go-to spot for a quick and affordable Spam musubi or other local snacks.
- Steak Shack: A simple beachside counter that offers delicious and budget-friendly steak or chicken plates.
- Paia Fish Market Waikiki: A casual, lively spot known for its fresh fish prepared in a variety of styles.
Best Bars for Drinks in Waikiki, Hawaii
- The Lei Stand Waikiki
- Quiora at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
- Duke’s Waikiki
- Mahina and Sun’s – Surfjack Hotel
- ELEVEN
- Pint and Jigger
- Bar Leather Apron
- Podmore
- Yours Truly
- The Veranda at the Kahala Resort
- Smith & Kings
- Alaia at The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
- Sunset at The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
- Off The Lip at The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay
Reviews of Hotels in Hawaii
Dack Patrick
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I travel for a living, a Delta 1 Million Miler 1MM, 10 years Diamond Medallion, 7 years straight Marriott Ambassador Elite, and oddly still Hilton Diamond (lame!). It’s the stories I collect along the way that truly fuel me.
From high-rise hotels in buzzing metropolises to quiet beachside cafés tucked between palm trees, my career takes me across the United States and beyond—and I take every opportunity to explore, taste, and soak up the local vibe. Whether I'm grabbing late-night bites in Belgium, sipping wine in Napa, or discovering rooftop gems in New York City, I always keep an eye out for the places and moments worth sharing.
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This site is my travel log and guidebook rolled into one—a place where you’ll find detailed insights into the restaurants, hotels, rooftops, beach spots, bars, and other hidden treasures that define each city. Whether you're chasing your next adventure or planning a weekend escape, I hope my posts help you travel smarter, eat better, and find magic in every stop.