The 5 Best Boutique Hotels on Oʻahu in 2023
These Oʻahu boutique hotels were voted as the best of the best in our 2023 Readers' Choice Awards.
Sometimes, you don’t have to be the biggest hotel on the block to be the best—and the winners of the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards “Best Boutique Hotels on Oʻahu” category prove just that. These accommodations top-in-class at mixing humble, small-scale abodes with touches of luxury and finesse, and visitors love staying at these unique properties time and time again. From the regal Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel to the every-hip Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, here’s what won in 2023.
1. The Imperial Hawai‘i Resort
View this post on Instagram
Only block away from Waikīkī Beach, The Imperial Hawaiʻi Resort swept many of our Oʻahu accomodation categories and was voted as the Best Boutique Hotel on Oʻahu in 2023. From classic, comfortable hotel rooms to a rooftop pool, The Imperial is the perfect place to call your home away from home while you’re on your Hawaiʻi vacation. And whether you’re partaking in free ʻukulele lesson every Tuesday, or working on those hula hands at the Thursday hula lessons, you’ll never run out of things to do at this boutique Waikīkī resort.
205 Lewers St, Honolulu, (800) 347-2582, imperialofwaikiki.com.
2. Halekūlani
The Halekūlani courtyard.
Photo: Courtesy of Halekūlani
An oasis of peace and calm in the energetic streets of Waikīkī, the Halekūlani is perfect for those looking for a little quiet while still wanting to be in Waikīkī. The hotel puts an emphasis on tranquility in just about every aspect of its top-of-the-line accommodations. From a gentle infinity pool looking out over the Pacific Ocean to its comfortable rooms and expansive suites, the Halekūlani has no shortage of places to lounge. Pair its relaxing atmosphere with an exceptional dinner and hula performances at House with a Key, as well as a fantastic Sunday brunch service, and you can see why the hotel placed at the top of the list.
2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, (808) 923-2311, halekulani.com.
3. The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
View this post on Instagram
An ode to all that will forever remain cool, The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club effortlessly mixes old-school retro charm with modern amenities and accommodations. From the Instagram famous pool—which reads “Wish You Were Here!” at the bottom—to the excellent in-house restaurant Mahina & Sun’s, there are a lot of reasons why The Surfjack took third on our list this year. Better yet, live entertainment is a common occurrence at The Surfjack, so you can vibe out all night long poolside without ever having to leave the hotel.
412 Lewers St, Honolulu, (808) 923-8882, surfjack.com.
4. The Kāhala Hotel and Resort
The Kāhala Beach Suite.
Photo: The Kāhala Resort
The term “boutique” can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people, and the folks at The Kāhala Resort and Hotel have defined it as “excellence.” From the concierge service to the front desk staff and hotel management personnel, everyone working at The Kāhala Resort and Hotel goes above and beyond in making the stay one that you’ll remember for a lifetime. The hotel itself is luxurious in its own right, with a grand lobby, beachfront dining options and stunning rooms and suites.
5000 Kāhala Ave, Honolulu, (808) 739-8888, kahalaresort.com.
5. Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel
A Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel guest room.
Photo: Courtesy of Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel
If you visited the Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel before 2018, then you may be surprised to see the major renovations done to the property. Almost no corner went untouched in the project, and the hotel has never looked better. A stylish lobby complemented by artwork done by talented local artist Nick Kuchar, new and improved rooms with exceptional views of Diamond Head as well as Waikīkī Beach. A postcard-perfect pool deck fitted with a happening poolside bar. The hotel may not be large, but it makes quite the impression.
150 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, (808) 922-1941, queenkapiolani.com.
