Honolulu — Traveler Guide
History comes alive in these extraordinary properties. Each hotel occupies a building with genuine heritage significance — whether a former palace, a converted monastery, an art-deco landmark, or a centuries-old townhouse — sensitively restored with contemporary comforts.
Quick Answer
History comes alive in these extraordinary properties. Each hotel occupies a building with genuine heritage significance — whether a former palace, a converted monastery, an art-deco landmark, or a centuries-old townhouse — sensitively restored with contemporary comforts.
6 hotels reviewed · Price range: $$$, $$$$, $$ · Last updated March 2026
About This Guide
Honolulu offers exceptional options for travellers seeking historic hotels, and we've curated the very best. Each property has been selected for its outstanding facilities, prime location, and the quality of experience it delivers. Leading our list, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa excels with its exceptional attention to detail and commitment to the historic experience. The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort offers a compelling alternative with its unique approach and distinctive character. Whether you're a first-time visitor to Honolulu or returning for another stay, these hotels represent the gold standard for historic accommodation in the city. Each has been independently evaluated for quality, location, and value.
Insider Tips
Book directly with the hotel for the best rate guarantee and potential upgrades.
Read recent guest reviews for the most up-to-date assessment of facilities.
Consider visiting during shoulder season for better rates and fewer crowds.
Ask the concierge for local recommendations — they know Honolulu better than any guidebook.
Our Picks
6 hotels · Updated February 2026
The 'First Lady of Waikiki,' opened in 1901 as the beach's very first hotel, with a magnificent Banyan courtyard tree that has shaded afternoon tea drinkers for over a century. The colonial-era architecture and genuine historical pedigree make it a more interesting stay than the surrounding tower resorts, and the beachfront location is impeccable.
The 'Pink Palace of the Pacific' has presided over Waikiki Beach since 1927, its flamingo-pink Moorish-Spanish architecture as distinctive today as it was to the era's Hollywood stars. The Mai Tai Bar on the beach is as central to the Waikiki experience as Diamond Head itself, and the Mailani Tower rooms offer a quieter, more contemporary wing.
Waikiki
The finest hotel in Hawaii by consistent measure — a gracious, low-rise property on Waikiki's best beachfront lot that has been setting the standard for Hawaiian luxury since 1917. The House Without a Key sunset bar is the most beautiful outdoor drinking experience in the US, and La Mer restaurant holds two AAA Five Diamond stars.
Waikiki
A sun-soaked, mid-century modernist property with a genuinely fun personality — the Hideout bar with its retro tiki aesthetic, a pool that feels more like a private club than a hotel amenity, and rooms that channel 1960s Hawaii with modern comfort. Well-priced for a well-located Waikiki stay.
Kahala
Five miles east of Waikiki, the Kahala has been the destination for presidents, royalty, and celebrities seeking complete privacy since 1964 — a 338-room resort fronting a private beach with a dolphin lagoon and arguably the most refined service in Honolulu. Its distance from Waikiki is precisely the point.
Waikiki
A slick modern tower at the quieter Diamond Head end of Waikiki with an eye-catching infinity pool terrace, the excellent Morimoto Asia restaurant by Iron Chef Morimoto, and a design sensibility that feels genuinely contemporary in a stretch of hotels that can skew dated.
Keep Exploring
Common Questions
Yes — the best historic hotels preserve architectural character while offering thoroughly modern amenities including high-speed WiFi, premium bedding, and contemporary bathrooms.
Room sizes vary. Some heritage properties have grand suites, while others feature cozier rooms with unique architectural details. Room dimensions are usually listed in the booking description.
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Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.
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