The Sound of Waikiki

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
Honolulu, Oʻahu, Hawaii
Cultural Beachfront, $$$

Set directly on Waikiki Beach, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort feels more rooted in Hawaii than many of its resort neighbors. A multimillion-dollar renovation gave its 658 rooms and suites a contemporary residential look, but the more interesting transformation goes beyond decor: Hawaiian music, art, crafts, navigation traditions, and storytelling have been woven throughout the guest experience.

The commitment to culture ranges from lei making, hula, and ukulele lessons at the Aʻo Cultural Center to Kani Ka Pila Grille, an intimate venue where contemporary Hawaiian musicians perform nightly. The storytelling continues in guest rooms through new Journey TV channels devoted to Hawaiian music and culture, surfing, and Japanese-language content, accompanied by Outrigger Journey, a print magazine exploring the people, traditions, and landscapes of Hawaii.

The beachfront location certainly doesn't hurt. Guests can spend the day at the pool or on Waikiki Beach, then settle in for sunset drinks and dinner overlooking the Pacific.

At a Glance

The Vibe: A lively, contemporary beachfront resort with a genuine interest in Hawaiian music and culture.

Standout Detail: Suites that pay tribute to Hawaii's extraordinary voyaging history. Working with Billy Richards, a crew member on Hōkūleʻa's historic 1976 voyage to Tahiti, five Pwo Navigators selected names representing stars and constellations central to traditional Polynesian wayfinding. They include Hōkūpaʻa (Polaris), Hōkūlei (Capella), Hōkūleʻa, Makaliʻi, and Hānaiakamālama (the Southern Cross).

This Place Is Great For: Couples and families who want a full-service Waikiki resort on the beach, especially those interested in Hawaiian culture and live music.

Rooms: 658 renovated rooms and suites have a modern Hawaiian residential feel, with many offering private lanais and ocean views. The upper end gets considerably more elaborate: The two-bedroom Coral Reef Penthouse has artwork curated through the Bishop Museum and a sprawling lanai overlooking Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the Pacific, while the Grand Navigator collection occupies the top floor of the Pacific Tower and can be combined to accommodate as many as 18 guests.

On Site: Outside, it’s all about the beach, the swimming pool, the hot tub, and the cabanas. Inside, options include a 24/7 fitness center with Peloton and Technogym equipment; the Coral Kids Club, where games and activities are offered in English and Japanese; and the Aʻo Cultural Center with activities including hula, ukulele, and lei making. A weekly calendar lists all the available activities — wood carving, bracelet making, Polynesian tattoos, and so much more.

Food + Drink: At the oceanfront al fresco restaurant Monkeypod Kitchen, chef Peter Merriman serves island-inspired food and tropical cocktails, made with ingredients sourced from local farmers and brewers, with views toward Diamond Head.

Poolside, Kani Ka Pila Grille, named for musician Cyril Pahinui’s family backyard jam sessions, serves local favorites (pupu appetizers, beef short ribs sliders, fish tacos, keiki burgers) for lunch and dinner. Award-winning local musicians perform here nightly.

Guests staying in club rooms and suites have access to breakfast and early evening drinks and appetizers at Voyager 47 Club Lounge, whose outdoor deck overlooks Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.

Round of Applause: Outrigger Zone, the company's conservation program, supports coral restoration, mangrove and native-tree planting, marine education, and other ocean initiatives across the five countries in which it operates. Its partnership with Counting Coral has created a Sculptural Coral Gene Bank holding 464 coral fragments selected for resilience to warming seas. At Outrigger Reef, programming has included coral-restoration education and ocean-awareness and traditional navigation events.

What to Do Nearby

Walk straight onto Waikiki Beach or next door for a picnic at Fort DeRussy Beach Park and the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii. Waikiki Beach Walk's shops, restaurants, and entertainment are steps away, and the Cirque du Soleil show ʻAuana plays nearby at sister resort Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel.