The Halekulani Hotel dates back to 1883, when a house was built on the site of what is now the main building. Local fishermen would take a break and rest on the beach in front of the property, calling it a house befitting heaven, or Halekulani. The beachfront location provides guests with an unobstructed view of the stunning Diamond Head volcano and the Pacific Ocean. What’s more, Halekulani is a peaceful getaway from the energy and excitement of Waikiki, which is just a few minutes away.

One of the most luxurious and well-regarded resorts in all of Hawaii, the Kahala Hotel & Resort is set on a private white sand beach in Honolulu’s Kahala district. The resort has five different restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines, from Hawaiian fusion to Italian. In addition to the beach, the Kahala has its own 26,000sqft (2,415sqm) natural lagoon that is home to a family of Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins.

Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head is located at the quiet edge of Waikiki, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hotel is noted for its serene, Zen-like atmosphere and for providing guests with personalized amenities to make their stay as comfortable as possible. These include outdoor yoga, bike rentals, beach chairs, afternoon wine and admission to the Honolulu Museum of Art. Guest rooms come with a private veranda providing a view of either the Pacific Ocean or the Diamond Head crater.

Looking for an experience that’s a bit different from the typical stay at most hotels? VIVE attracts guests looking for an adventure, with special offers that feature activities such as biking, surf lessons and a snorkeling cruise. It’s located two short blocks from Waikiki’s sandy shores and one block from the nightlife and attractions of Kalakaua Avenue.

Every design element and piece of art in the Modern Honolulu is custom-made, from the colorful surfboard installation piece behind the reception desk to the blue glass tiles that adorn the Sunset Pool. The sleek inside spaces are dominated by different shades of white, accompanied by splashes of color from orchids, leafy botanicals and oodles of artwork. The signature restaurant, Morimoto Asia Waikiki, integrates the best seafood from Hawaiian and Japanese waters.

Known as the First Lady of Waikiki, the Moana Surfrider opened its doors in 1901 as the first hotel in Waikiki. Today, old photos of the hotel grace its walls, and there is a historical tour of the property offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Located on Kalakaua Avenue, the hotel is at the heart of the action in Waikiki, though there are plenty of places to relax. Try the Banyan Courtyard, with its iconic Moana banyan tree that was planted in 1904.

With its bright pink exterior, The Royal Hawaiian is hard to miss. Also known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific, it ushered in a new era of luxury travel when it was built in 1927. On Monday nights, the resort holds a celebration to honor Helumoa, the legendary playground of Hawaiian royalty where the hotel now stands. Called an Aha’aina, this celebration pays tribute to the island’s cultural history through food, song, stories and – of course – hula.

The Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki stands on land that was once used to cultivate seaweed called limu, an ingredient used in many popular Hawaiian dishes. 2020 marked the 30th anniversary of the hotel. The Hawaii Prince is perfect for the golf fanatic; for those looking to hit the links, there’s the unparalleled Hawaii Prince Golf Club, covering over 270 acres (109ha) and boasting incredible views of the Waianae Mountains.

At Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, guests can partake in many cultural activities, from learning about native medicinal plants to hearing about Hawaiian myths and legends. Try your hand at a ukulele or hula lesson or head to the Kani Ka Pila Grille for a live concert. Adventure awaits at the beach, where guests can practice canoe surfing with certified instructors. And if it’s rest and relaxation you’re looking for, the resort’s spa offers a soothing lava rock massage.