Lined with high rises, Waikiki is home to the majority of Oahu’s hotels and resorts. Travelers have an almost dizzying amount of choices when deciding where to call home, but if location is at the top of your list, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa won’t disappoint.
The Hyatt Regency Waikiki is located directly across from the Duke Kahanamoku Statue along Kalakaua Avenue. (An Olympic gold medalist, Kahanamoku grew up surfing at Waikiki.) In addition to being steps from the island’s sought after stretch of sand, the property boasts incredible views of popular hiking spot, Diamond Head State Monument.
With 1,230 rooms, including 19 suites, it’s a huge property. When I first arrived, I got lost and wound up in the Pualeilani Atrium Shops. (More than 60 shops and restaurants are located within the hotel.) Once I made my way to the front desk, check-in was efficient and easy. All guests should be prepared to pull up their Safe Travels account on their phone, laptop or electronic device of choice, to show their negative COVID-19 test result.
My room was an Ocean View, High Floor room with two Queen Beds, located on the 35th floor of the Diamond Head Tower. Traveling with a couple of college-age kids in tow, I appreciated how spacious the room was, even with two queen beds taking a chunk of the room. But it was the view that got everyone’s attention. The private balcony offered sight of just about everything you could hope for — from the city, to Diamond Head crater, to Waikiki Beach.
A large desk space spilled over the top of a dresser to create a plentiful surface for unpacking and charging electronics. (Multiple electric outlets were easily accessible.) Along with a small refrigerator, there were coffee and tea supplies.
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The bathroom sink area was open the room, but the toilet and shower/bathtub combination were in a separate space with door, making it easier for a family to function peacefully in the space.
Many guests come to Oahu to enjoy famed Waikiki Beach, but for those who aren’t a fan of getting sandy, the hotel pool offers a nice view of the action. Cabanas are available for rent and a pool attendant is on duty to provide beach towels and ensure social distancing guidelines.
The pool is just one of many onsite facilities and offerings that have been impacted by the pandemic. Housekeeping is available upon request only, but guests are encouraged to reach out with any needs. I requested some extra towels and they were at my door within minutes. The Fitness Center is operating at limited capacity and reservations are required. The Spa is open five days a week for massage services; reservations are required. Elevators are limited to four people at a time.
Open-air SHOR restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner complete with Waikiki ocean views. The property’s location also makes it easy to walk to a plethora of eateries, stores and area attractions including Kapi‘olani Regional Park, the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium.
Ocean View, High Floor rooms with two Queen Beds at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa start at $329. There is also a $42 daily resort fee that covers a list of things including Wi-Fi, use of beach chairs, reusable water bottles, and tote bag.
Self-parking is available directly across the street at the hotel garage for an additional fee.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
