Happy March everyone! 

A few weeks ago we took a trip to Hawaii- our second time visiting the state since we moved to the West Coast. We planned to spend a few quick days in Maui and then head home, but we couldn’t bring ourselves to leave paradise when it was time to go. Instead, we extended our trip (Delta customer service FTW, the whole trip was booked on points and they helped us move points around/re-book so the new itinerary cost us less than $100!) and we flew to Oahu instead. There’s something so special about Honolulu, and you guys know we love city life— so what could be better than a bustling tropical city with Waikiki Beach, one of the world’s most iconic beaches?!

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa invited us to come and experience their newly renovated property, and we immediately said yes because of their perfect location on Waikiki Beach. We packed a lot into a few days at the resort, and can confidently recommend this hotel to anyone looking for an elevated, relaxing, convenient stay in Waikiki. Here’s our top reason why Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is one of the best hotels to book for your vacation to Oahu. ((This post was sponsored by the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa but our opinions, as always, are our own)).

THE LOCATION

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa sits right across the street from Waikiki beach, in the most family friendly stretch of beach around. The immediate beachfront just steps from the hotel is protected by a rock jetty which creates a sort of shallow, idyllic ocean pool with white sand and crystal clear water. There’s no waves so Nusa played endlessly in the warm water, and there were families all over doing the same. Of course, you can’t come to Waikiki without taking advantage of the world-class longboard surf breaks, and it’s just a few minutes walk to pass the jetty and paddle out to catch some waves. The hotel is walking distance to everything you could need in Waikiki, perfect for beach access, and all-around in the most ideal location. 

THE HISTORY

The property is built on the very land where Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaii’s last monarch, had her summer home. There’s a beautiful display in the lobby that pays homage to Her Majesty and tells some of the story of the area. The entire hotel, which underwent a complete renovation in 2021, has nods to the late Queen and honors her legacy. From her favorite color purple laced throughout the open-air lobby to a pool-deck restaurant named Queensbreak after her names-sake surf break out the front of the hotel, the resort tells stories of the Queen’s legacy and Hawaii’s rich history. 

THE VIEWS

Our room was on the 33rd floor with sprawling balconies overlooking both the city and the beach below. We sipped cocktails and watched the sunset from the balcony in our bedroom, worked out in the in-suite fitness room to the view of the sea, and woke up to the sound of crashing waves every morning. Everywhere you look, the views are gorgeous and you always know that you’re staying in paradise, no matter where you look. 

THE FOOD

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa boasts an impressive selection of restaurants on property. Queensbreak offers an all-day poolside menu and bar, as well as a beautifully designed outdoor restaurant with live music in the evenings. Executive Chef Nuno’s menu is delicious, thoughtful and approachable, and we loved everything we tasted. Even more than that, the ambiance and the service were above and beyond. The dishes are carefully crafted, in Chef Nuno’s words “to feed the whole family”. It’s elevated and interesting, yet maintains a sense of relatability that the whole family will find appealing. His recipes pay tribute to his own heritage and travels— think authentic shrimp pad Thai picked up from his travels in Thailand, and drunken clams that only a New England native could conjure up. It’s one of those rare venues that works perfectly as a family poolside joint and a romantic date-night alike. Can you tell we loved it?!

You can also dine on authentic Italian fare at Arancino di Mare, order some of the best steaks on the Island at DK Steakhouse, enjoy Asian-pacific seafood and sushi at Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar and grab breakfast with beach views at Kuhio Beach Grill. Starbucks has two outlets in the hotel, and there are endless dining options within walking distance. We travel with our stomachs so this was one of our top highlights of the resort!

THE DESIGN

The hotel closed down for a total renovation during the pandemic, and just re-opened in late 2021. From the lobby to the rooms and everywhere in between, the design is perfection. Open, airy common spaces and clean coastal vibes that incorporate Hawaiin culture and history throughout are hallmarks of the property. Every room has a balcony, and our spacious suite even had it’s own workout room overlooking Waikiki. The pool decks offer so much room to relax in beautifully appointed cabanas or lounge chairs, and the entire property was re-designed to translate seamlessly between the local area/beach and the property itself. There’s a pool splash pad for kids, a lawn with games and room to run, a surprisingly large gym and fun, interesting features all over the property.

We loved our stay at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and would highly recommend for any families coming to Oahu. You don’t need to go far to eat well, relax, sleep well, enjoy the local area and just live your very best vacation life. The staff was so kind and accommodating to our family and now we just can’t wait to come back! Don’t miss a long lunch or relaxed dinner at Queensbreak, and tell chef Nuno we sent you!

Much love all. Until next time, 

Zach & Tara