Top 12 Boutique Hotels in Honolulu for the Trendy Traveler

It’s no secret that Honolulu is one of the most beautiful cities in the world to visit.

The beaches, the culture, and the tropical climate – it’s a traveler’s dream come true.

You’ve got your must-see attractions and your favorite restaurants. But there’s one part of your vacation you haven’t figured out yet – where to stay in Honolulu.

Staying at a big hotel chain can be fun, but sometimes you just want something a little more special.

Here are 12 of the best boutique hotels in Honolulu that stand out a bit more than the rest.

Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani

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Source: TripAdvisor

The Halepuna Waikiki Hotel is located in the heart of Waikiki – just steps from Waikiki Beach, the shopping district, and a few minutes from the famous Ala Wai Golf Course.

This luxury boutique hotel offers a warm aloha spirit with a contemporary twist.

Enjoy the sunrise from an oceanfront room with a private balcony or unwind at the infinity pool facing the beach.

The award-winning restaurant offers new takes on local flavors, while lounge chairs and umbrellas dot the beach below.

The Halepuna Waikiki Hotel is the ultimate destination for anyone looking for a luxury getaway in Honolulu.

Vive Hotel Waikiki

Vive Hotel Waikiki sm
Source: TripAdvisor

Vive Hotel is a trendy boutique hotel and a fun, vibrant place to stay in the heart of Honolulu.

The hotel is within walking distance to Waikiki Beach, the world-famous Ala Moana Center, and the best restaurants and shopping in Hawaii.

Guest rooms feature stunning views of the Pacific Ocean or the Waikiki skyline. Each room has been designed to reflect the spirit of Hawaii with its exotic design and soothing color palette.

Complimentary breakfast and free wifi is included as well.

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The Modern Honolulu

The Modern Honolulu sm
Source: TripAdvisor

Modern Honolulu by Diamond Resorts is the perfect hotel for a weekend getaway in Honolulu.

Located on Ala Moana Boulevard, it’s a trendy boutique hotel that caters to younger guests.

The grounds are spacious, with a lounge area and live music near the two outdoor pools. Rooms have chic, beach decor with large balconies overlooking the marina.

Satisfy your hunger with a wide variety of options at The Grove Restaurant & Bar. Farm-to-table dishes are featured on the Pacific-influenced menu.

Modern Honolulu is an ideal choice for a relaxing, fun weekend.

Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head

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Source: TripAdvisor

Located on the famed Gold Coast of Waikiki, guests can enjoy panoramic views of lush foliage and unparalleled views of Diamond Head at Lotus Honolulu.

The newly renovated hotel offers a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of Waikiki.

Every room has a trendy, tropical vibe, and includes a balcony or patio for you to catch the sunrise.

Queen Kapiolani Park is directly across the street from Lotus Honolulu, a great place for guests to go for a stroll during the day.

The hotel is also only a few steps away from Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium.

Lotus Honolulu hosts free wine tastings every afternoon for you to hang out and chitchat with other guests.

The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

The Surfjack Hotel sm
Source: TripAdvisor

Located in Waikiki and just a short drive to Diamond Head, the Surfjack Hotel is a boutique hotel with a lush, vintage-inspired style and breathtaking views.

From the moment you step onto the grounds of Surfjack Hotel, you’ll be greeted warmly with the aloha spirit.

Every suite is spacious and has a balcony for you to indulge in your morning coffee and breakfast.

The Surfjack Hotel offers the perfect retreat for a laid-back escape, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Hotel Renew

Hotel Renew sm
Source: TripAdvisor

Centrally located and just one block away from Waikiki Beach, Hotel Renew is the perfect base for any traveler who wishes to explore the heart of the city.

Honolulu Zoo and Ala Wai Golf Course is only a 5-minute drive from the property, perfectly located for a fun-filled day on this Hawaiian island.

Hotel Renew serves free continental breakfast with plenty of healthy choices, including a fresh smoothie bar.

There’s no pool on-site. When the beach is just around the corner, who needs one!

The Laylow, Autograph Collection

The Laylow sm
Source: TripAdvisor

Uniquely designed among Waikiki boutique accommodations, The Laylow is a chic mid-century modern hotel that is within walking distance to Waikiki Beach, the Royal Hawaiian Center, endless restaurants, and thriving nightlife.

Being located on one of the busiest strips in the city, this hotel can get pretty noisy.

As long as you bring earplugs and don’t mind the noise, you’ll be fine!

White Sands Hotel

White Sands Hotel sm
Source: TripAdvisor

White Sands Hotel is the perfect home base for sun-seeking tourists.

This boutique hotel is located just two blocks from the beach and in the heart of Waikiki, which is where most of the action is in Honolulu.

When you’re not spending the day soaking up the Hawaiian sun out on the beach or visiting nearby attractions, the bustling nightlife is just a quick walk away.

All rooms have private balconies and your furry friends are always welcome.

If you want to be close to the beach but don’t want to be far from the action, this hotel is a great choice.

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Shoreline Hotel Waikiki

Shoreline Hotel Waikiki sm
Source: TripAdvisor

The Shoreline Hotel offers peace and privacy at a 5-minute walk from Waikiki Beach and Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.

This hotel features contemporary Hawaiian decor with a retro 1970s vibe.

Heavenly Island Lifestyle, the on-site restaurant at the Shoreline Hotel, is one of the best breakfast spots in town.

Guests can enjoy lounging on the sun terrace or take a swim at the rooftop pool with stunning views of the city.

Every room at the Shoreline Hotel has its own private balcony and complimentary coffee and tea are always available in the lobby.

Queen Kapiolani Hotel

Queen Kapiolani Hotel sm
Source: TripAdvisor

The Queen Kapiolani Hotel sits right on the edge of Kapiolani Park, just one block from Waikiki Beach, and close to nearby attractions such as the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium.

The hotel features bright, spacious rooms and many of them include a private balcony with views of the ocean or the city skyline.

As the sky fades into shades of pink, orange, and purple, take in the panoramic views of Diamond Head while relaxing at the outdoor pool and terrace.

Bamboo Waikiki Hotel

Bamboo Waikiki Hotel sm
Source: TripAdvisor

Bamboo Waikiki is an intimate boutique hotel with tropical, Asian-inspired decor, and offers guests the oasis they are searching for in the heart of Waikiki.

The hotel’s lush outer area with a pool, cascading waterfall, and jetted hot tub is the perfect spot for cocktails and a swim.

It’s an intimate and welcoming property that’s located just two blocks from the beach.

The Honolulu Zoo is a short walk away, and Ala Wai Golf Course is about a 5-minute drive. A local favorite among golfers because it’s the closest course to the Waikiki district.

The Equus

The Equus sm
Source: TripAdvisor

The Equus is a charming beachside hotel that is within walking distance to all the shopping spots, restaurants, and entertainment that Waikiki has to offer.

This boutique hotel has a small pool for cooling off after a full day of tropical exploration.

Being only 9 minutes away from the famous stretch of beach, it makes for an easy stop and the perfect place to watch the sunset.