
Fodor's Expert Review Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa
2424 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, USA See on Map
Even though it's across the street from Kuhio Beach, the Hyatt is actually considered oceanfront, as there's no resort between it and the Pacific Ocean. An open-air atrium with three levels of shopping, a two-story waterfall, and free nightly live entertainment make this one of the liveliest lobbies anywhere. Its 10,000-square-foot, two-level luxury spa, Na Ho'ola, has 16 treatment rooms and an array of specialty therapies including the Lomi Wawea, a traditional healing massage focusing on the feet. Dining options include SHOR, which has sustainable seafood and outdoor seating and Swim, a poolside bar and lounge. Authentic daily on-site activities, including lei making and hula dancing, are led by a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner.
YOU SHOULD KNOW A resort fee of $37 plus tax will be applied to each night of your stay. Though this is definitely one of the highest resort fees in Waikiki, it includes complimentary ½ hour Biki bikeshare for two, two water bottles, Hyatt tote bag, savings coupons, StayFit gym access, cultural activities, and more.
room
Rooms at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki are smartly designed and decorated utilizing timeless style and vibrant ocean inspired accents, with ocean or Waikiki views. Four types of suites are also available for guests wanting more space and elegance. All rooms include private furnished lanais, mini coolers, slippers, and Chromecast casting ability on large flat screen TVs. Upgrade for a room with club access and receive VIP extras with complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres.
bathroom
Bathrooms feature Toto Washlets, large mirrors and vanities, and products from Na Ho’ola Spa, along with tub/shower combos. Some of the bathrooms can be a bit small.
lobby
Featuring a large waterfall, the lobby has tropical-inspired decor and a family-friendly atmosphere but feels a bit crowded. The hotel lobby is connected to the Pualeilani Atrium Shops, which features 60 boutiques and shops.
pool
The freshwater pool and sundeck is relatively small and can get crowded quickly. Private pool cabanas are available for full or half day rental for up to three people per cabana. While the pool is open 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., the whirlpool hot tub is open until 10 p.m.
spa
Na Ho’ola Spa has extensive offerings with a wonderful website, making it easy to book a treatment in advance. A relaxing setting with incredible views of the beach and ocean, the spa has 16 private rooms, a dry sauna, and a beauty salon.
gym
A small fitness center is stocked with towels and water. Offering a variety of machines and free weights, the gym isn’t overly appealing visually, but it gets the job done. A fitness concierge assists guests with any forgotten equipment.
dining
Wake up to the largest breakfast buffet in Waikiki at SHOR Restaurant, grab lunch poolside at SWIM (evening menu available as well), or try The Buffet for dinner and enjoy fresh island foods and prime rib. Room service is also available, and those with access to the Regency Club Lounge can enjoy complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon beverages and snacks, as well as evening cocktails (for a fee), with canapés for World of Hyatt members.
Save $5-$10 on the breakfast buffet by arriving early for the Early Bird Special, available daily from 5:30 to 7 a.m.
drinking
SWIM also fulfills your evening needs with cocktails and live music on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Drinks include beer, wine, and island inspired cocktails, with a killer happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. that includes three $6 cocktails and three $5 beers.
LOCATION
Getting Around
Waikiki and surrounding areas are easily reachable from the airport by cab or rideshare. There is plenty to do in these areas without ever leaving (walking, biking, taking the bus, or hailing a car), so a rental car is only necessary if you want to explore other parts of the island.
Restaurants
One of Chinatown’s standout spots is trendy The Pig and the Lady (23-min drive), a Vietnamese/Asian fusion restaurant with creative dishes that appeal to a variety of palates. They are even able to modify many of their menu items to meet the dietary needs of vegetarians. Their dessert menu is quite stunning, featuring island flavors and a rotating soft serve program, as is their cocktail menu full of quirky drink names and ingredients.
Have a picky group with you? Stop by Honolulu’s newest Whole Foods Market Queen (19-min drive) to pick up a variety of groceries, or stop by one of the variety of eateries inside this two-story complex. Options include their classic salad and hot bars, a banh mi counter, poke bar, and a non-dairy frozen banana stand. Don’t leave without loading up on ice cream mochi from Bubbie’s -- but good luck making out of the store before eating all of them! Pro tip: Though you can find Bubbie’s all over the island, Whole Foods manages to keep it perfectly stored so that the mochi exterior is as soft and luscious as possible. Try as many as you can here, you’ll fall in love with most of them.
WHY WE LIKE IT
Large rooms and a variety of amenities make this a great option for those looking for a relaxing stay. With a little bit of planning, guests can indulge in meals and drinks for a good price. The spa is a highlight of the hotel, as are the 60 boutiques on property.

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