ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki
Overview
With just nine suites — each occupying an entire floor — ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki is one of the most exclusive hotels in Hawaii and a world away from the mega-resorts that dominate Waikiki. This intimate ultra-luxury boutique hotel holds both Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond ratings, making it the only property in Hawaii to achieve both designations simultaneously. Conde Nast Traveler ranked it the #1 hotel in Hawaii.
Converted from a former mid-range property through a $50 million transformation in 2019, ESPACIO reimagines what a Waikiki hotel can be. The philosophy of omotenashi — the Japanese art of anticipatory hospitality — guides every interaction, from the 24/7 personal butler service to the complimentary Mercedes fleet at your disposal.
This is Hawaii's first "Luxury Without Limits" all-included hotel, meaning your stay encompasses far more than a room. Daily breakfast, a $300 dining credit at the Forbes Five-Star Mugen restaurant, round-trip airport transfers in a chauffeured Mercedes S-Class, daily use of a Mercedes GLC SUV, museum admissions, and a Champagne welcome reception are all included — with no resort fees whatsoever.
Accommodation Options
All nine suites span approximately 2,250 square feet and occupy their own private floor, accessed via a private elevator. The feeling is less hotel and more ultra-luxury private residence.
Four suite categories are available. Beach View Suites (floors 5-7) offer three bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and balconies overlooking a rare heritage banyan tree and the beach. Ocean View Suites (floors 8-10) add elevated coastal panoramas. Oceanfront Suites (floors 11-12) provide sweeping Pacific views. The crown jewel is the Penthouse Diamond Suite at the top level, with two bedrooms plus a den and 3.5 bathrooms.
Every suite features a gourmet kitchen with Thermador and Miele appliances (including a five-burner cooktop, rice cooker, and wine cellar), private balcony with Jacuzzi soaking tub and canopied daybed, private dry sauna, TOTO Washlets, deep soaking tubs, smart home iPad controls, three smart TVs, Bvlgari bath amenities, and in-suite washer/dryer. Italian marble finishes and Moroccan metalwork accents add a layer of refined elegance.
Pools, Beaches & Activities
The rooftop infinity pool sits atop the building with breathtaking views of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Given the hotel's intimate size — just nine suites — you'll likely have the pool and sun deck largely to yourself.
Poolside dining service is included with your stay, and the rooftop hosts sunset Champagne and caviar service in the evenings. A gourmet BBQ grilling station on the rooftop allows for private chef barbecue experiences arranged through your butler.
Spa & Wellness
The ESPACIO Spa offers personalized treatments using rare botanicals and island minerals. Traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage is available alongside contemporary facials and body treatments featuring locally sourced, natural ingredients.
Beyond the dedicated spa, every suite functions as its own private wellness retreat — the in-suite dry sauna and private balcony Jacuzzi with ocean views mean you can enjoy spa-caliber relaxation without leaving your floor. Twice-daily housekeeping ensures everything is refreshed and ready.
Dining
Mugen — meaning "infinity" in Japanese — is the hotel's singular dining venue, and it's extraordinary. Holding its own Forbes Five-Star rating (the only restaurant in Hawaii with this distinction), this 34-seat restaurant serves innovative global cuisine blending Hawaiian flavors with international artistry. Executive Chef Colin Sato, a Hawaii native, leads the kitchen, with consulting guidance from Alan Wong, a pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine.
For an even more exclusive experience, you can arrange private in-suite kaiseki dining with Chef Mamoru Tatemori, named one of the Top 100 Global Japanese Chefs. The wine program has earned a Wine Spectator "Best Of" award.
Guests enjoy daily breakfast (7:00-10:00 AM) and a $300 Mugen dining credit per stay — both included. Mugen also offers a 12-seat afternoon tea service featuring rare teas and pastries. Room service and poolside dining are available throughout the day.
Nearby Attractions
ESPACIO sits on Kalakaua Avenue directly across from Waikiki Beach, near the Diamond Head end of the strip. Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium are within walking distance, and Diamond Head makes for an invigorating morning hike.
Your stay includes complimentary admission to the Bishop Museum (for adults plus children under 17) and the Honolulu Museum of Art — two of Oahu's most significant cultural institutions. The complimentary Mercedes GLC SUV or E-Class sedan makes exploring the island effortless.
The chauffeured Mercedes S-Class service covers central Honolulu, making dinner reservations at off-property restaurants or shopping excursions to Ala Moana Center seamless. Your personal butler can arrange virtually any experience on the island, from private snorkel charters to helicopter tours.
Tips & Good to Know
ESPACIO operates on an all-included model with no resort fees — factor this into your price comparison. The included Mercedes car service, airport transfers, daily breakfast, $300 Mugen credit, museum admissions, and butler service represent thousands of dollars in value that would be extra charges at other luxury properties.
With only nine suites in the entire hotel, availability is extremely limited. Book well in advance, especially for peak season (December-March) and summer months. The Penthouse Diamond Suite is particularly sought-after.
Despite the ultra-luxury positioning, ESPACIO welcomes families — though guests under 21 must check in with a parent or guardian. The three-bedroom suites with full kitchens and washer/dryers are genuinely practical for families, and the butler can arrange family-oriented experiences.
Ask your butler about the private rooftop BBQ experience — a private chef grills for you on the rooftop as the sun sets over the Pacific. It's one of the most memorable dining experiences available in Waikiki.
Location
2452 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
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