Kaimana Beach Hotel
Overview
Kaimana Beach Hotel is Waikiki's only beachfront boutique—a 122-room gem sitting directly on the sand of Sans Souci Beach (locally known as Kaimana Beach) at the quiet Gold Coast end of Waikiki. Built in 1963 and completely reimagined in 2018 under new local ownership by BlackSands Capital, the hotel occupies what many locals consider the best beach in the Waikiki area: calm, crystal-clear waters protected by a reef, uncrowded shoreline, and a setting framed by Diamond Head on one side and the Pacific horizon on the other.
The 2018 renovation transformed the property from the aging New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel into something far more contemporary and locally rooted. Henderson Design Group created interiors with a chic, midcentury modern aesthetic featuring aqua tones that echo the ocean just outside. The renovation also brought in a new culinary team for the legendary Hau Tree restaurant, elevating what was already one of Honolulu's most beloved dining institutions into a genuine foodie destination.
What makes Kaimana Beach Hotel special isn't luxury amenities or resort-scale programming—there's no pool, no spa, no kids' club. It's the unbeatable combination of a stunning natural beach setting, an intimate boutique scale, and a restaurant that people cross the island to visit. For travelers who came to Hawaii for the ocean rather than the resort, this is the purest expression of beachfront hospitality in Waikiki.
Accommodation Options
Kaimana Beach Hotel's 122 rooms and suites are designed to bring the outdoors in, with large windows that open to create an indoor/outdoor experience filled with natural light and trade wind breezes. Every room is air-conditioned and features high-speed WiFi, a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, private lanai, complimentary LATHER bath amenities, plush bath robes, a Bose wireless Bluetooth speaker, a Nespresso coffee maker, and complimentary Mananalu Water.
The five top-floor suites are the property's crown jewels, offering oversized balconies perfect for sunset-watching and featuring artful interpretations of Hawaii's history through bright pillows, palm print wallpapers, and shibori textiles. Standard rooms offer either Diamond Head views or ocean views—both are exceptional given the hotel's beachfront position. The thoughtful in-room amenities (Nespresso machine, Bose speaker, quality bath products) signal a boutique sensibility that prioritizes guest experience over room count.
Pools, Beaches & Activities
Kaimana Beach Hotel does not have a swimming pool—and that's entirely by design. When your hotel sits directly on one of Waikiki's best beaches, a pool would be redundant. Sans Souci Beach (Kaimana Beach) offers calm, reef-protected waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. The sandy bottom, gentle entry, and consistently mild conditions make it one of the safest ocean swimming spots in Waikiki, suitable for all ages and skill levels.
The beach is steps from the lobby—literally walk out the door and your feet are in the sand. The hotel provides beach towels, chairs, and gear for guests, and the uncrowded shoreline means you can always find prime sand space, even on busy weekends. The calm waters and excellent visibility also make Kaimana Beach one of Waikiki's best snorkeling spots, with sea turtles regularly spotted in the offshore reef area. For guests seeking more active pursuits, surfing, kayaking, and outrigger canoe rides can be arranged through the front desk.
Dining
Hau Tree is the hotel's legendary restaurant—an open-air dining room set directly on the sand beneath a canopy of ancient hau trees, with unobstructed views of Kaimana Beach and the Pacific Ocean. The restaurant has been a Honolulu institution for decades, but its recent culinary evolution under executive chef Bob Luong (with earlier involvement from celebrated chef Chris Kajioka of Senia and Miro Kaimuki) has transformed it into a serious foodie destination. The beach-centric menu features some of Honolulu's best brunch, lunch, and dinner in a setting that no other restaurant in the city can match.
Brunch is served Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and weekends from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM, while dinner runs daily from 5:00 to 8:45 PM. The daily Pau Hana (happy hour) from 2:00 to 5:00 PM features curated specials, live music and DJs, and complimentary parking—making it one of Waikiki's best afternoon experiences. A private oceanfront dining room accommodates up to 18 guests for special events. Sunset Provisions, the hotel's grab-and-go option, provides quick bites and beverages for guests heading to the beach or exploring the neighborhood.
Nearby Attractions
Kaimana Beach Hotel's Gold Coast location delivers a quieter, more local Waikiki experience while keeping the main attractions within easy reach. Diamond Head State Monument trailhead is a 10-minute walk—the closest any Waikiki hotel gets to this iconic hike. Kapiolani Park's 300 acres of green space begin just across the street, hosting weekend farmers' markets, outdoor concerts at the Waikiki Shell, and endless jogging and cycling paths.
The Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium are both within a 5-minute walk, and the main Waikiki Beach strip is a pleasant 15-minute beachfront stroll northwest. The hotel's position at the eastern edge of Waikiki means you're also close to the residential Gold Coast neighborhood—home to some of Honolulu's finest restaurants, including the nearby Pioneer Saloon and Bogart's Café, both beloved local breakfast spots.
For day trips, Pearl Harbor is a 30-minute drive, the North Shore is 45 minutes, and Kailua Beach (windward Oahu) is 25 minutes over the Pali Highway. The hotel's front desk can arrange tours, surf lessons, and car rentals. Public transit along Kalakaua Avenue provides affordable connections to the rest of Honolulu.
Tips & Good to Know
Book an ocean-facing room on an upper floor for the best views of Kaimana Beach and the Pacific—watching the sunrise from your lanai with a Nespresso in hand is one of Waikiki's most peaceful morning rituals. The five top-floor suites offer the most dramatic vantage point and oversized balconies, and they represent excellent value for couples or families celebrating a special occasion.
Plan at least one dinner at Hau Tree—it's not just a hotel restaurant, it's a destination dining experience. Sunset dinner reservations (around 5:30-6:00 PM) capture the best light and atmosphere. The daily Pau Hana happy hour from 2:00 to 5:00 PM is arguably the best value in Waikiki, combining quality food and drinks with live music and ocean views at reasonable prices. Arrive early to claim a prime oceanfront table.
There's no pool, so if pool time is essential to your vacation, look elsewhere. But if you came to Hawaii for the ocean, Kaimana Beach Hotel puts you closer to the water than any other property in Waikiki. The morning snorkeling is exceptional—calm conditions and good visibility before 10:00 AM regularly reward early risers with sea turtle sightings. Check-out is at noon (later than most Waikiki hotels), giving you a final leisurely morning on the beach.
Location
2863 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
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