The Modern Honolulu by Diamond Resorts
Overview
The Modern Honolulu sits at the edge of Waikiki where the neighborhood meets the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, occupying a sweet spot between the bustle of Kalakaua Avenue and the laid-back calm of Ala Moana. Now operating as a Hilton Vacation Club property, the hotel retains the sleek, design-conscious identity that made it a Waikiki standout when it debuted in 2010—think clean lines, curated art, and a lobby that feels more like a contemporary gallery than a typical resort check-in area.
What keeps The Modern relevant is its dual-pool concept and overall atmosphere. Two outdoor pools create distinctly different moods: one for socializing and one for quiet relaxation. This intentional segmentation—rare in Waikiki—means couples seeking tranquility and groups seeking energy can both find their ideal setting within the same property. The hotel's 353 rooms blend studio and one-bedroom suite configurations, and the Hilton Vacation Club affiliation means kitchenette-equipped suites are available for longer stays.
Duke Kahanamoku Beach, consistently rated one of America's best urban beaches, is less than a 10-minute walk away. Ala Moana Center, Hawaii's largest shopping destination, is even closer. For travelers who want Waikiki convenience with a dose of design sophistication and a calmer vibe, The Modern hits a compelling sweet spot.
Accommodation Options
The Modern Honolulu offers 353 rooms ranging from compact studios (approximately 330 square feet) to spacious one-bedroom suites with separate living areas and furnished balconies. The modern coastal design palette features neutral tones with ocean-blue accents, and every room includes a microwave, drip coffee maker, mini-refrigerator, free WiFi, and a 46-inch flat-screen TV. Beds use premium custom mattresses that guests consistently praise in reviews.
One-bedroom suites are the standout option, offering a living area that makes extended stays comfortable and functional—particularly useful for families or couples who want space to spread out. Upper-floor rooms on the ocean side deliver views of the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor and Pacific beyond, while mountain-view rooms offer dramatic backdrops of the Koolau Range. All rooms feature blackout curtains and individually controlled climate systems.
Pools, Beaches & Activities
The Modern's dual-pool setup is its signature amenity and a key differentiator in the Waikiki market. The Sunrise Pool creates an upbeat, social atmosphere with poolside cabanas (available for a surcharge), DJ sessions on select evenings, and direct service from The Grove's poolside menu. The adjacent Sunset Pool offers a more serene, adults-oriented escape under swaying palms—ideal for couples seeking a quiet morning float or afternoon read.
Both pools feature comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas, and the resort charge includes a 25% discount on daybed rentals. The pools are surrounded by lush tropical landscaping that creates a surprisingly private feel despite the urban setting. While neither pool is particularly large, the dual-pool concept means they rarely feel overcrowded, and the distinct atmospheres allow guests to match their mood to the pool.
Waikiki Beach is a short walk south, and the hotel offers beach towels and gear for guests heading to the sand. Duke Kahanamoku Beach and the protected lagoon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village are also within easy walking distance, offering calm, family-friendly swimming conditions.
Dining
The Grove Restaurant & Bar serves as The Modern's culinary anchor, offering a poolside dining experience surrounded by a lush canopy of bougainvillea. The menu emphasizes island-grown ingredients with dishes ranging from fresh salads and gourmet sandwiches at lunch to more refined plates at dinner. The bar program features specialty cocktails with Hawaiian-inspired flavors, and the outdoor setting—especially at sunset—creates an atmosphere that elevates simple poolside dining into something memorable.
Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM, and The Grove transitions smoothly into a late-night dining and cocktail venue. The resort charge includes one complimentary select appetizer with the purchase of an entrée, which helps offset the premium resort pricing. For guests wanting more variety, the nearby Ala Moana Center food court and the restaurants along the western Waikiki strip are within a 10-minute walk.
Nearby Attractions
The Modern's location puts it within walking distance of two of Honolulu's top attractions. Ala Moana Center, Hawaii's largest open-air shopping mall with over 350 stores, is barely a 5-minute walk. Duke Kahanamoku Beach—regularly named one of America's best beaches—is under 10 minutes on foot. The hotel's edge-of-Waikiki position also means quick access to the Ala Moana Beach Park, a local favorite for its calm waters and uncrowded shoreline.
Royal Hawaiian Center (1 mile) and the International Market Place offer premium shopping and dining along the main Waikiki corridor. The Honolulu Museum of Art and Iolani Palace are a 10-minute drive toward downtown, while Diamond Head State Monument—Oahu's most iconic hike—is a 15-minute drive east. The hotel's concierge can arrange Pearl Harbor tours (25-minute drive), North Shore excursions, and water sports activities.
For nightlife, The Modern's own poolside bar scene provides a solid starting point, and the bars and restaurants of Waikiki's main drag are a short walk or quick rideshare away. The hotel's proximity to the convention center also makes it a practical base for business travelers attending events at the Hawaii Convention Center, just minutes away.
Tips & Good to Know
Request an ocean-view room on the 15th floor or above for the best views of the yacht harbor and sunset. The one-bedroom suites offer significantly more space for only a modest premium over studios, and the separate living area makes a real difference for stays longer than two nights. If you're a Hilton Honors member, elite status benefits apply here, including potential room upgrades and late checkout.
The daily resort charge includes WiFi, two bottles of water, fitness and cultural activities (hula lessons, lei making, morning yoga), a 10% parking discount, a 25% daybed rental discount, and a complimentary appetizer at The Grove. These inclusions represent genuine value, especially the cultural activities that would cost $20-40 each at standalone providers. Take advantage of the morning yoga sessions—they're held poolside and are a lovely way to start the day.
The best rates are typically found midweek in the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October). If you're booking through Hilton, compare the standard rate against Hilton Vacation Club packages—the latter sometimes include breakfast credits or activity credits that tip the value equation. Parking runs around $45/night with the resort charge discount, so consider whether you actually need a car; the hotel's walkable location makes it feasible to skip the rental entirely.
Location
1775 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96815
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