Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Overview
Occupying an entire city block at the quieter Diamond Head end of Waikiki, the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is a thoroughly modern resort built on historic ground — the former summer home of Queen Lili'uokalani, Hawaii's last reigning monarch. After a comprehensive $100 million renovation completed in 2021, the property emerged as one of Waikiki's freshest large-scale resorts, with 1,310 redesigned rooms across two towers and a show-stopping one-acre rooftop pool deck.
The resort sits directly across Kalakaua Avenue from Kuhio Beach, one of Waikiki's most beloved stretches of sand, with Diamond Head rising dramatically in the background. The location at Waikiki's eastern edge means less pedestrian congestion while still keeping you within easy reach of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife along the strip.
With five distinctive restaurants, an Aveda-branded spa, both family-friendly and adults-only pool areas, and a robust schedule of complimentary cultural activities, the Marriott strikes an appealing balance between full-service resort amenities and the kind of modern design sensibility that today's travelers expect.
Accommodation Options
The resort's 1,310 rooms — including 135 suites — are divided between two towers. The Kealohilani Tower (25 floors) sits closer to the ocean and was fully renovated in 2019, while the taller Paoakalani Tower (33 floors) offers spacious layouts with mountain and Diamond Head views.
Every room features a private lanai, Marriott Revive bedding, in-room coffee machine, and refrigerator. The design incorporates shiplap walls and warm ceruse wood stains with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood rooms with natural light. Standard rooms range from 345 to 500 square feet.
Ocean Front rooms in the Kealohilani Tower provide direct sunset views over Waikiki Beach, while Diamond Head Ocean View rooms on higher floors of the Paoakalani Tower capture both the iconic crater and ocean in one panorama. Family Junior Suites sleep up to six with two doubles plus a sofa bed, and full suites range from 555 to 1,800 square feet.
Pools, Beaches & Activities
The resort's signature Queensbreak Pool & Cabana Deck is a one-acre rooftop oasis added during the 2021 renovation — and it's one of the most impressive pool experiences in Waikiki. Named after the renowned surf break visible from the deck, it offers sweeping views of the ocean and Diamond Head.
Two distinct pool areas cater to different vibes. The Kealohilani Pool is family-friendly with fountains, a play area, cabanas, and daybeds. The Paoakalani Pool is reserved for adults only, offering a more relaxed atmosphere with cabanas and easy access to the Queensbreak Bar for poolside cocktails.
Live music on the pool deck, a hot tub, and poolside food and drink service create an atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from daytime relaxation to evening entertainment. Pool hours run 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Spa & Wellness
The Royal Kaila Spa, an Aveda-branded facility on the resort's second floor, offers a full menu of massages, facials, and body treatments incorporating Hawaiian ingredients and Aveda's plant-based products. Couples' spa treatments are available for a shared wellness experience.
The spa employs both English and Japanese-speaking staff, reflecting the resort's popularity with international visitors. A wedding dress rental area is also housed within the spa — convenient for couples planning a destination wedding.
Dining
Five diverse restaurants keep your taste buds engaged throughout your stay. Queensbreak Restaurant, the resort's signature venue, serves locally inspired cuisine in an open-air setting with live entertainment nightly. Executive Chef Nuno Alves showcases seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with beachfront views.
Kuhio Beach Grill on the second floor of the Kealohilani Tower is famous for its breakfast buffet (served from 5:00 AM), plus special dinner buffets featuring roasted prime rib and snow crab legs. Arancino di Mare, the award-winning Italian fine dining spot (Hale Aina Award winner for Best Italian in Hawaii), has been a resort staple since 2004.
d.k. Steak House serves prime cuts in an upscale setting, while Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar offers Japanese cuisine with a sake and wine list curated by renowned Hawaii sommelier Chuck Furuya. The Paina Waikiki Luau provides a cultural dinner experience with songs, hula, and Polynesian performing arts.
Nearby Attractions
The resort's Diamond Head end location puts you close to Waikiki's natural attractions. Honolulu Zoo is an 8-minute walk, and the Waikiki Aquarium is about 10 minutes on foot. Kapiolani Park — Waikiki's largest green space — is less than a mile away, perfect for morning runs or weekend farmers' markets.
Diamond Head State Monument is 2.5 miles away, and the early morning hike rewards you with one of the best panoramic views on Oahu. In the opposite direction, the International Market Place and Royal Hawaiian Center offer world-class shopping within walking distance.
The resort sits near the famous Queens surf break, and snorkeling and surf lessons are available directly from Kuhio Beach across the street.
Tips & Good to Know
Request a high-floor Diamond Head Ocean View room in the Paoakalani Tower for the best combination of crater and ocean views — it's one of the most photogenic perspectives in all of Waikiki.
Important for 2026 visitors: The resort is undergoing exterior balcony/spalling repairs through December 2026 (weekdays only, 9 AM-4 PM). Pools and amenities remain fully operational, but some rooms may have restricted balcony access. Ask about "No Balcony" rooms at reduced rates if you don't mind skipping the lanai.
Take advantage of the complimentary cultural activities — ukulele lessons, lei making, hula classes, poke bowl demos, shave ice making, and sunset painting classes are all included in the resort fee. The Kuhio Beach Grill breakfast buffet opens at 5:00 AM, which is ideal if you're adjusting to the time difference.
The adults-only Paoakalani Pool is the quieter choice, especially on weekends. Arrive before 10:00 AM to claim a prime cabana spot.
Location
2552 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
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