This is one of Waikiki’s historically significant hotels, originally opened in 1901, and the second floor has a nice display describing the legacy of this establishment. Their three buildings surround a century-old banyan tree that lends an air of timelessness to the ambiance. As an early player in Waikiki, their location is among the best on the beach. The most recent renovations are tasteful and in keeping with its original architecture. Even the Banyan Wing rooms now blend modern Hawaiian décor and convenience in a historic setting.
The buildings are compact enough that you won’t have to do much walking (except to where your car is parked behind the Princess Kaiulani). You have signing privileges at the other Starwood resorts in Waikiki.
We recommend the oceanfront rooms in the Diamond Wing—they have amazing views and the sound of the ocean is ever-present. Historic Banyan rooms can be a mixed bag since some labeled oceanfront way don’t face the ocean head-on. For Upper Tower Wing oceanfront rooms, the closer to the ocean, the better. Avoid rooms nearest Kalakaua Avenue, especially in the Banyan Wing—traffic noises might be more than you’d expect, and the old windows don’t muffle the sound.
In fact, if you’re not going to spring for the admittedly overpriced oceanfront rooms, consider staying elsewhere. The standard and city view rooms are a real disappointment. There are almost no lanais in the Banyan Wing, and only the ocean side of the Diamond Wing has lanais. Some rooms in the Banyan Wing have showers but no tubs. They all have the trademark Heavenly Beds.
The pool has cabanas available for a daily fee (they also rent beach umbrellas). There are free chairs by the pool, but they are limited to one-hour usage (and they actually kick you off), so you may need to rent a beach chair for the day. (Maybe just go buy some at Walmart.)
They have enough going on on-site (and off-site) to keep you occupied and engaged in between surf lessons and lu‘au—basically all you could ask for at a resort: cultural tours and activities (like ‘ukulele and lei-making classes), demonstrations for kids (like storytelling with Tutu and fishpond feeding), wellness and fitness classes (like yoga and meditation), and nightly entertainment in the Banyan Court and in the lobby. They even offer a cocktail class and “Run Concierge,” which is basically provides you with a jogging buddy (as if we want someone else to witness our embarrassing lack of cardio training).
So why the Real Gem rating? It refers to the grand beachside location and assumes that you’re in an oceanfront room. In general, you’ll be happy with the oceanfront rooms here. After our stay, we left this hotel feeling delightfully relaxed—until we got our credit card bill. Rooms are 210–348 sq. ft., suites are 450–788 sq. ft.
2365 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki