This Queen Kapiolani Hotel review has been a long time coming after many reader requests. Loved by locals, it could be a great fit for you too—depending on what matters most in your stay.
Sitting at the southeastern edge of Waikiki, the Queen Kapiolani Hotel is a long-time favorite for return visitors who want the convenience of Waikiki without being right in the middle of its busiest blocks.
With 19 floors, 318 rooms, and some of the best vantage points of Diamond Head, this hotel leans into its retro Hawaiian vibe while offering a handful of modern perks. It’s right across from the Honolulu Zoo, just steps to the sand, and within easy reach of both casual eats and beach activities.
I’ve stayed in a lot of Waikiki hotels over the years, and this one balances nostalgia, location, and views in a way that feels distinctly local.
Arrival & First Impressions
Don’t expect a grand Waikiki entrance here. Arrivals happen off Kapahulu Avenue, with valet tucked behind the hotel. It’s a bit of a tight squeeze (double-parked cars are the norm), but once you pull up, valet handles everything quickly. Check-in is small and straightforward, sitting right next to the lobby, which is filled with retro artwork and a touch of vintage personality.
The lobby doubles as a hub for a few extras: Knots Coffee Roasters (a busy café with more than just coffee), a snack shop with cold treats, and even a surf school and rental shop. During my visit, they had a lei-making class happening in one of the lounge areas, which added a fun, cultural touch to the welcome.
Rooms & Views
I got lucky with an upgrade, no loyalty program here, just a one night stay after attending a presentation for a mainland college.
The first thing I noticed when stepping into this room is the natural light—lots of it. Large windows, wraparound balconies, and epic views of Lēʻahi, nicked named Diamond Head. The décor leans into a late 70s–80s vibe, which works surprisingly well given the throwback location and views.
The suite I stayed in had a living room with a small but functional kitchen area (note: it’s not stocked with cookware), one bathroom, and a bedroom with two beds that felt more “double” than “queen”—a bit odd for a penthouse. Closet space was decent, and I liked the slippers made with tatami mat-style material, a nice touch you can take home.
It’s the balcony, though, that steals the show. Watching sunrise creep over Diamond Head from this perch is one of those “worth it” moments that remind you why you came to Hawaiʻi in the first place.
Dining at The Deck
The third floor is where the pool and The Deck restaurant share space, with sweeping views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. This is one of the hotel’s biggest highlights, both for daytime lounging and evening cocktails.
Lunch: I started with the Plantation Iced Tea—presentation was gorgeous, but the coconut syrup made it lean sweeter than I’d like. The Deck Burger, on the other hand, was outstanding: dry-aged beef, tomato jam bacon aioli, cheddar, and crispy onions. At $25, it’s a splurge, but worth every bite.
Dinner: The cocktail list is where things get fun. The classic Mai Tai was good, but I preferred the hibiscus-infused version with guava and blueberry notes—bright, tropical, and exactly what you want on a Waikiki evening. For food, skip the crab cakes, but go for the wedge salad and garlic prawns in coconut curry sauce.
Breakfast: The ricotta Japanese pancakes with whipped butter and fresh berry compote were fluffy, light, and memorable. A solid alternative if you’ve already had your fill of loco mocos around Waikiki.
If you want more dining inspiration in Waikiki, check out my reviews of the nearby Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Alohilani Resort, both have some great restaurants.
Amenities & Features
Pool & Views: The pool deck is one of the best for casual lounging, with a close-up view of Diamond Head and a lively after-beach vibe.
Fitness Center: Hands down one of the largest and best-equipped gyms I’ve seen in a Waikiki hotel. Multiple treadmills, stair climbers, rowing machines, free weights, kettlebells, and space for yoga. Spotless, spacious, and stocked with filtered water and towels.
Art & History: The mezzanine and second-floor lounge display artwork and photos of Waikiki’s history, including portraits of Queen Kapiolani herself. It’s worth wandering through if you enjoy learning about Hawaiʻi beyond the beaches. If you want to learn more about Queen Kapiolani here is her Wikipedia page.
Surf Shop & Rentals: Between Hedeman Surf School and the surfboard storage area, this is a convenient spot for anyone planning to spend serious time in the waves.
Location
The Queen Kapiolani is as close as you can get to Waikiki Beach without technically being beachfront. Cross Kapahulu Avenue, and you’re at the sand in under a minute. The Honolulu Zoo and Art on the Zoo Fence are right across the street, while nearby spots like Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, Starbucks, and ABC Stores keep casual food and drinks easy.
Because it’s at the quieter edge of Waikiki, you avoid some of the late-night chaos but can still walk to the heart of the strip in 10–15 minutes.
Practical Info
Resort Fee: $50/day
Parking: Valet only, $50/day (entrance via Lemon Road behind the hotel—easy to miss if it’s your first time)
Rooms: 318, spread across 19 floors
Best For: Travelers who want quick beach access, Diamond Head views, and a laid-back alternative to Waikiki’s central strip
Final Thoughts
The Queen Kapiolani Hotel isn’t trying to be the flashiest property in Waikiki, and that’s part of its charm. Between the retro vibe, unbeatable Diamond Head views, and easy access to both beach and zoo, it delivers a uniquely local experience. Yes, the resort and parking fees sting, and the rooms could use a few updates (bigger beds, please), but overall, this is a solid pick for repeat visitors and families who want Waikiki convenience without the nonstop bustle.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely—for the views and location alone. Just keep your expectations in line with its vintage-meets-modern personality, and you’ll leave happy (hopefully with some fluffy pancakes and a balcony sunrise in your memory bank).
