‘Alohilani Resort: Hawaii for Families

 

Planning a trip to Hawaii? The ‘Alohilani Resort in Waikiki is a *perfect* choice for families, with tons of activities for the kids, top-notch restaurants and above and beyond service that help parents feel like they’re on vacation, too. Below, Chelsea Thornton of South OC Moms Network shares her family’s experience at ‘Alohilani Resort!

 

Bottom line, we loved our stay at this gorgeous resort, and I’ve already recommended it to friends planning for holiday and Spring Break travel for the upcoming travel season. We visited as a family of five, but I would absolutely come back here with my husband for a romantic weekend for two. It’s definitely family-friendly, but with a very chic vibe—not always the case with kid-friendly resorts. You can stay at the resort for a full week and never get bored, but Waikiki and the island of Oahu are also just steps away waiting to be explored.

 

 

 

 

Amenities

The amenities go far beyond a standard hotel pool—you’ll want for nothing on your trip:

• Infinity Edge Roof Top Pool
• Spa Services
• Fit Waikiki – Fitness center
• Outdoor gym and classes
• Multiple restaurants (more details down below)
• Car Rental Service from Sixt
• Free Wifi
• Boutique on Site
• Valet parking
• Drip Hawaii – Hydration IV Drip
• Beach Candy Waikiki (more details down below)
• Oceanarium – watch daily feedings.
• Longboard Club (more details down below)
• Kids Activities (Lei Making and Hula Lessons)
• Tennis and Pickle Ball Courts
• Batting Cages
• Light Monument Video Series
• Complementary admission to the Honolulu Museum of Art

 

You can easily explore the island of Oahu by renting a car in the lobby for the day or for your entire stay with Sixt. Try nearby restaurants, hike Diamond Head or cruise over to the North Shore to check out Waimea Bay. On nights we stayed in, we loved the pool & cabanas, learning how to hula dance, taking turns at the batting cages or walking across the street to Waikiki beach. Below, see a few more amenity highlights:

 

 

The pool area really was a vibe both during the day and at night. Each night they have different acoustic singers playing various genres of songs. Grab a lounge chair to relax in, while you enjoy the music with a Lavaflow cocktail (must recreate at home!) while watching the beautiful Light Monument Video project onto the hotel building.

 

 

Beach Candy Waikiki is a complimentary service, located a couple blocks away, but it isn’t more than a 5-minute walk–doable even with small kids. The hotel provides 3 complementary rentals each day of your stay. Think: surf boards, stand up paddle boards, boogie boards, beach chairs, umbrellas and more. You can also purchase floaties.  The beach is literally across the street, so you don’t have to carry your rentals very far at all.

 

 

My kids were *obsessed* with the 280,000 gallon Oceanarium—and to be honest, and my husband and I were, too.  It is a beauty and can be found as the backdrop to the La Bettola restaurant in the lobby. Every day you can stop by and observe the Aquarists go into the tank to feed the fish. Additionally, you can enjoy a Tank Talk with one of the Aquarists.

 

 

My biggest tip: when you arrive, ask for the current listing of weekly activities from guest services—they’re updated frequently. One last tip? If you forgot the perfect Hawaiian dress or swimsuit, Beachside Luxe in the lobby has all your shopping needs covered. They have adorable floral dresses perfect for Oahu and jewelry to dress up any outfit.

 

Location

When traveling with kids, location is crucial since you don’t want to be hopping into a car every 5 minutes. Alohilani Resort is situated right in the middle of Waikiki beach.  On one side of the hotel you have luxury shopping, and there are delicious restaurants in every direction. Diamond Head State Park is on the other side of the hotel and a true source of natural beauty.

 

 

Rooms

We stayed in a premier ocean front room with a king bed and our kids stayed next door in a premier ocean front room with two queen beds. The guest rooms and suites are a blend of contemporary design with a palette of naturals, so the stunning lanai views stay front and center. The rooms were clean, spacious and had the comfiest beds. Our room was on the 15th floor and again, the views were amazing during the day and night. Watching the sunsets from our balcony was something our whole family loved.

 

Here are some room features:

• Non-smoking luxury hotel
• Coffee and tea makers
• Plush robes and slippers
• Multifunctional Bidet
• Hair dryer
• Iron and ironing board
• In-room laptop-sized safes
• In-room refrigerator available
• AM/FM alarm clock radio
• ADA rooms available
• Two dogs (each dog must be under 75 lbs) allowed per room for $100 fee

 

 

Dining Options

Whether your family is full of foodies or picky eaters, ‘Alohilani Resort has you covered!

Longboard Club – An exclusive area for guests who opt in, the Longboard Club is located on the Swell Pool Deck. You can choose between indoors or outdoor dining. In the morning, enjoy scrambled eggs & toast, build your own acai bar, fruit, juices and more. In the evenings you can expect a made to order pasta bar, charcuterie boards, a wine cruvinet featuring 16 varietals and beer on tap crafted specifically for Alohilani Resort. All are served with a side of amazing views!

 

 

Swell Pool Bar– Offering more stunning views (are you sending a theme here, ha!), this infinity edge pool & bar lounge has amazing live, local music at night, making it one of the best bars in Honolulu. The plush loungers are perfect for date night and you can sit back and enjoy the evening Light Monument Video project onto the hotel building.

 

 

La Bettola – La Bettola Waikiki is a classic Italian eatery. Located within the Alohilani Resort Lobby, it features rustic Italian flavors. The Oceanarium as the backdrop allows you to watch fishing swimming while you dine.

 

Morimoto Asia Waikiki – Iron Chef Morimoto’s world-renowned cuisine makes Morimoto Asia a must-try in Waikiki. The menu is a combination of traditional Asian and Western ingredients (think: Peking duck, sticky ribs, Korean kalbi, dim sum and traditional wok fry dishes).

 

Momosan Ramen Waikiki – Where are my ramen lovers at? Iron Chef Morimoto has your ramen needs covered as well, while you enjoy the beautiful sunset over Waikiki beach.

 

Luna’s Tequila Bar – Did someone say Tacos & Tequila? Well then you have come to the right spot. That is all they serve here (my hint: pair them with a flight of margs!).

 

 

 

 

Beyond the Resort

If you want to get out of Waikiki and experience more of what Oahu has to offer, these are some popular options:

• Hike Diamond Head Crater (Reservations Required)
• Visit Pearl Harbor (Reservations Required)
• Visit the Dole Plantation
• Snorkel in Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (Reservations Required)
• Hike to Waiphuia Falls
• Hike Manoa Falls
• Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art
• Visit the North Shore

• • • Don’t miss Waimea Bay
    • Ted’s Bakery
    • Hike to the Waimea Waterfall via the Waimea Valley and botanical garden
    • Check out Banzai Pipeline Beach

 

 

Special Offer

‘Alohilani Resort is offering 10% off your next stay and 2 free cocktails at pool bar Swell Waikiki. Book your stay at the ‘Alohilani Resort site and have this offer automatically applied to your stay!

 

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