Ilikai Apt 302 – Spacious Studio with Stunning Ocean & Harbor Views

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be straight with you about the Ilikai Apt 302 – it’s one of those places that punches way above its weight class, especially when you factor in that view. I mean, you walk into what’s technically just a studio apartment and suddenly you’re staring out at this ridiculous panorama of Waikiki Beach and Honolulu Harbor that honestly makes you forget you’re not staying at some fancy resort down the strip.

The thing about the Ilikai is that it’s got this whole retro Hawaii vibe going on – you know, that classic high-rise building from the ’60s that’s actually held up pretty well over the decades. Room 302 sits at just the right height where you get those killer views without feeling like you’re floating in the clouds. The space itself is… well, it’s a studio, so don’t expect to throw any dinner parties, but it’s smartly laid out and actually feels more spacious than you’d think. The kitchen area is surprisingly functional (I managed to make decent coffee every morning, which is honestly all I really needed), and the bed situation works fine for two people, though if you’re traveling with someone who steals covers, you might have words.

What really got me was stepping out onto that lanai in the morning – there’s something about watching the harbor come alive while you’re sipping coffee that just hits different. You can see the cruise ships heading out, the occasional yacht puttering around, and if you time it right, some pretty spectacular sunsets bouncing off the water. The beach access is solid too; you’re literally a quick elevator ride and short walk from the sand, which beats the heck out of those resort shuttles or trying to find parking near the beach. Fair warning though – the building can get a bit busy during peak season (think December through March), and the elevators… well, let’s just say they’ve seen better decades. But honestly, once you’re settled in with that view, you sort of forget about the minor inconveniences. The area around the Ilikai puts you right in the heart of things without being smack in the middle of the Kalakaua Avenue circus – you can walk to decent restaurants, grab groceries if you want to cook, and you’re close enough to the action but far enough away that you can actually sleep at night. For what you pay and what you get, especially that view, it’s a pretty solid choice if you want to feel like you’re living in Hawaii for a few days instead of just visiting.

Rooms

• Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults

Reviews

• Leslie from South Africa (9/10)

  Nice location near the Marina. Very clean apartment with views from 3rd floor. Great not to be spending a lot of time in the lifts. Nice size fridge and neat small kitchen with stove and oven. Would reccommend.

• Nanci from United States (7/10)

  The view was nice. The kitchen could of been a bit more equipped for cooking. A large bowl and bigger bowls for salad or pasta would have been nice. I was happy with the fact that chopsticks were provided. Also, the sofa made into a nice large bed. We very much appreciated the concierge keeping our luggage until check in time so we could go explore. The walk to the beach was a short walk via sidewalk straight from the grounds. The grounds were awesome with lovely flowers and waterways.

• Robyn from New Zealand (9/10)

  Great location.

• David from United States (8/10)

  Location is great. Price is very competitive.

• Lioudmila from Canada (9/10)

  Awesome view

• Lyn from Australia (9/10)

  Location was great. Loved the hotel, especially the ice cream shop.

• Lynda from United States (8/10)

  It was so beautiful and loved the music, show and fireworks view.

• Kathy from United States (5/10)

  The sun rise and sey

• Jos from New Zealand (5/10)

  Location so-so: 10 minute walk left to Ala Moana Mall or 10 minute walk right to main drag OR catch a bus either way

• Zaheer from United States (5/10)

  great location

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities