Ilikai Marina 1093 City View Studio

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much from the Ilikai Marina 1093 when I first walked into that lobby – honestly, it’s one of those classic Waikiki high-rises that looks a bit tired from the outside. But this city view studio on the higher floors actually surprised me in the best way possible.

The space itself is compact but thoughtfully laid out, which I mean, you’re not going to get huge rooms in this part of Honolulu without paying resort prices. What really got me though was stepping out onto that lanai in the morning – the city view isn’t just buildings and traffic like I thought it would be. You’re actually looking out over the Ala Wai Canal and catching glimpses of the mountains beyond downtown, especially in that golden hour before sunset when everything gets this warm glow. The kitchenette is surprisingly functional too (I made coffee every morning and simple meals without feeling cramped), and honestly, having a full-size fridge was clutch for keeping those ridiculously expensive Whole Foods hauls cold.

Location-wise, you’re right in that sweet spot where you can walk to the beach in like three minutes, but you’re not dealing with the chaos of being directly on Kalakaua Avenue. The marina side means it’s quieter at night – well, quieter than the main strip anyway. You’ll still hear some traffic, but nothing that kept me awake. What I loved was being able to grab poke from Ono Seafood (just a quick walk down Kapahulu) or hit up Leonard’s for malasadas without needing to drive anywhere. Parking can be a bit of a puzzle during peak times, but the building’s garage worked out fine for me. Check-in was smooth, though the elevators are vintage and can be slow when everyone’s coming back from the beach around the same time. The building has that old-school Hawaii vibe that some of the newer places try too hard to recreate – it just feels authentic, you know? Sure, it’s not going to wow you with fancy amenities or Instagram-perfect interiors, but there’s something refreshing about a place that focuses on being comfortable and practical rather than flashy. For the price point and that location, it’s honestly a solid choice if you want to experience Waikiki without the resort markup.

Hotels in Hawaii offer guests the perfect blend of tropical luxury and modern comfort, with many featuring surfing concierge services and traditional Hawaiian spa treatments to enhance the authentic island experience.

Rooms

• Apartment with 1 large double bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Mina from Japan (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities