Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to the Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head – honestly, the name sounds a bit generic for Hawaii. But man, was I wrong about this place. The location alone is pretty incredible – you’re literally in the shadow of Diamond Head, which means you get these amazing views without dealing with the chaos of Waikiki proper. I mean, you’re still close enough to walk to the beach and grab dinner on Kalakaua Avenue, but far enough away that you can actually sleep at night without hearing drunk tourists stumbling around.

The hotel itself has this sort of understated elegance that I really appreciate. It’s not trying too hard to be “authentically Hawaiian” with over-the-top tiki everything, but it’s also not some sterile business hotel. The lobby has these gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that frame Diamond Head perfectly – I actually spent way too much time just sitting there with my coffee in the mornings. The rooms are solid for a 4-star place, nothing groundbreaking but thoughtfully designed. What I loved was the attention to little details, like the blackout curtains that actually work (crucial when you’re dealing with jet lag) and bathrooms with decent water pressure. The beds are comfortable enough that I didn’t wake up feeling like I’d been wrestling with a surfboard all night.

Here’s the thing though – and this is something you won’t find in most hotel descriptions – the real magic happens when you step outside. You’re positioned perfectly for early morning hikes up Diamond Head before the crowds hit. I’m talking 6 AM starts when it’s still cool and you can actually enjoy the climb without feeling like you’re melting. Plus, there’s this little local coffee spot just a few blocks away that the concierge told me about (not the touristy ones on the main strip) where you can grab proper Hawaiian coffee and malasadas. The hotel’s restaurant is decent but honestly, you’re in Hawaii – get out and explore the food trucks and local joints. Parking can be a bit tight during peak season, but the staff is pretty good about managing it. The pool area gets busy in the afternoons, especially when families are around, but early mornings and evenings are perfect for a quiet swim. With an 8.5 rating, it’s definitely earning its keep – this isn’t a luxury resort, but it’s exactly what you want if you’re looking for a comfortable base to explore the island without breaking the bank or dealing with the circus atmosphere of some of the bigger properties.

Travelers should reserve a hotel in Hawaii at least two months ahead of their visit to ensure availability and secure better rates, especially during the peak winter season when the islands host numerous cultural festivals and outdoor activities.

Rooms

• Park View King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Partial Ocean View King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Ocean View King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Premium Ocean View King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Penthouse Two Bedroom Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 2 × 2 double beds for 6 adults, 4 children
• Park View 2 Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Partial Ocean View 2 Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Ocean View 2 Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Premium Ocean View 2 Doubles with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children

Reviews

• Andrew from Germany (9/10)

  The location was perfect for us, beaches on the doorstep, fantastic views of Diamond Head and a 10-minute walk to Waikiki. All the staff were exceptionally friendly and couldn’t do enough to help.

• Jeremy from United States (8/10)

  Great location and staff

• Denis from Ireland (9/10)

  Great location, convenient yet quiet

• Lorie from United States (9/10)

  Beach chairs, complimentary laundry & close to the beach

• Jacqueline from United States (9/10)

  The location is just far enough away from the craziness of town. The beach and parks nearby were perfect and relaxing. I like the boutique feel and the views of diamond head. Easy to catch an uber and great additional services nearby like convenient store and coffee shop. I love the on site Hui car rental option. Pricy, but very convenient and easy. Staff were incredible. Loved them all.

• Jamie from United States (9/10)

  Near quiet beach, golf simulator, views

• Regan from United States (9/10)

  The staff was kind and attentive. The location was unbeatable. It was quiet away from the craziness of Waikiki.

• Vera from United States (9/10)

  This is a real nice hotel. Reception staff, especially Anne were wonderful, helpful, polite.
  The room was comfortable with a nice balcony with partial ocean view. Location is calm and peaceful, away from the crowds . The hotel is calm, peaceful and we enjoyed our stay there. Highly recommended.

• Sharon from United States (9/10)

  Beautiful! Clean! Staff exceptional!!!! Went over and beyond to meet all our needs. Friendly, warm and welcoming.

• Sky from United States (9/10)

  Increadible location with stunning views of dimond Head Mountain and bit of the ocean. Beach a few feet away. Park write across the street. Birds were so friendly they would hang out on our balcony.
  
  Balcony was huge, as was the room.
  
  Excellent staff, I honestly never meet so many genuinely nice chill helpful nice people in one establishment. There is always a rotten apple. Maybe they hid them in the basement. Honestly, two thumbs up to the manager that is hiring these people
  
  Fantastic restaurant at the hotel 2nd floor open for happy hour and dinner, they had some chill nice live music when we were there, only thing is they clise monday and tuesday, but other restaurants close by
  
  They give you free aluminum water bottle and free professional filtered water machine you can fill up to your harts content.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities