OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

Hotel Description

You know what really struck me about the OUTRIGGER Reef when I first walked into the lobby? It’s got this perfect balance of being right in the thick of Waikiki without feeling like a tourist factory. I mean, don’t get me wrong – you’re definitely sharing the beach with plenty of other visitors – but there’s something more authentic about this place that sets it apart from some of the massive resort chains down the strip.

The location is honestly what sold me. You’re literally steps from the sand, and I’m talking about a really good stretch of Waikiki Beach where the water stays relatively calm and the crowds thin out just enough that you can actually relax. What I loved is that you can walk to pretty much everything – the International Market Place is right there when you want to shop, and if you’re craving some local grindz (that’s Hawaiian slang for food, by the way), there are food trucks and casual spots within a few blocks that most tourists never discover. The hotel sits in this sweet spot where Kalakaua Avenue isn’t quite as chaotic as it gets closer to the Royal Hawaiian, but you’re still close enough to walk to all the action when you want it.

Now, I’ll be honest – this isn’t some ultra-luxury resort where they’re folding your towels into swans. But that 8.9 rating makes total sense once you spend a few days here. The rooms are comfortable and clean, with that slightly tropical vibe that doesn’t feel forced or cheesy. What really impressed me was how the staff actually seemed to know the area – when I asked about good snorkeling spots, the front desk guy didn’t just hand me a brochure, he told me about Hanauma Bay versus some of the closer spots and when to go to avoid the crowds. Little things like that matter when you’re trying to make the most of your time.

The pool area gets busy during peak hours (around 2-4 PM, from what I observed), but honestly, with the beach right there, I found myself gravitating toward the ocean anyway. Early mornings are magical – you can grab coffee and watch the surfers catching waves before the beach gets packed. And here’s something I didn’t expect: the sound of the waves actually carries up to the rooms pretty well, which was way better than the usual city noise you get at a lot of Waikiki hotels.

If I had to give you the real talk on this place, it’s this – the OUTRIGGER Reef delivers exactly what it promises without trying to be something it’s not. You’re paying for that prime beachfront location and solid service, not for marble lobbies or celebrity chef restaurants. For most people visiting Hawaii, that’s actually perfect. You’ll spend your days exploring the island or lounging on the beach anyway, so having a comfortable, well-located home base with staff who genuinely want to help you have a good time? That’s worth a lot more than fancy amenities you’ll barely use.

Rooms

• Club Ocean Front Suite 1 King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Club Ocean View Suite 1 King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Resort View 2 Queen Beds with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Resort View 1 King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Ocean Tower Ocean View 1 King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Ocean Tower Ocean View 2 Queen Beds with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Standard 2 Queens with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 2 children
• Standard with 1 King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Oceanfront with 1 King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Oceanfront 2 Queen Beds with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Partial Ocean View 1 King with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Partial Ocean View 2 Queen Beds with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Pacific Tower Ocean View 2 Queen Beds with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Pacific Tower Ocean View with 1 King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Accessible Resort View with One King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Accessible Partial Ocean View with One King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Accessible Partial Ocean View 2 Queen Beds with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Accessible Ocean Tower Ocean View 2 Queen Beds with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Accessible Ocean View Suite with 1 King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Club 1 Bedroom Resort View Suite 1 King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Ocean Tower Ocean View 1 Queen Bed with 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Standard 3 Double Beds with 3 double beds for 5 adults, 2 children
• Diamond Head Ocean Front 1 King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults
• Club Resort View 1 King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
• Club Resort View 1 Queen Bed with 1 large double bed for 4 adults
• Club Resort View 2 Queen Beds with 2 large double beds for 4 adults
• Club Partial Ocean View 1 King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
• Club Partial Ocean View 2 Queen Beds with 2 large double beds for 4 adults
• Club Ocean Tower Ocean View 1 King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
• Club Ocean Tower Ocean View 2 Queen Beds with 2 large double beds for 4 adults
• Club Oceanfront 1 King Bed with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
• Club Oceanfront 2 Queen Beds with 2 large double beds for 4 adults
• Two-Bedroom Suite with 4 × 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults

Reviews

• Markus from Germany (9/10)

  Clean and newly renovated rooms.

• Teemu from Finland (9/10)

  Above expectations. Suites with good views & balconies/terraces, resort style large hotel-complex but well maintained and nearly full service armamentarium. Many services are fairly good quality but very crowded also.

• Julius from Philippines (9/10)

  Location, rooms, staff, the Voyager 47 lounge

• Monica from United States (9/10)

  It was beautiful, clean, accessible to a nice beach and had amazing views. It’s a little off of the Waikiki strip so a bit less crowded and more quiet, however, everything was in a 15 min walking distance. The access to the club was great if you like the idea of having breakfast every morning and Mai tais every evening.

• Hopkins from United States (9/10)

  Everything was wonderful. Perfect location. Food was good. The shrimp dish was the best. The pizza at monkey Pod was my least favorite meal

• Paul from Romania (9/10)

  Almost everything

• Tracey from Australia (9/10)

  Fantastic location. Very spacious room. Good food and value for money. Helpful staff. Early check in.

• Desirae from United States (9/10)

  Gorgeous facility with lots of amenities

• Gregg from Canada (9/10)

  The staff were exceptional and very accommodating.

• Jenny from Australia (9/10)

  Michael the pool side waiter was excellent. Good size room, refreshed look, water views, minimal if any noise from outside could be heard

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities