Polynesian Residences Waikiki Beach

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Polynesian Residences Waikiki Beach? It’s actually got this lived-in feeling that most Waikiki hotels totally lack. I mean, don’t get me wrong – it’s not some boutique paradise, and honestly, that 7.7 rating makes sense once you’ve been there. But there’s something refreshing about staying somewhere that feels more like, well, an actual residence than another cookie-cutter resort trying too hard to impress you.

The location is really what makes this place work. You’re close enough to hear the ocean – and trust me, in Waikiki that’s saying something because there’s always construction noise or tour buses somewhere – but you’re not paying those insane beachfront prices. I actually preferred being a bit back from the main strip because you can still walk to everything (the beach, those little ABC stores when you inevitably forget sunscreen, decent poke spots) without dealing with the constant crowds right outside your door. Check-in was surprisingly smooth, though the lobby’s definitely showing its age. Not in a charming way, more in a “we haven’t updated the carpet since the 90s” way, but the staff genuinely seemed to care about making sure you knew where things were.

Here’s the thing about the rooms – they’re spacious, which is huge in Waikiki where most places cram you into these tiny boxes. The kitchenettes actually work, and I mean really work, not just some sad mini-fridge situation. I ended up cooking breakfast most mornings because, honestly, hotel breakfast in Waikiki is either terrible or costs more than dinner back home. The air conditioning runs a bit loud (bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper), and the WiFi can get spotty during peak hours when everyone’s uploading their sunset shots, but these feel like minor trade-offs. What I really appreciated was how quiet it got at night – you’re far enough from Kalakaua Avenue that you’re not hearing drunk tourists at 2 AM, but close enough that you can easily walk to dinner without needing a car. And speaking of cars, parking here doesn’t cost you a fortune, which is practically unheard of in this area. Look, this isn’t going to be the Instagram-perfect vacation spot, and if you’re expecting resort-level amenities, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want a solid, no-nonsense place to crash while you’re out exploring the island – hitting up the North Shore, hiking Diamond Head before it gets too hot, or just figuring out which shave ice place is actually worth the hype – Polynesian Residences does the job really well.

Rooms

• Studio Queen with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Deluxe King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 2 children
• Deluxe Double Room with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Studio King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 2 children
• Studio Double with 2 double beds, or and 1 double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Family Suite with 2 double beds, 2 large double beds, or and 4 large double beds for 6 adults, 4 children

Reviews

• Andrea from Cayman Islands (8/10)

  The family suite was two large hotel rooms that had been combined. The suite had two full bathrooms and a small kitchen. There was also a washing machine ($1.75 per load) and a dryer (free!!) just above us on the next floor. The women working at the front desk were exceptionally kind and helpful. The location was great.

• Nicole from Australia (8/10)

  Location on the main road, so very noisy, but close to main shops, restaurants. Few blocks from beach but not a long walk.

• Daniyar from United States (8/10)

  Location, staff, stove, luggage storage free of charge

• Sandy from United States (8/10)

  Very convenient location for Waikīkī

• Karen from Australia (9/10)

  Close to beach and shops (Waikiki and Alo Moana). Had beach towels, beach chairs and toys for residents to borrow.

• Villarimo from United States (7/10)

  The staff was polite. Centralized, convenient to necessary food and shopping. Bathroom nice. Kitchenette was perfect.

• Travis from Australia (8/10)

  Great location, staff very kind and helpful and beach towel service was easy.

• John from United States (8/10)

  Clean room. Great Location

• Richard from United States (9/10)

  Friendly staff, location and value. Comfortable bed and bathroom. Excellent Keurig coffee in the room. Small but nice swimming pool. Nice outdoor space.

• Peter from United States (9/10)

  location, good. beach close. entertainment areas close

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities