Royal Kuhio 2304 – Spacious Studio with Stunning Mountain Views In the Heart of Waikiki!

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Royal Kuhio 2304? The mountain views are actually legit stunning – and I mean that in the best way, because honestly, when you’re staying in the heart of Waikiki, you sort of expect to be staring at concrete and maybe catching glimpses of ocean if you’re lucky. But this studio on the 23rd floor gives you these incredible shots of the Ko’olau mountains that change throughout the day. In the morning, they’re all misty and dramatic, and by afternoon the ridges are sharp against this brilliant blue sky. The space itself is pretty generous for a studio – you can actually walk around without bumping into furniture, which is more than I can say for some of the shoebox rooms I’ve stayed in around here.

The location is one of those things that locals probably take for granted, but as someone who’s done the tourist shuffle plenty of times, being right on Kuhio Avenue is clutch. You’re literally a two-minute walk from the beach, but more importantly (and this is something guidebooks don’t tell you), you’re close to where actual people eat and shop. There’s a decent ABC Store downstairs if you need sunscreen at 10 PM – which you will – and you can walk to places like Marukame Udon or Rainbow Drive-In without dealing with the zoo that is Kalakaua Avenue. The building itself has that slightly retro Hawaii vibe that’s not trying too hard to be fancy, but it’s well-maintained and the elevators actually work consistently, which I appreciate after staying in places where you’re gambling every time you press the button.

What really makes this place work is the little stuff that adds up. The AC keeps up with Hawaii’s humidity without sounding like a jet engine, there’s decent water pressure in the shower, and the kitchen setup actually lets you make real food instead of just heating up instant noodles. The wifi holds up even when you’re trying to upload beach photos that are way too big, and – this might sound weird – but the bed positioning means you wake up to those mountain views instead of staring at a wall. Parking can be a bit of a dance (this is Waikiki, after all), but there’s a garage situation that works out most of the time. Honestly, for the price point and that 8.0 rating, you’re getting solid value in an area where hotels love to charge resort fees for amenities you’ll never use. It’s not going to blow your mind with luxury touches, but it delivers on the basics really well while giving you that view that makes you remember why you came to Hawaii in the first place.

Early hotels booking in Hawaii is essential during major events like the Ironman World Championship, as accommodations fill up quickly with visitors eager to experience the islands’ renowned surfing culture and tropical beauty.

Rooms

• Apartment with 2 × 2 double beds and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities