Royal Kuhio 1703 – Spacious Studio with Stunning Mountain Views in the Heart of Waikiki!

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of Waikiki places over the years, and honestly? Royal Kuhio 1703 surprised me in the best way. The first thing that hits you when you walk into this studio is those mountain views – I mean, everyone talks about ocean views in Waikiki (and don’t get me wrong, they’re great), but there’s something really peaceful about looking up at the Ko’olau mountains instead of staring at another hotel balcony. The space itself is actually spacious, which is rare for a studio in this part of town. You know how most Waikiki places feel like they’re trying to cram a bed into a closet? Not here. There’s room to spread out your stuff, open a suitcase without playing Tetris, and the kitchen area – well, it’s compact but functional enough that you can actually make breakfast instead of dropping $30 on hotel eggs every morning.

What I really appreciate about this place is where it sits in the whole Waikiki ecosystem. The Royal Kuhio building isn’t right on the beach strip where tourists are wandering around at 2 AM with those giant cocktails, but you’re still close enough that the beach is maybe a five-minute walk. The building itself has that slightly older Waikiki vibe – not the shiny new towers, but solid and well-maintained with character. Parking can be a bit of a dance (it’s Waikiki, so that’s just reality), but the building has spots and honestly, once you’re settled in, you probably won’t need your car much anyway. The neighborhood around here is where you start getting into actual residential Honolulu rather than pure tourist zone, which means better food options nearby and a slightly more authentic feel. There’s a decent ABC Store close by for your sunscreen emergencies, and you’re walking distance to some local-style plate lunch spots that don’t charge resort prices.

Here’s the thing that really sold me on this place – it feels like staying in someone’s well-kept apartment rather than a generic hotel room. The mountain views change throughout the day, and in the late afternoon when the light hits those ridges just right, it’s honestly pretty spectacular. The 8.6 rating makes sense because while it’s not trying to be the Four Seasons, it delivers exactly what it promises without any weird surprises. The building’s quiet enough that you’ll actually sleep (crucial in Waikiki where some places feel like they’re hosting a perpetual luau), but you’re still in the middle of everything when you want to be. If you’re the type of traveler who wants a comfortable home base to explore from rather than a resort where you never leave the property, this place hits that sweet spot perfectly.

Many travelers prefer to book apartments in Hawaii through local agencies that offer personalized recommendations and insider knowledge about the best locations for exploring the islands’ pristine beaches and hidden gems.

Rooms

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

Reviews

• Stephen from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Location amazing decent size property ideal to travel all over Hawaii plenty of shopping close by and an amazing range of Asian food halls and an fabulous noodle bar called Marugame Udon only a block away a must visit. All beaches within short walking distance as is the zoo and an amazing natural lagoon ideal if your looking for a nice place to take the children for a day. The is good local and cost effective public transport to places like Pearl Harbour. All in all good value for the cost. I will take you only 10 minutes of strolling around to fall in love with this place.

• Jeff from United States (7/10)

  Location was good. Clean area with full kitchen.

• Tomoko from Japan (9/10)

  ワイキキの便利な場所に位置しており、山側の景色を一望できます。
  ３人で泊まったので、2人はベッドで1人はソファベッドで寝ました。ソファベッドは開いてみるととても大きくてびっくりしました！
  
  ローテーブルの他に、4人掛けのダイニングテーブルがあり、食事等に便利でした。
  1階ロビーには24時間セキュリティの人が滞在しており、何かあれば電話できるので安心です。
  
  近くにMcDonald、ABC Storeがあります。

• Wilfe from United States (9/10)

• 漆原 from Japan (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities