Waikiki Ilikai Marina

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about the Waikiki Ilikai Marina? It’s got this slightly weathered charm that honestly feels more authentic than those gleaming resort towers you see everywhere else in Waikiki. I mean, sure, it’s a 3-star property and you can tell – the lobby’s a bit dated and the hallway carpets have seen better days – but there’s something refreshing about staying somewhere that doesn’t feel like it was designed by a committee.

The location is actually pretty brilliant if you know Waikiki at all. You’re right on the Ala Wai Harbor side, which means you get those killer sunset views over the marina without paying Diamond Head resort prices. The trade-off? You’re about a 10-minute walk to the main Waikiki Beach strip, but honestly, that distance is kind of perfect. You avoid the worst of the tourist chaos (especially around Kalakaua Avenue), but you can still walk to Duke’s or grab late-night snacks at the International Market Place without needing an Uber. Plus, the Friday night fireworks from the Hilton are right there – you can watch from your balcony if you get a decent room on the marina side.

What I really appreciated was how the place operates without all the resort fee nonsense you get hit with everywhere else. The staff at check-in was straightforward – no hard sell on activities or dining packages. Parking’s actually reasonable too, which is saying something in Waikiki where most places charge you $40+ a night just to leave your rental car. The pool area gets decent sun in the morning before the neighboring buildings cast shadows, and it’s never packed like those resort pools where you’re fighting for chairs. Sure, the rooms could use some updating (the bathroom fixtures are definitely showing their age), and don’t expect luxury linens or anything, but everything works and it’s clean. The air conditioning actually keeps up with the Hawaiian heat, which I can’t say about every place I’ve stayed on the island. If you’re the type who spends most of your time out exploring anyway – hitting the North Shore, hiking Diamond Head, or just beach-hopping – this place gives you a solid home base without the sticker shock.

Rooms

• Studio Apartment with large double bed, 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Apartment with large double bed, 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• James from United States (8/10)

  The location was great and it was very clean. Felt safe to go outdoors alone.

• Patricia from United States (9/10)

  Building manager was very personable and helpful. Great response time when I needed answers to my questions 🙂

• Hansa from New Zealand (7/10)

  Close to everything and safe and clean

• Jasmyn from United States (7/10)

  Everything was clean, location was great, easy to access and check in and out.

• Robin from Australia (9/10)

  Beautiful apartment, super comfortable and well maintained, would stay again

• Michelle from New Zealand (7/10)

• Steven from United States (8/10)

  good value for partially upgraded room

• Michael from Australia (8/10)

  It was close to marina and not far to walk to Waikiki.
  Excellent kitchen.

• Mary from United States (8/10)

  Location was good

• John from United States (5/10)

  For this room, if you need a place where you are looking to save a few bucks by making your own food, and staying close to the malls and all, this is a great place. Kitchen was pretty well appointed, and it was rather easy to walk to a lot of food places nearby.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities